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Friday, May 19, 2017

Tech Tip o’ the Day for Seattle Public Schools: How to get kids and teachers in front of computers all day | Seattle Education

Tech Tip o’ the Day for Seattle Public Schools: How to get kids and teachers in front of computers all day | Seattle Education:

Tech Tip o’ the Day for Seattle Public Schools: How to get kids and teachers in front of computers all day

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The following email was brought to my attention today. It was sent to all Seattle Public School staff.
From: Cranston, Gary
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 12:35 PM
Subject: Tuesdy Tech Tip 5/16/17: Apply TODAY for Summer Blended Learning Institute, Immersive Reader, and Public Folders in OneDrive
Teachers,
This week’s tech tip includes information about how to apply for the 2017 – 2018 Blended Learning Summer Institute, use the Immersive Reader Learning Tool with Office 365 or the Office Lens app, and create a public folder in OneDrive.
Gary
Blended Learning Summer Institute 2017: Cohort 2 August 18, 21 and 22
Click here to apply for the Blended Learning Summer Institute and view additional information about the program.
Blended learning combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods. It provides some element of student control over time, place, path, or pace.
In this series of paid professional learning activities, you will:
  • Explore different blended learning strategies to find the one that works best for you and your students.
  • Design online resources to support personalized learning.
  • Collaborate with other teachers to share resources and strategies.
  • Provide feedback to DoTS and the IT team regarding use of 15 laptops in a blended learning classroom model.
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The terms “blended learning” and “personalized learning” refer to having a student in front of a computer the greater part of a school day, just like the term “school choice” actually refers to charter schools, the privatization of public schools. The terms are palatable and sound ideal to many as a positive leaning experience but those are just marketing terms. When you dig down into what software marketeers are actually referring to, it’s completely different. There is nothing personal about using a software program on a computer compared to interacting with a teacher and students.
In an article I wrote describing blended learning, I stated:
Online charter schools, which the capital venturists like to refer to as “blended learning”, is basically putting a student in front of a computer where they are to read, do their lessons and take tests.
Sports, history and the arts are not part of this program, just the basics.
The reason for the proliferation of these enterprises is that they are cheap to run and generate lots of revenue. At this time, Rocketship, one of the largest online charter Tech Tip o’ the Day for Seattle Public Schools: How to get kids and teachers in front of computers all day | Seattle Education: