The NY Times mentions some ways that companies are tapping into Elearning opportunities targeted to specific learning goals.   One company provides free live lessons but charges for replay of the content...

Targeted Elearning

We Need This Now!

No matter what field we work in, who we come in contact with, or how we go about our day, we all need a daily dose of inspiration. What if we spent just five minutes each day spreading a positive message?

Inspiration

"RADICAL OPENNESS" - for TEDGlobal 2012 by @JasonSilva from Jason Silva on Vimeo.

AlterNet Comics: Jen Sorensen on 'This Year's Hot New Startups!' | Alternet

Funny because it is almost true! AlterNet Comics: Jen Sorensen on 'This Year's Hot New Startups!' | Alternet

Pay Attention Class?

This video may give a little insight into the need for diverse strategies in the classroom.

Digital Content

whose information is it?#digitalfleamarket From nytimes.com: nyti.ms/XZfAvr

— Brian Bland (@blandwv) March 9, 2013

ED Tech Infographic 2013

Here is a graphic that predicts educational technology trends for this year.

Please include attribution to OnlineColleges.net with this graphic.

Are Grading Trends Hurting Socially Awkward Kids? - The Atlantic

An alternative view on the current trend to include social skills into daily educational practices.
Are Grading Trends Hurting Socially Awkward Kids? - The Atlantic

Study: Creativity Should be Taught as a Course

Study: Creativity Should be Taught as a Course

Limitless

Future Skill Sets

As an educator, I have those moments of nagging doubt.  Am I connecting with my students?  Will this material/skill/thought process have an impact on their learning in the future.  I have tried to visualize what my fifth graders will be doing in several years.  What kind of skills will they need?  There is no shortage of opinions on skill sets needed (back to fundamentals, writing and research, blind leaps of faith into cutting edge tech trends, critical thinking).  If you consider the digital revolution of the past 20 years, it is quite possible that we have absolutely no idea what skills our students will need.  Some of the required technology lessons are already obsolete.  I wonder if those pundits who say that critical thinking and writing skills are the salvation of humanity might be right.  After all, I would rather have someone who can think taking care of me than someone who knows an outdated computer program.  Virginia Heffernan wrote an interesting op-ed on this topic for the NY Times:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/education-needs-a-digital-age-upgrade/?smid=pl-share

9 EdTech Tools for Teachers

This is a good list from EdTech Review.  How many are you using in your instructional practice?  Personally, I can't remember life without Dropbox!
9 EdTech Tools for Teachers: The list consists of the best of the Web 2.0 edtech tools for 21st century teachers. Be a successful teacher in the 21st century by using technology effectively in your classroom.

Snowquester

I have to admit I chuckled at the idea of a Snowquester.  Living in the mountains of WV tends to make our community hardy in general.  We've seen storms come and go and we have a healthy respect for the damage that mother nature can do when she puts her mind to something.  However, as I look out my window and admire the newly fallen snow, I am coming to terms with the fact that I may be getting a little soft.  My driveway is plowed although not by my own hand ( this blessing comes from the kindness of my neighbor).  I have checked my generator several times to make sure that I am ready for the looming power outage. We also have several unhealthy doomsday snacks in the pantry.  All of these signs point to the fact that I shouldn't chuckle at a Snowquester.  

The final blow has to do with our arsenal of electronic gadgets.  My family and I have charged every electronic device we can think of in case we do lose the power. Does this sound a little soft?  I have to answer honestly, perhaps.  I guess that even though I am not a digital native, I have taken and passed the citizenship test...