Learn to Search & Evaluate Internet Resources
The 21st Century Information Fluency team just published menus leading to 50 flash based games that teach how to locate and evaluate digital information.
Check it out: Links to nearly 50 learning games, including the new three part Snow Sport Challenge. If you've been wanting to put a menu of learning games on your library or classroom computer come see what we have for you.
They also have an index of all of their Kits: Resource Kit Master Index:
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Learning something new to start 2010!
Next session: EDUC 762 January 11, 2010*
These are the current tags from the shared bookmarks Of the UW-Stout E-Learning for Educators Diigo Group.
If you’re trying to figure out what to do with your online course, either because it seems lifeless or you wonder what could be different, Instructional Design for eLearning may be for you.
Or, if you want to find out more about what goes into designing and delivering quality education online, this is definitely for you! We cover the theoretical and the practical sides of organizing learning events for online delivery.
Delivered in a highly engaging and interactive asynchronous format, the class examines topics such as theories of learning, linking objectives to assessment and methods for presenting content. The course addresses issues for K12, higher education and corporate trainers. For more information, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/instructonline/index.html
This class is taught by Dr. Susan Manning, e-learning professional and co-host of the great podcast series, The Greenroom at Learning Times.org. Susan has also recently authored (along with Keven Johnson) the new book Online Education for Dummies.
Human »
Moodle tutorials (2 Minute Moodles)
This is a collection of 2 Minute Moodles - an attempt to simplify and show how to use a range of Moodle features. The list will grow as I find time to cook some more.
The tutorials try not to assume too much previous knowledge and are presented for the pragmatical and not necessarily tech-savy users (Moodle purists please excuse). They are a bit like that product I got the pun from - something quick and simple to get you going.
Online discussion is the heart of a community of practice oriented e-learning course. However, it can be difficult to know how to respond.
It's a good idea to think in terms of value added responses. What can you add to advance the discussion?
I like to post the following list at the top of discussion forums in my online courses. It's a good reminder and a handy reference!
Here are some suggestions to help guide you as you respond to each other in discussion forums.
I hope this helps!
~ Dennis San Diego
Website Investigator: Information Forensics Goes to School
 Add to Planner [Formal Session : Lecture] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carl Heine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy with Dennis O'Connor Tuesday, 6/30/2009, 3:30pm–4:30pm WWCC 146 B Motivate students to evaluate websites with information forensics. Track down elusive authors, dates, check the accuracy of claims, and more using investigative search techniques. Recommended by ISTE's SIGMS
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Online teaching was the perfect part-time job for me. E-learning and online teaching replaced coaching and after school clubs as a way to supplement my income. I loved it! I was working with great teachers from around the world and learning new things everyday. I also realized I was opening a door to a new career. Eventually, after 25 years in a traditional classroom, I decided to take early retirement, and pursue my passion for online teaching and learning full time.
Now I make my living online and enjoy a freedom and flexibility that once seemed like an impossible dream. Working online is everything I'd hoped for, and more. It didn't happen overnight, but it did happen. I made the change one step at a time. It took me awhile to figure out how to find work.
I've found that the key to an online career is a power triangle of essential elements:
Time Management Tips in this post:
Getting to the Bottom of Your End of Semester To-Do List
Turn Gmail into a Task Manager
Get Organized with Remember the Milk
Try Toodledoo
I'm the program advisor for the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate program at UW-Stout. I want to share this statement of values from the entire Online PD team. ~ Dennis
Note from The UW-Stout Online Professional Development Team:
How often do you get to spend quality time with other teachers discussing strategies, sharing ideas, and getting expert advice?
The Online Professional Development Team at UW-Stout knows that effective online learning is about building community and participating in highly interactive learning experiences. You won't wait weeks for a response to a posting or feedback on an assignment. Our instructors take pride in providing prompt, personal interaction with all participants.
Especially now when money is tight, we appreciate how important it is to make the right professional development choice. That's why everything we do at UW-Stout online has one purpose: to make sure your online class is an interesting, meaningful, and practical experience that energizes your teaching long after the class is over.
If you only invest in one course this year, make sure you get the best class for your time and money! Creating memorable learning experiences is our mission. Join us!
~ The Online Professional Development Team at UW-Stout
Time Management Tools
Get to the Bottom of Your To-Do List by Making it Tiny
Leo Babauta describes five reasons why a tiny to-do list helps you focus and get more accomplished.
Tech Tips
Getting Things Done with Gmail Tasks
Simon Mackie describes the handy new "share a task between lists" feature of
Gmail Tasks. *Note that Gmail Tasks does not yet include the ability to prioritize tasks or to set up recurring tasks.
How To Turn Gmail into a Task Manager
Writing for Google Tutor, Christine Buske has some clever tips to share on how to create an ultra-organized task-tracking system with Gmail's color-coded "superstars".
How to Get the Most Out of GMail Labs
Ben Parr describes new Gmail features worth trying, including: tasks, inserting images, and enabling offline access.
Get Organized with Remember the Milk
Gina Trapani describes the attractive features (including the ability to send text message reminders to your cellphone) that make this task management tool a top choice of many educators. See also: Remember the Milk in Gmail to learn how to use the Firebox extension to integrate Remember the Milk.
Toodledoo
With Toodledo you can prioritize each item in your task list, set up recurring tasks, and create due dates. You can even export your list to XML or plain text and subscribe to its RSS feed.
Toodledoo Comparison Chart
See how Toodledoo's features compare to six other online task management tools, including Remember the Milk.
UW-Stout Online Course Spotlight
EDUC 744 949 Assessment for Learning
3 graduate credits June 15 - August 7, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/assessment/
Looking for ways to balance the range of accountability expectations required of today's schools? Individual teachers, study teams, and administrators will gain insight into both misconceptions and appropriate uses of standardized tests, evaluate grading philosophy options, and investigate classroom assessments that support student growth.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I would like to say BRAVO! This course was nothing I thought it was going to be, but everything I needed it to be! Thank you for the many ideas and perspectives you have contributed to my 'toolbox'. This course has made an incredible impact on my grading philosophy. I am definitely taking those needed steps to focus on assessment FOR learning rather than assessment OF learning." ~ Michele, Math Teacher. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Register Now
Summer 2009 Online Courses
Participate from your home computer; no travel to campus is required.
Register Online
Note from Our Team
How often do you get to spend quality time with other teachers discussing strategies, sharing ideas, and getting expert advice?
The Online Professional Development Team at UW-Stout knows that effective online learning is about building community and participating in highly interactive learning experiences. You won't wait weeks for a response to a posting or feedback on an assignment. Our instructors take pride in providing prompt, personal interaction with all participants.
Especially now when money is tight, we appreciate how important it is to make the right professional development choice. That's why everything we do at UW-Stout online has one purpose: to make sure your online class is an interesting, meaningful, and practical experience that energizes your teaching long after the class is over.
If you only invest in one course this year, make sure you get the best class for your time and money! Creating memorable learning experiences is our mission. Join us!
~ The Online Professional Development Team at UW-Stout
Archives - back issues in case you missed the most recent newsletter.
Request Information Online
Contact: School of Education Online Professional Development
Phone: (715) 642-0209 or 715-232-2253
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
NOTE: Web version
This is a repost of the Tech Tips Newsletter; Special thanks to Karen Franker, Editor! | |
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University of Wisconsin-Stout
School of Education
Online Professional Development
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/
E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html
The five-course graduate certificate focuses on the strategies and techniques of teaching online. The courses model best practices in e-learning with interactive discussions and hands-on experiences creating and using blogs, wikis, podcasts, and Moodle in K-12 education. The courses will benefit educators and trainers interested in designing online and blended courses or using Web-based components to enhance face-to-face instruction.
Courses are offered three times each year. All courses are three graduate credits. The recommended course sequence is:
Course 1: EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearning.shtml
Course 2: EDUC 762 Assessment in E-Learning
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/assessonlineclass.shtml
Course 3: EDUC 763 Instructional Design for E-Learning
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/instructonline.shtml
Course 4: EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities E-Learning
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/onlineclass.shtml
Course 5: EDUC 764 E-Learning Practicum
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearnpracticum/
Any individual course may be completed as a single course for professional development.
All four courses and the practicum must be completed to receive the Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching.
The graduate certificate in e-learning may be used to fulfill the concentration requirement in UW-Stout's online Master of Science in Education degree program. This certificate program includes career mentoring and access to a databank of online teaching opportunities.
For More Information
Visit http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html
If you have any questions, contact Dennis O'Connor, the program adviser, at (530) 318-1145 or email oconnord@uwstout.edu
Search/Browse List of 40 Additional Spring Online Graduate Courses for K-16 Educators
Check out the list of additional online classes. http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/courses.shtml
No travel to campus required.
Register Online Today
Register today to reserve a spot. Course enrollment is limited to 20 participants per section. http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/register.shtml
Select university billing and no payment is due until the week before the class begins.
Where will you be a year from now?
The decision to return to graduate school for the UW-Stout E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate isn’t made lightly. During hard economic times you can choose to stand pat or grow your teaching arts by seeking new ideas and opportunities. It’s not enough to simply be curious about teaching online.
You have to act now to learn the skills to swim in this 21st Century sea of change. The bottom line is to develop real experience and skills that open the door to new jobs and opportunities.
Despite the economic downturn, there are many jobs available for those with online teaching experience and solid curricular subject matter expertise. Our program will provide you with the skills and real online teaching experience needed to break into this booming field.
The market for experienced online teachers at the K-12 level is red hot. Also more community college and university opportunities are developing everyday. As part of the UW-Stout E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate Program you will receive hands on instruction along with current educational theory about distance learning. Job search advice and a steady stream of fresh job opportunities are being regularly updated on my blog at: http://doconnor.edublogs.org/category/e-learning-jobs/
If you want to work from home, love a challenge, enjoy technology, crave a change of pace and are seeking new horizons now is the time to become an online teacher. Join our program!
Questions? Concerns?
Call or email, I’m always happy to share information.
Dennis O'Connor
Program Advisor
E-Learning & Online Teaching
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin-Stout
530-318-1145 (Cell)
Skype: wiredinstructor2
After teaching hundreds of teachers to teach online, I've come to the conclusion that many won't learn how to chunk information on a page or write web friendly instructional materials based on simple modeling alone. I've assumed that seeing materials laid out in a web friendly manner, would cause e-learning teachers in training to to create materials using the principles outlined below.
Some catch on. They break text into clear short paragraphs. They use keyword headings, they write for scanning instead of deep reading.
However most don't get this seemingly simple idea. I hope this post helps more grasp the essentials of online writing!
Authors: Min Shi, Curtis J. Bonk, Richard J. Magjuka
Because writing is a major, and sometime the only, channel of communication in an online class, the importance of clear and concise writing of the course materials cannot be over-emphasized. If one student finds a sentence unclear, the instructor will need to spend valuable additional time responding to clarify. Five or ten minutes of additional time for polishing a message or task instructions before distributing or publishing may save hours in clarifying later.
Writing for digital media is different from writing for print media. As pointed out in a Web writing guidebook “Hot Text: Web Writing That Works” (Price & Price, 2002), the text on screen is usually harder to read than on paper because of lower resolution and because the text appears and disappears in a moment as there can only be one page on screen at a time. Below is some of the advice from this book that relates most directly to online course material planning and creation.
Shorten the text:
Cut any paper-based text by 50%;
Make each paragraph short;
Move vital but tangential or supplemental material to the sidebar;
However, beware of cutting so far that you make the text ambiguous.
Make text scannable:
Create a meaningful title;
Insert meaningful headlines and subheads;
Highlight key works, phrases, and links;
Turn any series into a bulleted or numbered list.
I read the following Fischbowl post several years ago and it got my blood moving. The author, Karl Fisch lays it on the line. This post was voted the most influential ed-blog post of 2007.
It's 2009 already and Karl's 'semi-rant' blog post remains a very relevant piece of work. This is a must read for anyone interested in online teaching and learning!
This post is based on an annotated bookmark that was auto forwarded from Diigo where I've been working intensely with their great social bookmarking tools. You can see more of my Diigo work, and get a sense of the potential for this great tool by clicking the Diigo links below.
Let me add, that if you're reading this blog... you're at the front of the line and obviously working to understand and live in the 21st Century!)
The Fischbowl: Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher? - Annotated
Photo Credit
The ability to capture screen images and create video tutorials is of tremendous value in creating engaging learning experiences.
UStream: create live interactive broadcasts
Jing: capture and record screen images (must download and install free software)
ScreenToaster: capture and record screen images
7 Things You Should Know About….Screencasting (PDF file)
The Educause staff answers top questions about screencasting, including: who is doing it, how does it work, why is it significant, and what are the implications for teaching and learning.
7 Things You Should Know About ….Ustream (PDF file)
The Educause staff provides an overview of the free broadcasting tool Ustream, including technical requirements and how UStream enhances interactive instruction.
Teaching With Jing
Elaine Settergren’s Slideshare presentation shows how easy it is to use Jing to capture screen images, comment on students’ work and create short video tutorials.
Top 10 THINGS to Do With JINGS
Mike Curtis shares a list of creative ways to use Jing, including giving verbal feedback on assignments, capturing information, and recording computer problems for tech support staff.
Use ScreenToaster to Create a Video Lesson
R.M. Byrne shares examples of a video lesson on plate tectonics recorded in ScreenToaster by educator Joe Robinson.
ScreenToaster Adds Support For YouTube Uploads, MOV downloads
Brad Linder describes the latest enhancements to ScreenToaster, including uploading videos to YouTube, setting privacy levels and sharing videos via social networking sites.
Tech Tip: Automatically Open Favorite Websites on Startup in IE7 and Firefox
For quick and easy access to your most frequently-used Websites, you can set up Internet Explorer and Firefox to automatically open those sites in new tabs every time you start up the browser.
For Internet Explorer 7:
1. Go to the Tools menu and choose Internet Options.
2. Click on the General tab. In the white space below the Home page caption, type in (or copy and paste) the URL’s of your most frequently-accessed Websites. Be sure to type each address on its own line.
3. Click OK.
4. Close Internet Explorer, then open it, and all of the URLs that you entered will open in separate tabs in the order in which you typed them.
For Firefox:
1. Go to the Tools menu and choose Options. (Mac users, go to the Firefox menu and choose Preferences.)
2. Click on the Main icon, and in the Home Page text box type in your favorite URLs in the order that you want them to open. Be sure to separate each URL with a pipe mark “|” (located above the Enter key).
3. Quit out of Firefox, re-open it, and your selected favorite pages will open in separate tabs.
Announcement - Register Soon for Summer Online Courses
University of Wisconsin-Stout
School of Education Online Professional Development
Search/Browse 40 Online Courses Starting in June
Participate from your home computer; no travel to campus is required. Select university billing, and no payment is due until summer session begins.
Request Information Online
Phone: (715) 642-0209 or 715-232-2253
E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate Courses
If you're wondering, "How do I become an online teacher? or Where can I receive professional development about teaching online?" Sign up soon to reserve your spot in UW-Stout's summer e-learning and online teaching courses.
Online Registration
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/register.shtml
Reposted with permission. Originally Posted in Tech Tips for Educators by Karen Franker, Editor @ 4/8/09
I hear many teachers complain about the blank-eyed apathy they see in their students everyday.
I also know that there a many classrooms where the excitement is tangible and the eyes of all are on fire with interest. Clubbing creativity and innovation to death for the last 8 years has taken a toll on teachers and students. Perhaps it's time to shake a little disruptive technology on that bland test driven curriculum?
What if learning could be as fun as Appy Newz?
How many schools have banned cell phones? How many teachers squirm in rage while the kids text under their desks?
Why not flip that angst and energy into an embrace for Mobile Learning? Check out Apple's Mobile Learning and iTunes U
Live, right now, and in your face...
So stop writing that grant you need to buy response clickers. All that shaking going on is from the remarkable disruptive technology of smart phones and apps. (Response Clickers? Why not just let the kids text their responses with live polling?)
Ok, I'll give up this much, iTunes U and Live polling won't be as much fun as shaking it up with Appy Newz! But they will help banished the dreaded 1000-yard stare of kids counting the minutes until they can get out of class and learn something!
The Professor will now fall off his soapbox!
Please join us for the 7th Annual International Online Conference (IOC) for Teaching and Learning on March 30 and 31, 2009. IOC 2009 features wonderful speakers, an exciting new format, and a truly global program. The emphasis is on sharing, networking and generating a universe of ideas that everyone can use immediately in their practice.
The event will take place entirely over the Internet on March 30 & 31, 2009 - with live sessions conveniently scheduled for participants around the world.
For more information visit: http://www.internationalonlineconference.org/
IOC 2009 includes a variety of ways to connect with and learn from colleagues. Each day will feature live online presentations during which you interact with panelists and peers. All sessions will be recorded and posted immediately for those who cannot attend live. Keynotes include:
*** Dr. Stephen D. Brookfield, best-selling author, will explore "Learning as a Way of Leading: Lessons from the Struggle for Social Justice", a presentation based on a book by the same name (co-authored by Stephen Preskill). Dr. Brookfield's session is sponsored by Jossey-Bass.
*** Stephanie Norby of Smithsonian Education joins us live online for a tour of the many free teaching resources available online from the Smithsonian museums. Regardless of the discipline you teach, Norby's guided exploration will undoubtedly yield treasures that will engage your learners.
*** Michael Coghlan, E-learning Facilitator for TAFE South Australia and independent E-learning Consultant, will offer his keen insights on online learning and his hands-on and innovative approach to connected education.
The complete program and schedule is found here:
http://www.internationalonlineconference.org/program
The cost to participate in this unique learning experience is only $99 USD, with discounts available for groups of 5 or more.
Register now at: http://www.internationalonlineconference.org
The sponsors of IOC 2009 include LearningTimes, Illinois Online Network (ION), Illinois Community Colleges Online (ILCCO), Lake Land College, and Jossey-Bass. There are several opportunities available for organizations to interact with participants and exhibit their products and services during IOC. Write to ioc@learningtimes.net for details.
IOC 2009 promises to deliver yet again with timely topics and engaging speakers sure to have an immediate impact on the work you do every day. We look forward to seeing you there!
Power-Searching In a Web 2.0 World
Introduction to Google DocsThis is a one week introduction to the essentials of Google Documents designed for those who have never used Google Docs. If you're using Google Docs and need some guidance we can help you learn how to use this powerful (and complex) online tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week will this take?
Courses take about 5 hours per week. (You can certainly spend more time if you wish.)Will I be working alone or with a group?
You'll be working with an online teacher who monitors the course on a daily basis. Our classes are fully moderated. That means you're working with a facilitator and other members of the class to learn together. You'll be able to get help, ask questions, and learn from both the facilitator and other participants.What if I've never taken an online class?
We have an information rich, but low pressure learning environment. This class is a good introduction to learning online. Many of your classmates will be taking their first online course. Try it!How will we learn online?
We take a hands-on approach. We use the Moodle online learning management system to organize and present our courses. Moodle is a popular online learning environment used around the world.What kind of technology do I need?
How long will I have access to the materials?
We leave the course open for at least three months after the class end date. You can return and browse the resources on your own schedule.Is Course Credit is available?
Can I preview the courses?
Yes, follow the link below. When prompted, login as a guest. This allows you to see an outline version of the courses without enrolling.How do I enroll & pay?
Follow the link below to set up your personal 21CIF Moodle account.
Do you have free materials?
Yes, almost all of our materials are free online at 21cif.com. You'll find many years of research based curriculum materials on our site. We support our research project by offering online classes, conference presentations, and custom online programming for educational and corporate clients.
Digital Image Resources, Grouped Clip Art Tip, Online Courses Starting Soon.
New Digital Image Resources for Educators
A New Picasa Puts a Name to All Those Faces
Tech columnist Walter Mossberg describes the "new and improved" features of the free Picasa 3 software for Windows, including creating movies from still photos, designing customized photo collages, and an amazing name-tagging photo feature.
7 Things You Should Know About Flickr (pdf)
The Educause staff explains Flickr's present and future implications for teaching and learning, and provides compelling reasons to consider Flickr's resources when designing instruction for today's digital natives.
Jing
This exciting free tool for Mac and Windows is rapidly gaining popularity for its ability to quickly and easily capture and share computer screen images. Instructors praise its ability to create quick tutorials.
Phillip Martin's Free Clip Art Site
UW-Stout online instructor Phillip Martin has created an excellent collection of educational clip art arranged by category. Blog Reviewing Phillip Martin's Work
Phillip's community service and personal reflection about his trip to South Africa
Wisconsin DPI Image Library
UW-Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension used a grant to create a new collection of high-quality, copyright-free images for educators searchable by topic.
Tech Tip: Working with Grouped Clip Art
What You Need to Know When Working With Grouped Clip Art
Rapid E-Learning Blog author Tom Kuhlmann has created excellent video "how to" tutorials on the following common clip art issues:
Final Call for Online Courses Starting in February and March
EDUC 744 920 Teaching and Assessing Writing with the 6-Traits - (Elem. (PK-4)
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
EDUC 744 909 Teaching and Assessing Writing with the 6-Traits - (Middle School/Adult)
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 928 Instructional Applications of Digital Photography
3 graduate credits begins February 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 963 Teaching English Language Learners (ELL) in General Education
3 graduate credits begins February 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 954 Instructional Leadership Skills
3 graduate credits begins February 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 941 Mentoring Teachers
3 graduate credits begins February 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 761 Collaborative Communities in E-learning
3 graduate credits begins February 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 920 Teaching and Assessing Writing with the 6-Traits - (Elem. (PK-4)
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
EDUC 744 909 Teaching and Assessing Writing with the 6-Traits - (Middle School/Adult)
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
RDGED 702 Reading in the Content Areas
3 graduate credits begins February 16, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 930 Web Design for Educators (Beginning)
3 graduate credits - begins February 23, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 942 Intermediate Web Design: Making Your Website a Learning Center
3 graduate credits - begins February 23, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
EDUC 744 968 Global Awareness and Collaboration Across the Curriculum
2 graduate credits - begins March 2, 2009
http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/
Register Online Participate from your home computer; no travel to campus is required.
Request Information Online
