Vocabulary influences fluency, comprehension, and student achievement, and a broad vocabulary is important for effective speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Vocabulary is a foundational component of an effective K-12 comprehensive literacy framework. And, vocabulary plays an important role in most academic standards. Since a broad vocabulary program includes both direct and indirect word-learning strategies, the following online tools can be easily integrated to support word learning and build vocabulary. In today’s 21st century classrooms, digital…
While YouTube is better known for Taylor Swift and video game commentary than higher education, the video hosting platform has gone from a potential classroom distraction to a multifaceted learning tool. To date, YouTube has more than one billion users in 91 countries—that’s almost one-third of the population with Internet access. Of all the videos watched in a single day around the world, one billion of those are learning-related videos. That includes edutainment (often hosted…
There are a variety of tech tools and methods out there to teach writing that can make the process easier and more fun for both teachers and students. While not every high-tech way of teaching writing will work for every class or every student, there’s enough variety that there’s bound to be something for everyone. Here, we offer just a few tech-focused ways to help students learn grammar, essay-writing, and, most importantly, why good writing…
It’s possible that there is no time in the history of education that our systems of educating have been so out of touch with the communities. Growing populations, shifting communities, and increasingly inwardly-focused schools all play a role. In light of the access of modern technology, social media, and new learning models that reconfigure the time and place learning happens, it doesn’t have to be that way. Schools can evolve while simultaneously growing closer to…
Teens and younger adults are often targets of job scams, and it’s easy to see why – what with not being as familiar with the norms of job-hunting and filling out applications, they’re less likely to notice when something isn’t normal. Scammers post attractive job ads, then ask for personally identifying information that they can use in identity theft schemes. They may also ask for banking or credit card details to “verify identity”, then make…
With the increasing popularity of STEM-focused learning more and more students are taking on more and more challenging math courses. However, for some students, the subject can present a real challenge; but knowing where to turn to for help can greatly mitigate the struggle and improve their understanding. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your math resources—turning to apps, websites, and online programs can help kids literally solve the problems in front of them.…
In the past, many non-violent video games simply weren’t fun, but today that’s no longer the case–and the list of qualifying games is growing. Whether you’re looking for game-based learning or simply games that are fun to play, all of the video games on this list represent an impressive design achievement, and they are definitely worth a play. Whether kids will actually enjoy the game or not, especially in an era dominated by Fortnite and…
What are the best tutoring apps for teachers and students? Well, believe it or not, what actually qualifies as tutoring apps isn’t clear-cut. Is it a tutoring platform where educational content is available? Is it for teachers wanting to tutor classroom content for absent students, homework help, etc.? Or for the students themselves? What about professional tutors? Blended tutoring? Language tutoring? There’s a lot to consider. With that diversity in mind, we gathered 10 of…
In just the past few years, we’ve seen major brands such as AT&T, Nestle, and Epic Games pause their advertising on YouTube following accusations that the platform was being used by predators to find videos of young girls. Google’s recommendation algorithm can sometimes lead users to find videos with inappropriate and potentially predatory comments with only a few clicks. Even YouTube Kids, the app developed by YouTube to keep content family-friendly and appropriate for children,…
While some students enjoy unlimited access to the internet and other digital technology, there are other students, just as capable and full of potential, who struggle to learn even the basics of computer use due to a lack of internet access. Our world heavily relies on technology for everyday communication, education, work, and much more. Over time, students without internet access at home will face massive disadvantages, including: Lack of basic research skills Lack of…
