Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to speak for 5 minutes on the ISTE small stage. I was given five minutes to share something I am passionate about. Something I care about. I knew I wanted to discuss technology. I knew I wanted to discuss division, I thought I would discuss the Global Read Aloud, and yet as I started writing I realized the inherent opportunity I had been given to speak about something I am still learning about and growing within. Something I have spoken about before but not at ISTE, not in a tech space. So yesterday, I delivered the following Ignite to a full room. I don’t know if my words will matter, I never do, but I was nervous and proud to speak from the heart. Hopefully, I didn’t screw it up too much. And while some told me it was a brave speech, I am not so sure about that, after all, I am pretty protected within my privileged place. It was truly the least I could do as we continue to work toward a better world for all, not just those of us with privilege.

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[One Week Into a Phone Free Classroom]

cross posted at http://pernillesripp.com/

Mass consumer of incredible books, Pernille Ripp helps students discover their superpower as a middle school teacher in Oregon, Wisconsin. She opens up her educational practices and beliefs to the world on her blog www.pernillesripp.com and is also the creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, a global literacy initiative that since 2010 has connected more than 1,00,000 students. Her book Passionate Learners - How to Engage and Empower Your Students is helping teachers change the way students feel about school. Her other book Empowered Schools, Empowered Students is meant to give others the courage to change. Follow her on Twitter @pernilleripp.

App of the Day picks are selected from the top edtech tools reviewed by Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly.

The Harry Potter Alliance

Fan site promotes real-world heroics with activism for social justice

Pros: It's an outstanding way to bring together kids who may otherwise feel isolated; they'll feel empowered by the community here.

Cons: Younger Harry Potter fans may feel left out of this high school and college-based organization.

Bottom Line: A fun, empowering community for Potter fans who want to talk Hogwarts and make the world a better place while they're at it.

Read more here.

By Common Sense Education