EdTech 10: Practice Future Now

“Practice future now.” That’s GEF’s advice that Tom shared in one of many recent blogs exploring the modern workforce and its implications.
And while we’re excited to see education innovations continue to build momentum in classrooms across the country as a new school year begins, we think there are some important topics that aren’t yet “front of mind” for educators and education leaders. We’re committed to exploring these topics and sharing what we’re learning as we “practice future now” with our readers.

Blended Schools & Tools

1. Positive PLearning Power

Download our 2015-16 Impact Report: The Positive Power of #PersonalizedLearning https://t.co/tQidC4J8WI #edleaders pic.twitter.com/HzCkoI4nkL

— Education Elements (@EdElements) September 1, 2016

We recently shared a blog about how supporting both rigor AND personalization in the classroom ensures personalized learning is being implemented successfully.
2. Today’s Classroom Checklist

8 Things to look for in Today’s Classroom (by @gcouros & @sylviaduckworth) #edchat #education #edtech pic.twitter.com/9B6DFlOqO3

— School Leaders Now (@SchoolLeadNow) September 5, 2016

Here’s a checklist of things to look for in a school to make sure it’s student-centered as well.

Digital Developments

3. Coursera’s New Focus

.@Coursera for Business launches to tap the billion-dollar corporate e-learning market https://t.co/8lAbF7XBrT via @VentureBeat

— Carri Schneider (@CarriSchneider) September 1, 2016

We recently mentioned Coursera in a blog on successful future student learning as well as digital learning platforms.

Smart Planet

4. Running 50 Years Behind

New @GEMReport shows on current trends world is 50 yrs late for 2030 #SDG deadline #sdg4all https://t.co/Gikviqg4fh pic.twitter.com/elwmFNXibB

— UN Education Report (@GEMReport) September 6, 2016

Stem Gems

5. STEM Training

Virginia Tech Facility Offers STEM Training for Teachers, Students https://t.co/DLavi0a725 #edtech

— THE Journal (@THE_Journal) September 6, 2016

6. Coding Camp

C1 Coders Camp supported by @CapitalOne volunteers at @MOHAI https://t.co/5dCcuqYPOY @YourFutureEdge #coding pic.twitter.com/rB8sgQtXvH

— Tom Vander Ark (@tvanderark) August 30, 2016

Higher, Deeper, Further, Faster Learning

7. Student Success at Scale

The Next Step to Paul Tough’s ‘Helping Children Succeed’ https://t.co/AIVEPNzZN8 @HFBarbaraChow #DeeperLearning #EdLeaders #EdChat

— Bonnie Lathram (@belathram) September 6, 2016

Check out Barbara’s full blog here, as well as our podcast with Paul himself on his book.
8. UW Flex Option

.@UWSystem‘s Flex Option has 26 grads and 800 students 2.5 years into the competency-based degree program via @WPR: https://t.co/xAWcfoh0WA

— Karen Herzog (@HerzogJS) September 2, 2016

Mark Milliron recently shared how and why higher ed degrees still matter in this podcast.

Smart Parents

9. Go With The Flow

Spread the word, free @ClassFlow Moments App for #teachers to engage parents. download today #edtech https://t.co/D68vToVhdZ

— Coach Doggett (@misterdoggett) September 6, 2016

Let’s Get Personalized

10. An Educational Eden

What does a utopian system of learning look like? https://t.co/YIv0PH8cmi pic.twitter.com/h88Lp4gopG

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) September 4, 2016

Note: This is part of a series The Atlantic ran this week with questions posed to a diverse panel of education experts — definitely worth checking out.
For more, see:

• Teaching Empathy Through Place-Based Education
• 6 Reasons You Should Work in America’s Parks and Forests
• Focus on Fighting Poverty, Not the Students Living in It

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