“To E or Not to E” That is the question when it comes to textbooks

Most degree programs provide students with the option of using an e-textbook instead of a traditional hard copy. This usually means scouring the Internet for the best deal. It also means figuring out what format works best for you. 

Innovative educators who are taking classes are making informed choices for themselves. However, whether they are in school or not they must ensure their students are college ready. This includes arming their students with knowledge on how to determine what format is best for them. 

Here are some considerations.

Are #EdTech Resources Keeping Student Data Safe? Find Out!

Are you an innovative educator who loves using digital media, but is a little concerned about the safety of student data?

Do you wonder if your classroom tech use is CIPA and FERPA compliant?  

You are not alone.

This is a hot media topic which often gives us cause for concern. Being concerned is good. Being armed with the facts is better.

This came to my attention recently, because innovative educators (in threads like this one) provided me with articles that made them second-guess their use of certain technology resources.

I did some investigating and here is what I discovered.

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
10 Ways Social Media Can Improve Writing in Your C... Jun 22, 2014,	5676
Don't blame social media if your students are dist... Jul 13, 2014,	2735
15-Year-Old explains the key to developing a #PLN Jul 9, 2014,	2466
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	2243
The future is in their hands: Using cell phones fo... Jul 6, 2014,	1254
Got Chromebooks? Now what? Enlist the help of your... Jul 2, 2014,	1220

What type of video games are right for your child?

At their most basic level, playing video games is akin to reading books. Like books, video games can range in quality from trashy novels to informative historical fiction. Like books different genres of video games have varying learning potential. Like books, video games offer different purposes and varying levels of usefulness when it comes to learning. 

To decide which type of games are best for your children, first consider which type of learning you want to support, then figure out which games are best suited for your child's needs. You can check out my latest article on Answers.com here to do that.  

“Corporation” doesn’t have to be a dirty word

I have had the pleasure to be involved with creating partnerships between innovative educators and the companies that provide them with resources. This currently includes companies like PBS, Common Sense Media, Google, and, Microsoft, SMART, and Edmodo. 

Unfortunately, for some, when the word corporation comes up, there is immediate distrust. This is a big PR problem that corporations need to take seriously. Fortunately, many corporations are excited about the opportunity to provide support to those who use their products and the teachers are benefiting in many ways.  

Innovative educator Chris Casal, who has participated in some of these programs, provides this insight into the value of partnering with corporations. This was initially posted in response to some members of The Innovative Educator group who were skeptical about such opportunities:

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
10 Ways Social Media Can Improve Writing in Your C... Jun 22, 2014,	6632
15-Year-Old explains the key to developing a #PLN Jul 9, 2014,	2376
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	2094
Don't blame social media if your students are dist... Jul 13, 2014,	2090
The future is in their hands: Using cell phones fo... Jul 6, 2014,	1271
Got Chromebooks? Now what? Enlist the help of your... Jul 2, 2014,	1227