Columbia Spotlight

In an earlier post , I shared how Epic Games, the folks behind Fortnite, have opened their "Unreal Engine" technology to educators for free for classroom use. Take a look at their technology because this is not the 64-bit look I grew up on! Now they are highlighting lesson plans to support educators who are interested in bringing in "serious gaming" into their classrooms!  Check out this (sponsored) article from the EDsurge blog that highlights how a social studies teacher incorporates Epic's Unreal Engine when teaching so "to motivate students to study history." Most educators are looking to create opportunities for all students to have deeper and more meaningful learning experiences, while also adding skill acquisition and student agency. Interactive learning environments are making it possible to achieve all of this more than ever now. Real-time technology like  Epic Games' Unreal Engine  has emerged as a successful tool and resource to impleme...

I am so fortunate to work with such incredible professionals at Columbia High School who are dedicated and committed to our students' academic success. Just yesterday we brainstormed best practices that colleagues have used to keep our students engaged during the first marking period. We will continue this discussion at our next faculty meeting and I look forward to hearing more about how well our staff has adapted. I also want to post some great ideas on grading and attendance from Edutopia below. Enjoy the reads! Frank 4 Assessment Strategies for Distance and Hybrid Learning   A few ways to set up formative and summative assessments that provide an accurate picture of what students know.   9-12 High School Better Ways to Measure Student Progress   Distance learning has forced many educators to take a closer look at traditional grading and contemplate better methods of assessment.   9-12 High School How to Better Support Middle and High School Students With Dyslexia...

We are so fortunate to be part of a community that is so inclusive. We still need to support our students and commemorate this year's Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. You can read more about the Transgender Day of Remembrance below, and find out how you can show support for the community on this day. Tolerance.Org :  This week, as you celebrate the diverse experiences of the transgender community, use these resources to advocate for trans students and fellow educators, whether you’re teaching in person or remotely Gay-Straight Alliance Resources American Psychological Association From GLAAD : Additionally, the week before TDOR, people and organizations around the country participate in  Transgender Awareness Week  to help raise visibility for transgender people and address issues the community faces. What is Transgen...