The hottest posts everyone's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment.

Entry	Pageviews
Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? L... Jun 3, 2012,	4116
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	1657
How to showcase #TeacherEffectiveness using digital... Feb 9, 2014,	1518
Student @CGressmanTHS explains the power of her PLN... Feb 3, 2014,	1390
Safety first but don't forget what's next when students... Feb 23, 2014,	1208
Another reason responsible social media use must be... Feb 14, 2014,	1202
When and How Should Kids Learn to Type? Feb 8, 2011,	1189
8 Real Ways Facebook Enriched Ms. Schoening’s Firs... Jul 15, 2010,	1057

Cell phones: A distraction or tool of engagement?

As the author of “Teaching Generation Text: Using Cell Phones for Learning,” it’s no surprise, that I disagree with those who "just say no" to cell phones.” I think my perspective comes out on top as it becomes evident that those who oppose the use of cell phones for learning have never really tried to strategically integrate them as powerful learning tools.  

Listen to host Rae Pica and see what you think as this topic is discussed with with special guests that in addition to me include John Owens, David Thornburg, and Liz Kolb.

If you like what you hear consider following your guests on Twitter. @JOwensTeacher @InnovativeEdu @jesslahey @davidthornburg @Liz Kolb @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork

Safety first but don't forget what's next when students use social media

I was looking forward to checking out this post from my Twitter feed:

Students Talk #Facebook on #Vimeo | @scoopit http://t.co/Ky5mAz9Iu2 #KSFY #SocialMedia #digcit #edchat #edbublogs
— ICTPHMS (@ICTPHMS) February 19, 2014

I'm thrilled that schools like the Patrick Henry Middle School are willing to put themselves out there and share in the mainstream media that Facebook isn't something to be afraid of, but rather we can teach students to use it safely.

Maybe I'm just impatient, but aren't we ready to move past the conversation about the fact that Facebook won't kill you and travel toward this:

The hottest posts everyone's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment.

Entry	Pageviews
Looking to create a social media or BYOD policy? ... Jun 3, 2012,	4112
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	1782
How to showcase #TeacherEffectiveness using digital portfolio... Feb 9, 2014,	1533
Student @CGressmanTHS explains the power of her PLN... Feb 3, 2014,	1373
When and How Should Kids Learn to Type? Feb 8, 2011,	1134
Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs... Jan 26, 2014,	1065
Another reason responsible social media use must be taught... Feb 14, 2014,	927
10 Reasons Students Say They Prefer Learning Online... Nov 18, 2010,	854

Showcase #TeacherEffectiveness using Padlet

Last week I shared ways to showcase teacher effectiveness via digital portfolios using a wiki and eduClipper.  This week I bring you another great tool to showcase teacher effectiveness courtesy of  elementary school teacher Rodney Schneider.  The tool is called Padlet.  Padlet is a free tool that gives you a blank wall on which to share files, videos, photos, videos, and more. You can choose the visibility and share with the world, a small group of people or just one or two others.  

Rodney created one Padlet for each domain in the Charlotte Danielson framework. (You can download the full evaluation instrument here). Then he created a master Padlet onto which he embedded each of the Padlets allowing one spot to collect all the artifacts and evidence of his effectiveness as a teacher.

This is what it looks like.

#NYEdTech Meetup Tonight at 7pm on Teacher #PLNs w/ @InnovativeEdu & @mr_casal

What are the most successful teachers doing differently? How is that experienced being shared, and how can new teachers best learn from those that have come before them? Teachers are progressively forming broader and richer professional learning networks that extend far beyond their schools boundaries in many cases.  

Innovative New York City educator Chris Casal (@mr_casal) and I (@InnovativeEdu) will dig in to how personal learning networks or PLNs are formed and what is exchanged by impactful educators as part of the NYEDTech meetup TONIGHT from 7 - 9 p.m. in Manhattan.

If you're in the area, it's not to late to join us. 

Details at http://www.meetup.com/NYEdTech/events/160696002

If you're not in the area, don't despair. You can still follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #EdTechNYC and/or watch the live streamed broadcast below once it begins.