We’ve redesigned our website. Please drop by 21cif.imsa.edu and check out the changes?

You’ll no longer have to login to access our resource kits.

We’ve added a direct link our Information Fluency Group on the Teacher Librarian Ning to our main menu.

We’re developing an integrated blog and wiki.

We’ve added an online store that will streamline Moodle course registration.

The conversion process to our new server has been a long and interesting road. We’ve still got a few bumps to smooth out. If you notice a problem let us know.

In the meantime, take a look and them let us know what you think of the new design?

Dennis & Carl

 

• Create a Social Software Policy for Your Library

  Drawing from her experiences at Washoe County Library System, Internet Services Librarian Jami Haskell provides information on how to implement social software technologies responsibly, fairly and without legal liability.

  (tags: social-networks web2.0)

• WebJunction

  online community for librarians

  (tags: e-learning)

“Classroom 2.0: the Use of Web 2.0 and Collaborative Software in the Classroom.”

• EdTechLIVE » Classroom 2.0 Panel

  classroom 2.0 panel (tags: cue)

• We’ll see if I end up on this panel

• NECC 2008 Attendees | Program: Call for Participation

  Entrance to NECC presentation submission area. Deadline October 3. Notification by Mid December

  (tags: NECC necc08)

• E-learning Conferences Worldwide Upcoming events in internet-based education, educational technology and related fields

  Upcoming events in internet-based education, educational technology and related fields

  (tags: e-learning conference)

Visit TeacherLibrarianNetwork

Here are a few resources and connections I’ve made at TeacherLibraian Ning

• Multimedia & Internet@Schools MagazineSusan Geiger From LibraryNing is parter with David Hoffman to organize and moderate the Internet@Schools conferences put on by Information Today.(tags: multimedia 21cif library web2.0)
• Super Searchers Go to School: Sharing Online Strategies with K-12 Students, Teachers, and LibrariansSharing Online Strategies with K-12 Students, Teachers, and Librarians By Joyce Kasman Valenza; Edited by Reva Basch Print book(tags: Search tips)
• Adding Strong Voice to Your Writing | Scholastic.com3-5 grade lesson plan with good resources for the trait voice(tags: 6traits voice writing writing-process lesson_plans)
• K12 Online Conference 2007Word press blog for k12 online conference coming in October(tags: k-12 web2.0 conference)

Next session: EDUC 762 September 10 – November 2, 2007*

Assessment in E-Learning (Complete course description.)

EDUC 762 3 semester hours graduate credit

Instructor: Datta Kaur Khalsa (Faculty Bio)

Have you realized how powerful assessment is in the online learning environment? Assessment has the capability to drive interactions and engagement, as well as minimize plagiarism, strengthen higher-level learning and build eportfolios. Learn what is needed to

become an excellent online course designer while developing your electronic record keeping systems and methods for evaluating discussion postings and group projects. Become familiar with assessment tools that could make or break your online course.

Enroll now!

* I wanted to add a personal note to this course announcement. I’ve worked with Datta Kaur Khalsa for years. She is a spectacular online teacher with a warm and understanding online presence.

Some might think of online assessment as a dry topic. You’ll find Datta’s class anything but dry! This is a great course! Take the leap and join now.

You won’t be disappointed. ~ Dennis

Good Training Opens Doors

• Welcome to Florida Virtual SchoolLooking to get started in online teaching. Florida Virtual School is the largest in the country! Start here with the application process.(tags: jobs VirtualHighSchool)

Good Training Opens Doors

I’ve been learning online since 1996 and teaching online since 1999. In this business that makes me an old timer. I followed a new dream after 25 years in public school classrooms and swapped the habitual morning commute for work & life online.

I’ve made my living completely online since 2001. (My little brother Paul, a game design guru and creative VP High Moon Studios, always jokes that I’m the only guy he knows who makes a living online without taking his clothes off.

It’s been hard work. I’ve juggled multiple jobs while returning to school (at age 50) to earn masters degrees in online teaching and learning and instructional design. I’ve written and researched more in the past 5 or 6 years than I did in the previous 20. I work too much and sometimes find it hard to take a break. Regardless, it has been the best of times professionally. All the excitement and commitment I felt as a dedicated classroom teacher is still there. Very little of the frustration and disappoint I felt as a classroom teacher remains.

I’ve been building the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate program at UW-Stout for the past two years.

Online teachers in training often ask me about jobs. How do you get a job, when you don’t have experience? What many fail to realize is that learning online, and specifically taking a rigorous series of classes designed to teach you e-learning fundamentals really is experience.

Still the reality is that online jobs are like gold: they are where you find them.

Networks & Online Work

I’ve found that developing a professional network is the best way to find an online job. In the world of Web 2.0 professional networks can be built that will help an online teacher strike pay dirt. So if you’re looking for online work, join professional social networks. Two I’d recommend are LinkedIn.com and Classroom 2.0.

LinkedIn.com is all about jobs & social networking. By building a web of colleagues and posting your credentials online you begin to open doors you may not even know are there. Linked in provides access via an inside connection when you’re looking for work. It also provides you with a way to contact colleagues you worked with in the past. Remember, most work comes via the grapevine.

Classroom 2.0 is a very ’social’ network. I’m impressed by the size (about 2000) and the interests of educators I’ve meet on Steve Hargadon’s Ning based gathering place. Online educators need a community of practice that will help them connect with like minded colleagues. I’m using it to connect with former students as well as those teachers I currently work with.

Multiple Motives, Multiple Tasks, Juggling Cats

I have a lot of motives for joining social networks. I miss people after they’ve left my classes. I want to know how they are doing. I want to know what parts of the training helped change their practice. I want to brainstorm and get new ideas. I also want to spread the word about my Certificate Program at Stout by using the social networking tools of Web 2.0. Oh, and I’d like folks to know about all of the free resources and learning materials I’ve created for the 21st Century Information Fluency Project as well.

What about Jobs?

First, don’t be discouraged if you don’t get jobs by sending resumes and applications. Networks are the way to go. That said, polish your resume, tune up your website and blogs and fire away. It’s all bread upon the waters!

Try Clusty.com’s job search. Keywords: Online Instructor

Jobs Forum of NACOL (If you’re a K-12 educator looking to go online, join NACOL.)

Ok, here are some hot leads I lifted from the NACOL Forums:

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AMDG, Inc. is seeking certified, talented, flexible, online instructors. We have part-time openings in French, German, Japanese, Latin, and Science. Since 1999, thousands of public, independent, home-schooled and adult students from all over the country have enrolled in AMDG’s accredited online K-12 program. These students have anytime, anywhere access to a quality education through AMDG. In addition to more than 160 academic courses ranging from remedial to honors and AP, AMDG also offers foreign language, enrichment, and elective courses. Applicants must be proficient with e-mail, digital communications, and possess excellent writing skills. Please send a resume detailing qualifications and relevant professional development experiences to teacherapp@amdg.ws.

---

Virtual High School Global Consortium (VHS, Inc.) is seeking a Math Curriculum Coordinator. Position Overview:
The Curriculum Coordinator is responsible for maintaining and delivering Virtual High School (VHS) online teacher training, and helping teachers to transition from training, to course delivery, to ongoing professional development. The Curriculum Coordinator is also responsible for curriculum coordination for his/her subject area. The Curriculum Coordinator, as part of the Curriculum and Instruction Team, is responsible for facilitating Virtual High School professional development courses for high school teachers, conducting ongoing research on the latest developments in online education, and incorporating pedagogy as appropriate into VHS professional development offerings. The Curriculum Coordinator also provides mentoring to teachers in his or her subject area who are delivering courses to high school students, and helps ensure courses are delivered according to Virtual High School standards. This is a full-time, full-year position located in Maynard, Massachusetts.Qualifications:
·MA/MAT in Content Area, Education, Educational Administration or the equivalent.
·Five + years experience teaching and/or coordinating curriculum at the high school level; must have high school teaching certification.
·Experience in online course development and facilitation.
·Computer proficiency; working knowledge of Lotus Notes, MS-Office Suite, and Blackboard preferred.
·Self-motivation, sound judgment, and the ability to problem solve.
·Ability to work in a highly interactive team environment.
·Excellent communication skills (both oral and written), and a positive attitude.
·Good organizational skills and the ability to work successfully on multiple projects at once.

For a full position description please visit the VHS web site employment page: http://www.govhs.org/Pages/ContactVHS-Employment.

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to cribeiro@goVHS.org, by FAX to 978.897.9839, or by snail mail to:

Carol Ribeiro
Chief Operating Officer
VHS, Inc.
3 Clock Tower Place Suite 200
Maynard, MA 01754.

---

Teaching Specialist (Mathematics)
Company: K12
About Us:
Founded in 1999, K12 Inc. is a company committed to excellence in education. K12 is a curriculum development company and provides management services to public charter schools throughout the United States. The company has developed an excellent curriculum and instructional tools to help give children a great education. Programs are offered in six core subjects (Language Arts, Math, History, Science, Art and Music). The company’s unique program combines online technology with traditional content and the world’s best teaching methods. Education is delivered virtually to charter schools, school districts and to home school environments. The US Department of Education has identified this area of education to be the fastest growing of all education segments. “Hundreds of thousands are taking advantage of e-learning this school year” (US Department of Education, 2004).Required Experience, Skills and Education
• Bachelors degree in writing and or math (elementary education) is preferred.
• 3-5+ years of professional publishing writing for math elementary textbooks and other materials required
• 5+ years of K-5 teaching and/or math curriculum experience is required
• Good oral, and people skills are required
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with creativity, independence and high standards
• Self motivation is key to this position.
• Demonstrated ability to establish objectives, identify problems, analyze data and creatively deliver solutions
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on large-scale projectsPosition Description
K12 (Mathematics) Teaching Specialists are an important part of the product development team. Duties include:

• Provides both broad and specific pedagogical components to lessons
• Writes online and offline activities, ensuring that activities are clearly written and match student capabilities
• Checks activities for mathematic accuracy of instruction, for clearly defined activity procedures, and for ease of use
• Coordinates the selection and management of activity materials with K12 logistics/business staff (as necessary)
• Writes instructions, content background information, and tips for teacher guides, lesson guides, and other content materials directed to the virtual teacher and to the learning coach (parent or caring adult)
• Supports the work of Instructional Designers, Editors, and Teacher Guide Writers as it relates to pedagogy and age-appropriate content
• Consults with Instructional Designers, Visual Designers, and Media Specialists on pedagogy and age-appropriate issues related to flash designs, photos, illustrations, and video treatments
• Researches “best practices” in online teaching as it relates to a specific product, curriculum and grade level
• Consults and attends meetings as assigned (internally and externally)
• Other duties as assigned.

To Apply:
Note: This is a contract position; multiple contract positions available.
To respond to this opportunity, please indicate position title along with letter and resume to: jobs@k12.com Please refer to reference code: 1488447 in the subject line of your email.

---

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, located in Durham, NC is a residential high school for juniors/seniors statewide with high academic potential. Competitive entrance provides a rigorous curriculum enriched with experiential learning for a limited population of ~650 students. NCSSM desires to develop an online learning program targeted to those students in the state who exhibit the same qualifications required of those admitted to the residential program, but who are denied because of the space constraints.A new position, Director of NCSSM Online, will develop, manage, and expand an online NCSSM learning program.Full-time 12-month Faculty Position in Distance Learning Department

For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.ncssm.edu/hr/jobs

Applications accepted until position is filled.

---

• The Artistry of Fan Yang Beautiflul bubbles on the cutting edge? Something different I saw on CBS Sunday Morning.(tags: Media fun)
• Want to get attention in a classroom, on a stage, at a presentation? Get some of this guy’s bubble mixture!

• Steve Hargadon: NECC 2007 Session Tags and Feeds!

  tags for all the iste presentations. Figure out how to post our sessions

  (tags: necc07 NECC imsa 21cif)

This course provides you with real hands on experience. You’ll learn how to create a sense of online community as you facilitate discussions with your peers. This is an opportunity to practice online teaching skills in a caring, personalized and supportive environment.

Course activities include hands-on practice using asynchronous communication technologies. You will actively: facilitate, explore questioning skills, conflict resolution, netiquette, and collaborative learning through problem solving scenarios, simulations, and online discussions. You will investigate time management strategies and pitfalls to avoid when designing and facilitating online class activities and explore various assessment tools to analyze and evaluate student participation in online discussions.

Don’t miss this chance! Register Today!

EDUC 761 June 8 – August 3, 2007
EDUC 761 September 20 – November 16, 2007
3 graduate credits
Totally online – no travel to campus required
No extra fees or surcharges for out of state or international participants.

This course is part of the University of Wisconsin-Stout Graduate Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching.

Instructor: Dr. Kay Lehmann
School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
140E Voc Rehab Bldg
Menomonie, WI 54751
Phone: (509)-529-4006
E-Mail: lehmannk@uwstout.edu

Kay Lehmann of Walla Walla, Washington has a Master’s degree in Online Teaching and Learning from California State University/Hayward. Upon completion of her Master’s degree she began working full-time in the professional development of teachers, both online and face-to-face. Prior to that she taught middle school social studies/reading and was honored to win the Milken National Educator Award and the Washington Award for Excellence in Education. She recently completed her Ed.D at Walden University.

See what Kay’s former students have to say about this class!

I took a look based on Joyce’s recommendaiton. Seems thin in areas I’m interested in… we’ll see how they grow. I wrote to recommend resources but didn’t hear back. (Is anyone minding the store?)

• The Best Online Research Apps/Sites You’ve Never Heard Of | OEDb

  online index of research materials. Referred by Joyce Valenza (tags: research)

• Meet-O-Matic: The World’s Simplest Meeting Scheduler set meetings for large groups using this app (tags: collaboration community)

See You at NECC (Atlanta 2007)

MA309 Power Searching: Information Fluency at Your Fingertips

Click Through to register for a half day workshop!

[Workshop: Hands-on] with Carl Heine & Dennis O’Connor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 21st Century Information Fluency Project.

Monday, 6/25/2007, 8:30am–11:30am; (location available mid-May)

Search more efficiently and evaluate digital information more effectively. Learn digital research techniques that return better information more quickly using the Internet.

Purpose & Objectives

This session strengthens participant’s skills in using the Internet to find credible information. Since 2004, Power Searching workshops have been presented to over 1,000 Illinois teachers, librarians, technology coordinators and administrators. Participants report that they learn many new search and evaluation techniques and, as a result, are better able to find high-quality information they need for instruction and better equipped to pass these skills along to students.

Digital information fluency is a necessary 21st Century skill for all teachers and learners. A statement issued this year by the American Association of School Librarians underscores the importance of teaching students to “access up-to-date information from around the world, to evaluate its relevance to the questions at hand, to assess its authority and reliability, and to apply it to information problem solving.” (American Library Association, 2006). To fail to do so, the report contends, leaves students at risk, “inadequately prepared for the workplace and adult life.”

This workshop approaches the need by training the trainers, giving them strategies and tactics they can use to enhance their productivity and pass along to those they teach.

As a result of this session, participants will…

1. Become more efficient Internet searchers:

• Knowing when and how to use search engines, subject directories and browsing optimally;

• Building powerful queries with the right keyword and operator strategies;

• Finding the best databases to search for the information they need;

• Searching the Deep Web;

• Analyzing search results for important clues;

• Overcoming common information “dead ends,” such as “page not found” and finding relevant information buried in millions of returns (and raising it to the top).

2. Become more effective digital evaluators:

• Credibility criteria: Authorship, Publication, Date, Accuracy, Links To and From, Bias, Evidence, External Support and Expert Reviews;

• Red flags: domains, un-endorsed pages, links.

3. Practice with tools for teaching these skills to students:

• Instructional tools for advanced searching, evaluating digital information and citing it accurately;

• Interactive tutorial games that provide instruction and feedback in search and evaluation techniques

• Self-paced MicroModules on strategies and techniques;

Outline

Introductions, 21st Century Information Fluency, and identifying the need (15 minutes)

Searching Efficiently: (1.5 hours)

• Five minute search: find today’s workshop materials online*

• Analyzing what went right and wrong in the first search (discussion)

• Digital Information Fluency process (presentation)

• Turning questions into effective queries: The Buffalo Search*

• Keyword selection: Keyword Challenge Tutorial*

• Keyword power: Professional vocabulary, synonyms, hyponyms and hypernyms*

• Search Engine Strategies, understanding literal matching (demonstration)

• Keywords, operators and special operators (demonstration)

• Choosing the best database for searching (demonstration)

• Deep Web searching: Broadway Search, Page not Found Search*

• Recognizing relevance: Find command and scanning: Gold Rush Challenges*

• Finding better keywords: Great Wall Challenge*

• Learning cycle: Live Internet Search Challenges and MicroModules*

Evaluating Effectively: (45 minutes)

• Credibility criteria: What do you use? (discussion)

• Digital Information Fluency process and the Revision decision (presentation)

• Analyzing author, publisher, and links To: Truncation, browsing, searching with special operators (demonstration)

• Encountering red Flags: domain, ~ (unendorsed pages)

• Three Live Evaluation Challenges*

MySearch and Questions (30 minutes)

Fifteen minute search on an individually selected topic*

* the asterisk represents an online activity for learners

Speak Out: Make a Difference

The request comes from Kathy Champeau
Wisconsin State Reading Association NCLB Co-Chair . . .

Please help us document the impact of high stakes tests on students’ and others’ lives.

We are looking for teachers, parents, guidance counselors, school nurses, or anyone else who has firsthand experiences that can help us document as richly as possible the experience of high stakes testing in schools.

If you have stories you can share with us, we ask you to participate in a very short and completely anonymous survey. It should take about fifteen minutes – perhaps more if you have a lot to say.

Interested school personnel please go to:
http://m1e.net/c?40065577-iGBM/YeQVYL1E%402449269-tpJQkLhKUm8EM
(www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=351423260023)

Interested parents please go to:
http://m1e.net/c?40065577-BWmtNm3nd7jK.%402449270-c50s.y5mOGbT%2e
(www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=246153266525)

If you know of anyone else who may have pertinent experience to contribute please direct them to these websites.

Thank you for your help,

Peter Johnston (Professor, State University of New York at Albany)
Kathy Champeau (Reading Specialist, Wisconsin State Reading Association)