Join Kathy and Mark for a stirring discussion as they continue to unveil the Teachers Podcast’s new initiatives for 2010 All of this in Part 2 of 52-53 episodes! We cover the ground of policy, vision and mandates as we debate and stir up the waters with DOE announcements, rumblings on ed tech with Karen Carter and see connections with President Obama’s community college funding to k-12. From a dynamic discussion of how virtual schools might lead the innovation so much needed in our schools, to sharing the excitement of new 21st century skills guidelines, this episode is action packed as always! And in the middle of it all…

NEWSFLASH-- A special contest is announced!

NOT TO BE MISSED… for sure!

The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.
Make us the center of YOUR Ed Tech Universe!

www.teacherspodcast.org

Contact us at teacherspodcast ( @ ) gmail.com or comment here at the website. Produced and copyrighted by Transformation Education LLC, Gura and King, 2007-2010.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – The Teachers Podcast iPhone App

e-Mail us to Enter the “Free iPhone App” Contest

Articles and Related Resources

• Use Technology as Game-Changer – Education Secretary Arne Duncan

• e4TN – Tennessee’s virtual schools- they use Desire2Learn
  

  

  • Virtual Learning example in TN: Vital- at Putnam County TN
    

• Obama Announces Community College Plan- Pres. Obama article about community colleges

• ED’s new tech chief previews national plan (Karen Carter article)

• New Guidelines- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
• The web page: 2009 MILE Guide: Milestones for Improving Learning & Education- homepage
• The document 2009 MILE Guide
  • e-school news article about the new guidelines

CURRENT EVENTS

PHOTO BY MIKE SPENCER

Join Kathy and Mark as they discuss emergent trends in education and recent events of late 2009.  Teachers best practices highlights, scores of resources, Teachers Podcast mail bag and much more! What is your family doing for entertainment this holiday season? Listen into hear the trends which may connect to us! As always the discussion is wrapped around the theme of powerful uses of technology for learning.

The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.
Make us the center of YOUR Ed Tech Universe!

www.teacherspodcast.org

Contact us at teacherspodcast ( @ ) gmail.com or comment here at the website. Produced and copyrighted by Transformation Education LLC, Gura and King, 2007-2009.

Short takes

Mark’s Photos from His Thailand Travels!

Mailbag!

• Hi to all. Thanks for suggestions and notes of appreciation
• We appreciate each of you our listeners!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT -  The Teachers Podcast iPhone app- See below

RESOURCES

Articles

• Videoconferencing provides dance lessons in Minnesota district
  • Northern Elementary: Students learn dance, culture using web technology
What if you could instantly bring in someone from Africa to teach you an African dance, or a professional hip-hop artist to teach you the latest break dancing moves?
Students at Northern Elementary School did just that from Nov. 10-20.
Using Distance Learning classes, or ITV, professional music artists from Minneapolis were projected onto a wall in the gymnasium via videoconferencing technology…. Click to read more of this article

• Wrightsville Beach students use Web cam in classroom

By Chelsea.Kellner@StarNewsOnline.com

iNacol

• Reports and Resources links to NACOL web site

  • Keeping Pace with Online Learning – 2009 report (PDF)
  • Serving Students with Disabilities in State-level Virtual K-12 Public School Programs
    Project Forum
    September 30, 2009
  • Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies
    U.S. Department of Education
    June 26, 2009
  • NACOL Promising Practices in Online Learning: Blended Learning: The Convergence of Online and Face-to-Face Education
    John Watson
    May 2008
  • Guidelines for Professional Development of Online Teachers
    SREB
    May 2009
  • Serving Students with Disabilities in State-level Virtual K-12 Public School Programs
    Project Forum
    September 30, 2009
  • iNACOL State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada
    Michael K. Barbour, Wayne State University
    November, 2009

BONUS  HOLIDAY RESOURCES

• Wii Holiday advertisements

• Wii Rockband Beatles

CURRENT EVENTS

It’s here! Part 2 of this special set of episodes on Virtual Learning! In August 2009, major headlines heralded the advancement of distance learning over traditional formats. Breaking the deadlocked perspective of “no significant difference,” these reports may finally provide students of all ages with more convenient an

d flexible learning. Join Kathy and Mark as they discuss the breakthroughs in distance learning aka virtual learning.

Also in this episode much needed catch up on Kathy’s world tour- from China to Tennesse

e to Poconos Paradise! And upcoming event announcements to catch up with Kathy at some conferences she is speaking at October and November 2009 (see below)

You need to join in for this episode to get fired up about the really simple, ways to use web 2.0 and distance learning strategies for all your classes. Come on in, the water is warm and inviting!

The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.
Make us the center of YOUR Ed Tech Universe!

www.teacherspodcast.org

Contact us at teacherspodcast  (  @ )  gmail.com or comment here at the website.

Produced and copyrighted by Transformation Education LLC, Gura and King, 2007-2009.

RESOURCES & ARTICLES

Converge Article : Literacy Learning with ‘The Electric Company’

• Mark’s recent Converge Magazine article on the new “The Electric Company” educational program (Sesame Workshop)…
• The opening sequence of “The Electric Company” always presents a literacy learning problem and concludes with one of the characters shouting, “Hey you guys!”
  That iconic signal, kept from the original series of the 1970s, is a clarion call to begin each episode’s 30 minutes of fun and learning. “The Electric Company” … broadcast 780 episodes from October 1975 to April 1977 with such notable talents as Morgan Freeman, Rita Moreno, Bill Cosby, Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks.

7 Myths of Distance Learning

• Article by Kathy: http://ezinearticles.com/?id=2745770
• In this brief article, I expose some of the most common and deadly misconceptions about distance learning. And you want to read this. Why? Because if you do not consider the new trends and potential of distance learning, you may be ignoring or discounting vital opportunities to increase your career skills, complete your degree, or expand your professional relationships. That is correct, some of these myths are deadly for you, because……

Examples of Online Class Materials by Mark and Students

• Fordham CTGE 5910: http://sites.google.com/site/ctge5910/project-gallery
• Touro 604: http://sites.google.com/site/touromgura/project-gallery

- UPCOMING EVENTS

Creative Pursuits Conference at the Langley School, McLean, VA

How can 21^st century technology tools such as interactive white boards, videoconferencing, digital cameras, and blogs enhance the classroom experience for today’s students? Teachers at The Langley School will share their cutting-edge, technology-rich curriculum with fellow educators during a new two-day technology conference this fall.

• October 8-9, 2009
• Interactive Workshops Taught by Faculty in Their Own Classrooms
  
• Keynote Speakers
  • October 8 features Dr. Kathleen King – award-winning author, digital media/instructional technology expert, and co-host of the 5 million listener podcast, “The Teachers’ Podcast.”
  • On October 9, Don McNamee from Kristin School in Auckland, New Zealand.

To learn more about the Creative Pursuits conference, or to register online, log on to www.langleyschool.org/creativepursuits.

Virtual School Symposium for iNACOL 11/4-17/09

• Dr. King will participate in a panel discussion on Sunday during the VSS Preconference.
• Austin Texas location for this event
• NACOL is the leading k-12 association advancing practice, excellence and innovation in virtual learning..

• • Smilebox.com
    • Use directly from the web- no program to download
    • Free

• You can contact Mark and Kathy by
  • leaving a comment here on the blog/site
  • emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com
  • posting to the discussion in the Teacher’s Podcast Group in facebook
  • Follow Kathy on Twitter
  • phoning us at (201) 693-4935

• The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.
• (C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2007-2009.

Also in this episode much needed catch up on Kathy’s world tour- from China to Tennessee to Poconos Paradise! And upcoming event announcements to catch up with Kathy at some conferences she is speaking at October and November 2009 (see below)

You need to join in for this episode to get fired up about the really simple, ways to use web 2.0 and distance learning strategies for all your classes. Come on in, the water is warm and inviting!

A new generation of EdTech professional development.
Make us the center of YOUR Ed Tech Universe:

www.teacherspodcast.org

Contact us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com or comment at the website/blog.

The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.

Produced and copyrighted by Transformation Education LLC, Gura and King, 2007-2009.

- UPCOMING EVENTS

Creative Pursuits Conference at the Langley School, McLean, VA

How can 21^st century technology tools such as interactive whiteboards, videoconferencing, digital cameras, and blogs enhance the classroom experience for today’s students? Teachers at The Langley School will share their cutting-edge, technology-rich curriculum with fellow educators during a new two-day technology conference this fall.

• October 8-9, 2009
• Interactive Workshops Taught by Faculty in Their Own Classrooms
  
• Keynote Speakers
  • October 8 features Dr. Kathleen King – award-winning author, digital media/instructional technology expert, and co-host of the 5 million listener podcast, “The Teachers’ Podcast” – who will discuss how to prepare teachers to function inside a brave new world filled with technological possibilities.
  • On October 9, Don McNamee from Kristin School in Auckland, New Zealand, will share his expertise via live videoconference, discussing how new television tools such as Slingbox and Livestation can be put to good educational use.

To learn more about the Creative Pursuits conference, or to register online, log on to www.langleyschool.org/creativepursuits.

Virtual School Symposium for iNACOL 11/4-17/09

• Dr. King will participate in a panel discussion on Sunday during the VSS Preconference.
• Austin Texas location for this event
• NACOL is the leading k-12 association advancing practice, excellence and innovation in virtual learning..

-ON THE ROAD

Updates on Kathy’s travels and speaking at

• Zhiejiang University, Hangzhou China
• North China University of Technology in Beijing, China
• Univ Tennessee at Memphis – via virtual connections !

Links to resources and items mentioned in this episode:

~~ Short Take ~~

New Online School Caters to Gay Students
Minnesota educator David Glick says the online high school he founded for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students is an environment free of hostility. GLBTQ Online High School is believed to be the first of its kind and is receiving applications from across the nation. Glick says the curriculum will be “GLBTQ-friendly,” but some worry online schooling may create a feeling of isolation among gay students. Pioneer Report

• Related articles also at Eschoolnews and  Education Week

7 Myths of Distance Learning

• Article by Kathy
• In this brief article, I expose some of the most common and deadly misconceptions about distance learning. And you want to read this. Why? Because if you do not consider the new trends and potential of distance learning, you may be ignoring or discounting vital opportunities to increase your career skills, complete your degree, or expand your professional relationships. That is correct, some of these myths are deadly for you, because……

Examples of Online Class Materials by Mark and Students

• Fordham CTGE 5910: http://sites.google.com/site/ctge5910/project-gallery
• Touro 604: http://sites.google.com/site/touromgura/project-gallery

• Listen in to Episode 44 to find out how these fabulous resources help you use online videos anytime you want! Overcoming the challenges of classroom technology today!
  • Keepvid.com
    • Use directly from the web- no program to download
    • Free
  • TubeMaster
    • PCbased software
    • Free download and use
  • YOUTUBE Downloader
    • PCbased software
    • Free download and use

• You can contact Mark and Kathy by
  • leaving a comment here on the blog/site
  • emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com
  • posting to the discussion in the Teacher’s Podcast Group in facebook
  • follow Kathy on Twitter
    
  • phoning us at (201) 693-4935

• The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.
• (C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2007-2009.

LISTEN TO Episode 44 here:

RESOURCES and Items Mentioned in this Episode!  

A resource packed 2-part episode discusses virtual education, Twitter, economic stimulus, news items, short takes, On The Road, and teaching practice debates and insights! Great discussion from Mark and Kathy about Strategies for Stretching Stimulus Money for schools and teachers! Focus on virtual education using a variety of tools, strategies and opportunities. Resources include a detailed comparison of free and paid resources for webinars, free conference calls and virtual tools. Make us the center of YOUR Ed Tech Universe: www.teacherspodcast.org.

A new generation of EdTech professional development.

Contact us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com or comment at the website/blog.

Telephone message line: 201-693-4935.

The Teachers’ Podcast: More Ed Tech You Can Always Use Today and Tomorrow.

Produced and copyrighted by Transformation Education LLC, Gura and King, 2007-2009.

Short Takes

Stimulus Money May Fund Summer School, Teacher Pay

• Discussion by Mark and Kathy about the great potential to use this money to “keep on giving/teaching” faculty years ahead!
• Education Secretary Arne Duncan has some suggestions for how schools can spend their windfall from the economic stimulus law, including summer school and extra pay for teachers to coach struggling colleagues. The nation’s schools will get an unprecedented amount of money — about $100 billion, double the amount of education spending under President George W. Bush — over the two-year life of the new stimulus law. The Obama administration has said generally how it wants the money spent, and it has warned states not to use the money to plug budget holes, despite loopholes created by Congress that would allow that to happen… Read more…
• Strategies for Stretching stimulus money

Virtual School PD and Schools

• Learning without limits
  • How the rise of online instruction is changing the nature of schooling
  • Read more at By Christine Van Dusen at e-SchoolNews.com
• Connectivity resource: Closing the Bandwidth Gap: HashCache
  • Closing the divide: Students surf the Web at Ghana’s Kokrobitey Institute, a conference center with an Internet connection only about four times as fast as dial-up. The link is enhanced by Princeton’s low-cost, low-power HashCache technology, which stores frequently accessed Web content.… Read more at Technology Review
    

RESOURCES  

• Twitter.com
  • Twitterverse…
  • Tweets, twitter.. Twittermania?
  • Follow us on Twitter to get instant updates on ed tech resources and issues

• Twitter Educational Article
  • Some Wisconsin communications professors are asking students to “live Twitter” to help them better process materials presented in guest lectures. The tool teaches them to gather information, multitask and write succinctly, said Gee Ekechai, an associate professor at Marquette University. Read more at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (4/26)

• TOP TEN FORCES= Ten Technologies Which Will Change the World
  • Distance Learning focus: Read the article @ Converge Magazine

• Virtual schooling articles
  • Arizona, Florida parents rally to support virtual schools– 
    • Parents of Arizona and Florida children who attend virtual schools or take some online classes called on legislators in those states to cancel planned funding cuts to online education. Florida virtual schools face a 15% state funding cut and Arizona schools face 6% to 8% cuts, which parents and educators say could limit course offerings and enrollment. 
    • Read more at  The Arizona Republic (Phoenix) (4/22) , First Coast News-WTLV-TV/WJXX-TV (Jacksonville, Fla.) (4/22)
  • Officials: Online summer school will save money for Indiana district
    • Summer school will go online this year
    • Some 1,700 students in an Indiana district will make up credits through online, rather than in-person, classes, a move that district leaders say will save $300,000. The district is taking other steps, such as a pay freeze and layoffs, in an effort to save $2.9 million.
    • The Indianapolis Star (4/21)

NEWS FLASH I

Learning without limits
How the rise of online instruction is changing the nature of schooling
By Christine Van Dusen

Primary Topic Channel: Virtual schooling / Distance Learning

Teachers Podcast will be available in Schooltube.com soon.

Some short videos introducing our series and the podcasting book check it out about 4/28/09!

Watch for further details in a few days!

WEBINAR RESOURCES

• Full comparison and details in Part 2
• Check out our discussion of this one in Episode 37 to prepare!
• Dimdim..com - FREE web conference service enables you to host own synchronous learning space!
  • Presentation, whiteboard, desktop and web sharing space
  • Webcam hookup, phone connection for audio or via computer
  • FREE recording included!

• • You can contact Mark and Kathy by
  • leaving a comment here on the blog/site
  • emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com
  • posting to the discussion in the Teacher’s Podcast Group in facebook
  • phoning us at (201) 693-4935

  (C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2009

New edition of Podcasting for Teachers now available

Podcasting for Teachers Revised 2nd Edition
Using a New Technology to Revolutionize Teaching and Learning

Kathleen King and Mark Gura

What you will find in this revised and updated edition?
New for this edition are valuable additional insights and updates related to our additional years of experience in podcasting and new media. Critical updated URLs, screenshots, software comparisons, data, some fresh new curricular examples, and included references to our new series, The Teachers’ Podcast and Transformation Education LIVE! We have also upgraded statistical information, advancements from the podcasting world, references, and biographical information. In short, the book is better than ever, in part because of suggestions from our many readers who are, teachers learners, and podcast listeners of course!

The 16 chapters of the book are divided into the following major sections:
PART I. A REVOLUTION IN OUR POCKETS
PART II. PODCASTING “HOW TO” BASICS
PART III. BECOMING A PODCASTING EDUCATOR

***************

More New Books by Kathy and Co-Authors

Human Performance Models Revealed in the G lobal Context

Human Performance Models Revealed in the Global Context unveils worldwide, lessons about organizations facing similar, and different challenges focusing on this pressing need to improve human performance.

Fundamentals of Human Performance and Training

Includes a great chapter on 21st century lifelong learning

Fundamentals of Human Performance and Training was developed to help researchers and practitioners select measures to be used in the evaluation of human performance and helps them seek better, more efficient and effective ways to close performance gaps in this global economy. The book is bursting with innovative ideas that will help readers create powerful solutions in their organization, their country, their region and their continent.

**************

SHOUT OUTS to Listeners

• Learning conversations
• MoixLand Blog
• Mrs Durff’s Blog < interesting to explore
  

Short Takes

The Bad news, more bad news, and better news!

• UNESCO- Broken Vows
  • 
    

    A new report from UNESCO blames a range of factors for pushing the international goal of universal primary schooling off target.

  • Article from Education Week is linked

• Failure of Reading First
  • Recent data indicates no gains with NCLB flagship Reading First curriculum
  • Article from Education Week is linked

• OLPC machines with Win XP to Colombian schools
  • Columbia and Peru now are piloting WinXP on the OLPC computers with their school children! Maybe this will set a new pattern contrary to those above! (KPK and MG)
  • Click the link above to tread the complete article

Articles in this Episode

Column: Education reform central to solving country’s problems
President-elect Barack Obama has ranked education fifth on his list of priorities once he takes office, but syndicated columnist Nicholas D. Kristof says that’s not high enough. Education can help children overcome obstacles such as poverty, and it can help the country improve its economy, Kristof writes. The Seattle Times (11/15)

Petition: Oppose Joel Klein
The Petition to oppose the appointment of Joel Klein.
The above is one of a massive number of blogs explaining and promoting this petition.
Interesting to see the democratic process working so that people want to voice their opinion to President-elect Obama.

Alabama to make distance learning mandatory for graduation
Next year, all high-school students in Alabama will be required to take and pass an online course in order to graduate. A growing number of students in Alabama already are learning online, with courses allowed to be taught by certified and highly qualified teachers only. Times Daily (Florence/Sheffield/Tuscumbia/Muscle Shoals, Ala.) (11/16)

Online schools available to all Floridians next year
Every elementary and middle school student in Florida will be able to go online during the next school year and learn in a virtual classroom. The practice has been tested in a pilot program, and officials say thousands of parents could take advantage of the virtual school option for their children when the law takes effect next fall. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)

Resources:

Free virtual field trips bring the world into any classroom
When virtual field trips began, most of such journeys were underwhelming, but recent technology has allowed the development of impressive — and free — adventures. Blue Zones Quest encourages healthy behaviors through scientific exploration of cultural practices, GoNorth! brings students to the North Pole via dogsled, Windows into Wonderland explores the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone National Park, and National Geographic: Lewis & Clark traces the famous explorers’ path from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Edutopia.org (10/29)
New York teacher gives lesson from Antarctica
A New York charter-school teacher is researching climate change in Antarctica for two months while teaching her students remotely. School officials say they hope Shakira Petit’s long-distance lessons will excite students about science or encourage them to explore research careers. USA TODAY/The Associated Press (10/30)

Google erects virtual model of ancient Rome
Ancient Rome circa 320 A.D. has been virtually rebuilt by Google as an educational tool. The company is offering prizes to teachers who design the best lesson plans based on the site. The Sydney Morning Herald/Agence France-Presse (11/13)
http://earth.google.com/rome/
http://www.google.com/educators/romecontest.html

Mrs. P Has a Story for You, Kids www.mrsp.com
Mrs. P is Kathy Keene (Mimi from Drew Carey Show)
Mrs. P is the title character of a new children’s storytelling website debuting at the beginning of National Young Readers Week. Los Angeles Times, November 10, 2008

***** Maddox’s Podcast Participant Study Invitation *****

Cynthia Maddox, a doctoral candidate at Pace University, is doing a research project with the guidance of Dr. Kathy King, in which she is looking at the effective use of mobile technology, especially podcasts.

“I’m inviting teachers to share experiences you have in using podcasts with your students. Some of you may have written your own podcast scripts and some of you have had your students create podcast recordings. This study will look at children in grades K – 12.”
Come show administrators, your colleagues, parents and reluctant technology users that the tools of our youth do have value. Let the nay Sayers learn that authentic assignments can motivate and stimulate a thirst for discovery. Share your successes in turning your students on to school and into life long learners.

To find out more about this podcast study, Email Cynthia at Cynthiam9@gmail.com ASAP
Be sure to include the words “Maddox Podcast Study” in your subject.

*************

Coming soon.. the Interviews with Winners of the

3rd Annual ‘The Teachers’ Podcast’

Best Educational Podcast Awards!

McGraw Hill Education is our proud partner in recognizing the achievements

of teachers and students in advancing the field of new media and education



Check out the main Contest 2008 page for details about submission, categories and prizes

Submissions for Year 3 Closed Aug. 15, 2008. Check back for Year 4 in a few months.

Contact Us

• You can contact Mark and Kathy by
• leaving a comment here on the blog/site
• emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com
• posting to the discussion in the Teacher’s Podcast Group in facebook
• phoning us at (201) 693-4935

(C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2008.

Click to Share!

A resource filled and cutting edge episode about virtual schools. From Myth Busting to Standards and star gazing and everywhere beyond, Kathy reveals her expertise which has been hidden from the podcast listeners- she being a researcher, author and online educator for over 14 years. Kathy and Mark highlight several timely initiatives across k-12 schools regarding online learning and bring their keen educational sight to bear on this very pertinent topic.

Recent educational headlines and top notch articles are discussed , terrific resources and Distance Learning Myths are “Busted” in every direction to encourage Teachers Podcast listeners to step out into the world of online learning and incorporate learning management systems and online resources at their comfort level!

Also a special opportunity to participate in a study about teachers and students using podcasting in classrooms- read on for more information!

“Sometimes locking heads, but always with much laughter, the Teachers’ Podcast dynamic duo offers up a most substantial and entertaining episode to celebrate the REVOLUTION in teaching and learning.”

NEWSFLASH! TTPOD On the Road!

Dr. Kathy King

• NOV 5- Penn State Harrisburgh- Look for Kathy at Penn State Unviersity- Harrisburg on Nov 5 at 7pm as she leads a seminar on podcasting and new media for the graduate faculty and students.

• NOV 10, PHIL, PA- Also she will keynote the 2008 CAP /CAEL Conference in Philadelphia on Nov 10, before heading to

• NOV 11-14 Denver, CO- AAACE and CPAE in Denver, CO (Nov 11-14) to conduct several sessions on new media and also adult learning/HR topics!

Mark Gura

• Oct-Nov (2 weeks) – South East Asia! Mark is in the air and on the road in Vietnam and Cambodia for his annual international vacation and exploration excursion with his brother Abby.

Don’t be concerned the dynamic TTPOD hosts have prerecorded episodes to carry the listeners over the intervening weeks!

TTPOD Epsiode 28 Articles

• On the way: Nation’s first tech-literacy exam
  Tech literacy to be added to Nation’s Report Card beginning in 2012
  For the first time ever, technological literacy will become part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, the test’s governing board has announced.Beginning in 2012, the test will measure students’ proficiency with technology in addition to reading, math, science, history, writing, and other subjects. The new test will mark the first time students’ technology literacy has been assessed on a national level.

  http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=55483

Virtual Learning

• All Florida districts to offer virtual classes by fall 2009
  Next year, all Florida children will be able to earn their diploma entirely online without ever entering a classroom. Under a new state law, all districts will either be required to create their own online schools or work together with those who do. The Miami Herald/The Palm Beach Post (9/30)
• Converge article and resources
  • Best of Both Worlds- Blended Learning
  • Scroll to page 21 Summer 2008 edition

Myth Busting

• Data and insight
  • Berge & Clark article
• Leading the Band: The Role of the Instructor in Online Learning for Educators
  • By Drs King and Heuer
  • Article link
• Sloan-C report-
  • Recent report on last 5 years of online learning in US higher education
    • Allen & Seaman, 2007
• Evidence of Myths:
  • NYC Article:
    • HOME WORK: City Bids for Online High Schools
    • NY Post article

Virtual Learning Resources

• NACOL: http://www.nacol.org/
  • NACOL Programs and Services
  • NACOL Board of Directors
  • History of NACOL

  About NACOL

  The North American Council for Online Learning Believes:

  * Online learning is a viable option that allows every learner to achieve a quality education.
  * Models of reform in public and private education should incorporate online learning as a viable tool for change.
  * Online learning is a viable path for educating children throughout their primary and secondary education years.
  * Quality online learning opportunities are led by outstanding course content delivered by highly qualified educators.
  * Federal, state and local education entities must evaluate and refine existing education public policy in order to promote online teaching and learning options.
  * Professional development, whether delivered in an online or face-to-face environment, is the basis for ensuring that students and teachers have productive online learning experiences.
  * Online teachers and students match or surpass all accountability standards.
  * Federal, state, local and corporate entities must support research and development to provide insight into and promote best practices in the areas of online learning.

• Tappedin.org
  • A free online learning environment
  • www.tappedin.org
• Celestia

  • Virtual astronomy software sparks student interest in science
    A free software program, Celestia , is allowing students in one Virginia high school to traverse time and space, as astronomy teacher Frank Gregorio guides them through Celestia’s three-dimensional virtual universe. The software transforms a classroom “into a high tech space-simulation experience far more exciting than anything these kids have ever experienced in a school,” Gregorio says. (9/17) Edutopia article
    
    

  • YouTube Videos (DEMOs…great!) on Celestia

    Video 1

    Video 2

Online Community Feature

• Tappedin.org
  • A free online learning environment
  • www.tappedin.org

Maddox’s Podcast Participant Study Invitation

Cynthia Maddox, a doctoral candidate at Pace University, is doing a research project with the guidance of Dr. Kathy King, in which she is looking at the effective use of mobile technology, especially podcasts.

“I’m inviting teachers to share experiences you have in using podcasts with your students. Some of you may have written your own podcast scripts and some of you have had your students create podcast recordings. This study will look at children in grades K – 12.”
Come show administrators, your colleagues, parents and reluctant technology users that the tools of our youth do have value. Let the nay Sayers learn that authentic assignments can motivate and stimulate a thirst for discovery. Share your successes in turning your students on to school and into life long learners.

To find out more about this podcast study, Email Cynthia at Cynthiam9@gmail.com ASAP
Be sure to include the words “Maddox Podcast Study” in your subject.

Coming soon.. the Interviews with Winners of the

3rd Annual ‘The Teachers’ Podcast’

Best Educational Podcast Awards!

McGraw Hill Education is our proud partner in recognizing the achievements

of teachers and students in advancing the field of new media and education



Check out the main Contest 2008 page for details about submission, categories and prizes

Submissions for Year 3 Closed Aug. 15, 2008. Check back for Year 4 in a few months.

Contact Us

• You can contact Mark and Kathy by
• leaving a comment here on the blog/site
• emailing us at teacherspodcast@gmail.com
• posting to the discussion in the Teacher’s Podcast Group in facebook
• phoning us at (201) 693-4935

(C) Transformation Education LLC, King & Gura, 2008.