CTAP Siskiyou Web 2.0

Problem-based learning and project-based learning provide a rich opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge, expand their repertoire of technical skills, and enhance their appreciation of thinking tools, processes and strategies. The larger goal is for enhanced performance under challenging conditions that demand strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity, and craftsmanship to resolve complex problems.

For those wanting to know more about the theory of Connectivism, this is a good academic introduction with research citations.

Good discussion on CIPA compliance and who is in charge of determining what is appropriate or not. This discussion articulates why a filtering company shouldn't be in charge of telling me what is appropriate or not. There is no standard that can be applied by a 3rd party provider.

"Speaking and listening. We do it every day for countless reasons. Routine interactions, brief exchanges, or thoughtful diatribes propel us through everything from the most mundane tasks to critical life events. Therefore, it's not surprising that speaking and listening have earned a prominent place in our K-12 standard documents, including the widely endorsed Common Core State Standards (CCSS). "

"You can get 80 percent of higher education online for free, so why would you spend $300,000?" http://t.co/vBLNg80GFF #edchat - MOOCS - open education is making a move into the educational markets

Sometimes this is the way we feel with events outside of our control.

Here is an inspirational image. I'll use this in professional development settings and to encourage my PLN members.

Although this is written with younger students in mind, there are some good ideas of the skills all beginning bloggers need to learn, how to organize posts in a spreadsheet and track posts using Feedly, an RSS reader. Some good ideas for the classroom teacher. If 4th graders can blog, why not older students?

Protecting your Digital Identity and that of others - Common Craft. Good video to use with students. 

A top-notch presentation on "Copyright for Educators" by Wesley Fryer, educator in Oklahoma. 

How is it this video (or others) went "viral". Turns out it may be profit driven more than "outrage" at education and a demonstration of poor digital citizenship. Audrey Watters will give you a perspective that is informative and eye-opening. It will help you to better understand, as well, the power of social media in the construction of "truth". 

"Finland's Pasi Sahlberg is one of the world's leading experts on school reform and the author of the best-selling "Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn About Educational Change in Finland?" In this piece he writes about whether the emphasis that American school reformers put on "teacher effectiveness" is really the best approach to improving student achievement." This article brings forth some challenges to some of the things we assume in the U.S. that make for success in our schools. With the CCSS, this discussion becomes even more relevant.

A nice overview and challenge to consider building a PLN - professional/personal learning network. Answers the question, "Why a PLN?" and how to get started. 

Are you as smart as a 2 year old when it comes to geography? Check out this video - it will really surprise you and challenge you to be more familiar with world geography. Students will love this!

A chart that shows MLA & APA formatting for blog posts, Youtube videos, Tweets, Facebook posts, & emails

Includes a nice infographic of different elements that make up Digital Citizenship

Twitter lists according to subject area to subscribe to and follow as part of an effort to encourage the use of Twitter for Prof. Development and link to "10 Ways Teachers Can Use Twitter for PD"

Linking Secondary Core Content to the Common Core Standards - Guidebook with model for LIteracy Design using module approach. Worth looking at.

"Research has shown that teaching quality is the strongest school-related factor that can improve student learning and achievement. In order to cultivate high-quality teaching, support for ongoing professional learning in schools is essential. " Five articles, including a comprehensive bibliography with links to all the studies and reports cited in these pages.  1. How effective leadership supports prof. learning 2. Key components for productive PD programs 3. PLC's 4. Recommendations for evidence-based programs