Exploring Learning

Sophia.org I have recently blogged about completing the Chrome Classroom certification offered through Sophia.org in conjunction with Capella University. This course covers the use of Google Apps for Education and how to create a collaborative cloud-based learning environment. Earlier this year, I also wrote about the Flipped Classroom certification course also offered for free on Sophia.org . This covers how to flip your classroom, a pedagogical approach benefitting many children as the usual learning that takes place in the classroom, happens before class, at home. The teacher is then freed up to support the class as they put into practise that learning. This is the part that traditionally happens as homework, without help or support. Flipping changes the dynamics of teaching and learning. I have also just completed the iPad Prepared certification course, which covers using Apps to enhance and transform the learning experience. Check out Sophia.org and get upskille...

Our school is 1:1 but in its infancy. It is a new initiative that will revolutionise  our learner's experience of education. However, teaching learners to manage themselves in a paperless way is posing somewhat of a challenge. Homework in particular is a problem; the recording of homework specifically, is an issue. I use Edmodo to post homework. I use Google Calendar, which is embedded in their page on my Learning Site , and shared with them to add to their own calendars. I also use the school site, which is the party line. Homework is therefore recorded for them in three places, so they have many ways to find it. Are they doing it? No, not always. Part of the problem might be the lack of transference. We know that the physical act of writing helps learning. If they are passively receiving homework instructions, perhaps they are not actively engaging with it. Ever-searching for solutions to help my learners organise  themselves digitally, I recently found out abou...