Friday, April 20, 2012

UW-StoutTech Tips NewsletterApril 19, 2012(Re-posted with permission of the Editor: Karen Franker)

This e-newsletter is brought to you by University of Wisconsin-Stout School of Education. If you do not wish to receive future issues, please see instructions to manage preferences at the bottom of this message.
  
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In this issue...
  1. E-Learning Certificate Program
  2. New Summer Online Courses 
  3. Top Resources For Exploring iTunes U  
  4. Tech Tip: 101 Web 2.0 Teaching Tools Every Teacher Should Know About  
E-Learning Certificate Program
Summer Classes are open for enrollment. For complete information visit the E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate Homepage.

New Summer Online CoursesEnroll soon and meet your goals for continuing education professional development and license renewal.

Check out the new courses. 

List of Forty Summer 2012 Online Courses 
Register now to reserve a spot.  No tuition is due until the first day of class.

Top Resources For Exploring iTunes U
This week’s newsletter explores how open education resources expand delivery to new audiences. Discover why iTunes U, MITx, the Khan Academy and others are changing how we think about course content and instructional design.
iTunes U: Free Education for the Masses
Nathaniel Mott explains the benefits of exploring the wealth of free resources available on iTunes U.
Hands On With Apple’s iTunes U: An Education
Darrell Etherington provides an overview of how iTunes U is structured, including screenshots of a typical iTunes U course.
Which University is #1 on iTunes U?
Tony Bates presents statistics on which universities have the most-frequently-downloaded materials on iTunes U.
HACC Offers iTunes U App
Enelly Betancourt describes the results of a pilot program at Harrisburg (PA) Area Community College where students can use their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad tablet to download assignment instructions, audio and video podcasts, handouts, syllabus, and self-assessments
Ithaca College has created an extensive guide to assist instructors who wish to create digital materials for students to access on iTunes U.
iTunes University (video: 1:39)
The staff at Southeast Missouri State University has created an introductory video about using iTunes U, including how to share content with students.
iTunes U. vs. Blackboard
Juli Clover compares iTunes U with Blackboard and describes iTunes U’s better navigation and more user-friendly interface as key advantages.
ACSD on iTunes U
Mike Hohenbrink describes the new ASCD channel on iTunes U that provides free professional development resources to K-16 educators.
Tech Tip: 101 Web 2.0 Teaching Tools Every Teacher Should Know About
Jeff Dunn has created an excellent slideshow describing the best Web-based tools to create instructional materials. Browse his extensive list of tools to create timelines, graphs, games, posters, mind maps, flashcards, word clouds and more.
List of All Summer and Fall 2012 Online Courses 

Register Soon to Reserve a Spot  

Request Information Online 
School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Phone: (715) 232-2253

Archives - back issues in case you missed the most recent newsletter.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Secret Archive of E-Learning Research Revealed!!


Discover  more than 60 articles about  about E-Learning and Online Teaching research!


Just blink your way using this secret URL into our E-Learning and Online Teaching Magazine:

http://www.scoop.it/t/e-learning-and-online-teaching?tag=research

E-Learning Graduate Certificate Summer Courses

Enroll today in our E-Learning and Online Teaching 

Graduate Certificate Program! 









Prepare to be a Great Online Teacher 

  • Develop and enhance your online teaching skills. 
  • Teach online from anywhere as a highly effective e-learning professional. 
  • Hone your skills to compete in a rapidly growing job market!
EDUC 760 Elearning for Educators 3 graduate credits
This is the introductory course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate, is an approved elective in the online Master of Science in Education degree program, and is open as an individual course to students seeking professional development.
EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities in E-learning 3 graduate credits NOTE: This is the fourth in the series of five required courses.
EDUC 764 E-Learning Practicum 3 graduate credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion with a 3.0 gpa in EDUC 760, 761, 762, 763 and Consent of Instructor.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Time Management for E-Learning Instructors


Time is Money On Line

Time Management: Teaching Online:
A great list of tips and advice from veteran online teacher Dr. Kay Lehmann.
http://www2.uwstout.edu/content/profdev/rubrics/time_management.html

Be Efficient, Not Busy: Time Management Strategies for Online Teaching "Online teaching redefines the faculty member’s schedule. The feeling of being a 24/7 professor can lead to frustration. Managing one’s time as an online teacher can be a challenge."

Time Management for Online Teachers. This is a breeze video/audio archive. Give it a look/listen? http://breeze.boisestate.edu/p82935848/



Time Management Strategies for Online Teaching. This is an excellent, relatively recent (2006) academic research paper on time management. The authors compare Face to Face with online teaching in a number of areas. http://itdl.org/Journal/Feb_06/article01.htm



Time Management Tips for Online Instructors. This is basic advice for k-12 online teachers from the Connecticut Virtual School http://www.ctvirtuallearning.com/timemantips.cfm

Thursday, September 22, 2011

YouTube for Teachers

YouTube is one of the best online education sites on the Internet.  The problem has been that YouTube is also filled with every kind of video, from sublime lectures by some of the great minds of the century to the bone snapping stunts of marginally sane teens, to the grungy mumblings of the fringe.  It's like much of the Internet: a mixed bag of nuts with some real gems if you know how to find them.

Many school districts ban the use of YouTube because it is easier to just say no and cover your liability than spending the time to evaluate content and use a great resource the kids already have after school (and on their phone) access too in the first place.

YouTube has taken steps to create a safe silo of content for teachers everywhere.  Other services like TeacherTube and Schooltube have been providing this service as well.

Let's hope that creating YouTube Teachers (http://www.youtube.com/teachers) will make it easier for someone in a district office to punch the filter button and let the video stream.

10 Ways to use YouTube in the Classroom

Thursday, September 15, 2011

UW-Stout Online Adjuncts Needed

elearning jobs


Open Invitation to Apply: http://www.uwstout.edu/cec/adjpool.cfm 


University of Wisconsin-Stout maintains a pool of qualified individuals who would like to teach online courses. This is an open invitation to apply for the University’s Adjunct Instructor Pool. Individuals with online teaching experience and appropriate degrees in instructional areas offered at University of Wisconsin-Stout are encouraged to apply.

Candidates with e-learning and online teaching certificates and online e-portfolios should emphasize that experience when completing the the web-based application.

The university is building a pool of qualified subject experts with professional online teaching skills to teach general education courses at the undergraduate level. Additional opportunities are available at the graduate level for teaching instructional design, reading/literacy, using games to assess learning

Please do not send resumes or applications to this blog. Only applications submitted to the Adjunct Pool will be reviewed for spring 2012 openings. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Using Mobile Technologies to Enhance Learning

EDUC 744 969 3 Graduate Units 
October 3 – November 30, 2011











Enroll NOW!

Fundamental to the modern definition of mlearning is that it is the learner/learning that is mobile, not the device.

In-depth analysis of mobile learning research, trends, instructional strategies, curriculum integration, professional development, and on-the-job training using handheld technology such as the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, and smartphones.






This course will explore learning design, content, and critical factors that need to be considered for successful application in a mobile environment. It will help educators and trainers develop effective pedagogy and instructional strategies that capitalize on learners' interest and access to mobile technology and use that familiarity to meet learning, professional development and training goals.

Ann Bell

Author/Online Instructor and Course Developer


Mobile Learning Wiki: http://uwstoutmobilelearning.wikispaces.com/http://uwstoutmobilelearning.wikispaces.com/
Website: http://www.annamaebell.com
Author Blog: http://annbell.wordpress.com/http://annbell.wordpress.com/
Educational Technology Blog: http://annamaebell.wordpress.com

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Getting Into the Flow

All of my life I've wanted education to be more like what's described in this video. I count myself fortunate that I'm still able to get into the flow when learning, teaching, reading, and researching online. In many ways the Internet and the Information Fluency skills I've developed over the past decade have guaranteed me a ticket to ride (the flow that is).

One of the things that promotes flow is listening to music as you work. More often than not I've moved into the deep concentration and mental focus I think of as Flow while listening to music.  When this happens I've learned to appreciate the moment and go with it.

Can school be like this?  

Yes, I recall many a writing workshop session that was a hot bed of  flow.  ~ Dennis


Born to Learn: Class Reunion from Born to Learn on Vimeo.

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Virtual School: Family Friendly Flexibility

    • Joubert argues that virtual school allows students and teachers to work more closely together. “Students still talk with their teachers; you might even say they talk more. When I was in school, you didn’t have many one-on-one conversations with your teachers. Your teachers spoke to you, they didn’t speak with you. Here, they do oral exams, they talk with the kids, they really get to know each student.”
    • By having this type of learning, we are able to still have a family life. We have the ability to travel when we want to and choose our time. You can’t do that in traditional schools. Our kids have had the opportunity to go places and see things that other students don’t get to.
    • With online learning, when you get it, you can move on. When you don’t get it, you can get extra tutoring help and teachers will walk you through it. If you’re sick for a couple of days, you can do your work over the weekend when you feel better. You’re not missing anything.
    • My kids are very self-paced because they’ve always been homeschooled, but I think if a child was not so motivated, it would be a bit of a challenge to keep up.
    • they’re learning how to overcome the challenges of working with someone else and to interact with other kids. Just because you don’t “see” someone doesn’t mean you’re not interacting.
    • online clubs at FLVS
    • at least once a year, we do a Barnes & Noble Book Fair where students can go to whatever Barnes & Noble is closest to where they live and meet at least some of their teachers.
    • It’s important to learn how to self-pace and do these kinds of courses; I think it’s as much of a learning experience just taking the course as it is learning what the course teaches.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Information Fluency Assessment: Limited Time Preview

Boost Information Fluency Scores 50% in 3 hours.

This is our newest approach to information fluency assessment and training.

This package starts with a 10-level interactive tutorial that diagnoses and strengthens eight key search and evaluation competencies.

Live search challenges are coupled with "first aid kits" that address the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

A Certification Exam is provided after the tutorials to assess information fluencies in finding and evaluating information.

The entire experience can be completed in about 3 hours.

If you are interested in previewing the entire package for your students, please contact Carl at carl@21cif.com.

The course is completely free.  You are under no obligation to purchase anything.

This course and assessment package was developed with feedback from teachers and library media specialists last spring. Over 900 students in middle school and high school used the materials this summer and improved their information fluency scores by over 50%.

We will give you full access to the course so you can evaluate the effectiveness of the training.  If you wish to make the course available to your institution, group discounts based on volume are available.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

E-Learning for Educators Register Now: Fall 2011 UW-Stout Online

ONLINE COURSE EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 semester hours graduate credit



Adjunct Professors, K-12 Educators, Corporate Trainers, Health Educators, Curriculum specialists: Hone your skills so you can compete in a growing job market!

Explore online and blended applications for e-learning using an open source learning management system, Moodle, and the D2L learning management system. You will have the opportunity to create your course content with Moodle, an inexpensive way for educators to create an effective online course.

The course provides a strong foundation in e-learning and online teaching theory and technology.  Emphasis is on developing a community of practice founded on critical reflection, personal interaction, and rich experiences with web 2.0 tools. E-Learning for Educators is is the recommended first course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate program.

Activities include hands-on experience with Web 2.0 tools such as social bookmarking, blogs, podcasts,  personalized search tools, surveys, quizzes, and discussion systems.

This course prepares learners to lead and manage instructional challenges in a variety of online settings in educational institutions, corporations, the military, health care and government agencies. The emphasis is on what you can use right now in your teaching or training.

This course introduces educators to the hands on realities of teaching online. Using Moodle and D2L teach and learn as both a student and an instructor.  Discover e-learning best practices and create discussion forums, online surveys, quizzes and e-portfolios.

EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 graduate credits
This is the introductory course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate, is an approved elective in the online Master of Science in Education degree program, and is open as an individual course to students seeking professional development.


Sections are nearly full:

Dates
Choose one section:
EDUC 760 900 September 19- November 11, 2011 Instructor: Jim Erbe
EDUC 760 901 October 3 – November 30, 2011 Instructor: Dennis O'Connor
EDUC 760 902 October 3 – November 30, 2011 Instructor: Sara Turansky


Register Now Course Info

 ------------------------------

What students are saying:

"It was a great first experience with online learning!  I would, I have, and I will, recommend the course to colleagues with whom I work, and I would consider another online course without hesitation. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!" 
~ Middle School Librarian, Los Angeles, California

"I enjoyed the instructor(s) and their focus on organization and professionalism."
~ Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

"Prior to beginning the class, one of my most strongly held notions was that the interaction and level of engagement in an online course environment could not come close to the experience one has in a face to face class. While I don't know that I am ready to fully embrace the concept that one should be able to earn a high school diploma or a Bachelor's degree completely online,  I certainly believe there is tremendous value, rigor, and powerful sense of community that can be developed in a thoughtfully constructed course with a skilled teacher shepherding the process. "
~ Middle School Librarian, Los Angeles, California

Assessment in the Online Classroom: E-Learning Assessment

Join the Fall 2011 Class!








EDUC 762 900 September 19 – November 11, 2011 Instructor: Datta Kaur Khalsa
EDUC 762 901 October 3 - December 2, 2011 Instructor: Jim Erbe


EDUC 762 3 semester hours graduate credit

As an educator you already understand the importance of efficient and accurate assessment. Have you realized how powerful assessment is in the online learning environment?

Assessment has the capability to drive interactions and engagement.
Assessment can minimize plagiarism
Assessment can strengthen higher-level learning.
Assessment can streamline blended learning environments.

Learn what is needed to become an excellent online teacher and course designer while developing your electronic record keeping systems and methods for evaluating discussion postings and group projects.


Become familiar with assessment tools that could make or break your online course.

Modules


Module 1: Why is Assessment Important?
Module 2: Emerging Practices of Online Assessment
Module 3: Perfect E-Storm
Module 4: Variety of Assessment Tools
Module 5: Taxonomy of Assessment
Module 6: Cybercoaching - an Emerging Model
Module 7: Summative Assessment
Module 8: Discourse Analysis

Course Description. Register Now!

Some might think of online assessment as a dry topic. You'll find this class anything but dry! This is a great course! Take the leap and join now.



You won't be disappointed


~ Dennis


Dennis O'Connor
Program Advisor
E-Learning and Online Teaching
Graduate Certificate
UW-Stout

Friday, August 19, 2011

It's not just resumes anymore: E-Portfolios for Career Development.

Powerful New Ways to Use ePortfolios in the Classroom


The E-Learning and online Teaching Graduate Certificate program at UW-Stout includes the class by class development of an online portfolio. The portfolio features artifacts of learning that demonstrate both the technical expertise and theoretical knowledge regarding e-learning and online teaching. During the Practicum, in addition to actively teaching in an online class, participants finalize their portfolios with an emphasis on career development.

Here's an overview of the e-Portfolio project that is finalized during our E-Learning Certificate Program. Examples from program graduates are included.

This video will give you more information about ePortfolios:


This week's blog features top resources and emerging uses of ePortfolios in the classroom, including reflective practice and implementation challenges. Explore new ways of using digital portfolios to showcase, assess and deepen learning.
Googlios
This site is where Google tools meet ePortfolios.  It offers a  collection of resources for those interested in using ePortfolios in Education. You will also find solid videos and examples using Google Sites.

Making Learning Visible and Meaningful Through Electronic Portfolios
Terrell Rhodes provides examples of how several higher ed campuses use rubrics with eportfolios to provide multi-dimensional evidence of students' abilities.

ePortfolios with Google Apps
Helen Barrett's extensive experience with eportfolios is evident in her comprehensive guide to using Google Apps for ePortfolios.

Is the Future of ePortfolios in Your Pocket?
Helen Barrett challenges educators to consider how mobile learning tools can be used to capture learning "on the fly"  for ongoing revision of eportfolios.

The Learning Portfolio: Reflective Practice for Improving Student Learning (pdf - 19 pages)
John Zubizaretta describes key questions to consider when developing effective portfolios to support reflective learning. Included are sample questions to help students reflect on their learning.

ePortfolio Rubric
Joan Vandervelde's rubric can be used for assessment of student eportfolios.

A 10-Step Plan for Getting Started with ePortfolios
 Nick Rate's slideshare presentation describes the thought processes behind the ten steps needed to implement a successful eportfolio program.

Electronic Portfolios for Student Learning?
Amy Cavendar offers five key questions for all educators to consider when implementing eportfolios.

Tech Tip: Google Docs Secrets: 21 Power Tips For the Productivity Suite

Keir Thomas provides some little-known tips about Google Docs features, such as: creating drawings within presentations, fixing pictures into position, and dragging images directly from the desktop in Firefox or Chrome.


This post is based on the work and research of Karen Franker, Editor of UW-Stout's Tech Tips for Educators. Karen provides a rich archive of information that is constantly updated. Visit and Bookmark!

Questions? Comments? Resources? 

Please feel free to post your comments!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Register Now: E-Learning Facilitation - Creating Collaborative Communities

E-Learning Facilitation!



EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities in E-Learning
September 19 – November 18, 2011, 2011
 Register Now!

This course provides you with real hands on experience. You'll learn how to create a sense of online community as you facilitate discussions with your peers. This is an opportunity to practice online teaching skills in a caring, personalized and supportive environment.

Course activities include hands-on practice using asynchronous communication technologies.

You will actively: facilitate, explore questioning skills, conflict resolution, netiquette, and collaborative learning through problem solving scenarios, simulations, and online discussions.

You will investigate time management strategies and pitfalls to avoid when designing and facilitating online class activities and explore various assessment tools to analyze and evaluate student participation in online discussions.

Don't miss this chance! Register Today!

EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities in E-Learning
3 graduate credits
Totally online - no travel to campus required

No extra fees or surcharges for out of state or international participants.

This course is part of the University of Wisconsin-Stout Graduate Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching.

Instructors: Dr. Kay Lehmann and Lisa Chamberlin

Register Now: E-Learning for Educators Fall 2011 UW-Stout Online

ONLINE COURSE EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 semester hours graduate credit





Adjunct Professors, K-12 Educators, Corporate Trainers, Health Educators, Curriculum specialists: Hone your skills so you can compete in a growing job market!

Explore online and blended applications for e-learning using an open source learning management system, Moodle, and the D2L learning management system. You will have the opportunity to create your course content with Moodle, an inexpensive way for educators to create an effective online course.

The course provides a strong foundation in e-learning and online teaching theory and technology.  Emphasis is on developing a community of practice founded on critical reflection, personal interaction, and rich experiences with web 2.0 tools. E-Learning for Educators is is the recommended first course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate program.

Activities include hands-on experience with Web 2.0 tools such as social bookmarking, blogs, podcasts,  personalized search tools, surveys, quizzes, and discussion systems.

This course prepares learners to lead and manage instructional challenges in a variety of online settings in educational institutions, corporations, the military, health care and government agencies. The emphasis is on what you can use right now in your teaching or training.

This course introduces educators to the hands on realities of teaching online. Using Moodle and D2L teach and learn as both a student and an instructor.  Discover e-learning best practices and create discussion forums, online surveys, quizzes and e-portfolios.

EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 graduate credits
This is the introductory course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate, is an approved elective in the online Master of Science in Education degree program, and is open as an individual course to students seeking professional development.


Sections are nearly full:

Dates
Choose one section:
EDUC 760 900 September 19- November 11, 2011 Instructor: Jim Erbe
EDUC 760 901 October 3 – November 30, 2011 Instructor: Dennis O'Connor
EDUC 760 902 October 3 – November 30, 2011 Instructor: Sara Turansky


Register Now Course Info

 ------------------------------

What students are saying:

"It was a great first experience with online learning!  I would, I have, and I will, recommend the course to colleagues with whom I work, and I would consider another online course without hesitation. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!" 
~ Middle School Librarian, Los Angeles, California

"I enjoyed the instructor(s) and their focus on organization and professionalism."
~ Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

"Prior to beginning the class, one of my most strongly held notions was that the interaction and level of engagement in an online course environment could not come close to the experience one has in a face to face class. While I don't know that I am ready to fully embrace the concept that one should be able to earn a high school diploma or a Bachelor's degree completely online,  I certainly believe there is tremendous value, rigor, and powerful sense of community that can be developed in a thoughtfully constructed course with a skilled teacher shepherding the process. "
~ Middle School Librarian, Los Angeles, California

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

My Twitter Profile: Visual.ly

Here's an infographic generated by Visual.ly an online system for creating, sharing, displaying visualization of data.   This is based on my twitter usage as @wiredintructor.    Amusing.  I'm going to setup an account!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Best Tips and Resources For Finding and Using Digital Video in the Classroom

This week’s blog features a wealth of practical information about the use of digital video in the classroom. Explore how to utilize digital video to increase real world relevancy experiences and a deeper connection to the curriculum.


Effective Uses of Video in the Classroom
John Orlando explains how to effectively locate the best online video resources to enhance any content area. Included are links to free video repositories and lessons.

Mass Video Courses May Free Professors for More Personalized Teaching
Marc Parry describes New York University’s plan for using video to free up instructors’ time for one-on-one learning and problem-solving activities rather than large lectures.

Online Delivery Options For Digital Video
The JISC Digital Media staff examines the strengths and weaknesses of common digital video options for online sharing, including: embedded video, direct links, streaming video and vodcasts.

Video Creation Resources
Richard Byrne has created a comprehensive resource page full of tutorials for using videos in the classroom, including a 26-page downloadable guide titled: Making Videos on the Web: A Guide for Teachers.

44 Interesting Ways To Use Your Pocket Video Camera in the Classroom
Tom Barrett has once again created a multimedia slideshow filled with practical and creative examples on how to effectively use video throughout the curriculum.

My Top Ten You Tube Channels for Education
Daniel Rezac shares an annotated list of his top ten choices for classroom YouTube channels. View Daniel's excellent  tutorial on how to safely use YouTube with students: “You-tilizing YouTube in the Classroom.” 

Using Flip Videos in High School Math Class
Dave Sladkey provides three reasons to use flip video: accountability, fun and depth of understanding. He clearly describes his process for using flip videos to enhance group problem-solving.


Accessibility Tech Tips: Add Captions to Your YouTube Videos


Adding captions to digital videos makes it possible for students with hearing and vision disabilities to access the same content as the rest of the class. Samuel Axon describes how to create caption files for your YouTube videos using a free online tool called Caption Tube.

For more information about captioning and transcripts read WebAIM's Web Captioning Overview

Final Call for Summer Online Classes

Sign up today!

Register Online!  No payment is due until the class begins. No travel to campus is required.  
Registration closes ten days before the course begins to allow time for assigning student ID, user name, and purchasing course materials.
The following courses still have a few openings.


BEGINS JUNE 13
RDGED 702      Reading in the Content Areas K-12     
RDGED 703      Children's Literature in the Reading Program (grades K-5)     
RDGED 704      Young Adult Literature in the Reading Program (grades 6-12)     


BEGINS  JUNE 20
EDUC 744 914 Methods of Teaching Middle School Math (Grades 4-8)
EDUC 744 925 Bullying in Schools
School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Phone: (715) 232-2253

Archives - back issues in case you missed the most recent newsletter.

(Reposted with permission of UW-Stout)