Blog Archives - The EdTech Roundup

Guest Post: 5 UK Startups Set to Change the Way we Teach our Kids

11/23/2014

Ben Flowers discusses the latest EdTech startups from the UK

Technology has already begun to completely change the way our children learn and develop, but apart from the occasional interactive whiteboard and our laughably retro ICT lessons, it is largely absent from our educational system. More children aged 2-3 years old can play video games than ride a bike (58% vs. 52%), which to some may be a scary statistic, but to many it’s seen as opportunity.

We can’t stop this trend - if you want to try and tell children where to spend their time, then good luck to you. But what these companies have done, instead of trying to force technology into our outdated teaching methods, is to use the technology to create new methods of teaching and engaging children with learning.

Guest Post: Social media should be a part of the elementary school curriculum

11/23/2014

Jay Donaldson, Vernon Christian School, B.C. discusses

One third of 9-19 year olds who go online at least once a week report having received unwanted sexual comments via e-mail, chat, IM (instant messenger) or text message, but only 7% of parents and care givers think their child has received such comments (Livingstone, S., & Bober, M. 2005). Despite this age limit, in October 2013 an Opinium survey revealed that more than half of children use social media by the age of 10 years old with Facebook being the most popular site they look to join.

What is more alarming is that 43% of children using social media had messaged people they didn’t know!

New EdTech Resource: illustrate - The Video Dictionary

11/23/2014

illustrate - The Video Dictionary is a dictionary that takes English learning to a new level through the use of animated videos to explain the meaning, context and usage of words. It aims to make the dictionary more accessible and better at explaining what a word means. The videos are delivered to the user through an innovative smart phone app that encourages exploration and discovery.

This is a vibrant way to impart knowledge as it provides visual elements that support learning on the go. The app is perfect for educators and aspirants of exams such as SAT, GRE, CAT, GMAT, PSA, ACT, ACTII, MCAT and LSAT.

Dr. Mukul Kumar of the United World College reflects on the 2014 Bett Show

11/17/2014

As President of the United World College (UWC-USA) Dr. Mukul Kumar’s daily objective is to ensure the college provides a transformative educational experience for its students, that brings together people, cultures, and innovative ideas from around the world. In January 2014 Dr. Kumar visited Bett, the world’s largest learning technology event, in London, England to ensure he was up to date with the latest technologies to support learning.

In this post, Dr.Kumar shares his experience and explains why such a trip is money well spent.

Vernier Software & Technology Receives Recognition from Two Leading Education Awards

11/17/2014

Go Wireless Temp named a 2014 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence winner
and Vernier named a three-time 2015 Bett Awards finalist

BEAVERTON, Oregon, November 17, 2014 – Vernier Software & Technology was recently recognized by two leading education awards programs. The Go Wireless Temp, the first in the Go Wireless™ family of wireless sensors designed and engineered by Vernier, was named a winner of the 2014 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence in the New Products category.

Free Pilot Test of New K-5 Life Science Program, Rainforest Journey from EdTechLens

11/17/2014

Edtechlens is offering a free pilot test of its new K-5 life science program, Rainforest Journey! They need classrooms and home users to provide feedback in three surveys, and in exchange, users receive a year’s license. Vivid photos and videos combined with text bring the rainforest alive for young learners.

Within the program, text passages can be opened for more complexity, or read aloud using the provided audio tracks, making the program suitable for a variety of young learners. Visit theirwebsite to learn more, and sign up :http://www.edtechlens.com/pilot.

Typsey™ EDU Provides Immediate Classroom Access To Essential Typing Skills

11/15/2014

As more and more schools incorporate technology into classroom activities and homework assignments, even young students must learn to type quickly and accurately.

Modern standards-based education reform means that keyboarding is often on the list of required skills at specific grade levels, and students who are unable to touch type run the risk of falling behind in their homework assignments, or being unable to complete online tests. eReflect believes that every student needs to learn the essentials of touch typing, and Typsey promises to answer that need in classrooms of any size.

Shutterfly Introduces New App and Lesson Plans for Teachers

11/11/2014

Many districts have instituted iPads in the classroom but aren’t yet taking full advantage of the technology to create active, participatory, authentic classrooms. To address these needs, Shutterfly has developed an app that offers personalized learning opportunities for students in every grade level across every subject area.

When Shutterfly’s Photo Story for iPad app is used in the classroom it enhances students’ literacy and technology skills, provides project and problem-based learning opportunities and engages, excites and motivates students.

New Mobile App Gives Students and Teachers Fast, Secure Access to Teaching and Learning Tools

11/11/2014

Computer Systems in Education (CSE) has today, 11.11.14 launched the Magellan mobile app, the very latest development for the groundbreaking Magellan universal education portal which provides fast, seamless and secure access to a school’s server from mobile devices.

“Historically schools have been held back by the limited access and options presented by iPads and smart phone,” explains CSE MD, Gordon Derham.

Rand McNally’s World Atlas now available through Sunburst Digital, Inc.

11/5/2014

Hoffman Estates, IL – Sunburst Digital, Inc. today announced that it will supply Rand McNally World Atlas, a new online educational resource that delivers dynamic maps with social studies, history and geography content, as well as suggestions for lesson plans and writing connections. The new collaboration will provide a cornerstone for Sunburst’s digital social studies offerings across the K-12 spectrum.