"Technology has changed the face of the earth, how we think, how we relate to each other, and even what we think about.""Technology enables us to not only do things differently, but to do things we couldn't even conceive of."

"...actual career readiness requires an even more rigorous blend of academic, technical and employability skills, and the ability to apply these skills in authentic environments." Research and support of benefits of online learning for ALL students

An integral part of nearly all online classes is the threaded discussion-it is where students interact on a nearly daily basis, posting their thoughts and information on main discussion topics, your postings, and the postings of other students. While you have measured control over the content, length, and tone of student postings, you have full control over your own. To ensure that your responses to student postings in discussion are effective, incorporate the following ideas:

I get fired up when I read articles like this...they validated my beliefs...especially when using technology in education. But, it is also refreshing to consider a more balanced view such as this comment to the article. "Education, at all levels, has two very different functions. The first is developing the capacity to ask new questions. The second is developing the capacity to answer questions already asked. Both capacities are equally necessary - a curious person with no technical knowledge of the tools with which he could satisfy his curiosity would be stymied in his goals, while an incurious technical expert would never know which goals to have unless instructed. The methods of developing each of the capacities is different. The latter needs to be more didactic, the former needs (progressively less) guided exploration."

Web 2.0: Collaborative Instruction Concept map for Critical Thinking

Article that opens up the Chicken and the Egg discussion when it comes to Higher Order Thinking Skills. "Are beginning courses the best time to teach facts? Must students know the facts before they can think at higher levels? Asked a bit differently, is knowing the facts all that's needed to think at higher levels? Must students practice making connections, integrating facts and applying information, or can they do that automatically (once) they've got the facts?

Not an amazing article. But, it is important to note that four...maybe all five of her "five lessons" are based on communication. "1. Keep the student at the center of every decision that needs to be made. 2. Foster relationships with students and parents, because parents can be a teacher's biggest help. 3. Talk with your students every day by phone. Dove said that the majority of her day is spent talking directly with students to build a one-on-one relationship with each of them. 4. Celebrate every effort and success, no matter how big or small. "Always be positive in your feedback, even if the assignment may not be stellar. The written word is so powerful online, and you always want your students to feel that you are cheering them on and appreciate their hard work," she explained. 5. Build relationships with fellow teachers. Share resources, best practices, and stories to feel less isolated or alone in the home office."

I created this as a presentation tool for a school law class a few years ago. Our assignment was to research a current topic and share that with the class. I thought that this would be a way to make it seem relevant and purposeful. I wonder if I were to rewrite this...what would I change?

A rudimentary attempt at a text based protocol...not a great example, but I feel that there is great potential.

"...creating new models for professional development by combining live, interactive webinars with a social networking community."

"...you can now sort your search results by readability. The readability index is a bit coarse, but it is helpful none-the-less. The index use a simple ranking of "basic," "intermediate," and "advanced."

Students can't utilize web 2.0 if they can't search for tools that are at their reading level.

Taking the necessity of a syllabus and applying it with even more detail for an online class.

"A Teacher's Guide to Doing It All Better with Online Discussions!"

"Pecha-kucha" 20 slides, 20 seconds each, limited text

Training video on how to create a Pecha Kucha presentation.

Like Pecha Kucha, but Ignite presenters get 20 slides and five minutes to make their point.

1. Digital Delivery 2. Interest Driven 3. 21st Century Skills Thin article, but good conversation starter. Ideal for use in a text-based protocol.