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.
I really resonate with the idea of finding one’s “signature pedagogy.” With so many teaching strategies, approaches, models, and programs available, I think it helps to envision one’s teaching as something personal, putting one’s stamp on his or her teaching style and methods.
Finding one’s signature pedagogy (a term I heard used recently at a professional development workshop facilitated by Cynthia Alby at Georgia College) involves experimenting with various teaching methods,...
Online teaching encourages us to think outside the box. It is different than that of a brick-and-mortar where you have your office, and your students stop by to just “visit .”Your colleagues are not next door to run to lunch, and there is no band practicing their marching routines for the big football game. But online learning offers so much, and as lifelong learners, we must show our students that it is just as...
“We have invented an extremely powerful way of learning which was not previously possible and the implications can be colossal.” – Christopher Williams
Christopher Williams says he initially created Chatta for families of 2 and 3 year-old children to promote “interaction and storytelling.” He’d been commissioned to...
“From day one, I make sure the students understand that they are consultants. They are responsible for addressing the issues.” – Norton Gusky
When you give students real-world challenges with real-world organizations, everyone can benefit. Infusing curricula with timely community-based challenges teaches...
“I hope Special Olympics will inspire others with developmental disabilities to have confidence in themselves. Often, these people feel marginalized and unworthy and there is no longer a need for us to hide in the shadows.” – Billy Seide
Raising awareness about the potential of people with intellectual disabilities...
“For students who have never had the opportunity to travel outside of their town or country, this kind of collaborative learning experience can be completely transformative.” – Joe Troyen
An opportunity to learn about other cultures and ways of life directly from one’s international peers themselves...
Importance of decorating your classroom - A new school year is beginning.
As teachers, we are lifelong learners that want to be the best we can be. In my opinion, we are always changing and learning, and we want to do what is right for the students we teach. I always tell my students that I am a mentor, guide, cheerleader, and co-learner. As you approach another new course with students that are needing you to give them your all, what will you do to ensure that you are being innovative...
Mindfulness-or training one’s attention to focus on the present moment-has become all the rage, filtering into schools and classrooms. Books and articles suggest that teachers and students can benefit from mindfulness practices such as mindful breathing, meditation, and mindful walking.
While I subscribe to the concept of mindfulness, the term might put off some educators, who don’t want to get up in cultural nuances or esoteric practices. Therefore, let’s use the phrase, conscious...