PBS Offers Free Classroom Resources for Digital Learning Day
PBS
LearningMedia has released a collection of free teaching resources in
celebration of the third annual national
Digital Learning Day, which
will take place Feb. 5.
The Digital Learning Day resources are called the "Be
Inspired, Be an Innovator" collection, which includes videos, documentaries
and lesson plans designed to help teachers inspire innovation in K-12 students.
Videos in the collection cover topics such as smart bridges, Galileo's
telescope, ethanol biofuel, green technology, plasma rockets and more.
The "Be Inspired, Be an Innovator" collection includes:
- A selection of video segments, audio files, lesson plans and guides
related to innovation;
- An infographic of tips for cultivating innovative thinking in students;
- A video for teachers that explains what innovation means and what skills
students need to develop innovative thinking;
- An hour-long documentary for students called "Extreme by Design"; and
- An "Extreme By Design" lesson plan with videos and activities for two
lessons.
PBS LearningMedia is also inviting teachers to three separate virtual events
being held in conjunction with Digital Learning Day.
The "Be Inspired, Be an Innovator" webinar will take place Feb. 4 at 6
p.m. Eastern. According to information provided by PBS LearningMedia, "speakers will
address how 21st century skills apply to innovation and how these skills can be
cultivated through targeted lessons and curricula."
The "I'm Inspired to Innovate!" Google+ Hangout On Air will take place
Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. ET. This event is aimed at students and will feature PBS
NewsHour correspondent Hari Sreenivasan, the creative director of EyeWire, and
the 9-12 program manager from Code.org. They will provide students with hands-on
tips and stories intended to inspire students "to set goals and become the next
generation of innovators."
"Where Policy Meets Practice" will take place Feb. 5 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
This moderated Digital Learning Day discussion with district leaders from
Talladega County, AL will be simulcast from the Library of Congress.
Digital Learning Day is a national campaign to promote digital literacy and
spotlight successful instructional technology practices in the classroom. The
event is organized by the Alliance for Excellent
Education with support from more than 50 national partners.
Further information about the "Be Inspired, Be an Innovator" collection can
be found on the
PBS LearningMedia site, and more information about Digital Learning Day can
be found on the event's site.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].