Group items tagged

This is a site that provides step-by-step guidance on creating project-based learning units. It not only gives the rationale behind PBL as a unit design model, but also guides the user through each step of the creation process. It appears to be very easy to use, and provides information at each step that ensures a quality product. In addition to the very clear steps to take, as well as the 'theory' behind each step, there are numerous examples of completed PBL projects to view. I will use this site myself, as I really like the idea of redesigning portions of my instruction using this model. I will also direct teachers to it when we are discussing teaching strategies and instructional design models that are compatible with how the brain learns. The "briefs" and the literature reviews for each of the Characteristics of Effective Instruction (within the Iowa Core) contain numerous references to project/problem- based learning as an instructional design model that matches the vision of the Iowa Core.

Iowa Core Discussions

One stop college for students of all ages. High School, certifications, job training, partnerships with four year colleges, and much more.

A webiste designed for students, parents, teachers and others who work with students with special needs. The website is designed to provide a road map for transition planning from MS to HS, HS to college, work and or living on their own. The site includes on link to college planning tools, financial aid applications, career exploration including interest inventories, information on disability disclosure, Iowa Department of Special Education, Iowa Compass (a statewide information source for referral services). There are actitivities geared for students as well as adults. I use this site often in my work when working with students ages 13 and up and also, their parents. It provides a foundational understanding about transition and the reasons why we need to plan early and often in preparation for life after the educational services end.

The web site of the Iowa Core curriculum.

This page is a summary of different types of mobile technology and how they are being used with Web 2.0 tools.

Earlier during the school year, I collaborated on a presentation to the community on what the Iowa Core Curriculum looked like and what effects it might have on the school and the community. My principal used Prezi as a presentation tool. I really liked it and thought the students might really like using it as well. As a PLC, we expressed the need for students to have uniform presentation criteria. Prezi might be one of those tools. Power Point might be great, but this online tool is available to everyone anywhere they have internet access. Groups can also collaborate. I was doing a unit with my sophomores on overcoming adversity. After watching the movie We Are Marshall, I wanted them to choose a real-life person who has overcome adversity. I wanted them to do a presentation and so I did one in Prezi as a demonstration. Mine is only partially done because I used it as a demonstration tool. I am going to try to share the file, but I do not know if it will work or not. I may have to post again to get it to work. http://prezi.com/-jght3tofk0q/red-dawson/

Site for Iowa's teaching future

This is a resource for the Rigor and Relevanced Framework. It includes content examples, Power Points, and samples of the framework.

This site is a resource for curriculum mapping regarding rigor and relevance.