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Of all the topics that can be discussed around Education, homework is possibly the one most likely to cause heated debate. It is either an essential component of learning, the foundation of positive behaviours for learning as an adult or a waste of time and energy that robs students of valuable time with family and friends. But can we make homework something that benefits everyone?

There are three cognitive loads that impact the efficient formation of schemas. Extraneous cognitive load are those not directly required to master a task and have a negative impact on schema formation, reducing these is desirable and can be achieved through efficient design. Intrinsic cognitive load is that which is inherent in the task and for the most part cannot be reduced. Tasks with high intrinsic cognitive load are by nature more complex for an individual and in the long term are managed through equally complex schema. Germane cognitive load refers to the mental resources devoted to the efficient formation of schemas and is seen to have a positive effect on learning. Understanding these things will allow us to more effectively target our efforts as learners and teachers ensuring the cognitive load theory has a valuable role to play.

SOLSTICE involves the use of supported online learning or blended learning designed on sound pedagogic principles and developed as a result of ongoing evaluative research

SOLSTICE involves the use of supported online learning or blended learning designed on sound pedagogic principles and developed as a result of ongoing evaluative research

This post offers a long list of links to ideas for or about differentiated learning

Unfortunately, we are not all blessed with expansive classrooms which can readily accommodate a diversity of learning zones. The challenge becomes one of creatively using the space and furnishings you have to create flexible spaces.

Excellent screencast resources from the University of Westminster. Part of a JISC supported project. Good for help with things like Flash, Dreamweaver, After Effects and Director etc as well as general web design skills.

Philologus is designed by teachers for teachers and allows them to create customised interactive versions of popular games suitable for use during lessons.

Crisis in Japan: Understanding Nuclear Energy and Reactors 

Teacher resources supporting the integration of a global perspective across the curriculum

"Every teacher is taught that back up plans are a must. Things change constantly in education and there are a variety of factors that can make plans change - computer breaks, internet goes out, file is corrupted, forgot your flash drive at home, you finish a lesson early with a class, your class has very low attendance due to a school activity or event (like AP testing, prom, etc), lesson runs long, students don't understand the material, class is interrupted by a fire drill. To deal with these issues, teachers must have back up plans ready to go and be flexible and organized. Here are some tips and resources for backup plans."

"Science4Us is a standards-based digital science curriculum that teaches science using the 5E inquiry-based instructional model. In addition to over 350 digital games and online activities, there are tons of offline experiments and hands-on projects to keep students engaged and excited about science.  It's a great choice for teachers looking to include cross-curricular activities that connect science instruction to math and language arts. Students will also learn the importance of notetaking and observing, with their very own digital notebook."

six case studies of science inquiry in the elementary classroom written by teachers participating in the Institute for Inquiry Teacher Learning Group.

It is relatively easy for someone to SCARE parents away from the Internet. There ARE bad things and people making bad choices on the Internet, but there are many compelling resources and interactive tools available which can be used for learning and communication. In this wiki presentation, Wes Fryer focusses on practical things parents can do with children of different ages to promote safe online behavior and also help young people develop the ethical capacities to make good decisions as well as remain open to communicating about their online experiences with others.

Ti[ps on writing, reading, oral presentations, exams and more for uni students. Really great resource for anyone going to university for the first time or going back to university after a break of years.