Category: EDUCATION

by Terry Heick

There are a variety of questions that guide my work at TeachThought, each with their own available inferences and underlying assumptions, among them:

What should a person know?

What should a person do with what they know?

What are people for?

’Where’ are people (think metaphor)?

What is the relationship between a person and a ‘place’?

What kinds of changes (in social values, prevailing local technology, climate change, etc.) impact knowledge demands and in what way? And how might education begin to respond?

Should we teach content or teach thought? Of course, these aren’t mutually exclusive, but we’re involved here (insofar as we are involved in a ‘field’ of ‘public education) in a process that forces us to choose—or at least prioritize at key points that affect everything else.

What citizenships might guide a person’s knowledge and behavior?

How can we use critical thinking and literacy to support people to create and sustain systems (law, economics, writing/media, language, etc.) that give the best chance for people to not simply survive, but grow?

What is the relationship between a person, what they know, and their work? How can we support people to bring their best thinking and craftsmanship and affections to bear on the things that matter most to them? How can we care for the things we depend on so that they, in turn, can help care for us?

How is technology changing the world—and people? And people’s perception of the ‘world’?

What are is the relationship between knowledge, wisdom, thought, and living?

And how should education be formed in response?

Obviously, this can get a bit abstract fast.

Wendell Berry & Education

Kentucky author and farmer Wendell Berry has influenced my thinking and work here immeasurably, and when possible I try to squint a little and imagine his thinking in a variety of contexts—most immediately public education, which is where I came up with the idea of an ‘Inside-Out’ school model.

See also Ideas For Learning Through Humility

I recently read about a 2017 book that seeks to take this approach further, using Berry’s work to try to respond to the question, “What is college for?”

In the book ‘Wendell Berry & Higher Education: Cultivating Virtues Of Place,’ (affiliate link) the concept of ‘upward mobility’ is discussed, referencing Berry colleague and friend Wes Jackson’s questioning of a term deeply embedded in the American psyche: moving on up.

George Jefferson famously fleshed out this concept on American television—the concept of going to school, getting a job, and thus ‘making it’ by ‘leaving behind’ an old place to go to a better one. This is done, of course, not through a person’s work but rather a job, which results in money, which allows one to do things like afford the ‘new, better place.’

But what about place–the context for a person?

In The Power Of Place: How Where Students Live Affects What They Need To Know, I talked about the intersection between knowledge and education, learning and ‘careers’:

A person’s work, as opposed to a job, is about their ability to know what can and should be done, and to bring their experience and affection to bear on that work to do it, and do it well.

But what it means to do something well depends on context. Who is being taught? Where have they been? Where are they going? What do they need to know as a result? How can I help them come to know this content or these skills? To further clarify the necessary specificity, the pronouns have to be singular, not plural. Not “What do they need to know?”, but rather “What does this child, in this place, need to know?”

This is the foundation of personalized learning.

Berry’s most acute criticism on higher education is his essay ‘The Loss Of The University’ whose title alone implies enough. I was guiding this post towards a “What’s the point of college?” angle but realize now that the real message here isn’t that—not even the book above—but Berry’s essay (which I hadn’t read until today in spite of being an avid reader of everything Berry’s has ever published).

I wasn’t able to find it anywhere to read for free but you can purchase a PDF version for $3 if you’re so inclined, which is what I did.

If you read it (or have in the past), let me know your thoughts in the comments.

by TeachThought Staff

CapCut Creative Suite is a versatile and comprehensive solution, equipped with a wide array of tools to aid creators in crafting exceptional videos and images. CapCut goes beyond conventional video editing by offering a full-fledged package that encompasses not only video and an online photo editor but also graphic design, team collaboration, and advanced AI technology.

This all-in-one toolkit aims to elevate the creative journey for both individuals and teams, allowing them to transform their imaginative visions into tangible, high-quality content. A standout feature of CapCut is its online video compressor tool, which empowers creators to optimize video files for various purposes.

This tool is invaluable for adventurers who embark on urban exploration and seek to share their experiences through captivating videos. In this article, we will delve into the capabilities of CapCut Creative Suite and explore how adventurers can leverage it to enhance their urban exploration content.

Unveiling CapCut Creative Suite

CapCut Creative Suite is an all-encompassing online creative suite designed to facilitate the content creation process. It caters to a broad spectrum of creative individuals, from amateur videographers and photographers to professional content creators and marketing teams. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, CapCut’s creative suite simplifies the complex art of video and photo editing while offering an extensive toolkit that includes graphic design, team collaboration, and the integration of advanced AI technology. Notably, CapCut’s creative suite distinguishes itself with a commitment to ensuring that no credit card is required to access its services, making it accessible to anyone with a creative vision.

CapCut Creative Suite’s Key Features

• Robust Video Editing Capabilities

CapCut’s creative suite offers a powerful online video editor that enables users to bring their video content to the next level. Its user-friendly interface and robust editing capabilities make it an ideal choice for editing urban exploration footage.

• A Tool to Make Images Online

In addition to video editing, CapCut’s creative suite provides tools for image editing, allowing adventurers to enhance and refine their photos captured during urban exploration.

CapCut’s creative suite allows users to download their edited content without watermarks, ensuring a professional finish for their urban exploration videos.

The creative suite offers secure cloud backup, ensuring that adventurers’ valuable exploration footage is safely stored and accessible from anywhere.

• Files and Team Management

CapCut’s creative suite promotes team collaboration by offering tools for file management and team coordination, making it an ideal choice for adventurers who explore urban environments together.

CapCut’s creative suite leverages AI technology for background removal, image upscaling, color correction, and more, streamlining the editing process and enhancing the quality of urban exploration content.

One of CapCut’s notable features is its online video compressor tool. This tool plays a pivotal role for adventurers who engage in urban exploration and aim to share their discoveries with an online audience. Urban exploration often involves capturing extensive footage, which can result in large video files. If left unoptimized, these files can pose challenges when uploading and sharing content on various platforms.

The online video compressor tool provided by CapCut allows adventurers to address this issue effectively. By reducing the file size of their urban exploration videos, creators can achieve several significant benefits:

Compressed videos upload more quickly, saving valuable time when sharing urban exploration content online. This is especially useful when dealing with internet connections that may not be optimal in urban exploration locations.

Many online platforms and social media websites have limitations on the size of video uploads. Compressing videos ensures that they meet these platform requirements.

Compressed videos occupy less storage space on devices and cloud platforms, making it easier for adventurers to manage their video library without excessive storage costs.

Compressed videos are quicker to share with team members and online audiences, allowing for more efficient collaboration and engagement.

In essence, CapCut’s online video compressor tool simplifies the workflow for urban explorers, enabling them to share their captivating discoveries with a wider audience seamlessly. It’s an essential feature for adventurers who seek to make the most of their urban exploration footage and create an impact through their content.

Enhancing Urban Videos with Creative Suite

Urban exploration is a captivating and visually stunning endeavor, filled with intriguing locations, unique architecture, and the thrill of discovery. To enhance the quality and impact of urban exploration videos using CapCut Creative Suite, adventurers can follow these tips:

Before embarking on an urban exploration adventure, take some time to plan the shots you want to capture. This will help you create a narrative and ensure that you capture the most compelling aspects of the location. Planning can also reduce the amount of unnecessary footage, making the editing process smoother.

• Capture High-Quality Footage

Invest in a good camera or smartphone with a quality camera to capture high-resolution footage. The better the initial footage, the more potential for stunning content. Additionally, consider using a stabilizer or gimbal to minimize shaky shots, especially in dimly lit or unstable urban environments.

• Utilize CapCut’s AI Tools

CapCut’s AI tools, such as background removal and image upscaling, can be incredibly useful for urban exploration videos. The background removal tool can help eliminate distractions or unwanted elements, while image upscaling can enhance the details and overall quality of your shots.

Urban exploration videos are more captivating when they tell a story. Consider creating a narrative structure for your video, guiding viewers through your exploration journey. This can include introducing the location, showcasing interesting finds, and providing context or history.

During the editing process in CapCut’s creative suite, focus on enhancing the impact of your footage. This includes color correction to set the mood, adding text or captions for context, and using transitions to create a smooth flow between shots. CapCut’s vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects can also elevate the emotional and auditory experience of your urban exploration videos.

• Compress Videos for Sharing

Once your urban exploration video is ready for sharing, use CapCut’s online video compressor tool to reduce the file size. This ensures that your content can be effortlessly uploaded and shared on various online platforms, reaching a wider audience.

• Collaborate with Your Team

If you’re part of a team of urban explorers, take advantage of CapCut’s team collaboration and file management features. These tools can streamline the collaborative process and make it easier to share footage and edits with team members.

By combining the adventure of exploration with the capabilities of CapCut Creative Suite, adventurers can transform their urban exploration footage into captivating videos that engage and inspire their audience.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, CapCut Creative Suite is a powerful tool for adventurers engaged in urban exploration. Its comprehensive features, intuitive interface, and online video compressor tool empower explorers to capture, edit, and share their discoveries with the world. By following the tips mentioned, adventurers can create urban exploration videos that not only showcase their findings but also tell a compelling story and leave a lasting impact on their audience.

Using Classroom Coding Lessons With Interactive Platforms

by TeachThought Staff

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating technology and pedagogy has enabled new learning approaches, including gamification of learning.

Imagine a world where traditional classrooms give way to immersive educational quests, where students earn badges of accomplishment, collaborate with peers globally, and embark on learning adventures. Sounds fun, right?

This is the power of gamification, a transformative approach that utilizes game mechanics to redefine education as a truly engaging journey. Gamification in educational technology holds immense potential, offering motivation, enhanced comprehension, and the nurturing of essential skills for learners of all ages, including those targeted by CodeMonkey.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the impact of coding lessons, the motivational capabilities, personalized learning experiences, collaboration and problem-solving, and the all-important real-world potential.

See also The Difference Between Gamification And Game-Based Learning

Motivation and Engagement Unleashed

Traditional teaching methods often struggle to sustain students’ engagement and motivation. The challenge lies in making learning exciting and pertinent for the digital-native generation. This is where gamification comes to the forefront. By incorporating game-centric elements such as badges, points, interactive challenges, and leaderboards into the learning process, educational technology platforms can transform seemingly mundane topics into more interesting and entertaining experiences.

The key lies in tapping into the intrinsic human need for recognition and achievement. When students earn points for completing assignments or unlock badges for mastering a skill, they experience a sense of accomplishment, spurring them to stay motivated and explore further.

Personalized Learning with Gamification

In educational technology, gamification caters to any individual’s learning style and pace. Traditional classrooms often employ a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving some students feeling left out and others held back from progressing. Gamified learning platforms, conversely, can much more easily adapt to each student’s progress and customize the difficulty level according to their needs.

Fostering Collaboration and Problem-Solving

The modern world increasingly demands collaboration and advanced problem-solving skills, skills that are vital for success in both personal and professional realms. Gamification in educational technology facilitates the development of these crucial skills engagingly and interactively.

Numerous gamified educational platforms incorporate collaborative projects and team-based challenges in which students are encouraged to collaborate to develop the best solution. This not only nurtures teamwork but also enhances critical thinking, which is essential for fostering good problem-solving abilities.

Accommodating Diverse Learning Styles

Every student possesses a unique learning style, and gamification accommodates a variety of preferences. Visual learners obviously benefit from things like interactive graphics and animations, auditory learners engage more with narrated content, and tactile learners will definitely interact better with more hands-on activities. By catering to the entire spectrum of diverse learning styles, gamified educational technology ensures that all students can get to grips with their tasks in much more natural ways for them individually.

Data-Driven Insights

One of the most notable aspects of gamification in educational technology is the sheer wealth of data that it can generate. Educational platforms can gather detailed data on things like student performance and progress and identify interaction patterns, something that obviously surpasses more traditional assessments. A more data-driven approach like this can help educators identify students who might be struggling early on, and decisions can then be made to make tailored decisions and interventions that will prevent them from falling too far behind.

The thing to remember is that educational technology is so much more than just points and badges in a classroom, it also has the potential to prepare students for the challenges of the real world. Many of the most popular education games can simulate real-life scenarios and situations that encourage students to apply their learned knowledge to address various problems.

It is important to remember that technological experiences in a learning environment can build up a wealth of experience and skill that is prime for transferring into real-life situations.

Four Ways to Support Grieving Students Through Writing

contributed by Brittany R. Collins

Approximately 700,000 young people in the United States lost a parent during 2020-21, with the COVID-19 pandemic boosting bereavement rates—not only due to the virus, but to the increased violence, substance use, and requisite illness that it engendered. 

Researchers have revealed how these ramifications disproportionately impacted, and continue to impact, historically minoritized communities, those most harmed by inequitable access to responsive, unbiased healthcare, and whose lived realities in an unjust world themselves correlate with increased likelihoods of disease—a ‘weathering‘ of the body under the persistent stress of injustice.

For young people, the loss of a loved one—especially of a parent, guardian, or other primary caregiver—can pose a significant disruption in development. It may constitute an early childhood trauma leading to later-life mental and physical health implications, especially if interwoven with other experiences of inequity. 

When considering differentiating instruction, we must consider bereavement alongside the other contextual factors and life experiences we consider when building supportive classroom spaces. Writing offers one way to do so.

A Possible Role For Teachers

It’s important to note that teachers are not trained mental health professionals—and role clarity is a critical component of maintaining adult mental health when working with youth, especially in the face of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. It’s also important to note that young people should never be put on the spot to make disclosures about loss or grief, but neither should they be silenced when bringing up personal experiences in the learning space. 

To honor these tensions and center everyone’s well-being, children and adults, at school, the following writing activities offer ways for personal reflection that may support those experiencing loss while offering differentiated options for engagement.

1: Expressive Writing

Research in the psychological sciences shows that expressive writing, or writing that uses emotion words (e.g., sad, angry, delighted, awestruck), improves mental and physical well-being—with a correlation between greater numbers of emotion words and higher levels of impact. 

To apply this finding to practice, create intentional, private spaces for students to engage in writing—perhaps distributing journals and making space for ‘writing stretches’ in which students keep their pen or pencil moving, noticing what emotion words come up for them that day, using those words as prompts to propel their freeform storytelling. The Feelings Wheel is a helpful resource for identifying and sharing feeling words.

2: Allowing Choice in Writing Topics

Choice bolsters agency, and agency is a critical tenet of trauma-informed care, given that the situations that cause grief and trauma are often those that leave young people without control and agency. Infusing consistent, meaningful opportunities for students to have a say in and over their learning offers a reclamation of autonomy. 

See also CPTSD: Hardest Year Of My Life

In the writing classroom, this might mean allowing students to design and/or select their own prompts and writing topics or storytelling formats—according to Universal Design for Learning best practices—when multiple modalities would guide them toward shared learning objectives. “Being able to choose their own topics meant the room was full of children’s stories of the reasons for their choices,” writes Elizabeth Dutro in The Vulnerable Heart of Literacy: Centering Trauma as Powerful Pedagogy. “Research is often deeply connected to autobiography.”

3: Teaching Letter Writing

As the popular YA novel by Ava Dellaira, Love Letters to the Dead, demonstrates, letter writing—whether to real or fictional recipients—can serve as a powerful vessel for processing emotions, communicating thoughts and feelings, and paying tribute to important people in our lives who have passed away, allowing writers to leverage literacy for learning amid loss. 

Using letters from Dellaira’s text as a model, invite students to experiment with letter form: writing to an ancestor, perhaps, or a celebrity; their past or future self; someone with whom they no longer speak; someone they hope to one day meet. There are many variations on this prompt, and while they do not all connect directly with grief, they may create space for explorations of the emotional themes most resonant to students in the moment. 

Grief, too, it’s important to name, is not always tied to a death—’living losses’ include:

–Moving to a new school, state, or town

-Experiencing a parent’s divorce

-Enduring a familial falling-out

Letters–and writing more broadly–can make space for young people to make sense of these experiences.

4: Responding to Content Alongside Structure

Avoidance is a natural coping mechanism when faced with any pain, but it can also perpetuate othering for students experiencing hardship. This means that, as a caring adult in a young person’s life, if a student does elect to explore themes of grief and loss in their writing, it is best to acknowledge their storytelling, rather than circumvent the substance of their piece, commenting on writing technique alone. 

An Easy Place To Start Supporting Grieving Students Through Writing

If you aren’t sure where to start, consider thanking the student for trusting you enough to share their story; share a lesson that you learned from reading the piece, or a question or thought that it inspired you to entertain; connect the students’ lived literature experiences; or express empathy and validation for the courage the young person is demonstrating through their work. 

Of course, if a student’s writing sparks concern for their or others’ well-being, you will need to connect with—and connect students with—additional mental health resources. Identify your support team in advance so you feel prepared should concerning situations arise, but know that articulations of grief can be healing, writing, and reading vehicles for processing hardship in the space of a supportive learning community. By making space for this work in careful, moderated ways, you offer students resources to turn to when coping with challenging emotions across the lifespan.

About Brittany R. Collins 

Brittany designs and supports educational and professional programming at Write the World while working directly with students, teachers, and partners to support their platform use. Having previously developed and overseen Write the World’s Creative Writing Workshops, Brittany channels her passion for designing programs that foster and facilitate engaging learning environments for Write the World’s educator-facing programs. She connects pedagogy, technology, and professional learning to collaborate with teachers worldwide.

Beyond Write the World, Brittany is a writer, teacher, and instructional coach in the fields of trauma-informed teaching and social-emotional learning. Her book, Learning from Loss: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Grieving Students, was published in 2021, and she has published over 40 peer-reviewed and public-facing articles in The Washington Post, Education Week, Edutopia, National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), Inside Higher Ed, and Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Usable Knowledge, among other outlets. Brittany has facilitated programming for students and teachers through Harvard Graduate School of Education; Columbia University; PBS Learning Media; National Association of Social Workers (NY); New York University; and School Crisis Recovery and Renewal; among other organizations.

Brittany studied English and Education at Smith College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Creative Nonfiction at the Yale Writers’ Workshop; and holds a Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation.