From the Archives

Especially for new readers, here's a list of the eleven most read articles on TeachPaperless (as of, well, today).

Sort of a miniature 'TeachPaperless Reader'.

Enjoy.

1. Response to Questions About Education and Obsolescence

It's not really a matter of whether teachers will become obsolete; it's a matter of whether the institutions that currently support learning will become obsolete.

And they will.

2. On Paper, Candles, and Rituals

There are times when we need to feel that pencil sketch across the pad.

3. 21 Things That Will Become Obsolete in Education by 2020

The 21st century is customizable. In ten years, the teacher who hasn't yet figured out how to use tech to personalize learning will be the teacher out of a job. Differentiation won't make you 'distinguished'; it'll just be a natural part of your work.

4. What are we preparing them for?

I'm obliged to recognize that I'm of a generation caught in the transition between two ages.

5. Go Paperless for Earth Day!

Source reduction is the best form of conservation.

6. Why Teachers Should Blog

I blog and what I blog -- and how that message is received by others -- tells me what I think.

And it tells me how I think. To blog is to teach yourself what you think.

7. Thinking About 'Technique' and 'Innovation'

Clairvoyance.

8. Thoughts on History and the "Important Questions"

Many of us in education -- myself included -- tend to be pragmatists; we work with what we've got, and for the most part theory and history are often a diversion rather than a primary function within our practice. We talk about practice and policy in the story of "now" and we work scrappily to make things happen in the "now". And that's fine. But it leaves me personally feeling that the work of education all too often is forced to exist within the confines of politics and finances rather than in the sphere of the re-enchantment of the spirit where it belongs.

9. Tech Engaged by Default?

And the more I think about it, the more I think that the majority of folks left on the fence about the role of tech in the 21st century are going to simply fall into the 'user' catagory by default as society changes around them.

10. Using Authentic Gaming to Engage Kids in Authentic Learning

Gaming itself is a form of 'text'. And, especially in terms of fantasy MMOGs, games are complex narratives. Well, if you've got a kid who won't read a book, but who maintains a high-level character on a complicated MMOG, the problem likely isn't that the kid isn't able to understand complex narratives.

There's something deeper going on.

11. Yes, Internet Access is a Civil Right

we are presented with the opportunity both to re-train and re-employ citizens and spread access throughout the country by means of a public works program for Internet connectivity and community training in digital literacy.