Second Life in Education: Using a Virtual World as a Teaching Tool
Second Life is a very large virtual world made up of people of many different beliefs, compositions, forms and expressions.
The Second Life is a shared simulation. It provides a unique and flexible environment for educators interested in distance learning, computer supported cooperative work, simulation, new media studies, and corporate training.
The advantage of using […]
Benefits of Developing Clear Classroom Rules and Expectations
There are a whole host of benefits to intentionally promoting clear and shared classroom rules and expectations. A survey of the research demonstrates some of the obvious benefits, such as:
Students know what to expect and they understand the learning tasks better (Wentzel, 2006).
Things in the class run more smoothly with less confusion (Grusec […]
Using Wikis in the Classroom
A wiki is simply a website that can easily be edited by many people. Users don’t need any specialized computer training and can add content with just a few clicks of a mouse.
Wikis in the classroom context can be used to collect and share resources for presentations and workshops. They can also be […]
Benefits of Formative Assessment in the Classroom
According to Lang, et al (2008), the formative assessment process came from educators working on ways to accelerate student achievement and help predict how students will perform on standards-based statewide tests.
The benefits of formative assessment is obvious in the classroom. The usage of formative assessments in class as a way to guide instruction […]
Using Video Games for Learning
Games by their very nature assess, measure, and evaluate. Interestingly, this is also part of a teacher’s job. Therefore the concept of video games for learning can be developed in the following ways:
Studying games,
As a teamwork project,
Delivering content with games, and
Using games to leverage other skills.
Games can be used as new fiction and […]
Using Time as a Strategy for Effective Transitions in the Classroom
There are many elements that help structure transitions in the classroom. The element of time creates a smooth method, if used properly. Let me explain how.
First, give students a time warning shortly before the end of the activity to help prepare themselves mentally for the transition and to make themselves ready for an […]
Exploring Social Bookmarking in Education
Social bookmarking in education makes life easier for us as educators. All we have to do is save our favorite links on the internet and we can access it with ease at a later time. Often we just use the favorites menu on our computer either at work or home. But what if […]
Definition of Formative Assessment
For years, the main reason students were given tests was to understand what they have learned and to grade them. However in the 21st Century, tests took on a new role – to determine what a student has mastered and to reshape instruction. Less emphasis was laid on determining a student’s grade.
The use […]
Creating Positive Classroom Rules
In order to create an environment of learning, it is important to enforce positive classroom rules. These rules would provide students with positive behavior models to follow. The positive classroom rules need to be designed with certain principles in mind.
Be limited in number (eg. 4-5) so that students can remember them with ease. […]
Using Blogs to Improve Parent Involvement in the Classroom
There are many ways to improve parent involvement in the classroom. One creative way is with the help of blogs.
Having a classroom blog would serve many purposes. Apart from encouraging parent involvement, it would motivate the students to write more, as well as, inculcate in them a sense of ownership and loyalty to […]
