EdTechnocation: #EdTechTidBits of the Week (May 18, 2015)

Friday, May 29, 2015

#EdTechTidBits of the Week (May 18, 2015)

I have five different EdTechTidBits to share with you this week. Google has 88 things to teach you, powerful results from a parent survey on the "digital classroom", a blog post of Jaymes Dec's visit to my school's FabLab, another inspirational TEDx talk, and a call to join the Maker Ed cause! Read on!

Resource: "88 things you didn't know you could do with Google"

This great +Google resource was shared by +Kasey Bell on Google+, "88 things you didn't know you could do with Google". Get step-by-step, how-to directions on variety of apps, skills, and functions involving Google products and devices. For example, how to customize your Gmail inbox, or how to create a group calendar. You can filter the list by categories and products.

Did you know you can get your very own Google Doodle on your birthday? Check it out!

Survey Results: "Parents weight in on the digital classroom"

I learned about the results of this important survey from +Pete Hansen. The survey, "Parent's Attitudes Towards Educational Technology" was conducted by Lieberman Research Worldwide on behalf of MarketPlace, which has been studying the impact of technology in education for the past year.

Here is the full report in PDF and here is a handy infographic.

A few of my own observations:

According to parents, most school work is still conducted on a home device while at home.
98% of parents say their students use technology for school work.
Online research seems to be the most popular need for technology.
80% of parents feel that tech that allows them to access more information about their child helps them feel more in control.
Data privacy is still a major concern.

Blog post: Jaymes Dec Visits 'Iolani School

Back in March, my school ('Iolani School) was fortunate enough to have +Jaymes Dec visit and provide teacher workshops and MakerEd support. Jaymes currently serves as the Fab Lab Integrator for Marymount School in NYC. I first met Jaymes at Constructing Modern Knowledge last summer (an awesome MakerEd unconference!). Jaymes visited our school for the entire week, participating in activities in our upper and lower school Fab Labs (yes, we have 2 Fab Labs!). He also provided some great workshops for teachers and a few maker activities for students.

Jaymes recently blogged about his experience at 'Iolani School. Read his blog post.

Jayme's Dec provided workshops for teachers and
Maker lessons for students.

Video: TEDx - The students who hacked STEM education

If you're interested in the Maker Movement and STEM, watch this TEDx talk! +Tom Heck speaks about a computer science class that worked with a group of special needs children in their community to create interactive experiences using Makey Makey and other materials.

Cause: Commit your school or district to Maker Education

You only have a day left to commit (sorry!), but consider having your school or district take part in the Maker Education movement. Submissions will be compiled and sent to President Obama during the Week of Making, June 12 - 18. If you can't make the deadline (May 29th), the website is still full of resources and information! You can join the community, sign up for the newsletter, or check out the Resource Library.