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tifinif

The Google Classroom Quick-Start Guide + tips and tricks! | Ditch That Textbook - 0 views

  •  
    Nice site that has practical tips when using Google Classroom. I like that it tells you what Classroom "isn't ". This site also has great resources for other "tech" ideas.
Lylia Chaffin

ollie1sweetman: Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 11 views

  • Maintains an online social presence
    • Jean Bontemps
       
      This phrase always makes me nervous today. I am definately on the side of cautious about how much you interact with students socially online. Even the phrase "online social presence" isn't clear on what that means.
    • Nicholas O'Brien
       
      I agree, every other day there is some hullabaloo about interacting with students or privacy issues. I really wish there was a little more clarity out there about social media and educators.
    • Perry Bekkerus
       
      Agreed:  I've been communicating via Facebook with students for years, and have been using text messages for longer than that.  Students don't use emails anymore.  But then this fall, we were told that any texts to students need to be also sent to our AD.  What a waste of time.  And now we're going to set students up with their own gmail accounts???  We need to be giving them a lot more leeway with their cellphones and social networking sites.
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student
    • Jean Bontemps
       
      I think we are definatley getting that right now! I love learning more about online tools for students, but I do feel a little overwhelmed about the amount of information and how to use it best in my classroom.
    • Nicholas O'Brien
       
      Agreed, there is a lot of stuff out there to keep track of, but at least as students we don't have to get it perfect. That's one of the up sides of being a student after all.
    • Janelle Schorg
       
      So much to learn. Need to pcik a focus and stick with it.
    • Rachael Woodley
       
      I like being in the student's position so I can catch the pitfalls and hangups that will frustrate on-line learners. Hopefully, this will help me make a clear focus and transitions in on-line classes that I build
    • Perry Bekkerus
       
      Being a student within this course has definitely opened my eyes as to what makes sense and what is difficult to follow...
    • Lynn Eastman
       
      Amen Perry! I think Moodle could be an entire coursework of class. I'd like to see our tech offerings to students get more up-to-date than simple word processing. The applications classes should also be more oriented to Google Docs, etc...
  • • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.) (SREB B.3, Varvel III.B)
    • Nicholas O'Brien
       
      Well, this standard pretty much sums up why I am taking this course.
    • Heidi Reichart
       
      I agree. I think more information on creating an annotation was needed. I spent WAY too long messing with this.
  • ...27 more annotations...
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies (SREB B.5)
    • Nicholas O'Brien
       
      Demonstrating growth isn't too tough, but picking the right emerging tech is.
    • Heidi Reichart
       
      With the thousands of tools out there, we can't try them all.
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      Even when we find a technolgy we like the time involved to develop for just class is huge.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A)
    • Heidi Reichart
       
      I don't think many teachers realize how difficult it is to monitor students online.
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
    • Heidi Reichart
       
      I need to learn this myself to be able to assist students.
    • Janelle Schorg
       
      This would be a good opportunity to use recorded screencasts so students can watch it over and over.
    • A Hughes
       
      Diigo has a lot of potential. I wish that this was like Zotero and would do a bibliographic citation with my note.
    • Lynn Eastman
       
      I like the biliographic citation idea. I also wish the students had options to take courses like this during the academic year.
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation
    • Janelle Schorg
       
      I need to post the expectations as outlined in my syllabus into my moodle course.
  • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning, which may include (but is not limited to) age and ability level, multiple intelligences, didactic conversation, student developmental influences, constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, connectivism, and group theory
    • Janelle Schorg
       
      My students (teachers) are having a hard time with maneuvering around moodle.
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      I am glad I am not trying to teach and use Moodle at the same time. I am having a hard time maneuvering around Moodle, too.
  • 4. Understands and uses instructional pedagogy that is appropriate for the online environment and meets the multiple learning needs of students (ITS 4)
    • Gayle Olson
       
      I think this whole section is critical! A friend of mine has taken a couple of online classes from a jr. college in another state. While the courses had instructors, they were mostly all automated. The instructor told the students there is nothing she/he can do to effect the grade (all automated online tests) or even help them understand what they did wrong. Just because something can be put online doesn't mean it is good quality learning. A course MUST be designed differently for online.
  • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content
    • Gayle Olson
       
      One of my favorite sayings is that "None of us is as smart as all of us." When it comes to professional development, there is so much that the partcipants can learn from each other! Creating a professional learning community online takes effort. I think this will be one of my greatest challenges.
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment (SREB C.1, SREB G.6, Varvel V.C, ITS 3.d, ITS 4.b)
    • Gayle Olson
       
      Staying on top of this one will be a major effort - very connected to "7. Engages in professional growth". This will be something that is always ongoing, never finished.
    • Rachael Woodley
       
      I agree, constant changing and revision. Online learning is a very fluid medium as well and ever updating
  • • Creates or selects multiple assessment instruments that are appropriate for online learning
    • Rachael Woodley
       
      I think moodle does a better job of allowing multiple assessment techniques. We are kind of stuck with what we get from the PLATO program
  • Aligns assessment with course objectives
  • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners
    • Lynn Eastman
       
      This used to be just the "sped" part of my job, but now we are all expected (rightfully) to differentiate.
    • Rachael Woodley
       
      In my experience on-line learning actually makes this part of the job much easier. You can build in visuals, audio, and other instructional strategies and the students can spend as much time on them as they need to
  • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use (SREB E.7)
    • Lynn Eastman
       
      This is getting more and more difficult as the immersion in technology continues. Students need direct instruction in ethics and technology, and heavy consequences need to be clearly stated by school boards for violations.
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • Rachael Woodley
       
      Very easy to use assement data and go back to "reteach" when the students can keep reviewing and make sure they've got the concept.
    • Perry Bekkerus
       
      Fair use and intellectual property rights have become so narrowly defined that practically everyone violates them in the education world.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Perry Bekkerus
       
      This is especially tricky when it comes to music--finding resources and designing resources that are appropriate and useful to enhance learning in music, especially at an appropriate level.
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      Aren't there some things that don't work well with technology? And isn't that O.K.?
  • integrity
    • Perry Bekkerus
       
      This is crucial for technology to remain a useful tool.  It is why so many teachers do not allow Wikipedia.
  • 4. Understands and uses instructional pedagogy that is appropriate for the online environment and meets the multiple learning needs of students (ITS 4) •
    • A Hughes
       
      Online learning works well with videos and pictures to illustrate the content. Uploading word documents that have been used in face to face content does not work well. The content needs to be transformed to a "lesson" format with font changes and graphics.
  • • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
  • • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
  • • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
    • A Hughes
       
      Multiple methods of communication with the instructor are important in an online course. My outgoing e-mail was blocked for several weeks but Judy found other ways via Moodle to contact me.
  • Continuously uses data to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of instructional strategies (SREB J.7, ITS 1.c)
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      I think expectations need to be posted more often than as an overview /orientation.
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      Expectaions need to be posted more often than just at the beginning.
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth (SREB L.1, ITS 7.b)
    • Lylia Chaffin
       
      Net working with other teachers helps for personal development as well as professional. Others can really help problem solve.
  • Understands and uses course content that complies with intellectual property rights and fair use, and assists students in complying as well (SREB E.5, Varvel I.B)
  •  
    I am trying to post a comment under the "maintains an online social presence...". This is difficult to do considering the situations that can happen when teachers and students communicate together thru various websites... It doesn't take too many days of watching the news to find another incident of inappropriateness between teacher and student.
evanabbey

ollie1-cohort8: Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 11 views

  • 6. Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process, creating a community of learners (ITS 6) • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A) • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content (SREB D.2, Varvel VII.B, ITS 6.a) • Sets and models clear expectations for appropriate behavior and proper interaction (SREB D.6, ITS 6.b) • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict (Varvel VII.D, ITS 6.e) • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
    • jbowar
       
      It seems that this has become very important in today's educational world:  using data to make decisions.  We do that in face-to-face courses, so it would make sense that it would be important in online coursework as well.
  • Assists students with technology used in the course
    • jbowar
       
      With so many tools available, this one could be tricky.  The instructor has to have content and pedagogical knowledge, while also being savvy with technology.  That can be a tough mix for some.
    • Deborah Cleveland
       
      Videos are one way to walk participants through some of the technology tool issues. One trick I've learned is to try to be generic in my videos. This way I can reuse them in different courses. I've even shared some with other instructors to use in their courses. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to create some general criteria that technology tutorials need to include and then post them in a community space (Agora?) so that we could swap video tutorials. Hmmm...
    • Melissa Wicklund
       
      Technology is so important in our classrooms today.  I believe that teachers need the TPACK knowledge in order to teach content and technological knowledge.  
    • Tyler Youngers
       
      It can be difficult to address the myriad of technology issues for a course, but having a working knowledge of the technology used and knowing where to find the answer is key. Also, it is important to stay updated on new technologies so you can be flexible with the changes.
  • ...49 more annotations...
    • jbowar
       
      This is a really basic standard, but so important to remember in an online course.  The instructor has to be savvy with educational strategies and content but also with technological skill.
  • Selects and understands how to evaluate learning materials
    • jbowar
       
      With so many tools to use available, this is one of the hardest things for me.  It's important to remember that the tool just has to "get the job done" sometimes, not necessarily be the flashiest or most current.  If it works, use it, right?
    • bgigar
       
      Agreed - I am doing this on a personal computer because I cannot load software to my work laptop that is connected to the state network.
    • bgigar
       
      previous comment by B Gigar
    • Evan Abbey
       
      The criteria seems to be addressing specifically materials (such as online lessons or resources) that you might use in the classroom. Just because a resource is labeled "coolestthingever" doesn't mean it fits within your class. Though it might not be addressing technology, per se, we have to align our tech use with our objectives as well. In this case, not only do we want the tool to get the job done, but also do it in a way that is simple for students (as Barb mentioned... can't be having too fancy tools when you can't install them)
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student
    • jbowar
       
      So important!  This is one of the benefits of taking the OLLIE courses.  I have already been able to realize some things that I should change, just based on being an online student now instead of the instructor.  Great standard.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I'm going to admit I had a similar experience. I actually interviewed for my job at Heartland thinking it was for technology integration (the positions that Tyler, Marisa, Erica, and Alex have). Then they mentioned it was for online learning. Small problem... I had never taken an online course before. So now, I was "helping lead" agency policy on online learning with no experience whatsoever. I took an online class... an awful one, and learned a few things of what not to do. But taking other online courses has helped me tremendously in being better versed for what makes good online teaching.
  • Understands student motivation and uses techniques to engage students
    • jbowar
       
      It seems that choice has a big part to play in this standard.  Having lots of tools available with technology helps the instructor to provide this choice.
    • Marisa Dahl
       
      I agree having choice increases engagement, however, as this is stated, I would rather have technology increase authentic engagement not compliance.  
    • Melissa Wicklund
       
      Choice does increase engagement and students online need to know that they have choice about how they are learning and what ways they can show what they have learned from the content.  Writing may not be everyone's strong suit and videos may fit best for others.
  • Continuously uses data to evaluate the accuracy
    • jbowar
       
      We focus strongly on data in face-to-face learning, so it would make sense that data should be used just as much in online coursework.  It might even be easier to get data in online coursework as a result of the tools available.  
  • Continuously uses data to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of instructional strategies
    • Sam Oppel
       
      I think of this as formative assessment. This seems to be one of the most effective tools we have for student learning.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      In essence, it is. Some people define formative assessment to be all about helping assess the student. This is about self-assessing your work as a teacher (and the teaching that you are doing). The tough part here is gathering data that allows you to evaluate effectively.
  • Knows and aligns instruction to the achievement goals of the local agency and the state, such as with the Iowa Core (Varvel I.A, ITS 1.f, ITS 3.a)
    • Sam Oppel
       
      The core of good teaching is WHAT we teach and how we teach it. Making sure we align with the Iowa Core solidifies WHAT we teach.
    • evanabbey
       
      Good point!
  • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content
    • Sam Oppel
       
      It is very important that students share what they are learning with both the instructor and each other.
    • Sue Schirmer
       
      Yes! building the social interactions (so very important for adult learners) can easily be done in an online format, but must be done with intention!
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      I have received several comments from course evaluations that the best part of the course was assignments that allowed them to share their experience with other participants and learn from each other.
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      Previous comment from Shannon Hafner
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I think students in online classes really like the opportunity to share, but it isn't a given that sharing = meaningful experience. Sometimes, sharing is just posting and others are ignoring it (or replying "I agree!"). Creating activities that elicit good collaborative feedback are challenging to do, but the payoff is that the course is highly meaningful.
    • meliathompson
       
      This is one of my favorite aspects about teaching online. I love the team collaboration. As teachers and professionals, we need to learn from each other. No one knows all the answers and what might work for one person might work for others. I am always willing to share new ideas and would hope to instill that on my students that would be taking my class.
    • Alex Glade
       
      I think this is especially important in online courses. Teachers need to consciously incorporate opportunities for collaboration into any course (online or face-to-face), however it is even more important in online courses. A certain amount of collaboration will always occur in a face-to-face course, even if it is not facilitated by the instructor. However, an online environment places a few more limits on the opportunities for collaboration unless they are incorporated in the course.
  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face
    • Sam Oppel
       
      We want to give students an experience that is even better than face-to-face. In other words, we don't want to given them less or be missing anything they would be getting from face-to-face instruction.
    • Sue Schirmer
       
      This is so important!! I get so frustrated with people who say "I teach this face-to-face so I can just put it online" Not everything is appropriate in every venue!
    • meliathompson
       
      I agree that not everything can be taught in an online fashion. There are just some areas that need to be face-to-face but yet there are others that can easily be adapted to online teaching. I think about a lot of science courses that would require lab work so that would require some face-to-face time. I took this into consideration when thinking about what course I was going to put together. I really wanted to do something with Team Teaching but I don't think it is really appropriate for an online course but it could be done if thought about for awhile.
    • Marisa Dahl
       
      I believe online learning has a lot of potential for effective differentiation. The teacher doesn't have to be the one to deliver all of the instruction. Students can have access to different tasks and resources depending on ability, interests, and work habits.
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Online learning can be leveraged in ways that allow students to access their own resources and their own learning opportunities. However, there is a law of diminishing returns here. If there are too many opportunities or too little guidance and delivery from the instructor, it can become the wild west. Every time we offer this course, many participants comment that the Cool Tools site is so overwhelming. That is in the context of a guided lesson and a guided activity by the teacher, for adults. I can see how K-12 students can easily be wandering without quite a bit of guidance.
  • Promotes learning through online collaboration group work that is goal-oriented and focused
    • Marisa Dahl
       
      Moodle offers a safe controlled evironment that fosters collaboration with other students. Even when students are working outside the walls of a school they are still can be learning along side others. It is important to embrace that feature. 
    • Evan Abbey
       
      This is a good point. It is the "walled garden" approach, allowing you a lot of freedom to learn/explore/collaborate within, but keping you safe from things outside. There are places where you want students to interact with things "outside", but those have to be well thought out.
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • Marisa Dahl
       
      For some reason my highlighting and comment isn't work so I will put a sticky note here instead.  - Understanding and using data is important in all learning environments. 
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
  • • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners
    • Marisa Dahl
       
      This is important both both face to face and in an online learning environment. I believe it is easier to provide it online because they can provide so many more resources guided towards their needs and interests. 
    • bgigar
       
      It does require the instructor to pay attention to posts and requests, and to do some specific questioning of participants to provide the appropriate resources.
    • bgigar
       
      previous post by B Gigar
    • Tyler Youngers
       
      A well crafted online course can absolutely meet the different needs of students, learning styles, interests, and students with special needs, but it is a lot of front-end work. What's great about the online classroom is that you are aware that your students are connected and being in the connected environment allows for greater flexibility on the fly.
  • course evaluation and student feedback data
    • Sue Schirmer
       
      As Evan had mentioned before, especially with changing technologies, it is more important than ever to evaluate and continually improve our courses
    • Evan Abbey
       
      We'll look at improving our courses through revision more in Instructional Design (and a bit in Assessment, Feedback, and Evaluation for those who take it as well). This course will help reinforce for us the need to continuously evaluate our use of technology, including the new updates within the tools themselves.
    • Tyler Youngers
       
      I've not been in an online environment where I was the sole instructor and desired evaluations and student feedback, but I have sought this information in my face-to-face classes and found it to be extremely valuable.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Deborah Cleveland
       
      The lesson "Introduction to Online Tools" has helped me sift through some of the most popular tools and their primary functions/purposes. For example, one time I was using a wiki in a course...when a discussion forum would have been much more effective. When i go back and review the purpose of a wiki it became a lot easier to see that I had chosen the wrong tool.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A)
    • Deborah Cleveland
       
      Building rapport with participants is so important. It will prevent participants from falling through the cracks.
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      If a participant feels comfortable contacting the instructor for guidance at the beginning of the course, the supportive attitude will continue throughout the course.
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      Previous post by Shannon Hafner
    • kathyperret
       
      Agree. Online rapport is essential. (Kathy Perret) 
    • Melissa Wicklund
       
      The instructor does need to be available to answer questions and allow flexibility (depending upon the learning group).  The instructor should take into consideration the students, their environment, and motivation to learn the new material.
    • Tyler Youngers
       
      Another crucial aspect to being an online instructor. You must have an online presence that establishes the rapport that you would typically do in the face-to-face classroom. However, I think norms must be established because being online 24/7 is not a reasonable expectation for the instructor. A set of online office hours might be important or a dedicated time to communicate via a #edchat or something might be a good way to connect with your students.
  • Communicates assessment criteria and standards to students, including rubrics for student performances and participation
    • Deborah Cleveland
       
      Setting clear expecations on assignments and assessments will help you get the evidence of learning that you need and also help ensure student success.
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      I agree that having clear expectations is key to student success. We have always posted a detailed syllabus but found students still had a lot of questions - so, we added a webinar in the first week of the course that explains the course policies and requirements and always time for questions and concerns. This webinar has been very well accepted and has reduced the value of individual questions.
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      Previous post by Shannon Hafner
    • Evan Abbey
       
      Shannon, I like your example here. This is a good illustration of how it takes multiple approaches and some customizing by the teacher to make things most effective.
  • Adheres to, models, and guides ethical behavior, including technological use (ITS 8)
    • Deborah Cleveland
       
      Including course policies is a good idea. Hopefully, they aren't needed, but in the event that an issue pops up it is good to have course policies to fall back on.
    • carolynasmith
       
      Agreed, it's better to have developed policies in advance rather than not have a plan to deal with problems if they arise.
    • Tyler Youngers
       
      AUP are important for online courses. I think they should be short and sweet and should be easily accessible in case of an issue that needs to be resolved.
  • align with course objectives and assessment
    • bgigar
       
      We need to remember this one - adding tools that do not really add to the learning is not productive
    • bgigar
       
      previous post by B Gigar
    • carolynasmith
       
      I agree the tools  must enhance the learning not distract from it.
  • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs
    • bgigar
       
      Online instruction requires some tech savvy :)
    • bgigar
       
      previous post by B Gigar
    • kathyperret
       
      Online instruction requires a growth mindset and the willingness to improve through the use of a variety of online tools. (Kathy Perret) 
  • Meets the professional teaching standards established by a state-licensing agency, or has the academic credentials in the field in which he or she is teaching
    • bgigar
       
      I think it is a good idea for instructors to share information about their background/expertise with students to establish credibility.
    • bgigar
       
      previous post by B Gigar
  • 6. Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process, creating a community of learners (ITS 6) • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A) • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content (SREB D.2, Varvel VII.B, ITS 6.a) • Sets and models clear expectations for appropriate behavior and proper interaction (SREB D.6, ITS 6.b) • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict (Varvel VII.D, ITS 6.e) • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      This is very important early on in the course to assure student success throughout the course. Often the student is so afraid of not meeting course requirement, they just need a little boost of confidence. Once they settle into the routine of the course they gain confidence and can focus on digesting the content and collaborating with others.
    • bgigar
       
      Can't get my name to show up if I share to OLLIE Iowa - B Gigar
    • Shannon Hafner
       
      Creates a safe environment, managing conflict - Participants need to feel comfortable competing assignments and commenting back to each other. I have received comments on course evaluations from participants who stress about assignments that ask them to provide suggestions to other students. Shannon Hafner
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies
    • carolynasmith
       
      This is exciting and frightening since new technologies are developed so frequently it's difficult to stay current.
    • kathyperret
       
      Agree. Technology is changing everyday! One thing I have found helpful is to develop a network of a variety of educators with different areas of expertise. We formed a Voxer group. They are my "go-to group" when I have questions about tools, their use, new advancements, etc... Twitter is also a good source to stay current. (Kathy Perret)
  • Iowa Teaching Standards
    • kathyperret
       
      I like that the Proposed Online Teaching Standards align to the Iowa Teaching Standards. This is helpful so that teachers don't feel they are being asked to do something different. 
  • Provides and communicates evidence of learning
    • kathyperret
       
      Online learning must include ways to communicate and learn with and from others (just as this DIIGO assignment is asking us to do!) 
    • ericalea
       
      Yes, great point! 
    • Alex Glade
       
      This is an important point. As the points above mention the importance of data in evaluating courses and instructional strategies, this provides evidence (data) of student learning. This data demonstrates the level of learning, which is important for students and can also contribute to the evaluation of instructional strategies implemented within the course.
  • Designs the structure of the course and the presentation of the content to best enhance student learning
    • kathyperret
       
      The design elements in online learning are essential. I'm looking forward to learning more about this and designing my course to reflect STUDENT LEARNING rather than dispersing my knowledge on a subject. (Kathy Perret) 
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
  • with o
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
    • kathyperret
       
      Networking is a critical component of any online learning - whether it be a formal course or being a connected educator through tools like Twitter, Blogs, Voxer, etc... Learning needs to be dimensional and collaborative! (Kathy Perret) 
    • Melissa Wicklund
       
      My ISU cohort has been an essential part of my learning during my Master's program.  I believe that a cohort has been the best way for me to go through my master's program because I developed relationships with individuals from across the state and nation.  These individuals have supported and challenged my thinking.
  • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use
    • kathyperret
       
      It is important to build skill not only to work with willing learners, but learners who push the limits. Effective online learning utilizes effective classroom management practices. (Kathy Perret)
    • carolynasmith
       
      This is something I had not really thought about. How to deal with inappropriate technology use.  I look forward to learning how to deal with these situations.
    • Melissa Wicklund
       
      These situations are a part of my everyday job.  We have an AUP but making sure students, teachers, and staff are following through with these expectations is difficult at times.  Appropriate consequences for the behavior are also important.
  • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students
    • kathyperret
       
      Timely feedback is an essential part of online (and face-to-face) learning. (Kathy Perret) 
    • Alex Glade
       
      Providing descriptive, timely feedback is a necessity in any course. Learning is limited without feedback. Relevant feedback promotes more learning from a task and helps to limit misunderstanding of content and/or the expectations of the teacher.
  • and understands how to teach the content to students
    • carolynasmith
       
      The "and" is extremely important here. Both understanding the content and being able to deliver it in a way that is understandable to student is essential for any course.
    • Alex Glade
       
      I believe that this has the biggest impact on student learning. Instructors (whether online, face-to-face, or some other hybrid) must understand effective instructional practices or students will not learn the material. Content knowledge is obviously important, but it does not result in student learning without a solid understanding of best practices in instruction.
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation
    • carolynasmith
       
      So important for students to know what the expectations are for a course.
  • Demonstrates competence in content knowledge (including technological knowledge) appropriate to the instructional position
    • ericalea
       
      This is important in any field, and online teaching and learning is no different. Teachers must be competent in the content they're teaching in order to best serve their students.
  • multiple learning needs
    • ericalea
       
      Teaching online gives us a great opportunity to meet learning needs of many students. 
  • Applies research, knowledge, and skills
    • ericalea
       
      Diigo is a great resource to show students who are working on research as well! 
  • privacy
    • ericalea
       
      Using Diigo as we are now, in a group, is a great time to talk about privacy and positive online interactions with students. 
  • assessment
    • ericalea
       
      Again, online learning in many cases mirrors learning in a classroom; multiple and varied assessments are and have always been best practice.
  • multiple assessment instruments
    • Alex Glade
       
      It is important to include a variety of assessments. I can see how it would be easy to fall into the habit of using a couple of forms of assessments within an online course, but a variety of tools provides a better measure of student learning.
  • s ability to enhanc
    • evanabbey
       
      Sharing the annotation here
  •  
    I shared this annotation because having been a student in online courses since high school, I've found this learning standard is often overlooked. The community aspect is crucial to making everyone feel a part of the learning environment and for keeping students engaged in the learning process. I've had professors/instructors who maintained little online social presence and consequently, I felt disengaged and disjointed from the course. On the other hand, I've had professors/instructors who were deliberate in attaining this learning standard and the end result was much more positive.
Nancy Peterman

Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 5 views

  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
    • jrich12417
       
      I would guess that this is the area where many teachers would feel the most challenged.
    • roberts73
       
      Without seeing their faces, it could be tough to gauge for comprehension. 
    • Cindy Herren
       
      This is crucial to have an instructor who understands the differences in delivery of content, facilitating student-student interactions and effective online pedogogies.
    • karenstock
       
      Every instructor should have a good tutorial or basic course in how to teach online. It's amazing how much the f2f teacher assumes the student knows or expects them to ask. With online, the directions and expectations have to be explicit so there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding, down to the number of words the instructor wants a post to be!
  • Assists students with technology used in the course
    • jrich12417
       
      If students can't use they technology they can't access the content.The technology can be frustrating!
    • roberts73
       
      It needs to intuitive for students access and use.
    • Cindy Herren
       
      I'm curious how often students of online courses need technical assistance beyond understanding the basic tools and LMS, for instance perhaps browsers are not updated, missing necessary plug-ins, error messages, etc.  Is it the responsibility of the instructor or student to troubleshoot this?
    • karenstock
       
      Yah for sure! For those students who are not familiar with the online classroom, it is a two-pronged course: they are learning the content and also learning the system and technology. In my experience with teaching online, I feel the instructor should only be relied on for a little bit of tech help! Despite the fact that I teach online classes, I am not very good with troubleshooting technology issues...I just teach the content.
    • roberts73
       
      It is important to have interaction between students and the instructor to build a community and not feel so isolated during the class.
    • karenstock
       
      I would have to say that it is also important to establish a kind of "netiquette" or online etiquette so that proper communication is established as well :-)
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies (
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
    • roberts73
       
      This is true for not only people who teach online but also support people in a building such as IT staff, guidance, and tech integrationist and administration.
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student
    • Cindy Herren
       
      I feel that this is one of the most powerful experiences in understanding online learning.  Having the experience as a student gives the instructor valuable perspective that will help when creating and managing an online course.
juliefulton

Adaptive Learning System Articles - 2 views

  • Don’t be content to merely argue that you can’t be replaced by a machine. That’s a losing strategy. The winning strategy is to prove it.
    • lisa noe
       
      I don't believe that a machine will every take the place of a teacher.  Building relationships with students is crucial to their success.  No significant amount of learning occurs, when a student's needs are not met.  Student-teacher relationships are fundamental to a student's academic success.
    • kburrington
       
      I don't mean to disagree with you Lisa but I think good programs can replace poor teachers. I agree the programs can't replace a good teacher. A good teacher will learn how to use it as a supplement and teaching tool.
    • ahawthorne
       
      Good programs are very valuable but I don't think teachers need to worry about being replaced. Students can get instruction but still need the interaction with others.
    • juliefulton
       
      Students that struggle academically will not be motivated to learn with out without adaptive technologies. A great relationship with a teacher can engage the student to learn and adaptive technologies are a great resource to aid that teacher!
  • Many students in the United States fail to complete school. 7% of high school students drop out before graduation and nearly half of the students who start college don’t finish within six years. Many of those students who don’t make it to graduation day are the kind of non-traditional students attracted to online learning.
    • lisa noe
       
      Many of my students have indicated that they prefer online learning over the traditional classroom.  Sometimes I worry they aren't getting the same education but at the same time I am thankful they have the opportunity to learn.  I imagine that many of them would have dropped out, if this option was not available.
    • bakersusan
       
      I agree with you Lisa that for some students, online learning is an option that has helped keep them in high school. I think it is important to talk to students who are thinking of dropping out to find out why. The issue may not be school but life. Though having an online program is often a way to help them return if they have left school.
    • kaberding
       
      From my experience working with at risk students at the high school level, along with the intermediate level, most all of them prefer some online learning.  They thrive at the opportunity to use technology.  The only thing I hope we don't do is deface the value of making a connection with the at risk student.  These students not only like non-traditional, they also thrive with making a connection with teachers/adults who show interest in their well-being.  I love the technology, but also love the interaction and connections I make with students.  
    • ahawthorne
       
      I agree, online learning has definitely kept some of my students in school. 
    • sheilig
       
      I agree that the kids need to have a connection with a teacher, too. Our online credit recovery students are encouraged to work in the library on their classes. They know that the library staff will help them. They also have gone to the content teachers for help if they don't understand the explanation online. In addition to the facilitator of our credit recovery program, they have other staff members who are looking out for them and helping them succeed.
  • Adaptive learning tech will let them know when they need to slow down a bit and pay closer attention to the material.
    • madonna63
       
      When we work on our own, we're able to rush thru, maybe not doing the best work we can. AL won't let the student go too fast without letting them be aware of it. It's great that it calls attention to this. This way, the student can either slow down, or decide to do it later, when he/she is able to pay more attention.
  • ...23 more annotations...
  • Teachers don’t want to waste time on the stuff students already know, when what they need is specific help with this one thing that they just can’t figure out.  The data produced by adaptive learning tech allows faculty to steer those conversations in the directions most important to helping the student succeed.
    • madonna63
       
      Typically teachers cover all areas in lessons that they think students might need to know, which takes up a good chunk of classes. With AL, teachers can help students only if the student can't figure something out, thereby eliminating reteaching something they already know. A huge timesaver, plus it gets right to the problem, leaving no time for boredom.
    • kburrington
       
      I really enjoy it in my U.S. History class because it gives me the time to expand on what they already know. Normally they would only get the basic information, now I have the time to ask why or what are going to be the consequence's? (Ken)
    • bakersusan
       
      What a wonderful way to personalize learning for each student.
  • A student using a physics program answers quiz questions about angular momentum incorrectly, so the program offers supplemental materials and more practice problems on that topic. A history student answers questions about the War of the Roses correctly the first time, so the program waits an interval of time and then requizzes the student to make sure that she is able to remember the information. A math student makes a mistake with the specific step of factoring polynomials while attempting to solve a polynomial equation, so the program provides the student with extra hints and supplemental practice problems on that step. An ESL writing student provides incorrect subject/verb agreement in several places within her essay, so the program provides a lesson on that topic and asks the student to find and correct her mistakes.
    • madonna63
       
      These are lessons that are particularly tailored to each student. Most teachers aren't able to do this for each student. These are done instantly, also, which a classroom teacher is also not able to do. Or, maybe the teacher is busy with other students the whole class time and isn't able to get to the student that day. He/she would have to wait or try to figure it out on their own.
    • kburrington
       
      I agree with you. This can especially be helpful when you are working with larger size classes. Sometimes it's just impossible to get around and help everybody. You also have those who won't ask for help. The program is going to help them whether they want it or not. (Ken)
    • bakersusan
       
      If these programs truly do what is listed here, that is great. I know that when I was in the classroom, there were days I wasn't able to get around to all of my students and there were only 30 at most. In most districts that is climbing. I am concerned that the software in these programs doesn't really do what it says it can and therefore, students are the ones left out.
    • ahawthorne
       
      I agree if these programs can really do what this says that would be wonderful. Always in need of additional resources to help students learn different concepts.
  • Adaptive technology can follow a student’s progress as they work and recognize which concepts they’ve mastered and in which areas they need further instruction.
    • kburrington
       
      At the end of a chapter we sit with the student in what we call teaching moments. During these teaching moments we cover material that they did poorly on. It's nice that the program identifies these because time is not wasted on what they already have mastery of. (Ken)
  • If one student’s acing everything they do, the teacher know don’t need any intervention.
    • kburrington
       
      This addresses I situation I often run into. That stigma that Alternative Ed. students aren't as smart. Several of my students are highly intelligent and are extremely bored in traditional classrooms. The adaptive learning programs allow them to move at their own pace and not waste time on stuff they already know or wait while the teacher helps those students who struggle. (Ken)
  • how much you trust the software to do what it claims it can do. These are your students, and you are turning them over to the care of a tutor. Do you trust the tutor to teach the right concepts and, perhaps more importantly, not to give false or misleading guidance?
  • it is critical to develop a clear and well-articulated position on which teaching functions the software can fulfill and which it can’t in order to defend the value of a real college education and the faculty who deliver it.
    • madonna63
       
      All of these positions need to be considered when deciding on what software to purchase. It would, also, be helpful to communicate with another school which uses it. They could tell you where there are strengths and weaknesses. You would need to know as much as you can about what you are specifically wanting from the program. It would be nice to have a trial period to see if it works with what you're needing before you have to purchase it.
  • Furthermore, the study also found that the OLI students took 50% less time to learn all of the content and perform the same or better relative to the traditional students
  • "Let's say you want to teach engineers how to build a bridge," he said. "Do you want them to read something, watch something and then answer a multiple choice quiz, or do you want them to build a bridge with a simulator that gives them specific feedback and specific activity based on that?"
    • kburrington
       
      When looking at different programs this was one of the main things I looked for. One of the main reasons we decided to go with the program we went with was because it contained several interactive experiments in it's science programs. We acknowledged that the students were missing out not being in a traditional classroom doing the hands-on work.
    • juliefulton
       
      Students deperately want to be challenged to their individual level and technology has their attention. Utilizing technology with innovative opportunities to learn are win-win for students and teachers.
  • A big part of what appeals to students about the possibility of online learning is being able to approach the material on their own time, at their own pace.
    • lisa noe
       
      As much as this sounds good, students must have the self-discipline to do their work in a timely manner.  Unfortunately, many do not.  
    • sheilig
       
      I have seen this, too. Most of our credit recovery students need someone to make sure their "own pace" doesn't drag out too long - or wait until the week before school is out. 
  • Important to note, of course, is that in-person instruction does not fall out of the picture in most cases; in fact, it many strengthen instruction as faculty take on a more supporting, coaching role, with less time devoted to delivery of content, which students may or may not already have mastered, and more time focused on one-to-one student engagement and self-paced guidance through a curriculum.
    • lisa noe
       
      I like the idea of being more of a guide on the side than a sage on the stage.  That is the role I prefer to have with my students.  I think it is definitely an important component in a PLE. 
    • sheilig
       
      The students really need that guide still. In addition to learning the content, they are learning how to manage their time and meet deadlines independently. A lot of the students need help with this.
    • ahawthorne
       
      If we want students to become lifelong learners we need them to be able to access information and use that knowledge. As teachers the guide on the side should always be our role, in my opinion. 
  • adaptive learning models as one approach along a spectrum that enables personalization."
  • The CogBooks platform also supports an adaptive approach that takes the student on a pre-programmed path in response to his or her input or pre-test results. The system also incorporates consideration of the best learning sequences, based on a student's responses, knowledge profile, learning-style preferences and even context
  • The root of the problem is not the adaptive technology itself so much as the belief that a “good” education is entirely quantifiable and therefore manageable by computer.
  • You should assess the number of remedial students served yearly, the successes of existing initiatives, the unique challenges faced by the many types of students that can fall within this population, and how successful your institutions is on the whole in serving these students
    • kainley
       
      I think it is important to look at your data. Tier 2 students may need something in addition to their Tier 1 instruction. Maybe the Tier 1 instruction can benefit from using the technology, but it will all be based on the data. This will determine what kind of technology the school will need to provide.
  • we wonder whether some confusion persists about the role of this technology and how drastically it may impact traditional instruction
    • kainley
       
      I wonder this as well as I take the course. If what we are currently doing is showing progress, I would want the technology to show me ways to improve the progress, not just do what we are already doing.
  • offer additional lessons on a subject until the student gains mastery
    • kainley
       
      I love this idea. The idea that a student will be able to come back to it time and time again and gain mastery of a standard is wonderful. When teaching a large group of 20-30 students, we move on when 80% have mastered the standard. I created small group time in my classroom to reach the students who have not mastered it. Using adaptive technology would be a great alternative to that.
  • Adaptive learning technology can help recognize the challenge they’re having and provide additional resources to help them work through it on their own, especially at times when a professor isn’t available to give help.
    • kainley
       
      Having addition resources is key to success. If a student is experiencing a challenging subject for them, it is nice to teach it to them in a different way.
  • Students can also get a clearer idea of when they’re ready to move on. If they’re rushing to complete their work, it can be easy for students to assume they’ve understood what’s in a chapter and jump ahead ­– unless they have to take a quick quiz that shows what information they’ve retained
    • kaberding
       
      I really like the tracking.  I can see who might be having trouble where and I especially like to use it to see if I have a group of students that are not understanding a particular concept.  I can pull not only individuals, but also pull a small group of students to reteach the concept.  
    • juliefulton
       
      Students tend to work on their academics very late in the evening - whether it is due to extra-curricular activities, a job, or procrastination! With this technology, students can get assistance regardless of the time of day/night, when they are in the mood to learn.
  • "I'm a big believer that we should not take the teacher away from the teaching process," he says. "We should build the technology around the teachers to empower them and put them at the center of the story. We want them to be able to leverage the technology, rather than being replaced by it."
    • kaberding
       
      I love this!  The teacher needs to be the center of the learning with many tools and resources available to help students learn in their particular way.  We need access to as many tools and resources we can get, however these programs are costly.  Also, once a teacher gains familiarity with a program, there is risk that it will not be endorsed by the school the following year.  We are experiencing this for the upcoming school year; a program we have used and are very familiar with was just cancelled with no replacement.  That's upsetting.  
  • Adaptive learning technology tracks what and how each student is doing so that teachers can keep up with each student’s progress.
  • There is a cultural temptation, fed somewhat by eager vendors and a press that tends toward an excess of techno-optimism, to believe that adaptive learning platforms are the future of education and can be full replacements for teacher-facilitated classes.
    • sheilig
       
      So true. The students need teachers who care how they do and hold them accountable.
  • "The technology is now cheap enough and powerful enough for this kind of approach to be applied effectively and widely," Martin said.
    • sheilig
       
      Our students have become frustrated with some of the adaptive systems we have tried because there was a lot of down time with the systems. Hopefully as it's use increases the bugs will be fixed. After losing class time to technology issues, I had students tell me to "just give me a worksheet!" 
  • "One of the benefits of adaptive learning is that it frees up faculty members to spend more time with students, to work with them in small groups and individually, essentially flipping the classroom," Johnson said. "We see this [approach] as part of a much bigger pedagogical picture. The technology is a tool that gets us to our goal of rehumanizing our large classes."
    • juliefulton
       
      If Adaptive Technologies can free up a teacher to work in small groups and individually, allowing for personalized learning, then I believe that it benefits the entire educational system. This statement gives me hope that PL is possible given our climate on educational funding.
hsstein

Education World: Tech in the Classroom: Screencast-O-Matic - 2 views

  •  
    A review of Screencast-O-Matic for use in the classroom
Jason Martin-Hiner

Keeping up with tech trends around the US and the world - 0 views

  •  
    Check out this site to get a glimpse into what is happening around the US and the world regarding tech. Thanks to Deb Henkes here in AEA 1 for showing me this site first.
Angie Graham

ollie1reppert: Iowa Online Course Standards - 0 views

    • Sandra Campie
       
      Since we are learning online this has to be especially clear. When it is vague, students will have trouble meeting the goal.
    • Brian Sauerbrei
       
      Do you have any suggestions or guidelines to make that happen? I find that to be a challenge when I'm teaching face to face with some students. That has been a challenge taking this OLLIE class the first week.
  • The course is easy and logical to navigate, including self-describing links
    • Brian Sauerbrei
       
      This is crucial. Every time a specific step is given, the next step has to be easily seen and describe. It is like the instructions for assembling an item.
    • Mike Adair
       
      YEs, and if ever made models like I did as a kid, how many times did you sjip steps to get to the more interesting part? Students today, I find, do the same exact thing in their learning. Lack of patience? Too short an attention span? Lousy instruction by the teacher?
    • susan strube
       
      I'm starting to see more of a connection between what Robert is having us do in our moodle course and what this standard is expecting. Who knew that just the layout of a course on line would be an expectation?
    • Jill Schany
       
      I agree that this is one of the most important things in the expectations of an online course. When I get frustrated by the layout, I tend to give up. I think students do the same.
    • Brian Sauerbrei
       
      It must take hours and hours and hours to set up a long-term online class. My tech person at school there are education computer platforms(programs) that are built on teachers being able to click, drag, and drop links, assignments, blogs, etc. into certain areas of a web page. The computer does all the setup tasks, so the teacher doesn't have to spend the time.
    • Sandra Campie
       
      I think it is important that pages are not too long and it doesn't take a ton of clicking to get where you need to go.
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • Sufficient learning resources and materials
    • Mike Adair
       
      No doubt that suffucient resources are needed, but with the major belt-tightening education is under will we, the teachers, be forced to use the Internet for everything in the way of resources and materials? Will our kids in time lose touch with other ways to research topics or create non-tech learning models?
    • Deanna Tegeler
       
      We are struggling to get the technology resources we want/need. We were initially told 15 computers per classroom which got changed to 15 computers per three classrooms. This has been a huge challenge in my freshmen course that does not have a text. All of it is suppose to be teacher generated but many days due to lack of technology we are making a lot of paper copies.
    • susan strube
       
      We are luck to have a grant that funded our 1:1 computer initiative for next year. Now if we can just troubleshoot in a timely fashion. Technology isn't effective if it doesn't work, so I hope the snags are minimal. Planning lessons around and with technology very frustrating if it doesn't work as planned.
  • The course provider offers orientation training.
    • Mike Adair
       
      A vital component, but I wonder if sometimes we take for granted how technologically-developed our students are without taking into consideration that they still need proper inservicing to get the most out of what we're offering. This class is a perfect example of that.
  • The self-introduction by the instructor is appropriate and available online, and students are likewise asked to introduce themselves to the class.
    • Kristina Greenfield
       
      I never thought about the community component of an online course until we had to introduce ourselves. I originally was skeptical of collaborating with other people via the internet because I didn't think it would feel like a community or that I would get to know my fellow students. However, I've been surprised at how I already feel like I'm communicating and collaborating with my group members.
  • • Information literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum.
    • susan strube
       
      Unfortunately this is a problem for some teachers who believe they only have to be competent in a content area and do not feel able/competent to address reading and writing and reserch standards integral to all education . It appears more and more that teachers need to be "general practitioners" as much as they do "specialists" in their content area.
    • Angie Graham
       
      I believe that technology will force teachers to step out of their comfort area.
    • Angie Graham
       
      I believe that technology will force teachers to step out of their comfort area.
  • Instruction provides students with multiple learning paths to master the content, addressing individual student needs, learning styles and preferences.
    • susan strube
       
      I believe this addresses differentiation, which is an emphasis in our district right now. I find this to be one of the most difficult parts of education.
    • Ashlea Ahrenholtz
       
      Differentiation is a key element in all learning, but can be difficult when trying to master each of these elements. Teaching at the intermediate level, I do worry about meeting all of the different individual student needs. At this level, I try to use technology to enhance the student learning and help reach mastery, but not rely on it.
  • Each lesson/unit includes content and activities, assignments, and assessments to provide multiple learning opportunities for students to master the content. Each unit includes an overview that describes the objectives of the lesson, as well as introduce the upcoming content, activities, assignments, and assessments of the unit.
    • susan strube
       
      Making my content, activities and assesments available to students on line has given the students greater awareness and control over their education.
  • The course provides opportunities for students to engage in higher-order thinking, critical-reasoning activities and thinking in increasingly complex ways.
    • Jill Schany
       
      I chose this because I think that the higher order thinking is always a goal, but my students seem to look for course content that is the old "chug and puke" method of learning. I am struggling trying to change the mindset of students from "Tell me what I need to know..." to "Let me figure this out and apply it to a situation..." That is a struggle in my classroom. Anyone else have this problem?
  • • The course design provides opportunities for appropriate instructor-student interaction, including timely and frequent feedback about student progress based on the learning targets.
    • Jill Schany
       
      My students always want immediate feedback, which I completely understand as a learner. However, when I am correcting papers and tests, I like to spend some time evaluating what they have gotten wrong, what I think they have learned, and why they have perceived the answer to be what it is. I am hopinng that technology will allow me to do this more effectively, but I am concerned that it will be more of a strain to look at everything in a paperless classroom.
  • Proposed Online Course Standards
    • Deena Fries
       
      If this is proposed. Does anyone know when it may be implemented and required? Anyone in the High School Reform groups? Iowa Core groups?
  • web 2.0
    • Deena Fries
       
      I know this sounds odd but, I have never really understood the 2.0? Does someone else have insight to why it's 2.0 and not 4.0 or 10.0 or even version 2.1213132?
    • Robert Reppert
       
      2.0 just means that you are using the web in an interactive way. It's kind of like saying the types of sites we are talking about are an "update" to the typical way people use the web (to get information). So, it's similar to when software companies update their software, they change the version number. :)
  • All resources and materials used in the course are appropriately cited and obey copyright and fair use
    • Angie Graham
       
      This is very important to remember and teach students. It is so easy to copy and paste that we need to remember that citing your work is important
  •  
    Instructions for setting up a course
  •  
    Instructions for setting up a course
  •  
    Instructions for setting up a course
Barbara Day

Education Week Teacher Professional Development Sourcebook: Writing Re-Launched: Teachi... - 1 views

  • Another distinction between the two types of writing is that while traditional writing formats, such as journaling, are frequently used for private reflection, digital writing is almost always meant for an audience.
    • Ginny Kraus
       
      I agree that personal writings are more often found in journaling and by hand while digital writing (wikis, blogs, communications) is for an audience - to be published for others to see.
    • Barbara Day
       
      I like the terminology, digital writing, technology based visual aid.  Wordle or Tagxedo would be good to include in Moodle.
  • Tech-savvy teachers tend to agree that digital writing differs from conventional composition in ways that can spur student engagement and creativity.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • By design, pen-and-paper composition is a one-person undertaking. But digital writing is often collaborative.
  • they can create a text jointly, through shared documents or wikis, or they can take turns posting on a collective blog.
  • Of the many digital tools Malley uses, Google Docs has been one of the most transformational, he says. Google Docs stores documents on the Web, so they are accessible from anywhere, and allows users to share their work with others—making it easy to edit or co-author a piece.
  • Although digital and traditional writing diverge in some ways, their roots are very much alike.
  • Solid conventional writing skills are the basis for making short films as well,
  • The caveat to using digital tools, many tech-savvy educators note, is to keep focused on instructional goals, and not use technology simply for technology’s sake.
    • Barbara Day
       
      Identify which objectives or Common Core Standards you are meeting. If you can't, then you need to rethink the use of this tool.
  • Outside of their classes, students most often encounter digital writing—that is, writing created or read on a computer or other Internet-connected device, as defined in Because Digital Writing Matters, the book Eidman-Aadahl co-authored. While digital writing melds visual, audio, and text, “so much of school writing is consciously in the other direction,” says Eidman-Aadahl.
  • digital writing skills are critical to “college and career readiness.” Digital writing assignments “match the real world” and give students experience composing “in a form people will actually read,” she says.
  • as part of their oral presentations, students were required to include a technology-based visual aid, such as an interactive poster made through Glogster or a word cloud created with Wordle.
  •  
    Article about using technology for teaching writing in schools.
Dean Whaley

ollie1sweetman: Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 0 views

  • • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student (SREB F.1, Varvel II.E)
    • Deb Henkes
       
      I think it is really important to have a variety of experiences with various online courses as a student before becoming an online teacher. That way you get a chance to see what works and also what doesn't. (I've taken some online courses that I've learned what NOT to do!) That way as online teachers we can really make the course an efficient learning experience for the student.
    • Denise Krefting
       
      In all of the teachers who I have worked with becoming online teachers- this is on that I absolutely require! I still take classes from a variety of teachers to see what works and glean other ideas as Deb mentioned.
    • Kelly Josephson
       
      Don't you think that gains such experiences will also allow online teachers to offer their students a variety of options and incorporate differentiation?
    • Andrea Accola-Sabin
       
      I have learned so much so far in this online class, that I will have a feeling of what my students are going through. With this being my first online class, I can experience the stress that students will experience with more schools going 1:1
    • Joe Doerges
       
      I have made it a requirement that a staff member needs to take a course like this before I will set them up as teacher on our Moodle server. That has not been well received, but I'm sticking to it! BTW, that is why I'm taking this class.
    • Rebecca Clausen
       
      This is only my second online class and it is very different from one I just finished. I am just now appreciating all the work and technologies that went into that class. We used the Angel system, Camtasia Studio, tests, reading assignments to download, and a live video meeting each week. However, there were no real community building forums or ways to contact other students. I am really appreciating the help I am getting through the Moodle forums as well has reading about how Moodle technology is already being used in school classrooms.
  • • Communicates with students effectively and consistently
    • Deb Henkes
       
      Communication with the students on a consistent basis is critical in an online course. It allows the class momentum to flow smoothly and often keeps problems or issues to a minimum by addressing them quickly before students become too frustrated.
    • gfrolekclark
       
      Agreed! If students become frustrated or can't have questions answered, you can lose them pretty quickly.
    • Andrea Accola-Sabin
       
      With the blended class that I had last year, I learned that most students did not get on to the computer to do homework until 10 pm or later. Being that I have a 45 minute drive in the morning to get to school I wanted to be in bed by 11 pm. Knowing that my students might need my assistance was troublesome to me, since most did not login until midnight. I told my students that I would probably not respond to work that was completed after 10:30 pm until the next day. Once the students knew this, the class ran smooth. We need to let the students know what are times are going to be to respond to questions!
    • Linda Root
       
      Communication between teacher and student is absolutely necessary for success in any classroom whether it be traditional classroom or an online course. But because feedback is not instantaneous in an online course, communication is even more crucial for longevity and success. The online instructor needs to be very specific about communication times, when they will be dealing with daily student questions, feedback and grading. As a new student to online learning, the one issue I struggle with is my preference to verbal dialogue rather than written communication. I need the immediate feedback that face to face or Skype provides.
  • Understands and uses course content that complies with intellectual property rights and fair use, and assists students in complying as well
    • Denise Krefting
       
      This is something that we do not model enough with our adult learners and students
    • Erin Siefken
       
      This has always been an area of concern for me, it goes back to when I worked in university extension education. I am often concerned about copyrights and how much of someone else's work we can legally use.
  • ...28 more annotations...
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • Denise Krefting
       
      It is important that we use data to make decisions, but because of time, I find that we do not do this as much as we should. How can we make this easier?
    • Melinda Connon
       
      This is a very big challenge. Starting with lack of time, but also lack of statistical skills...starting with NCLB and the impossibility that we can have 100% of our students above the 40%-tile rank. There are requirements for using & interpreting statistics, like simple random sampling and comparing similar populations. In a small school, each grade is not the same population -- and I even saw that when I subbed in larger district as a new teacher.
  • • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students (SREB A.3, Varvel II.A, ITS 2.a)
    • Melinda Connon
       
      I was helping a colleague with an online statistics course this semester. The instructor did not know how to explain or help students other than telling them to reread the text or what she had already written. I did not see if they were using moodle or blackboard,
    • Ginny Kraus
       
      I agree that both (content and technology) knowledges need to be pretty sharp. Students are at all different parts of the spectrum on their own knowledge of the subject and need to have the resources from the instructor to help them succeed.
    • Jenny Rohrbeck
       
      I strongly agree that the instructor needs to know the content of the subject and also needs to know how to teach it as well as have adequate resources to do so. I believe the success of the students depends on the confidence and knowledge of the instructor. I took several online courses in college and without the resources from the instructor or without the instructor knowing how to navigate through the course I would have felt lost! I know several other students in the class that struggled but with a knowledgable instructor they were able to get back on track. I think this is something that can be hard even in face-to-face instruction!...I've had several teachers that weren't sure HOW to teach, while I've had others that were creative and found many ways! This is a vital part of the standards!
    • Andrea Accola-Sabin
       
      With students in our school going 1:1 next fall will help some of them. They will have more access to resources from the internet and the ability to access those resources. I also feel that the teacher needs to be available for the students to ask questions, when they still do not understand for the internet resources.
    • Aryn Kruse
       
      I taught a course using ISU's WebCT system and found that I was so busy troubleshooting the program with learners some days that the content was lost---I think this standard re-emphasizes that the point of using technology is to enhance content learning...so it's important to not let the technology usability get in the way of the content....
  • using appropriate visual web design techniques
    • Melinda Connon
       
      I noticed in Moodle yesterday that it does not lock proportions when you insert pictures. Coming from a family printing business and math teaching career, it's something I notice in amateur publications - people get skinnier without dieting or shorter without osteoporosis. It's a 21st century application of proportions -- cross curricular with graphics/math -- I had to apply it with my Earlham cardinal head.
    • Deb Henkes
       
      I hear you Melinda! Just because you can create a publication doesn't mean you 'should' create a publication!
    • Jenny Rohrbeck
       
      Melinda - I noticed this as well! I was quite surprised that it didn't lock the proportions! I am not great with technology, but this is something that I did notice!
  • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course
  • knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard
    • Kelly Josephson
       
      This is a big concern to me. I feel that I am somewhat competent where technology is concerned, but I still have a lot to learn. If an online course flops, will it be because of a lack of technology skill/knowledge? Almost every teacher feels confident in the content they teach face to face, but they don't always have the confidence in the technological aspect. This is what makes them resistant to change. I think we have to be comfortable with the technological features of management software and explore the endless options that technology has to offer. This give new meaning to life-long learning!
    • Andrea Accola-Sabin
       
      I hope that this moodle course will help me imporve on this standard and benchmark
    • Deb Henkes
       
      Really good comment Kellie about a course flopping due to tech skills or knowledge. I really like the convience that online courses provide but as an online teacher if a runs into a road block you can see their faces to know that they need problems. Continual communication is the key to overcoming some of the those issues. I think that being an online teacher is more demanding than a face-to-face class!
    • gfrolekclark
       
      I think it is important to learn new tools--but experiencing them as a "student" in a course such as this, adds a different experience that I think is important to teachers. Since I am NOT experienced in many of these areas--I am finding myself not only trying to manage content, but also the technology. For some students that won't be a problem--for others, it could be an issue.
    • Kim Cline
       
      I think it is so important that teachers know HOW to use the sites effectively, and which ones are appropriate to use for the correct assignments. Too many times I think online activities are used to simply fill time, and not to get the students thinking critically. Therefore, I completely agree with the statement that says "to improve learning and teaching".
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment
    • Kelly Josephson
       
      To me this means using appropriate technology for the content standards and not just using technology for the sake of using technology in a classroom setting.
    • Ginny Kraus
       
      That is my delema with being a support teacher without a whole "classroom". While students are using technology for their projects (science or social studies, etc.) I don't use it with my students because my curriculum is direct instruction so I won't use it just to meet a "use of technology standard".
  • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners
    • Andrea Accola-Sabin
       
      Moodle should make this easier to use different learning styles
    • Deb Henkes
       
      Absolutely! What are tech strategies to maximize differentation to make learning more engaging for the student?
    • Jenny Rohrbeck
       
      I think this area could be boosted a bit. From a special education teaching perspective there need to be a few changes before students with special needs are able to navigate the system easier. I have taught students with visual and hearing impairments, therefore, I am thinking of the print needing to be larger, possible sign language interpretation video links, etc. I hope these are things that are being worked on or that are already in the works that I haven't seen.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Joe Doerges
       
      It is important that teachers be exposed to different technologies so they cannot only find ones that will or will not work for them, but also know what is available. The problem is finding time to investigate/explore and then implementing them into the classroom.
    • Rebecca Clausen
       
      Before starting this class, I had no idea of the tools that are available. It seems that when I go to investigate one, it leads to looking at another and another. This is a time intensive search process. I would love to see videos of how many of our classmates are already using these technologies.
    • gfrolekclark
       
      Agreed. Finding time to keep up on what is out there is important--that's what I like about communities of learning where people can share what works/doesn't work, etc. It helps when people share what they use/like.
  • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students
    • Joe Doerges
       
      This might be something that teachers might find overwhelming. You have 4 section of American History. Each with 30 students and now they are all sending you questions, posting to forums and other activities that you need to check. How much time is this going to take? When will your teaching day end? When you post to a forum, it does not post until after 30 minutes.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A)
    • Jenny Rohrbeck
       
      This stuck out to me because again it is something that is important in both face-to-face and virutal classrooms! If any of these are missing students will feel disconnected to the course and probably will not do as well. If you are positive, interactive, etc your students will also take action to do these things!
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies
    • Jenny Rohrbeck
       
      I would like to see more professional development in these areas. In our school we were offered the chance to take this class by an email being sent out by our superintendent, which was great, but unfortunately not many of our staff members took this opportunity. I believe if there were more of a "push" to take these courses or to enhance our learning in technology there would be more advancement in this. I am not much of a "techy" (if that's the way it's spelled) and I've found myself fretting over how to complete many of the activities or if it's done right. If I were expected to teach a course online my lack of confidence would lead to my students lacking confidence as well.
    • gfrolekclark
       
      You are so right! What do you think would have motivated your colleagues to take an course?
    • Kim Cline
       
      This is so important, since we all know how quickly technology changes! Staying current is a must!
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
    • Rebecca Clausen
       
      I have really been struggling with the technology of this Moodle class. Our instructor has been very prompt with her helps and that has kept me going. I am concerned that many of our adult learners (teachers) may be intimidated like me by the technology of this type of learning and therefore not use it. It will be very important to have adequate staff development available in order to make all of the wonderful class content that will soon be available accessible to everyone.
  • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication
    • gfrolekclark
       
      Teaching student's about appropriate/acceptable behavior is important. For those of you whose schools are 1:1 schools, how often have you needed to do this? Any problems that came up?
  • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content
    • Karen Thilges
       
      Every class must have collaboration and interaction among all people involved teachers and students. Some students are going have no problems communication via a computer class. Other students not going to be as comfortable communicating via a computer class. Some students will not follow proper etiquette communicating. This concerns me.
    • Kim Cline
       
      My students really enjoy learning when they are doing it collaboratively! All students are putting forth effort because they all want to be using the computers to learn. I need to work more on the student-content part of this standard.
  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face
    • Karen Thilges
       
      Right now as I am creating my own moodle course I am having a difficult time deciding what materials would be best used online and which would be better used in a face-to-face class. Knowing which materials to use and how to present those materials is very important. On-going professional training in this area would be great. We need to remember that learning online is not going to best for all students.
    • Aryn Kruse
       
      I wonder how this is operationalized? What do you all think is "evidence" of this standard?
  • • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication
    • Kim Cline
       
      Keeping the integrity in the assignment is always important and respectful to the students. Keeping students' integrity and respect intact is also part of the teacher's responsibility.
  • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.) (SREB B.3, Varvel III.B)
  • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.) (SREB B.3, Varvel III.B)
  • Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional growth to improve practice
    • Rebecca Clausen
       
      I have always been a heavy reader to keep up with research and knowledge in my professional growth but I have just learned through this course of resources like Diigo that will be such a help in connecting with other professionals and what they are also learning.
  • Understands student motivation and uses techniques to engage students (Varvel V.D, ITS 4.d)
    • Rebecca Clausen
       
      I think getting to understand individual student motivation through online classes will be difficult unless time is given to getting to know your students. Motivation can be such an individual thing.
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation
    • Linda Root
       
      This is very important in both a traditional and online class. The instructor needs to be specific on the course outcomes and expectations. Students need to know what the course will cover and how the student will be asked to show learning.
  • • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict
    • Linda Root
       
      I find this very interesting. I realize not all web based technology provides a safe learning environment for my students buy of all the discussions I have had over the past year about students and technology, not once did I think I might need to deal with any type of behavior problems or managing conflict in my online course.
  • ability level, multiple intelligences
    • Erin Siefken
       
      I think online learning lends itself nicely to differentiation. We cab easily work to the different levels and learning styles without creating much extra work for ourselves.
  • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning, which may include (but is not limited to) age and ability level, multiple intelligences, didactic conversation, student developmental influences, constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, connectivism, and group theory (Varvel V.A)
    • Ann Longfellow
       
      It's difficult to appropriately use on-line learning since there is such a wide range of learning abilities and levels of computer knowledge in a classroom. For a student who doesn't know English, for example, this can be even more challenging than a "regular" classroom experience.
    • Dean Whaley
       
      The ability of being able to acomplish this is difficult in this area due to the wide-range if the abilities of students just in computer knowledge. In one project I assigned last year that took additional two days because I had to teach the students how to make a power point presentation. Something they should of already known how to do. Those student that still don't have internent at home were at a disadvantage.
  • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content (SREB D.2, Varvel VII.B, ITS 6.a)
    • Ann Longfellow
       
      I think technology allows students to really effectively interact with each other to create a project. I have my students make and edit videos in iMovie. I have never had such a collaborative and high quality product that we can view and evaluate as a class.
    • Dean Whaley
       
      The ability to create and edit a project on-line gives the students a chance to work togeather without having to be in the same room.
  • Selects and understands how to evaluate learning materials and resources that align with the context and enhance learning
    • Kim Cline
       
      Knowing how to evaluate materials and make sure that they are enhancing learning and not just providing "busy work" makes the lesson respectable and meaningful to our students.
  • Communicates assessment criteria and standards to students, including rubrics for student performances and participation (Varvel VI.D, ITS 5.b)
  •  
    I think student feedback data is essential to any course. In college, a stat course had been revised due to student feedback (frustration with the complexity of the stat tools). The new tool was much easier to learn and students could learn the material.
Mary Overholtzer

ollie1: Iowa Online Course Standards - 2 views

  • (K-12) • Information literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum.
    • Mary Trent
       
      Communication is key in online classes. I know I have been lost a time or two. I like checklists of requirements for the course.
    • anonymous
       
      Information literacy becomes even more important as more resources are available for our students. They need the tools to be able to filter through all the information out there and search out what is best. Middle school kids seem very willing to believe it if they saw it on the internet.
    • mhauser
       
      I'm 57 years old. My dad, who had an eighth grade education and would be in his 90s were he still alive used to tell us, "Don't believe everything you hear." He would also say, "Don't believe everything you read." My dad was wise. We need to be skeptics. Everyone needs to ask the questions, Who is sharing this information? Why should I believe them? What is their purpose? How old is this information? Can I understand the context in which it's offered? I'm a teacher librarian. I've been working on this for 16 years and love that information literacy is in these standards.
    • Mary Overholtzer
       
      Communication is the hardest thing I do as a wife, mother, teacher, and friend. When I think I am communicating well, it's obvious that others are not!!!! HA! The hardest job I will every do is communicating.
  • • The course design provides opportunities for appropriate instructor-student interaction, including timely and frequent feedback about student progress based on the learning targets.
    • Mary Trent
       
      It's important to encourage students to feel comfortable to ask questions especially when they are lost. Quick, easy, multiple ways to contact the instructor are important.
    • Julia Schreckengast
       
      I would agree so many students are too afraid to ask questions in front of a class. They are just satisfied with not knowing rather than risking embarassment.
    • Laura Eklund
       
      I am involved in a grant program that is about blending the online teaching with face-to-face teaching, which will make the instructor-student interaction easier.
    • Bob Pauk
       
      Obviously this is important, but also challenging when you see as many as 150 students per day. It makes things like clickers and online communicaiton that much more important.
    • Nancy Peterman
       
      Technology has made instructor-student interaction easier, while also making it difficult for students to not become involved. Students quickly see that they are accountable and instructors can track their participation.
    • Kevin Kemp
       
      Students and instructors both need feedback in order to achieve.  Progress can only be achieved with an ongoing, positive conversation
  • All resources and materials used in the course are appropriately cited and obey copyright and fair use.
    • crjessen44
       
      This is something I would like to know more about in the on-line world. I'm not sure on certain issues relating to this and would like to be more clear on my understanding.
    • Ashley Weaver
       
      I would also like information, especially about fair use!
    • Deborah Ausborn
       
      This is one of the greatest concerns I have in planning an online course. I did find a section in the orientation materials for this course that addressed it. It is called "Copyright BriefNotes" and is available from the AEA. I can't tell you exactly where I found it; explored way too many links to be able to retrace my steps and the printout doesn't have a web address. It was a pdf file on a link.
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      It is critical that we model appropriate citing, observance of copyright, and fair use for our students. My middle schoolers have difficulty grasping both the significance and the proper methods of these concepts.
    • Jessica White
       
      This is one of the most important details! Yes, middle school students struggle with citing. It is only going to be more important as more and more online resources are available.
    • Deb Ritchie
       
      I'm pretty clear on rights for print materials, but less sure when the item in question is a graphic, picture, etc. Does it make a difference that our course is only available to students in our classroom and not going out to the world wide web?
  • ...27 more annotations...
  • Sufficient learning resources and materials to increase student success are available to students
    • crjessen44
       
      This is where I think Moodle or other similar tools will have an advantage. I like that I will be able to group all relevant resources together for students. I have a lot of resources right now but they are all scattered..
    • Nancy Peterman
       
      I definitely agree with you about these online tools making resources more available. Like you, I have many resources in many locations. I am gradually moving the resources to my Moodle course pages and plan to expand this to include Diigo. Grouping the resources will provide students with a consistent location while working and provide me with a better method for keeping web pages current.
  • Ongoing and frequent assessments
    • Ashley Weaver
       
      Formative assessments?
    • anonymous
       
      Good question - Would this be a good spot for using some of the online quiz tools that we saw on the Cool Tools website? Is it easier or harder to complete formative assessments in an online setting?
  • Instructions to students on how to meet the learning objectives are adequate and stated clearly.
    • rcordes1961
       
      AS Stiggens said many years ago, students need to know the target before attempting to hit the target. Trying to hit a moving target is frustrating and difficult for everyone!
    • Deborah Ausborn
       
      How true! It is important that the students clearly know what is expected of them.
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      My nine-year old even undertands this! He recently commented, "This assignment would be so much easier if (the teacher) had given us a rubric."
    • Kevin Kemp
       
      If our students don't know what to expect, what are we doing?  Students need and deserve to know what they are responsible to know.
    • mhauser
       
      I need to get better about making clear daily objectives. That's new to me, but my faculties have their learning goals posted on their walls each day. It's great for everybody. Kathy, I love what your son said. Kevin, you are right on the money!
    • Victoria Guilliatt
       
      I put my lesson objectives on the board when I teach my elementary library classes, it makes it easier for the students to know what I expect.
    • Mary Overholtzer
       
      What's amazing to me is when I have a student say, "Give me a rubric, and I can easily get an A with less effort." This scares me....to me it's a way of putting forth mediocre work by "beating" the system. Tha'ts why every rubric I build has a perception component of quality when comparing project/discussions/etc with peers.
  • Assessment strategies and tools, such as "self-check" or practice assignments, make the student continuously aware of his/her progress in class and mastery of the content beyond letter grades.
    • Julia Schreckengast
       
      I am going to try to use next year with my CoPi blended classroom.
    • Amy Kemp
       
      I hope to create some practice problems or a quiz using Softchalk.  I have never created anything myself for them to do online.
  • The course instruction includes activities that engage students in active learning
    • Laura Eklund
       
      This is a great place for the cool tools for school, but there are so many out there I don't know where to begin. Also, it seems like everytime I find a tool that engages students a new and better tool comes out and I have relearn everything about that tool.
  • The course instruction includes activities that engage students in active learning
    • Bob Pauk
       
      Students today live in a different world than the one most of us in this class experienced when we were young. Sitting for 45 minutes with nothing more than an overhead projector or chalkboard to look at and nothing more than a teachers voice to hear is just completely out of touch with the way students experience things outside of the classroom. As educators we need to keep that in mind or we really will have kids bored to death.
    • Joleen Louwsma
       
      Students are multitaskers and grow bored when not challenged. Active and interactive learning is one way to keep them engaged. I also feel that as teachers we need to change our " tools" and raise the bar for learning.
    • mhauser
       
      In most classes, I think we have about 10 minutes to direct students toward the learning that we hope will happen that day. Then we have to let them get started on their learning and coach them as needed for the rest of the class. If there is confusion or a common thread shows up during the class time, the coach/facilitator/teacher might stop the student work to explain, or to have a student explain the issue, but otherwise, the focus is definitely not on the teacher. It's not about us. ;-)
  • • Academic integrity and netiquette (Internet etiquette) expectations regarding lesson activities, discussions, e-mail communications and plagiarism are clearly stated
    • Matt Tracy
       
      This, I believe, is more and more important because our students really struggle with understanding that once something is on the web, it's out there for good. They also struggle with understanding just the basics of appropriateness.
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      Do you think that in many cases students do know what is appropriate and what is not? I think that students sometimes push the limits to see if the instructor cares enough to hold them accountable.
  • The course goals and objectives are measurable and clearly state what the participants will know or be able to do at the end of the course
    • Bob Pauk
       
      This one is so simple, yet doing this effectively is probably on of the most important things an instructor can do to avoid problems down the road.
    • rcordes1961
       
      I agree, Bob. I think sometimes we believe students are suppose to be mind readers when it comes to what they will learn or be able to do.
    • Jason Gomez
       
      My school went to putting the learning target on the board everyday. I think it was good, but should be incorporated with a "ticket out the door" activity.
  • Instruction provides students with multiple learning paths to master the content, addressing individual student needs, learning styles and preferences
    • Deborah Ausborn
       
      I really love the idea that we can tailor courses to meet the needs of individual students. I would like to explore ways to have various paths leading to mastery. Once a student has mastered a concept, he or she can move on to the next concept. A student who needs more practice could be redirected to more learning activities on the same concept. One size does not fit all.
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      As I learn more about online learning and using Moodle, I am excited about the possibilities for differentiation. I see this as one of the greatest strengths of the format.
    • Bev Berns
       
      I love the idea of giving students ownership in their learning!
  • Technologies are chosen that are accessible to students
    • rcordes1961
       
      We need to keep in mind not all students have internet access at home. Online learning cannot be another way of separating the haves from the have nots.
    • Tresa Zaragoza
       
      This is the one that worries me the most. Between having enough computers and having them work when we need them.
  • A clear, complete course overview and syllabus are included in the course
    • Joleen Louwsma
       
      This is an important factor in making a successful class. What I think is clear and concise may be confusing to my students. Writing the syllabus, the course overview, expectations, and lesson instructions will be an ongoing process.
  • Instructions make clear how to get started and where to find various course components
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      As students in this course, many of us understand that it may be easy to be overwhelmed when starting out in online learning. We help our students with simple and clear guidance.
    • Mary Overholtzer
       
      As time goes on, what we consider to be so difficult, becomes easier as time goes on. We must note that while we teach online learners---and naturally, while they teach us too.
  • The requirements for student work, including student interaction, are clearly articulated.
    • Kathy Hageman
       
      Limited experiences teaching online have taught me that the quality of student interaction rises significantly when there are rubrics that spell out expectations for student posts. Otherwise, students easily slip into the language and style of non-academic online social interactions.
  • The course provider offers the course teacher, school coordinator assistance with technical support and course management. .
    • April Tidwell
       
      I feel this is so important. One of my biggest concerns about going 1:1 next year is the lack of tech support. I haven't seen any plan to increase the tech department, and I often have to wait days to get answers currently from the help desk. Students get extremely frustrated when technology doesn't work especially if there is no one there to help them.
  • The course provides opportunities for appropriate student interaction with the content to foster mastery and application of the material.
    • Heather Gould
       
      Rigor and Relevance is the Characteristic of Effective Instruction that comes to mind as I read this. Good instruction is good instruction, regardless of the teaching modality. In a student-centered environment, as this suggests, students are encouraged to collaborate with others as they take their new knowledge and apply it.
    • Steven Petersen
       
      This is critical. Without face-to-face interaction there has to be a method put in place for frequent contact by the teacher. Students always have questions and an inability to address those questions will lead to frustration.
  • The course accommodates multiple school calendars; e.g., block, 4X4 and traditional schedules
    • Steven Petersen
       
      Why should this matter. Unless it is a blended class the confines of the school schedule should be immaterial.
  • The course provides opportunities for appropriate instructor-student and student-student interaction to foster mastery and application of the material and a plan for monitoring that interaction.
    • hollysoby
       
      This is one I'm excited about - I'm hoping by mixing online with face to face learning I can have more interaction with quiet students - though I know from taking online classes it can be easy to just do enough to get by if there aren't a lot of opportunities to interact.
    • Tim Hadley
       
      I am hoping that is portion of the "face to face" is built in to help accomodate learning for students who are having trouble mastering the content. My worse fear of online learning is making the material move too quickly for students to keep up, making them frustrated and not positive learners.
  • The course structure includes a wide variety of assessment procedures to assess students’ mastery of content.
    • hollysoby
       
      This is something I feel like I need to be careful about - I think it's easy to get so excited about new ideas I throw a lot of projects at students at once - I need to think really hard about what I want to assess them on.
    • Tim Hadley
       
      Glad it isn't just me, I find that I also get pumped about something, throw it out to the students to "try" and then I realize at the end that I had no way to measure whether it was really effective or not.
  • • Grading policy and practices are easy to understand.
  • 21st century skills in the course, including: using 21st century skills in the core subjects, 21st century content, learning and thinking skills, ICT literacy, self-directed learning, global awareness
    • Tim Hadley
       
      Courses being online in and of themselves are 21st Century learning skills. However, I believe, online instruction should include more than just being posted on the internet. It should push students to be self-directed and global learners. Fulfilling this standard will take work, but I believe it is one of the most important goals of learning.
  • Hardware, web browser and software requirements, as well as prerequisite technology skills are specified.
    • Tim Hadley
       
      This is something I hadn't really thought about, but it makes sense. If students can't access your course from the beginning it would make it hard to impossible to be able to complete it.
  • Specific and descriptive criteria, including rubrics, are provided for the evaluation of students’ work and participation.
    • Jessica White
       
      This is always important to me as a teacher. Students must know how they are graded before the assignment/project is started. This would be the same with online learning.
  • The course provides opportunities for students to engage in higher-order thinking, critical-reasoning activities and thinking in increasingly complex ways
    • Deb Ritchie
       
      This is the standard that I'm most interested in. How do we make sure students are not doing the same old things only now with a computer? We need to keep the bar up there for higher-order thinking skills and critical reasoning. I'm hoing to gather ideas from class to help me do this.
  • instructional materials are aligned with the content
    • Victoria Guilliatt
       
      This is very important when I teach the elementary students in the library because it is very easy for them to become lost in the lesson
  • The course content and assignments are aligned with state’s content standards or nationally accepted content standards
    • Jason Gomez
       
      This always worries me; is the content of my class the same as the state's content? My district has gone to content mapping which makes it very easy to know that we are following state standards
roberts73

Screencasting Tools for Tech Support | Cool Tools | School Library Journal - 4 views

  •  
    Great tools and free!
  • ...1 more comment...
  •  
    I've used Screen-cast-o-matic and really liked it. I'm wondering...has anyone used the AirServer that allows you to mirror your mobile device to a screen? Good? Other Options? Thanks!
  •  
    Deborah, Although I do not have any experience with AirServer, I can suggest another option. I use Reflector for wireless mirroring and have no complaints. (http://www.airsquirrels.com/reflector/)
  •  
    Thanks Kathy! I actually had reflector on my old device, but when I upgraded it disappeared and I couldn't remember the name. You saved me:)
Michelle Murray

[Infographic] What Teachers and Parents Feel About Technology in the Classroo... - 4 views

  •  
    This edtech infographic shows how teachers and parents feel about technology in the classroom.
  •  
    I'd like to know more about creating infographics. Any info appreciated! Thanks
  •  
    As a teacher and a parent, I feel too much of anything is not good. I do not like them sitting in front of a 'TV screen' during the day. I think it is too much screen time. There are also health issues to it. My daughter has fused bones in her neck because she has an iPad for school that all the teachers use and she looks down at it and has created problems in her neck. I realize we have to get the students ready for the high tech world they will live in, but before all the high tech, we did just fine with the 'old school' methods and helped teach the kids that came up with the technology. 'Old school' can't be that bad!
Marcia Powell

Things 21st Century Teachers Should Be Able to Do ~ Educational Technology and Mobile L... - 0 views

  •  
    I am wondering what the group thinks of this infographic, and whether it is about the tech, or about the learning.   I'd appreciate your perspective.
Jill Carlson

"Personalized" vs. "Personal" Learning - 3 views

  • all children don’t learn the same way and personalization seems to honor those differences
    • krcouch
       
      we need to personalize learning for students so they can grow as learners.
    • dassom
       
      I like the part about honoring the differencees, When we ignore the difference in our students we are not really doing that great job of teaching. Sometimes it may be more work, but teaching the same way or in the same style everyday is also not fair to our students. Mix it up some days even if you can't fully commit to personalization.
    • carlarwall
       
      There are many things teachers can do on the daily to make learning different for students. The important thing to remember is to start small and not overwhelm yourself by trying to do too many new things at once.
  • it implies moving away from the industrialized form of education that pumps out cookie-cutter students with the same knowledge and skills.
    • krcouch
       
      agreed we need to have students with different mindsets and be able to grow as learners, Not just doing the same as all other kids
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Right. No longer are the majority of our students needing a certain skill set which allowed them to return to the farm as soon as possible. So much discussion that our school system still operates as it did 100 years ago. We must address this.
  • “personalization,” “engagement” and “flip.
    • krcouch
       
      Love the idea of all of these. I think the wave of the future is flipping the classroom and personalizing students' learning.
  • ...51 more annotations...
  • Personal learning entails working with each child to create projects of intellectual discovery that reflect his or her unique needs and interests
    • krcouch
       
      love this idea
  • master a set of skills mandated by people who have never met them
    • Mike Radue
       
      A learner profile is a fundamental element of a personalized learning system. The use of this technique is preferred over "one size fits all" approaches to learning. Many do not want things to be mandated to them and we know that relationships are an integral part of positive learning experiences.
  • but meaningful (and truly personal) learning never requires technology
    • Mike Radue
       
      This is sage wisdom/advice that we can't forget. Some folks try to make it seem like you need the tech when in fact you don't. As public servants, we have to think carefully and choose wisely when it comes to decisions on software/hardware and the cost/benefit involved.
    • dassom
       
      When using anyone else's resources it's important to be skepitcal. The resource has the obvious puprose of teaching or informing the student of something or teaching tem something, but technology is not necessary to perzonalize the learning, the method or way to personalize learning my be very low-tech.
    • anonymous
       
      This really moves personal learning up in Bloom's taxonomy. Allows students to analyze and create with or without technology.
  • it’s crucially more important to have the dispositions and the skills to create our own educational opportunities, not be trained to wait for opportunities that someone else has selected for delivery.
    • Mike Radue
       
      The empowered learner can create their own educational opportunities. Not many people like to wait in lines, anywhere. Definitely not in school and without personalized learning, we put our students in positions at times where they have to wait for others to come along or for some other external factor beyond their control.
    • carlarwall
       
      It is so interesting to think about the possibilities that personalized learning could provide to so many students of all abilities.
  • We often say we want creativity and innovation
    • hansenn
       
      Sometimes when I give students the freedom of choice it motivates them to learn and others students lack curiosity and need guidance to spark innovation.
    • brarykat
       
      Too many choices can also make it confusing for students.  I hope this class will provide strategies to use with those unmotivated students.
  • student moving through a prescribed set of activities at his own pace. The
    • hansenn
       
      Even this personal learning at your own pace would be difficult if students were interacting with other students in forum. Forums would need to be done at some set time.
    • brarykat
       
      Personalized learning should have flexible pacing, within reason.  Classes should still have deadlines and set expectations providing framework for students to succeed.
    • carlarwall
       
      There is certainly a difference between personalized learning and working on a set list at your own pace.
  • Technology was strikingly absent from these conversations. I
    • hansenn
       
      To me technology or blended learning would have to play some role in getting away from the one-size fits all model. Technology allows students to explore on their own and offers many resources to do so.
    • brarykat
       
      Technology also allows time to be part of student choice.  The flexibility of doing online assignments provides more options with programs, research, and making .connecting world-wide.
  • standardized tests, while at the same time telling teachers to be innovative and creative within their classrooms.
    • hansenn
       
      The skills needed for real life jobs and situations cannot be accessed by standardized tests. Students should be learning about how to be innovative and creative to solve real problems.
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Teachers feel the pressure to follow districts curriculum so closely that they are scared to get away from teaching traditionally and giving students the opportunity for personalized learning.
  • the best thing we can do for kids is empower them to make regular, important, thoughtful decisions about their own learning, what they learn and how they learn it
    • Mike Radue
       
      I think it all starts with the empowered learner and follows with the teacher's ability to guide as necessary, the learner has to be at the center and making the majority of the decisions around the learning plan with support as needed.
  • flipping doesn’t do much for helping kids become better learners in the sense of being able to drive their own education.
    • bbraack
       
      I agree flipping doesn't always help students become better learners of their own education, but I think it does help students learn the lesson since they are able to view videos and then do more deeper problem solving. But it doesn't drive their own learning, we are still telling them what they need to learn.
  • “’Personalized’ learning is something that we do to kids; ‘personal’ learning is something they do for themselves.
    • bbraack
       
      When something is "Personalized" for a student, I feel we still have given the student what they need to learn what they are interested in, the technology, the resources, etc. If learning is supposed to be about what the student wants to learn, then they should be the ones to find the technology and resources they need to learn. That way, it is more personal to the student.
    • carlarwall
       
      I completely agree with this statement. Many students will still need that adult guidance and supports and then the teacher can step back and allow students to work toward their next steps.
  • personalization only comes when students have authentic choice over how to tackle a problem
    • bbraack
       
      If a student doesn't have a choice or a limited number of choices in what they want to learn or how to tackle a problem, then it truly isn't Personalized. The teacher still had some say in what or how the student was to go about learning the information or problem and how to solve it. Students need complete control and/or choice in the way they go about learning their interest.
  • We often say we want creativity and innovation – personalization – but every mechanism we use to measure it is through control and compliance,
    • bbraack
       
      It is true we always ask students to be creative and innovative so that they feel like they have control of what their end product is, but when we have the state and districts tell us what needs to be taught and then give standardized tests, the personalization has disappeared.
  • control and compliance.
    • brarykat
       
      Standardized testing and required assessments do not jive with personalized learning.  They are ways to assess student understanding of concepts but are examples of the control and expected compliance in our current educational system.
  • truly personalized learning experience requires student choice
    • dykstras
       
      Here lies the sticking point with most teachers ... giving students a choice. Finding creative ways to do this, along with meeting standards and expectations will be the challenge of today's generation of educators.
    • blockerl
       
      I agree with you. It is challenging to provide choice with all of the expected standards and CFAs, etc. How do we honor all things? I love to give my students choice, but it isn't always easy. Is it only the content where they don't get much choice? Can we vary our process and product options to allow for choice there?
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I think it would benefit us to see lesson plan or video examples where student choice is present while still addressing the standards. I think we talk a ton about the why but then struggle when coming up with concrete steps.
  • That was flipping the curriculum, but it still wasn’t flipping the control of the learning.
    • dykstras
       
      Unfortunately for me, this describes my 'flipping' experience as well. In my mind, they should be learning the material at home by reading, watching videos, and doing research and practicing, applying, and extending their learning at school. In reality what I have experienced is that only truly motivated learners want to learn this way and experience success. Forcing it on someone does not work ... and in the sense of this article is nowhere personalized learning.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agreed Shawn. "We" the teachers are still in charge of the students learning. We haven't given over control to the student yet.
  • “delivery of instruction.”
    • dykstras
       
      Interesting how the connotation with this phrase has changed over the years. One might argue in my early teaching years this was number 1 on the list of things a teacher better be good at. Today 'good teaching' is more about being a facilitator of knowledge and not the delivery boy of it.
  • The main objective is just to raise test scores
    • dykstras
       
      I long for the day when this isn't even a consideration! Until then, this topic must appear in every article like this. Ironic timing...we give the Iowa Assessments tomorrow and guess what, my boss(es) aren't asking me for my personalized learning plans, but rather what tactics were recently employed to raise test scores and show growth.
  • while making sense of ideas is surely personal, it is not exclusively individual because it involves collaboration and takes place in a community
    • dykstras
       
      Excellent advice to end with, personal does not equal individual
  • resource rich
    • blockerl
       
      I'm interested to see what "resource rich" looks like. If students are in charge of their own learning, what are the best resources to provide them? Is it that we have a lot of options like databases for them to draw the information, or is it the teacher's job to do some of that curation?
  • “Personalized” learning is something that we do to kids; “personal” learning is something they do for themselves
    • schma3
       
      We spend too much time doing things TO kids. And not giving students ownership.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is a critical step to get our students started. This is just like swimming. We could throw them in the deep end and see what happens or we could start in the shallow end and give them the tools and skills needed to be successful. I vote for the later!
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree with both of you. Educators do spend too much time doing things TO kids instead of guiding them to learn it for themselves. The critical step is to get them started by encouraging them to try and fail at new things. Students don't know a world without devices but they don't know how to utilize those devices as learning tools. That is the starting point in the shallow end of the pool (or as I know it - elementary school.) It is just as important to give them the skills needed to use the tools as it is to give them the tools.
  • short term.
  • If we can’t engage our kids in ideas and explorations that require no technology, then we have surely lost our way.
    • schma3
       
      So true....putting technology in front of a student, does not magically make a student learn.
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree. They need to be exposed to the skill sets needed to utilize the technology as tools for learning.
    • carlarwall
       
      The challenge some teachers see with this idea is that using the technology is the easy way to get kids engaged. There were ways to engage students in learning before schools went to the one to one concept.
  • moving ownership of learning away from the teacher and more toward the student
    • schma3
       
      Who's doing the work? Flipping has become a very surface level strategy- as he said, taking care of those mundane housekeeping tasks, not really taking advantage of the possibilities!
    • jwalt15
       
      Well said! Flipping a classroom doesn't change learning ownership. It is just a different way to do the same teacher led lecture. It is not any different then creating or scanning a worksheet to do on the computer.
    • schma3
       
      That's a great way to think about that...who own's the learning? We haven't changed instruction or how the instruction is given.
  • for
  • A term like “mass customized learning,”
    • schma3
       
      Wow...someone really thought this phrase was a good idea??
  • kids spend much of their time learning with and from one another.
    • schma3
       
      Thinking about how adults learn best- isn't that how we learn? Collaboratively with others? Rarely do I learn in isolation.
  • tandardized way
    • dassom
       
      It's important that you have a standardize way of addressing the personalization. You need to know the end goal and the different pathways they can get there. If you jump into this without proper preparation you could loose some kids along the way.
  • Our systems and assessments assume that neither content nor access to teachers is widely available, and that we must deliver a proscribed, fairly narrow curriculum to each child because if they don’t have it in their heads when they need it, they will fail at the task
    • schma3
       
      I think about how much I have learned outside of a classroom or a course. In education we have to get over ourselves thinking that once a student leaves our high schools they know everything they need to know and will never learn again (outside of school). Unfortunately- our assessments drive this. If a student is proficient, they are "good". :-)
  • huge disruption
    • dassom
       
      I forgot about this phrase from our previous learning. Maybe it was in our Blended Book? I think it's a important phrase to keep in mind. If you are being true to updating your classroom/curriculum to match modern students it MUST be a disruptive environment.
  • skeptical
  • flipped classrooms, flipped teachers, flipped texts. For the uninitiated, the flipped concept suggests that we can now use technology to offload many of the more mundane classroom tasks
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is such a large issue. People use technology and say they have flipped their classroom when in essence all they did was digitize their paper documents.
  • It requires the presence of a caring teacher who knows each child well.
    • blockerl
       
      It is important for me to know and understand my students. I think sometimes, after having new students year in and year out, we forget to do the little things that helps us to really know our students. I always appreciate the reminder.
  • “monitor students’ progress,” we should immediately ask, “What do you mean by progress?” That word, like achievement, often refers to nothing more than results on dreadful tests.
    • blockerl
       
      Umm, I can't help but think about the CFAs we are creating in our teacher teams. Are we doing things wrong?
  • You want to really engage kids? Give them opportunities to learn personally, to create their own texts and courses of study, and to pursue that learning with others in and out of the classroom who share a passion.
    • jwalt15
       
      I think this is a very powerful statement. Every learner, whether they are young or old, will be more engaged in their learning if they are given the opportunity to decide their own courses of study with others who share their passion.
  • A suffix can change everything. When you attach -ality to sentiment, for example, you end up with what Wallace Stevens called a failure of feeling.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      This is part of the discussion as to why the new ISTE standards reflect roles rather than actions. For example, instead of "digital citizenship" the standard now describes a "digital citizen", and I think this makes all the difference.
  • Will Richardson
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I wonder if we asked our students what skills they thought they should acquire via school if they would be anything remotely resembling our state standards...
  • synthesize and analyze information into original productions.
    • carlarwall
       
      This type of personalization also adds the higher order skills from Bloom's Taxonomy and is more rigorous for students.
  • nothing to do with the person sitting in front of you
    • emmeyer
       
      PERSONalized learning is all about the person sitting in front of you, not what is easy for the teacher.
  • allows students to work at their own pace and level, meets the individual needs of students
    • emmeyer
       
      When students are able to work at their own pace and level, they thrive. They are able to complete and correctly practice the skills that are being taught to them.
  • But as is so often the case in education, I’m not sure we as a community are spending enough time digging to parse what those words really mean, especially in the context of what deep learning now requires in a connected world.
    • emmeyer
       
      This is sad, but true. Often in education, we jump in without fully understanding what makes something truly effective. Or we put our own spin on it to make it easier/ "more effective."
  • And while they come from the same root, those two words are vastly different
    • emmeyer
       
      This is a very important distinction. Personal learning teachers students to become lifelong learners!
  • personalized environment gives students the freedom
    • anonymous
       
      Students would love to have "freedom" in a classroom.
  • with access to the sum of human knowledge in our pockets
    • anonymous
       
      Who needs to learn any more when we can "Google" the answer? I've heard this comment time and time again. So now we need to set a new standard in how students learn.
  • promote and give opportunities
    • anonymous
       
      Yes, give the students opportunities for personalized learning. Students can choose their opportunity, it's not owned by the teacher.
  • bits of information, not the construction of meaning.
  • word
  • only choice
    • Jill Carlson
       
      When students are given choice, learning is more meaningful to them.
  • eave little room for the kind of authentic, whole-child personalization many teachers dream of offering
  • many school district leaders require public school educators to teach a specific curriculum
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Teachers want to provide personalized learning but are not always allowed the freedom they need. Teachers feel the pressure of 25+ students in one classroom meeting the standards they need to meet.
  • She cautions educators who may be excited about the progressive educational implications for “personalized learning” to make sure everyone they work with is on the same page about what that phrase means.
    • Jill Carlson
       
      Each school district will need to have a conversation about what personalized learning is to be on the same page.
hansenn

ollie-afe-2018: Building a Better Mousetrap - 3 views

  • we ought to illicit student input when constructing rubrics
    • leighbellville
       
      Student input when creating rubrics would assist them in fully understanding the expectations set forth. It would be interesting to see examples of rubrics constructed with student input.
    • bbraack
       
      Having students illicit input in making of the rubric gives the students ownership and feel like they have a say in what should be assessed.
    • dykstras
       
      This would be tough for me to do in an ALgebra class as a majority of what i am teaching is brand new to them.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      I love this idea! I think there would be the initial learning curve of how to design a rubric, but a teacher could explain some of the main features/expectations of the projects and then let the students have some say in what excellent would look like etc.
    • carlarwall
       
      Building autonomy in our students and promoting learner agency! What a novel idea.
    • brarykat
       
      Great idea but realistically when would any teacher have time to gather input?  Could it be through exit tickets?  I could see Google Forms be used as a way to collect input. It still would mean dedicated time to review input.   
    • staudtt
       
      I have had mixed feelings with this. For those that have done it do students really help design to further learning? I have had conversations with educators that say in some cases students create simple rubrics to make the expectations easy to attain. Just wondering what experiences were.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      As far as the time committment, I don't think it would have to be student created all day every day. I think allowing them to contribute when possible AND pulling out previous rubrics which students contributed on in the past shows the students that the teacher listens to student voice on a regular basis. Not necessarily 24/7. :)
  • dehumanize the act of writing
  • At the beginning of the process, you could ask a student to select to select which aspect she values the most in her writing and weight that aspect when you assess her paper.
    • leighbellville
       
      The idea of asking a student to choose which aspect "she values most" to determine the piece that will be weighted more heavily is an interesting one. I think it lends itself to creating personalized goals with students. Similar to when we ask teachers if there is a specific area they would like to focus on to receive a rating and feedback during an AIW scoring, it could create opportunities for growth and discussion between the teacher and the student.
  • ...67 more annotations...
  • rubrics can help the student with self-assessment; what is most important here is not the final product the students produce, but the habits of mind practiced in the act of self-assessment.
    • bbraack
       
      Though the end product is important, I agree that it is important for the student to think about what or how they are going to go about constructing the end product.
    • jhazelton11
       
      True. If students could accurately self-assess, their end-products ultimately become stronger.
    • stephlindmark
       
      This is when the true spirit of education come through when there is self reflection and self assessment occurs.
    • carlarwall
       
      The best way to get students to use self-reflection and self assessment is for teachers to also model this same practice.
    • dassom
       
      I often forget about the benefit of students being able to self assess. It would not be as useful in probably a math class since it's usually a yes or a no. However in a writing assignment it could help the students see how much work they need to do to get to the next level.
    • blockerl
       
      I agree that it is important to encourage self-assessment. I also like to show students things I have written so they can grade me on the rubric. They enjoy critiquing their teacher. :)
  • produced less interesting essays when they followed the rules [as outlined in a rubric]
    • bbraack
       
      I can see where students would be too concerned with following the rubric in writing, instead of just writing for the fun of it or pleasure of adding things to their writing that they might not when using a rubric.
    • krcouch
       
      I love when they write for fun but they still need to know the basics of grammar and sentence structure etc. and even writing and then going back and doing a self evaluation would be helpful to see if they got all the required items.
    • staudtt
       
      My biggest fear in creating a rubric is just this. How do I write it to encourage going the extra mile and encourage not squash creativity?
  • The second step is deciding who your audience is going to be. If the rubric is primarily used for instruction and will be shared with your students, then it should be non-judgemental, free of educational jargon, and reflect the critical vocabulary that you use in your classroom
    • leighbellville
       
      Purpose and audience are two important considerations when developing a rubric. The point of including "critical vocabulary that you use in your classroom" and ensuring that it is "non-judgemental" are pieces that can be overlooked by educators.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I really like that this emphasizes that the rubric be free from educational jargon.
    • carlarwall
       
      Student friendly language is key if we want the student self reflection to happen.
    • Mike Radue
       
      I think it's helpful to consider / reflect on the notion of the students as our audience in terms of assessment and feedback. Remaining non-judgemental is important to remember in the assessment mode.
  • an analytical rubric, however, will yield more detailed information about student performance and, therefore, will provide the student with more specific feedback.
    • bbraack
       
      I like the idea of having two or more separate scales (analytical rubric). Some parts of an assignment or test might have the student do more and so it should have a different scale. Specific feedback for students is always important so they can understand how they did and what they might need to improve on.
  • Can different scorers consistently apply the rubric?
    • brarykat
       
      I hadn't considered this being an issue until our small group assignment this week.  I've only used rubrics in isolation.  Interesting thought for teachers in department (i.e. Social Studies) using same rubric.
    • leighbellville
       
      Inter-rater reliability is essential. The goal is promoting creativity and creating clear expectations. However, by including too many details, we run the risk of formulaic writing. It is important to ensure students understand the expectations, but also stretch themselves and do not do the minimum required to reach proficiency. On the other hand, when enough detail is not included, then we can run the risk of a rubric that becomes too subjective and then two scorers can review the same piece of writing and score it differently based on their own expectations.
  • stultifying and others see as empowering.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      First of all, I had not seen the word stultifying before! In order for a rubric or other type of assessments to be empowering, students must understand how to use them and have examples that help guide the conversation. Students need to know the expectations and what is considered and exceeds and just beginning. We must put more ownership on the kids' ends to self-assess well before the final due date. We want kids to improve it. I have come to love checklists to help guide this.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I just commented about how students need to see the rubric before hand so they know what is expected of them. I love the idea of using checklists more to help guide the learning.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Agreed. What good is a rubric if we don't let the students see it ahead of time? Are we setting students up for failure?
    • emmeyer
       
      Sadly, it is so easy to get wrapped up in all that we have to do in the short amount of time and not show the students the rubric, even when we know that it is more meaningful to show the rubric ahead of time.
    • blockerl
       
      I feel both ways about rubrics. Rubrics certainly help the students and teachers know what is expected out of an assignment, but they can sometimes restrict a student's creativity. I feel like we saw that when we applied our rubric to some of the assignments this week.
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think this is a major problem for a lot of PLCs I work with. Some don't even want students to see exemplars for fear of limiting creativity.
  • post-secondary educators in all disciplines
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I have had quite a bit of training on assessment and rubrics and still feel it is almost impossible to write a good one. Are our post-secondary educators, many of whom don't necessarily have a teaching background, feel comfortable developing rubrics? Who is in charge of this huge task that can be career ending or career beginning for some?
    • nickol11
       
      I couldn't agree more with your thoughts here! And depending on who is assessing your rubric the feedback, grows and glows you receive will also be different. OR what one person is taught as never to include in a rubric another person is taught to always do that.
    • dykstras
       
      Heather, I am with you. Right now I am torn because I am supposed to be assessing my Algebra classes by standards with rubrics created for me at the district level, but everything I read indicates that these should be teacher created. i'm not sure who is more (or less) qualified to be doing this type of work, the individual teachers or the district level decision makers?
  • current goals of solving real problems and using statistical reasoning.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      This perplexes me...As Mike pointed out the need to focus more on the process, do we focus too much on the final product? Can't we have separate rubrics that assess along the way to help with this? It would improve learning but and help teachers truly give a grade with multiple indicators that assess work ethic, collaboration, final product, and the process. I am glad to hear that our focus isn't always on the right answer but creating students who can reason and problem solve.
    • lisamsuya
       
      That idea resonates with me. Rubrics to help students with the process makes sense. Maybe the learning progressions would be helpful for teachers to create rubrics for "along the way."
  • The issue of weighting may be another area in which you can enlist the help of students
    • Heather Whitman
       
      This perplexes me...As Mike pointed out the need to focus more on the process, do we focus too much on the final product? Can't we have separate rubrics that assess along the way to help with this? It would improve learning but and help teachers truly give a grade with multiple indicators that assess work ethic, collaboration, final product, and the process. I am glad to hear that our focus isn't always on the right answer but creating students who can reason and problem solve.
  • “Meaningfully” here means both consistently and accurately—accurately measuring the specific entity the instructor intends to measure consistently student after student.
    • jhazelton11
       
      As a psychology major, this was a big deal in making sure you had sound products you were using. I'm wondering how much we are testing ours today. I know some PLC's that practice scoring examples with rubrics, then discuss, to ensure they are on the same page.
    • brarykat
       
      I see how beneficial rubrics can be in "meaningful" assessment.  It provides clear expectations for both teachers and students, keeps the student focused, and hopefully created to meet standards or other meaningful benchmark.  
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think sometimes the rubric is a tool for the teacher to score and not as much a tool for feedback and encouraging learning (from earlier in the article). When teachers common score, are they using that discussion to shape their instruction and feedback to students? I don't mean to imply they aren't, I don't currently work with a PLC willing to common score. They simply use the same rubric.
  • (whether they are rubrics or more nebulous modes of evaluation) from students is not only unfair and makes self-assessment more difficult, it maintains the traditional gap between what the teacher knows and what the student knows
    • jhazelton11
       
      We are running into this right now with our LMS... the new assessment piece doesn't allow us to upload the rubric. So, kids will have to do tasks without seeing the rubric. This is not okay with teachers, so hoping the tech people will build the rubric options in....
    • stephlindmark
       
      Agreed that withholding assessment tools does a disservice to the education for the students and is can give some teachers a power trip. I am glad to hear the tech at your school are working on this piece and that the LMS has a feature to upload rubric into the system.
  • one rubric can be used to assess all of the different papers assigned in a freshman composition course.
    • jhazelton11
       
      We use a common rubric when assessing special education students with writing goals (although some students have modified or specific rubrics addressing the specifics of their goal).
    • krcouch
       
      I love the idea of common rubrics so that the goals are spelled out. especiallywhen one teacher likes it this way and another likes it this way can be so confusing.
    • emmeyer
       
      I agree, it is nice to have the common rubric that makes all expectations the same.
  • Does the rubric relate to the outcome(s) being measured?
    • jhazelton11
       
      In paper-writing, sometimes we get really caught up in measuring outcomes like mechanics (capitalization, punctuation), and not content. Often we get so caught up in assessing those things, we lose sight of the higher order thinking that we are really trying to measure.
  • non-judgmental:
    • jhazelton11
       
      rubrics are certainly less judgemental when they are used formatively along the way during the process... it's not an end-all "gotcha"
  • system designed to measure the key qualities
    • stephlindmark
       
      The system of a rubric can be very abstract and not concrete if being teacher made. This has pros and cons, one pro if the teacher lets the students see it ahead of time, is that the students know what is expected of their performance.
    • srankin11
       
      Agree! This can be challenging for a new teacher or one that is new to teaching that unit/class. The rubric also allows for standards to be measured in multiple assessments.
  • actually learned rather than what they have been taught
    • stephlindmark
       
      This reiterates to me the difference we are learning between assessing and grading. It is our job as teachers to make sure all students our learning and we aren't just going through the motions of going from chapter to chapter in a textbook.
    • dassom
       
      Teaching is a personal profession and when a student doesn't perform well on an exam it can be a shot to the teachers ego. If we can get teachers to think of rubrics as a way to see if the students have learned it yet instead of just a summative yes or not they got it, it might become less personal and we can start focusing on how to get the students to actually learn in.
  • help instructors in all disciplines
    • stephlindmark
       
      A beauty about Rubrics is they can be utilized in all content areas for all educators.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      and they can be tailored for the specific assignment or project. I love that rubrics are not content specific and can be designed for individualized, specific things.
  • traditional gap between what the teacher knows and what the student knows
    • stephlindmark
       
      This makes me emotional and the emotion I feel is anger. That there are teachers that are still out there that try to one up the student and have a power trip. As an educator and mother of three students myself I see this and have to play the politically nice card and try to listen instead of get mad during conversations with teachers. This class is giving me knowledge on the importance of assessments and different types.
  • Well-designed rubrics
    • stephlindmark
       
      As stated in one of the videos teachers are not taught in pre-teaching programs how to ask good questions, nor do I think we were taught how to prepare well written rubrics. If rubric are well designed they should not be "formulaic" in their outcomes.
  • But she did it without saying anything coherent
    • stephlindmark
       
      I would say this student was not given a well written rubric.
    • staudtt
       
      Agreed. The rubric apparently wasn't written so that it focused on an outcome the required something coherent.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Leave it to kids to take your words literally in order to drive you figuratively insane. This just goes to show that a rubric shouldn't be driving students to one right answer but rather guiding them towards quality and learning.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Absolutely. Kids will pick out one or two words and take them out of context. Is that what the intent of the rubric was? most likely no, but we need to teach the students that the rubric is a guide for expanding their learning with a few checks throughout the process.
  • mitagate both teacher bias and the perception of teacher bias
    • stephlindmark
       
      Anything to mitigate teacher bias is an improvement for many teacher assessments and evaluations of student learning.
    • emmeyer
       
      So true, removing teacher bias is difficult, and when we can do it, it is a good thing.
    • dassom
       
      I love the term real-life learning. Most professions don't have a good and bad type of employee. There are different levels of employees, and there's usually room for improvement.
    • brarykat
       
      In this respect, rubrics protect both the student and teacher. This document removes any possible bias perceived by students and/or parents.
    • blockerl
       
      The problem, which I don't know that it is really a problem, is that grading writing is biased. What I find creative or thoughtful might not be what another teacher thinks. The rubric can assess the prescriptive things like thesis, intro., conclusion, etc.
  • achiev[ing a] new vision of statistics education.
    • nickol11
       
      This is also true for the review systems for many companies. As I talk more and more with my friends outside of education, they talk of the rubrics that are used for their evaluation processes. I think that it is important as we teach students that they are able to relate their learning to rubrics as someday they will have to transfer that knowledge and understanding to their someday job/career.
  • a clear understanding of how rubrics operate
    • nickol11
       
      I really feel like many times when teachers are lost building rubrics they really need to zero in on the criteria needed to meet each indicator level. That said, they also need to model and communicate these items with their students.
    • emmeyer
       
      I agree with both of your points here. The indicator level makes the rubric clear and effective or not so much. Also, it is key for students to know what is expected of them. We, as adults, want to know what is expected of us, but we often think that students don't...which doesn't make sense.
  • wrote poorly when writing, as we might say, to the rubric
    • nickol11
       
      Have we considered to present the assignment to the students with the criteria THEN midway through the creative process bringing in the rubric so that students can assess their own work but still not lose their individuality?
  • Do the students find the rubric helpful?
    • nickol11
       
      I always find it helpful that in designing my rubrics (especially now when our school is building learning targets, assessment plans and more rubrics) that I test them out in my classrooms. They not only provide me feedback to student learning but I also have students provide me feedback as to how they are written, what I can change or add to make them work better for them. It also gives them even further buy-in to what you are doing in the class, as well and shows that you respect that there may be changes in learning but you are there for the student.
  • shared with students prior to the completion of any given assignment
    • hansenn
       
      I think rubrics should always shared with students when they start the assignment. so for me it is not an "IF:
    • dykstras
       
      I agree Noel! Mine are posted along side my standards and learning targets in my room, and constantly referred to.
    • krcouch
       
      I agree completely. I think the kids should know ahead of time what the expectation is.
  • reports that extensive use of rubrics can help minimize students’ educational disparities and bring fairness into assessment on numerous levels:
    • hansenn
       
      As long as the rubrics are well constructed and use I believe they do help lead to more equality and consistency in assessment. Teachers that give the same assessments, also need to review the rubrics together for consistency across schools and district.
  • students to simply make sure their essays have those features
    • hansenn
       
      Many students will just complete the assessment to meet the requirements in the rubric, but students are then meeting the expectations you wrote in the rubric. If you want them to do more change the rubric. What would happen if you did not share the rubric some might do more than expected and many would not because they have no idea what is expected.
  • Look at some actual examples of student work to see if you have omitted any important dimensions.
    • lisamsuya
       
      Looking at actual examples of student work ahead of time is a good idea. When we created the rubric for the Assess This assignment, we only had one example of student work. Then when we were given more pieces to assess, we quickly learned that the rubric would not work for all of the types of pieces that needed assessed.
    • hansenn
       
      Sometimes after using a new assessment an rubric, I reflect and notice the mistakes I made when creating the rubric and revise it. When you have students examples it makes it easier to evaluate your own rubric.
  • given their association with standardized assessment
    • dykstras
       
      Last I checked, the iowa Assessments were not scored by a rubric. This is something I continuously struggle with. if students, teachers, buildings, and districts are measured by standardized test scores, why do we push for standards based assessments and rubrics? This will be the first year I have never taught specific focus lessons geared to higher achievement on the iowa Assessments. My district wanted me to pilot standards based assessment so I am going all out! Can't wait to compare and contrast previous years' scores to this year. Stay tuned!
  • formulaic writing
    • dykstras
       
      Sounds more like a checklist approach. Who hasn't been guilty in their life of following a rubric like a checklist? Almost human nature.
  • “checksheets.”
    • dykstras
       
      There's my checklist comment! Should have kept reading :-) When I think of this in math though, I must admit it's a struggle to NOT say these skills are level 1, these are level 2, and so on.
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I do see the checklists especially in math as a benefit when collaborative teacher teams are discussing what exactly the foundational skills of a priority standard look like and what dots to connect if a student is far away from achieving proficiency. I don't think that kind of learning progression would translate for a student who would see it as a checklist.
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think the checklist and deep learning piece are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The checklist may require certain content (based on the unit of study or course topic) but the rest of the rubric can be skill focused and framed in a growth model.
  • there has been “notable increases in the use of open-response questions, creative/critical thinking questions, problem-solving activities, […] writing assignments, and inquiry/investigation.”
    • dykstras
       
      This ties in directly with a comment I made earlier, "How does this help increase student achievement scores of high stakes standardized assessments like the Iowa Assessments.
  • Focus, Support, Organization, Conventions.
    • dykstras
       
      Good for us Group 1! We pretty much came up with these same criteria for our rubric :-)
  • Weighting
    • dykstras
       
      I have to admit as a math teacher this peaks my interest the most. Would love to work with teachers who establish their own grading criteria for rubrics but want help 'converting' that into a conventional grade for reporting purposes i.e. report cards.
  • Modify accordingly
    • dykstras
       
      As should be the case with anything we do as professional educators.
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree with you Shawn. Professional educators are constantly modifying and adapting their instruction to the meet the needs of their students and the curriculum. Change means growth and learning are taking place for both the student and the teacher.
  • that rubrics provide students with clear and specific qualities to strive for in those assignments that “are open-ended, aligned more closely to real-life learning situations and the nature of learning”
    • krcouch
       
      I agree that it helps the students know what they need to strive for instead of just open ended questions and then you get back your grade and you did not do well because it wasn't what the teacher wanted. I struggled with this in my undergrad classes.
    • stephlindmark
       
      I agree with this too that it provides students with the clear and specific qualities of the academic piece of material they are working on to be assessed. I have never thought about it being related closely to real-life learning situations though which is an imperative connection that should be made.
  • ‘some rubrics are dumb.’” He recounts,
    • stephlindmark
       
      I would say to that, it was a poorly written rubric is it is "dumb".
  • Usually a numerical value is assigned to each point on a scale
    • stephlindmark
       
      This has been my experience with rubric to be very specific in the world of special ed. especially when using them for IEP goal writing.
  • vital to the process and/or product of a given assignment,
    • carlarwall
       
      When I see the word vital in this statement, it reminds me that we should only be assessing the qualities that are truly important. We need to be so careful when we are creating and assessing student work to not over assess or under assess our students.
    • staudtt
       
      I think this is true. Sometimes as teachers we feel the need to give a grade to everything. And while we are constantly assessing, we need to focus on the the things that are vital for the student to know.
    • jwalt15
       
      I agree with both of your statements. The word "vital" does remind the teacher to assess only what is truly important. It is very easy for teachers to loose focus on the important skills being taught and turn their attention to mundane details that are easier to define like writing mechanics or content presentation.
  • rubrics to both assess and encourage student learning.
    • carlarwall
       
      This statement stands out to me because we should use rubrics for many purposes. Many times teachers just want to use the rubric to grade. We need to think about the feedback that we give students on a rubric as a way to encourage them to continue to push themselves in their learning and set goals for themselves.
    • dassom
       
      I really like the word encourage here. I do not really show the kids the rubric I am grading them on (although I should). I don't know if my students are mentally there to "want" to move to the next progression. Currently I am doing a lot of forcing to learn. I think that encourage puts the wanting to learn on the students shoulders.
    • trgriffin1
       
      I like this concept - assess and encourage, not just evaluate and move on to the next assignment. In my opinion, this is where the learning on assessment and feedback is so important for teachers and students.
  • When instructors plan on grading student thinking and not just student knowledge, they should articulate the vital features that they are looking for and make these features known to the student.
    • carlarwall
       
      Students should not have to play a guessing game with instructors. We as teachers need to be transparent with our students about what they need to know and should be able to demonstrate.
  • rubrics should be used in conjunction with other strategies
    • carlarwall
       
      So important to remember that rubrics are not the only way to provide feedback to students.
    • srankin11
       
      True! I would hope by the time that the students complete a project to get graded on by a rubric, that they have received feedback from formative assessments along the way.
  • some educators see
    • dassom
       
      I think it's important to understand both sides of why teachers may or may not be in favor of rubic. In a math class it seemed unresonable and unnecessary to use a rubric until we started talking about standard based grading. It still a hard concept I am wrapping my head around but I am getting there. I have had WAY more instruction than other math teachers in building and district so I know it will be a huge struggle for them to see the value.
  • become wooden
    • dassom
       
      This reminds me of readings we did that talked about rubics killing the creativity of the writings. It is definately a con, but for some students might help them get started in the writing process.
  • With your colleagues
    • dassom
       
      This is important. If you are going to go into rubric style grading you want input from like content people. I teach 8th grade math, and would want input from 7th and 9th teachers when developing rubrics.
  • different levels of that “deep learning”
    • brarykat
       
      The examples of why rubrics haven't been appreciated mainly boil down to poor design.  I like this statement because it shows the flexibility of rubrics.  The creator can decide how in-depth the learning can go or encourage the student to expand beyond with skinny columns.
  • different
  • A rubric that tells students, as a typical example, that they will get an A for writing a 1000 word essay that “cites x number of sources and supports its thesis with at least three arguments” will lead students to perceive writing as a kind of “paint-by-number” endeavor (Mathews).
    • Mike Radue
       
      When I see a rubric performance descriptions include a certain number of something, I can't help but think about this.
    • srankin11
       
      In this case, a teacher could use a checklist instead of a rubric. Trying to reach a specific number seems like it would cut down on the quality of some student work and only produce quantity.
    • tifinif
       
      I understand this type of rubric but have also wondered what # of words/ correct words/spelling etc. constitutes an A/B/C...grade. What an A means to mean might not be the same to another person.
  • I once gave extra credit to a student who realized that without providing a shred of meaningful content she could meet all the requirements of a state writing rubric he posted in his classroom. As required she used the word “persuade” and two synonyms, composed a clear topic sentence and closing sentence, and made no spelling or grammatical errors.
    • Mike Radue
       
      Even a well-intentioned rubric can leave something to be desired. This sounds more like a checklist but begs the argument around having a criteria for coherence.
  • Similarly, Heidi Andrade, in her study, “The Effects of Rubrics on Learning to Write,” has found that, while rubrics increased her students’ knowledge of the grading criteria and helped most of her students (especially the young male students) do well on the state writing test, many of the young female students, who had been more expressive in previous writing assignments
    • Mike Radue
       
      I find this interesting. The formal, structured writing is favored and the in this particular task, the expressive abilities of a writer are not assessed and reported on and/or flexibility to consider creative structures is not in place. We should look at a student's overall writing abilities in a variety of settings.
  • problem-solving, inquiry-based, student-centered pedagogy replacing the traditional lecture-based, teacher-centered approach in tertiary education
    • staudtt
       
      This to me is important. I try to use rubrics to assess the more inquiry/student centered work I do. There is still a place for teacher centered as there are skills that must be conveyed to all students for foundational learning. Finding that balance between teacher and student based is what can be challenging.
    • srankin11
       
      I agree that there needs to be a balance and that balance can be challenging. I believe this is important as it helps to reach all learning styles.
  • weight dimensions differently
    • staudtt
       
      I need to figure out a way to do this within our standards based grading system.
  • increases the likelihood of a quality product
    • srankin11
       
      It can be challenging and time consuming to create a quality product. In my opinion, teachers that can work in teams to develop rubrics have a bonus. Several minds working together may help to produce a better rubric. A quality rubric is important so students do not have to guess what teachers want as they work on a project.
    • trgriffin1
       
      Also, I think the teachers having that discussion is powerful - it can help develop their ideas or challenge misconceptions. I know some teachers fear students looking at an exemplar or rubric and all students creating basically the same thing. I think that is an error of instruction/feedback/design and not a student error. I think teachers having that discussion can prevent that type of problem.
  • description of the work rather than judgments about the work.
    • lisamsuya
       
      Descriptive vs evaluative is another way to think about this. It is difficult to keep evaluate words from our feedback and from rubric descriptions but descriptive feedback is more beneficial than evaluative feedback for students learning.
  • we need a rubric to judge our performance—
  • However, for the student to successfully use a rubric this way, the criteria must be made clear to them and the jargon used must not only be understandable to the student but also be linked specifically to classroom instruction.
    • jwalt15
       
      This is a powerful statement because it doesn't do any good to share rubrics with students if they don't understand the expectations or the way the teacher is using the rubric. Older students should have a better understanding of rubrics because they should have more experience with them. I think that younger students would benefit from initial exposures to rubrics especially since more and more teachers and employers are using them.
  • “Perhaps the greatest potential value of classroom assessment is realized when we open the assessment process up and welcome students into that process as full partners”
    • tifinif
       
      I think that this would be interesting to see what students consider valuable in the assessment. What is it that they want to gain from their input?
    • tifinif
       
      Totally agree. This goes back to the days when you study for a test, take the test and then do poorly because nothing you studied for was included on the test. If students have input or are able to know the expectations the results will hopefully reflect actual student learning.
  • teacher
  • explicit performance criteria, along with supporting models of work, make it possible for students to use the attributes of exemplary work to monitor their own performance
  • The result is many students struggle blindly, especially non-traditional, unsuccessful, or under-prepared students, who tend to miss many of the implied expectations of a college instructor, expectations that better prepared, traditional students readily internaliz
    • tifinif
       
      I think that having students of all ages know the expectations or knowledge of what is required for grades is crucial. As an adult it is important that we are clear with what we are assessing. Time is valuable at any age but certainly as an adult learner I don't want to spend hours working on a project only to find out that what I present or do was not relevant.
  • Can students and parents understand the rubric?
    • jwalt15
       
      It is important that students and parents understand the rubric because usually the project grade is the product or reflection of the rubric. If the students or parents don't understand the components of the rubric, then they will question the validity of the grade that was given.
  • to assess our rubric
    • blockerl
       
      I agree. When we make these rubrics, we do need to discover its effectiveness.
  • “red” or “reddish,
    • trgriffin1
       
      Sometimes this looks like teachers' favorite parts - marking up the sheet in every possible way. I personally don't even have red pens! I think it sends the wrong message.
  • to a hit or miss endeavor
    • trgriffin1
       
      This is why students see school as a game and only want to talk about how to get more points.
  • static
    • trgriffin1
       
      I think the classic example of this is something like "3-5 spelling errors" as a criterion. Some rubrics are bad because they focus on delimiting every possible error instead of being growth or learning focused.
staudtt

Explain Everything | Interactive Whiteboard App - 0 views

  •  
    This is one Tech Tool that I want to use and learn more about.
Kim Foley-Sharp

ollie1 (Peterman): Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 21 views

  • 2. Demonstrates competence in content knowledge (including technological knowledge)
    • krcouch
       
      I feel that this is important that you know the content you are teaching and able to do what you are teaching. I do feel that you should also be willing to learn new things if needed.
    • theatregoddess
       
      I struggle with technology sometimes because it changes constantly :-)
    • dykstras
       
      Constantly changing is right! Technology is the ultimate 'life-long learner' example!
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Constant learning is the key word. When it comes to technology you have to be in the constant learning mode or you will not keep pace!
  • 2. Demonstrates competence in content knowledge (including technological knowledge)
  • • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning, which may include (but is not limited to) age and ability level, multiple intelligences, didactic conversation, student developmental influences, constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, connectivism, and group theory (Varvel V.A)
    • Mike Radue
       
      This is a healthy reminder of the why and the how we do what we do. Pedagogy is not only interesting but essential to effective teaching. Much thought should go into the nuances of online learning and how activities and interactions should be structured to capitalize on and enrich learning.
    • aricriede
       
      This is an issue that I see with my the teachers I am currently coaching. Developing lessons that are age and ability level appropriate can assists with many other issues that arise in a classroom because it will keep the students constantly engaged.
  • ...31 more annotations...
  • 6. Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process, creating a community of learners (ITS 6)
    • Mike Radue
       
      I think the core of good teaching is relationship and community building. This is an essential component to facilitating rich learning experiences for traditional and online students alike. in particular, I feel being approachable and interactive are especially important when evaluating a learning environment.
    • saladinoj
       
      This standard is so helpful and it does help build relationships
    • dassom
       
      In the future if/when we start creating online learning opportunities for the staff it will be nice for teacher in the same building to talk about the class they are taking. We are getting that kind of experience with us all being in the same cohort.
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student (SREB F.1, Varvel II.E)
    • krcouch
       
      Once again experiences help us deliver good instruction. So if we are taking classes and learning we in turn become better teachers and know what struggles may happen or what worked and what didn't
    • jlchrstn
       
      Up until this course, I honestly had no idea how difficult it was to do everything for a course on the computer. Despite being very tech savy, I find myself somewhat challenged to manage the different windows required.
  • Designs the structure of the course and the presentation of the content to best enhance student learning
  • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners (SREB C.7, Varvel V.H, ITS 4.c)
    • saladinoj
       
      I really don't understand how you can adjust for different learning styles and abilities--its the same assignments for all unless you create online course that has different levels of abilities
    • blockerl
       
      I think you could start by offering choice. If a student has to discuss theme in a story, their products could be an essay, a video, a Presentation, or something else. Additionally, you could create different assignments for different students if they need it. An online course would be an easy way to make that happen since students aren't necessarily seeing what their peers are producing. I know Google Classroom just made it available to provide assignments to specific students. I would imagine Moodle can do the same thing.
  • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict
    • aricriede
       
      Working both in a school setting and outside of the schools, I see this as a standard that should come at or near the top of most instructors lists. I want my students to have an environment that they feel safe and want to come learn. I want my students to feel that instructors genuinely care for our students and want the best for each of them.
  • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course
    • aricriede
       
      I love to give students a voice in their classroom. It can be something as big as classroom rules and expectations to something as small as a choice of what to do next from teacher selected activities, and anything in between. Giving students a voice will give them some ownership of the class and give them a reason to want to keep coming back.
    • saladinoj
       
      I need to do this because I get set in my ways and need to find out what the students would like to learn in my classes.
    • emmeyer
       
      Agreed! This is a very important, even though you may get feedback that is difficult to read. It is extremely helpful in knowing what is most effective from those that are actually completing the assignments. When students have a voice it makes it more meaningful and more effective.
  • • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication (SREB E.2)
    • saladinoj
       
      This is a good introduction for new students. A lot of people think netiquette is understood by everyone but some people have never been informed about proper online communication
  • University of Illinois
    • dykstras
       
      ILL-INI! Love that Iowa's Teaching Standards come from the great state (and University) of Illinois :-)
    • dassom
       
      ME 2!
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
    • dykstras
       
      This is why I love my fellow TILTS ... and OLLIE classmates! Networking is critical for a guy like me
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      Networking takes on a whole new meaning in education, especially at the HS level. We no longer can teach in isolation. We have to work not only with our colleagues, but also the community. This includes businesses and agencies that can help us to produce well rounded students for their workforce.
  • • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students (SREB D.8, Varvel VI.F, ITS 5.e)
    • tifinif
       
      I think this is so important when it comes to having student complete assignments online. In a face to face classroom communication can be easy, quick and personable. As educators we can't loose site of this when the class and assignments are online. We have to still find ways to connect and let our students know that we may not be face to face but we still care about their learning.
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is just as important as timely feedback in a traditional classroom course! When the instructor is not face to face with the students it is sometimes harder to know what the next step might be, without the feedback from the previous assignment or feedback on a discussion board.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I think there is a two-fold situation brewing here. On one end of the spectrum, we have teachers who are happy to explore lots of ways to use digital tools and processes. We see a lot of app and extension requests come in from "these kinds of people". After a while, the district has started to take a stance and wants a way to filter out the requests to the essential ones. It's a slippery slope, however, because no one has definitively decided what is essential, and even if they had, it could change overnight. On the other side of the spectrum, you have teaches who are overwhelmed by all the choices, and so they select none. They would prefer that someone tell them "THIS one" when choosing the right tool for the right job. I believe there is happy medium in the middle where vetted tools are supported. Not quite there yet. It's a bit of a jungle.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning (SREB M.3, Varvel IV.D, ITS 3.e, ITS 4.f)
    • tifinif
       
      I feel that is standard is so important because at an elementary level we have a wide range of abilities. Its nice to have websites and technology that is appropriate for a kindergarten student vs a 5th grader.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      I think there is a two-fold situation brewing here. On one end of the spectrum, we have teachers who are happy to explore lots of ways to use digital tools and processes. We see a lot of app and extension requests come in from "these kinds of people". After a while, the district has started to take a stance and wants a way to filter out the requests to the essential ones. It's a slippery slope, however, because no one has definitively decided what is essential, and even if they had, it could change overnight. On the other side of the spectrum, you have teaches who are overwhelmed by all the choices, and so they select none. They would prefer that someone tell them "THIS one" when choosing the right tool for the right job. I believe there is happy medium in the middle where vetted tools are supported. Not quite there yet. It's a bit of a jungle.
  • a variety of assessments
    • Jen Van Fleet
       
      Another vision for down the road is an accessible repository for high quality assessment items linked to standards which could be pulled while our collaborative teacher teams start to build their common formative assessments.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere (SREB C.3, Varvel VII.A)
    • blockerl
       
      I think this is especially important because it is hard to be sincere in an electronic space. I love when teachers introduce themselves. I need the personal touch to be more invested in the coursework. Students will need that, too.
  • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
  • Understands and uses course content that complies with intellectual property rights and fair use, and assists students in complying as well
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is so critical as we move to even more online content for classes. We need to teach our students to give credit where credit is due.
  • Promotes learning through online collaboration group work that is goal-oriented and focused
    • hansenn
       
      I think the first part of this goal is easier to meet now with cloud based programs like G-suite products, but it can be challenging to have middle students to stick to working together to reach a learning goal.
  • current with emerging technologies
    • hansenn
       
      I think it is extremely difficult to stay current on all of the technology tools. There are the new tech tools and then the others are continually being updated. We seem to have certain leaders who are know about certain products. We all know who to ask about Google Calendar. moodle-Iowa
    • emmeyer
       
      I definitely agree with this!! I used to think that I was good with technology and doing well with new things until we went to ISTE last summer! That, along with these classes has really showed me how much I really don't know!
  • Demonstrates competence in planning, designing, and incorporating instructional strategies
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I strongly believe this is the most essential part. It is the understanding of the big picture (Understanding by Design concepts from the late 90's), assessment, and how are we going to get there is the key to any teaching. This front loading, upfront planning, and focus on the big picture will ensure more learning. It is planned and not rushed. You will always need to adjust, and the moodle allows ample ways to adjust instruction as the students need it. Technology or no technology, this is the heart of teaching.
  • Provides opportunities that enable student self-assessment and pre-assessment within courses (SREB K, Varvel VI.I, ITS 5.d
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I really struggled which to pick out as being most essential in the 2nd area and I went between self assessment and the ability to differentiate with all learners. I decided to go with the self-assessment and pre-assessment. Hattie studied thousands and thousands of strategies and found the number one way to improve learning is through reflection- knowing where I am, setting goals, and reflecting along the way. This is the nice part with online learning as it forces all students to be transparent and not blend in with the class and not engage. With solid planning for a variety of abilities in the classroom, good assessment & feedback, and constant reflection, we should see improvement in learning.
    • Nancy Peterman
       
      This is a demonstration note
  • 2. Demonstrates competence in content knowledge (including technological knowledge) appropriate to the instructional position (ITS 2)
    • jwalt15
       
      I feel this is essential because an online teacher should possess the content and technological knowledge necessary to design and implement coursework. If they don't know how to navigate and utilize the technology then they shouldn't be teaching online.
  • Selects and understands how to evaluate learning materials and resources that align with the context and enhance learning (SREB C.15, SREB M.4, Varvel IV.C, ITS 3.e, ITS 4.f)
    • jwalt15
       
      I feel this is an essential standard because learning materials and resources are the foundation of any course whether it is online or face-to-face. Instructors need to know how to select and evaluate the materials that they will use to teach others. It is the core of any instruction.
  • • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.) (SREB B.3, Varvel III.B)
    • jlchrstn
       
      This class is a great resource for starting to learn how to use these tools. I am curious as to how long one would have to use these tools to be confident in being able to also require students to use them. I certainly see them as a great resource, but to what extent would teaching students how to use the tools overshadow the learning that is to take place about the actual content for which the tool is being used?
  • • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
    • jlchrstn
       
      The ability for students and teachers to communicate is perhaps one of the greatest benefits for online learning. In what other educational setting does a student have the opportunity to freely communicate with the instructor about a vareity of topics without the presence of their peers.
  • Provides opportunities that enable student self-assessment and pre-assessment within courses
    • christymccarthy
       
      Self-assessment are not very helpful because the user often does not answer the questions truthfully.
  • Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process, creating a community of learners
    • christymccarthy
       
      Joan Walton has helped me with this class. the student-student interaction has help me with this learning process.
  • • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication (SREB E.2)
    • Kim Foley-Sharp
       
      This is a critical piece. It has to start not only at home, but at the lower elementary and be consistent throughout a childs k-12 life. We also need to have consequences in place if students do not follow the guidelines. That is all part of the learning process, but cannot be a repeat continuously.
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