No, that image to the left is not an iPad surrounded by SmartCovers. That is the Microsoft Surface. Not to be confused with the giant table-sized computer the company released a while ago, the Surface is Microsoft’s entry into the tablet market.
Attempting to take a page out of Apple’s playbook on several levels, Microsoft revealed the Surface during a mystery press event in California. What those in attendance saw was an iPad knock-off that is heavier, boasts shorter batter life and an inferior chip. To be fair, the Surface does have an impressive cover that contains a fully functioning keyboard, but that is an accessory that must be purchased.
Microsoft has two versions of the Surface in the works, each for a very different audience. There’s a “consumer version” that will run Windows RT and a “business version” that will run Windows 8.
Microsoft isn’t saying exactly when the Surface will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost, but experts are predicting the “consumer version” to fall in the $500 price range with the “business version” to come in at over $1,000. The pricier version does have better overall tech specs than its cheaper brother, but that improved performance comes at the cost of weight and, of course, cost.
Gifted students can be deceptive. They can appear to be high-performing, moving toward their potential, functioning at a higher level.
Then again, there is a chance it only appears that way.
Recently, I have been soul-searching and asking myself if I am really challenging my students. I am gently pushing, prodding, and encouraging them to reach new levels or are they appearing to reach those levels while their growth really remains stagnate or non-existent.
These...
Its difficult to imagine life without computers and technology in general - some days my eyes hurt from staring at screens too much. But computer science is much more in-depth than the basic Internet navigation and word processing skills many of us use in our professional lives. Coding, for example, is an important skill for students to master as we move towards the middle of this century in our electronic age, and can develop habits of mind that students can put to use in future STEM...
Perhaps, you may find the following resources at my EdWord Exchange Store of interest for January and February.
1. Learn about Russia(host of the upcoming games): http://edworldexchange.com/?q=product/russia-country-focuswebquestextensions/2093660849
2. Learn about the 2014 Games beginning in February in Sochi, Russia. http://...
In New York State, 6th grade social studies is world cultures. Here are the subjects that I taught during the school year. Wondering what is covered in 6th grade in other states. What do you teach in social studies at other grade levels?
Map skills
Prehistoric Man
Customs/customs of the world
Mesopotamian-First Historic people(also covered other groups in the region including the Phoenicians)
Ancient Egypt
Greeks
Romans
Middle Ages
Introduced...
Its bothered me that I havent been able to address the social/emotional needs of my gifted kids the way I would like.
Last school year, I worked with the schools psychologist to present my gifted fifth-graders with a workshop on perfectionism. However, due to time constraints, testing, and other challenges (excuses, excuses), I have not been able to focus on more than academic needs.
But all thats going to change! I recently came up with a projectwhich is in the experimental...