Education 2.0 & 3.0

Tract is the first for kids, by kids online community for student-directed learning. We are reimagining education by giving kids full control and making learning fun.

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Imagine a school day in which students spend a chunk of time studying and pursuing a topic or project they're passionate about.

That's the premise of "genius hour," a growing trend in which teachers set aside time for students to work on a research or service project of their choice. Educators say it's a chance not normally given in schools for students to explore their interests, hone their creativity, and become an expert in a given field.

Via John Evans

Genius Hour is a time given during the school day to allow students to follow their passions and learn about topics that interest them.  My gifted 3rd-5th graders participate in this project, and present their learning when they are ready.  This page is devoted to sharing some of the resources I've collected over the past…
Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa) , Jim Lerman

Genius Hour projects may be open ended, but there are still some ground rules. Here are some tips for making Genius Hour work in your school

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Download a free teacher planning sheet for Genius Hour!

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

By AJ Juliani

Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa)

We hear all the time about how we need to give students more choice. About how we should be helping them discover their passions, how we need more student-directed, inquiry-based learning in the classroom. But all of that can feel like a load of abstract, pie-in-the-sky hooey without practical instructions for how to actually do it. We need a structure, a format, a plan for delivering this kind of experience.

Via Elizabeth E Charles