The Knewton Blog

It’s easy to see how online adaptive learning can be used to improve the teaching of quantitative subjects such as math, a subject we perceive to be defined by drilling, discipline, “right/wrong” answers, and skills which build neatly upon one another. Subjects such as English, art history, and music seem to lend themselves less naturally to adaptive technology, whether it’s the “expressive” nature of the subject or the complexity of assessment (i.e. paper-grading) that lies… Read more

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Go to school, listen to your teacher lecture, go home, do your homework. For centuries, this has been the way that school’s been done. But now, a new model of teaching is turning the traditional classroom on its head. Under the flipped classroom model, students watch lectures at home, online. Class time is reserved for collaborative activities that help reinforce concepts and increase engagement. In this infographic, learn about the history of the flipped classroom… Read more

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Fifteen years ago, “Amazon” was just a rainforest and “Kindle” was something to do with a flame. We fought traffic to go buy CDs, books, and movies. When we needed information, we lugged the encyclopedias out of storage. Now, we get our entertainment through the Internet. We can download an eBook in a minute and Google any fact under the sun in a second. The Internet has revolutionized consumer culture — and it’s on the… Read more

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If you’re a teacher — especially one trying to integrate educational technology into your classroom — you’re probably aware of the challenges of the job. Tight budgets, inflexible administration, overcrowded classrooms… the list goes on. Even with all the day-to-day struggles, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Here are 10 quotes that we will hope will inspire you and remind you of the importance of your job. Leave your own favorite inspirational… Read more

Posted in EdTech, Education, Education & Technology, Knewton | One comment

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Put down the dioramas; file away that mimeographed book report assignment. Why not give students an assignment that not only hones their writing skills, but also provides plenty of opportunity for creativity and critical thinking, helps develop communication skills, and requires an understanding of social media? Try Storify, a free tool that allows users to tell stories using social media. Students can pull tweets, videos, pictures and more into a story on a subject of… Read more

Posted in EdTech, Education, Education & Technology, Featured, Knewton | One comment

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The factory model of education is the wrong model for the 21st century. Today, our schools must prepare all students for college and careers–and do far more to personalize instruction and employ the smart use of technology. -Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education Education is primed for a revolution — and blended learning might just be it. Blended learning refers to any time a student learns in part at a brick-and-mortar facility and in part… Read more

Posted in EdTech, Education, Education & Technology, Featured, Knewton | No comments

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A class of gifted and talented middle-school students is speaking out against outdated educational practices with the help of — what else? — a Youtube video. The North Texas public school students conceived their blog and video as a way to draw attention to the need for educational reform. Watch the video above, then read their manifesto: “As the world moves forward in technology, there are very few places to be found that don’t utilize… Read more

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Are you a K-12 teacher looking for ways to increase engagement and incorporate technology into your writing lessons? Check out these 5 fun, easy ideas! 1. bubbl.us As any writer knows, brainstorming is a key part of the writing process. For young writers in particular, visually mapping out ideas can help them understand their own thought processes and the best way in which to structure and connect their points. bubbl.us is a free, easy to… Read more

Posted in EdTech, Education, Education & Technology, Knewton, Technology | No comments

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As any teacher knows, educating students involves more than having them memorize the Pythagorean Theorem or Gettysburg Address. Teaching current events — and what’s more, giving students the opportunity to reflect on, debate, and think critically about them — is essential to helping students become well-informed world citizens. There are a number of awesome resources teachers can draw upon to help supplement current events lessons. Here are 6 ideas: 1. Explore Google Maps and Google… Read more

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Looking for a way to incorporate social media into your classroom without unleashing your students into the free-for-all that is Facebook and Twitter? Check out these 7 social media tools created specifically with students in mind. 1. Edmodo     As a Twitter in “training wheels,” Edmodo allows teachers to connect with students in a safe, self-contained environment. Here are a few possible uses: Have students collect and report snippets of data about a scientific… Read more

Posted in EdTech, Education, Education & Technology, Featured, Knewton | 14 comments

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