The Genie Is Out Of The Bottle

Digital media has slowly carved out a niche for itself in our homes. We read, hear, watch, stream, create and share digital content virtually every day. For some of us, it has grown beyond a niche and become a 600 pound gorilla that dominates our home. As digital media has become a pervasive element in our homes, we are transferring it into our classrooms to become as visible an instructional tool as the chalkboard and the textbook.

A recent survey by PBS and Grunwald Associates shows that the majority of K-12 teachers are using digital media in their classroom to help them provide a more engaging, creative and collaborative learning experience for their students, especially those with different learning styles and abilities. They use many types of digital media and value games and activities that allow students to experiment and learn at their own pace. Teachers are increasingly using digital media to communicate and collaborate with their peers across the hall and across the country. The 2009 survey, which included pre-kindergarten teachers for the first time, show similar trends for the teachers of our very youngest learners.

This trend will never reverse itself and will only accelerate. Fasten your seatbelts!

- Diane

Order up at Fizzy's Lunch Lab!

The rising tide of childhood obesity and the need to help our children establish healthy eating and exercise habits is unmistakable. Even in homes where well-balanced meals are served and kids go outside to play on a regular basis, there is still a need for high quality resources that help teach children healthy habits now that will result in a lifetime of healthy behaviors.

PBS is bringing these resources to a computer near you! Fizzy’s Lunch Lab is an online collection of videos, games, family activities, and recipes that help parents teach their kids about nutrition, safety in the kitchen and physical fitness. Each month’s theme ties these topics together in an entertaining way that make the learning fun. Special web pages for parents and teachers help adults help kids use the online content effectively at home or in the classroom.

Visit Fizzy’s Lunch Lab soon and order up a serving of fun!

- Diane