EDUTOPIA

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Edutopia // is a collection of media including website, magazine, and videos that represent an ideal educational environment. It is published by The George Lucas Educational Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 by filmmaker George Lucas.

At first, I said to myself, “Seriously? The creator of Star Wars? How relevant and influential could this be?”

I soon found out that this is //the// coolest collection of resources for anyone who is interested in improving the educational climate in the United States. The website contains blogs, reports, case studies, webinars, an e-newsletter, articles, videos, and current and back issues of their magazine. I spent hours searching, clicking, and reading and learned something new with each click. This really is the best of the best. In regards to the new information presented, the writers of the media (article, video, etc.) gave me information about what it was, why it works, and how I can easily incorporate it in the classroom. Awesome! I even found a quick quiz (it took three minutes) to find out my learning style. However, the cool thing was it didn't just tell me what my learning style was (Intrapersonal) - it gave percentages for each of the learning styles so that I could see I'm also Musical and Verbal-Linguistic and very non-Naturalistic. Then, it gave information about the learning style and things I can do to make my learning easier, more transferable, and productive. So awesome!

George Lucas states, “Our Foundation documents and disseminates the most exciting classrooms where these innovations [well-prepared educators who incorporate project learning, student teams working cooperatively, children connecting with passionate experts, and broader forms of assessment] are taking place. By shining the spotlight on these inspiring teachers and students, we hope others will consider how their work can promote change in their own schools.”

Visit the page below to get an in depth perspective of the vision of The George Lucas Educational Foundation and its physical representation – //Edutopia//. http://www.edutopia.org/aboutus // Edutopia // revolves around six Core Concepts.

Integrated Studies Project Learning Social & Emotional Learning Technology Integration Teacher Development Comprehensive Assessment

For a brief overview of the specific Core Concepts, visit the page below. @http://www.edutopia.org/topic-overview

In 2005 //Edutopia// came up with __Big Ideas for Better Schools: Ten Ways to Improve Education__. Visit the link for the amazing article. @http://www.edutopia.org/big-ideas I also found a site (listed below) that gave a great review of //Edutopia// with detailed information about what sets this organization apart from others. @http://www.scienceforamerica.com/21st-century-science/edutopia-the-future-of-education-starts-here.html

CMS

Edutopia and the George Lucas Educational Foundation were founded to improve in our schools and to encourage students to become life long learners. The premise is that schools need access to technology intergration the same as major corporations and businesses. This is a very exciting idea and an excellent collection of media. BG

WatchKnow-a site that collects educational videos looks like a great way to teach concepts by the use of technology along with the PBS content list to help make topics easier to locate without the trouble of YouTube videoes. st

I like the section titled [|Technology Integration]. It is very relevant with regards to 21st century learners. Check out [|21st-century schools need 21st-century technology.] JD

George Lucas has buckets of money and lots of technological expertise. Placing those behind education thru EDUTOPIA is fantastic. The EDUTOPIA Magazine has some wonderful articles about real schools doing truly amazing lessons. There were several articles on different schools and how they were focusing on teaching through long-term integrated projects rather than daily, isolated lessons. There were also materials on Waldorf education and Waldorf inspired schools, which I found interesting as Waldorf not only teaches integrated long-term lessons but isn't into testing as a means of checking up on a student's knowledge. EDUTOPIA is a super resouce full of fabulous insight. Kudos to Lucas for funding such a spectacular project. EH

I liked viewing the videos that were on this site. If you visit the following link it will take you to a video that has a teacher explaining how she uses wikis, blogs, digital stories, virtual worlds, and other digital tools in her classroom. In the video she mentions that she isn't an expert at any of these things before she introduces them to her students. She says most times the students know how to do more than she does. She goes on to say how a lot of teachers are afraid to use new technology because they aren't experts with the new technology yet. She doesn't think teachers should become experts in order to incorporate technology into the classroom. I also agree with this. I think too many teachers are afraid of technology and need to stop being afraid of it. Teachers need to learn to play with new technology and shouldn't avoid it. I often see teachers who are even afraid to click buttons on the computer in fear that they might mess something up. I think teachers could learn a lot from their students when it comes to exploring new concepts and new technologies. http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-teachers-vicki-davis MP

I enjoyed watching the videos as well. I think the site is a great resource for teachers who want to teach children in a more creative way. I really liked the video with the high school students who were working in the child care center. I think that approach to education and those projects show how much students are capable of if they are given the freedom to create. KG

It is true that there is so much on this website to view. I like the link under core concepts for social and emotional learning. It is important to realize that this is a part of the whole student that also needs addressed. DM I went to Digital Generation Project found under Special Report section and found some very useful info. and videos that I can use for my paper/presentation. Very interesting website once you figure out where to get to the useful stuff. RM

I've encountered EDUTOPIA before. It's definitely a recommended site in the school community. I checked out an article entitled "Colleges and Public Schools Forge New Partnerships ". These public school students are working with universities to research new and effective educational technologies. I thought this was fantastic. This is not only good for the community, it is also helping to instill a value of higher education in students at an early age. CNR

This fascinated me when I realized this site was created by The George Lucas Foundation. His creative genius being applied to helping educators is a "force" of inspiration for anyone desiring a 21st Century approach to learning. CW