EdLab

A New Look for the Digital Toolkit

The Digital Toolkit got a facelift! Explore the new, streamlined design:

What’s new?

• It’s easier on the eyes! ;)
• Start searching by process!
  • The process categories are now on the left side so you can easily sort between steps like “Researching” or “Taking Action.”
• Where did the links go?
  • We’ve consolidated two columns into one by making all of the links attached to the “Tool” name column.
• Know what type of tool you want?
  • Sort the “Description” column to find a specific tool type, such as “Video Production” or “Avatar Creator.”
• Sort by platform!
  • Need an app? Only have PCs? Figure out what tool to use by what technology you have under the “Platform” column.
• Used a tool before?
  • Add your own tutorials or examples of student work as a link in our “Examples” column so everyone can see what these tools look like in action. Have notes or suggestions? Add them under “Comments” so others can learn from your experience!

In the upcoming weeks and months, lookout for an updated and built-out “Games in Education” section. And remember to share! The more that people use and add to the Toolkit, the better!

Building Communities Through Social Networks

Summer’s up and we’re gearing up for the next school year! Over the summer, we had some great Twitter chats with educators about various topics, including: working with the pre-K audience, integrating math and the arts, and developing missions around the issue of sustainability. Discussions included a mix of museum educators, classroom teachers, community organizations-- within the US and beyond. Many of the discussions brought up the same questions: How do we tie standards to learning opportunities that afford the learner choice and freedom? How do we integrate digital media in meaningful ways that push students to be creative, take action, and broadcast their ideas?

As the EdLab community grows larger, we’d like to determine what kinds of support and interactions our community needs in order to maintain a dialogue about implementing mission-based learning and rooting curriculum in the real world. If you have 5 minutes, please take this quick survey on using social media within the EdLab community.