Motivating Students with (and without) Disabilities to Use Technology in the Classroom
Using technology (whether it be a computer, an iPad or an app on a cell phone) is something that seems to be inherently exciting for children. What’s not to love? At school, learning software quickly becomes addicting – children beg to read books on MyOn, and eagerly await the time to solve math puzzles on their laptops with ST Math. Frequently, behavior management (albeit in a different...
Read MoreI Used to Think…But Now I Think… (Part 2)
We made a decision this year to shine a spotlight on computer time in K-1 in order to better define a standard of excellence and a vision of best practices that could be shared across our network. Achievement First has a history of using technology to support centers-based reading instruction. (KIPP LA Empower blended learning pioneer and school leader Mike Kerr is the former principal of AF...
Read MoreI Used to Think…But Now I Think… (Part 1)
We made a decision this year to shine a spotlight on computer time in K-1 in order to better define a standard of excellence and a vision of best practices that could be shared across our network. Achievement First has a history of using technology to support centers-based reading instruction. (KIPP LA Empower blended learning pioneer and school leader Mike Kerr is the former principal of AF...
Read MoreShrink the Change
A necessary part of scaling innovation means talking to the yet-to-be-converted. These are the folks who may not be skeptics, but they weren’t in on the ground floor of your project, they haven’t been with you from conception to execution. They’re not yet on board, and part of what you’re going to have to do is convince them to come along. I spend a lot of time thinking about these...
Read MoreDiscovering B While Looking for A
Sometimes the most interesting insights or discoveries come unexpectedly. For example, consider Teflon. The magical non-stick coating for frying pans was accidentally discovered by a DuPont chemist researching refrigeration techniques. He noticed that his tank of tetrafluoroethylene gas was running out before it weighed empty. He finally cut the tank open and found a white smooth substance...
Read MoreTaking Stock of the Flip
We’re at a point now where we feel confident that the pilot flip of a bio class at AF Amistad High School has demonstrated that it is working and deserves to be sustained – and expanded. The results come in a number of highly suggestive (though admittedly not ironclad) forms: data on student homework completion, student testimonials praising the new class format, and glowing...
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