Releasing What is Bottled Up

In the Bronx students reach new heights in literacy and life through live poetry competitions.  Students learn how to write slam poetry and at the same time perform it.  They are not only able to compete with one another, but they also have practice with the other schools and in turn are able to critique them.  The learners are able to not only learn from the teachers but from the other performers from there school as well as the others.  I love this whole idea.  I enjoy the fact that they are able to better educate themselves through multiple sources of critiquers.  Allowing the learners to be able to express themselves cuts out a lot of stress and allows the students to express their angers in a creative manner.  The classes compete and practice through a video conference with six cities across three states.  If I am able to activate this in my learning I would be very happy, this is definitely the experiences I want my students to have.

Edutopia

image source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mybloodyself/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
video source: http://www.edutopia.org/poetry-literacy-live-technology-performance-video
 

Helpful Technology Combined Into One

In Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin RoomPro Technologies has introduced the RoomPro ONE which is an enhanced audio and video source to improve the student's learning.  It comes with a touch panel that is able to control much of the devices used.  The RoomPro can be easily operated from anywhere the educator may be from their laptop, interactive whiteboard, or wireless table.  Not only is it easily workable, but it increases student learning by the sound distribution throughout the room.  The control can be worn around the neck and will be easily attainable for the teachers.  I believe that this is a great idea considering the fact that some classrooms are very large and it can be hard to hear at times.  The idea is also very beneficial combining all the devices so it is easier for educators to control. 

Learn more about the device

image source:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toasty/ / CC BY 2.0

Technology Underwater

Prince William students are using technology in a fun way and as a competition.  "Students built underwater robots, also referred to as bots or ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), from kits that included PVC piping, a motor, a propeller, and a tethered remote," says Washington Post writer Sarah Lane.  I really think this is a fun way to incorporate technology into learning.  The project does a great job of incorporating collaboration into the classroom, having all the students work in groups to invent their robots.  Not only will the students be able to race against other classmates, but also the winner goes on to race against college students.  This project addressed eighty-five of the state's standards in four core areas.  I think that this project is such a fantastic idea, reaching many different standards teachers need to cover as well as making learning fun.    Being able to actually compete for awards while still learning important concepts is a good idea when trying to motivate students.  In general, I believe that this use of technology in education is a great way to entertain and educate kids.  

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Image source: Richard A. Lipski for the Washington Post