by Rachel Taliaferro
One of the most difficult tasks for teachers of all grades is maintaining a level of interest and engagement among students that is conducive to learning. After all, a student can't learn what's being taught if he or she isn't paying attention.
So how do you foster and maintain engagement in a 21st century classroom? The nonprofit organization Next Vista for Learning encourages implementing simple technology to hold students' interest. The organization's website hosts a free library of instructional videos made for and by teachers and students with the idea that students will be more challenged and engaged if a lesson or concept is presented by their peers. Visit the site to browse through videos covering a wide variety of subjects, or to learn how you and your students can submit a video lesson of your own.
For some video ideas from Rushton Hurley, the founder of Next Vista for Learning, visit The Journal for seven tips on making videos that will capture and keep students' attention in the classroom.