From DSC:
I don’t think Karl would mind if you posted a link to his video in your Week #1 module…
…and/or in your online orientation sessions, etc.
Thanks Karl for posting this resource out there on YouTube!
On 04/26/2020,
in A/V -- audio/visual, accessibility / UDL, adult learning, Apple, assistive technologies, colleges, community colleges, digital audio, education, education technology, higher education, homeschooling/homeschoolers, human-computer interaction (HCI), innovation, interactivity, interface design, IT in HE, K-12 related, law schools, learning, multimedia, neurodivergent/special needs, platforms, productivity / tips and tricks, psychology, remote teaching and learning, student teaching/teacher education, student-related, teachers, teaching & learning, teaching online, technology (general), tools, United States, usability, user experience (UX), user interface design, vendors, voice recognition / voice enabled interfaces, youth,
by Daniel Christian
On 04/24/2020,
in assessment, dangers of the status quo, Daniel S. Christian, education, education reform, homeschooling/homeschoolers, ideas, K-12 related, learner profiles, learning, learning ecosystem, Learning from the Living [Class] Room, learning preferences, lifelong learning, love of learning, more voice more choice more control, motivation, neurodivergent/special needs, parents/guardians, participation, personalized/customized learning, platforms, policy, reinvent, society, student teaching/teacher education, student-related, surviving, teachers, teaching & learning, technologies for your home, traditional / tradition, trends, United States, user experience (UX), vision/possibilities, youth,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
NOTE: The K-12 education system that I’m talking about in this posting is the pre-COVID-19 education system.
What Cory Henwood describes here…
…is what I describe as the quickly moving K-12 education train that stops for no one!
(image source)
This becomes especially troublesome for those on either side of the 80% bell curve. I know about this, as one of our daughters has been living through this phenomenon for years. We are seriously considering homeschooling for her as we want her learning experiences to be more positive ones for her. We want to provide more choice, more control for what she wants to learn about — and the pace at which she can go through those experiences. We want there to be more joy in her learning experiences. This will hopefully help her build more positive perspectives about learning in general.
This is not a mute issue…nor is this a topic that’s focused on just students with special needs. In fact, this topic is relevant to every single student in America — as everyone is now required to be lifelong learners these days. Grades need to diminish in importance. The enjoyment of learning needs to rise.
Note: There were some times in public and charter schools that provided courses and topics of great interest to her, and provided some great joy to her. Plus, there were some incredibly-dedicated teachers and staff that created a team around our daughter. I’m very grateful for them and for their efforts. But positive learning experiences were becoming too few and too far between. The train left the station *for everyone* at such-and-such a time, and stopped *for everyone* at such and such a time. The education system required that she and her classmates move at a certain (high) speed — regardless of their mastery of the content. Teachers know what I’m talking about here…big time.
We need to get to what Cory discusses about when he discusses competency-based education.
Plus, we need to get to a place where there is:
On 04/11/2020,
in K-12 related, online learning, remote teaching and learning, student-related, teachers, teaching online, technologies for your home, tools, vendors, videoconferencing, virtual K-12 schools,
by Daniel Christian
Online learning tip: student asks a question you don’t know the answer to in an online video chat?
Hold extremely still, for 10 seconds…
Then starting talking mid-sentence…
“…And hopefully that clears that up for you”.
When in doubt, glitch.
— Joel Speranza (@JoelBSperanza) April 8, 2020
On 04/11/2020,
in adjunct faculty, colleges, community colleges, instructional design, Michigan, online learning, pedagogy, teachers, teaching & learning, teaching online, United States, universities,
by Daniel Christian
Steps toward excellence: The power of learning objectives — from rtalbert.org by Robert Talbert
Making clear and measurable learning objectives for both the course and individual course modules.
Excerpt:
How to write a clear, measurable learning objective
Allow me to (re-)introduce you to Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Each of the six levels of the taxonomy corresponds to a category of cognitive tasks, and in most of these diagrams of the taxonomy you will find action verbs attached to each level. The key to writing a clear, measurable learning objective is to focus on two questions at both the macro and micro levels:
What is it that I want students to learn? And,
What action with a measurable outcome can a student perform that will allow me to decide whether they have learned it?
Then it’s a matter of expressing that action as a declarative statement anchored to a concrete action verb at the appropriate Bloom level.
Also see Robert’s second posting here, entitled:
- Steps toward excellence: Making sure you assess the right things
In this post, we’ll begin to see why crafting clear, measurable learning objectives is so important to building an excellent online learning environment, and it has to do with this idea of measuring things.
On 04/09/2020,
in A/V -- audio/visual, active learning, adjunct faculty, attention, blended learning, collaboration, colleges, communications, community colleges, corporate universities / corporate training, Daniel S. Christian, education, education technology, engagement / engaging students, experimentation, higher education, homeschooling/homeschoolers, ideas, informal learning, innovation, IT in HE, K-12 related, law schools, learning, learning ecosystem, learning hubs & pods & microschooling, learning preferences, learning spaces, liberal arts, love of learning, more voice more choice more control, motivation, participation, pedagogy, smart classrooms, social learning / networks, student-related, teachers, teaching & learning, tools, universities, vendors, youth,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
The article below is meant as fodder for thought for us now…until we get back to holding class in physical learning spaces again. But it caught my attention because I’d like to see us give students “More choice. More Control.” in all areas of their learning — whether that be in the physical realm or in the digital/virtual realm.
4 reasons to build choice into classroom design — and how to make it work for students — from spaces4learning.com by Deanna Marie Lock
A look at the key elements of a modern and highly engaging learning space
On 04/07/2020,
in adjunct faculty, Adobe, Apple, assessment, Canvas - and other Instructure-related items, cloud-based computing / apps / other cloud-related, CMS/LMS, colleges, community colleges, Daniel S. Christian, digital learning, education, education technology, faculty/staff, Google, higher education, homeschooling/homeschoolers, human-computer interaction (HCI), ideas, instructional design, IT in HE, K-12 related, law schools, learning, learning ecosystem, Learning from the Living [Class] Room, legal technologies, Microsoft, mobile learning, mobile technologies, online learning, online media, online tutoring, remote teaching and learning, student teaching/teacher education, student-related, teachers, teaching & learning, teaching online, technologies for your home, tools, universities, usability, vendors,
by Daniel Christian
Q: For those who prefer or need to handwrite their essays, what are some ways/methods that students can use to scan in — and then submit — their essays into Canvas?
A: Below are a few different options, potential solutions, and resources:
- Students can also scan in their essays via most combination printers/scanners these days. Then they can insert those scans into a Word doc and submit it.
- A Google search presents many different ways to scan in items into a Word document. That Word doc can then be submitted or saved as a PDF file (and then be submitted as as PDF file).
- Also see How to create a PDF of handwritten assignments — from Canvas @ Yale. Yale recommended the following apps:
Also see:
- The new Office app now generally available for Android and iOS — from microsoft.com by the Microsoft 365 team
Excerpt:
Integrating our Lens technology to unlock the power of the camera with capabilities like converting images into editable Word and Excel documents, scanning PDFs, and capturing whiteboards with automatic digital enhancements to make the content easier to read.
Achieving a quick “Pair & Share” method of teaching using the Cisco Webex Meeting Center [Christian]
On 04/07/2020,
in active learning, adjunct faculty, adult learning, cloud-based computing / apps / other cloud-related, collaboration, colleges, communications, community colleges, corporate / business world, corporate universities / corporate training, Daniel S. Christian, digital learning, education, education technology, engagement / engaging students, faculty/staff, ideas, innovation, instructional design, interactivity, internet, IT in HE, K-12 related, law schools, learning, learning ecosystem, Learning from the Living [Class] Room, online learning, participation, pedagogy, platforms, productivity / tips and tricks, professional development, social learning / networks, student-related, teachers, teaching & learning, teaching online, technologies for your home, telecommunications, tools, universities, usability, user experience (UX), user interface design, vendors, videoconferencing, virtual K-12 schools, webinars,
by Daniel Christian
From DSC:
The “Pair & Share” method allows students to find a fellow student to talk about the question/topic at hand. Then, depending upon time and your learning objectives/lesson plans, some students can report back to the larger classroom about what they discussed. In the digital, synchronous realm, one can achieve this with private chat rooms — given that you’ve changed a setting to allow this to occur. Posting the pairings ahead of time should help establish a quick, smooth transition.
(The graphic below is for the Cisco Webex Meeting Center on a MacBook Pro).
On 04/02/2020,
in Canvas - and other Instructure-related items, CMS/LMS, collaboration, education, elearning, engagement / engaging students, homeschooling/homeschoolers, K-12 related, learning, learning ecosystem, Learning from the Living [Class] Room, more voice more choice more control, motivation, neurodivergent/special needs, online media, parents/guardians, participation, passions, student-related, teachers, technologies for your home, tools, United States, vendors, videoconferencing, web-based collaboration, youth,
by Daniel Christian
Homeschooling During the COVID-19 Pandemic — from cato.org by Kerry McDonald
Excerpt:
In a recent three-part Cato Daily Podcast series, I spoke with host Caleb Brown about this unprecedented educational moment, including sharing strategies and resources for overcoming the challenges of unexpected, unchosen homeschooling, as well as possible outcomes as more parents seek alternatives to conventional schooling post-pandemic.
More Free Resources For New Homeschoolers — from forbes.com by Nick Morrison
Excerpt:
Last month I highlighted some of the free resources available for parents — and teachers — during the pandemic, but since then a number of other organizations have offered their resources, expertise and support for free, so here is another selection, for the benefit of ordinary homeschoolers in these extraordinary times.
From DSC:
Below are excerpts from a recent email that I received as a cc: to our son and am passing it along in case it helps others out there.
I would like to share with you important guidance on how to get the most out of your online learning experience.
ORGANIZING YOUR SPACE
Set up your home classroom space. This is important. Be sure you have a space that is comfortable and where you can focus on your studies, your practice, your craft and your learning. This can be private or shared, whatever works for you and your family.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Computer
- Internet Access, preferably high-speed broadband, is required for video conferencing and class assignments. Most of the expected work will not require streaming, but a secure internet connection will help a lot.
- Headphones help minimize extraneous noise. They can also help signal to others in your home that you are online and on-task.
- Zoom, our preferred video conferencing software, can be downloaded here.
SCHEDULE
You will complete your work and engage in your lessons in two ways. Some assignments are laid out in your Canvas class and can be completed at your own pace, turning work in when due. And some of your classes and lessons will require you to connect with faculty and students in real time. When a real-time option is possible, be sure to take it.
STAYING CONNECTED
Again, be sure to connect in real time as often as possible. There are lots of opportunities to connect with faculty and students every day.
…
Join in as many real time experiences as you can. These human connections, across the internet, are so important during this time when we are all separated physically.
NORMS FOR VIDEO-CONFERENCING
- Log in on time, and be fully prepared with any necessary materials, notebooks, etc.
- Wear clothes like what you would wear to school.
- Remain present and engaged throughout the session. Do not open additional windows or use other technology during the session, unless it is part of class.
- Join sessions in a quiet space, if you can, where you will not distract others and not be distracted.
- Mute your microphone when not speaking.
SUMMARY OF STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Establish a daily routine for your school work.
- Find a comfortable, distraction-free place in your home where you can work.
- Check email and Canvas each day to learn about the expectations for your work.
- Perform tasks as outlined by instructors in Canvas and seek clarification from teachers on any assignments where you need it.
- For classes meeting “live,” login to real-time video services (Zoom) for dialogue with teachers and members of your class. Attend faculty office hours. They want to see you!
- Put forth your best effort.
- Communicate with your instructors, your advisor, your residence life coordinator, and/or Academic and College Counseling.
- If you need anything, let us know.
Under the Table and Teaching: 11 Expert Tips for Schooling Kids with ADHD from Home — from additudemag.com
Unschooling. Homeschooling. Crisis schooling. What is the difference? And what are the best learning strategies for your child with ADHD at this stressful time? Here are tips and strategies from education experts who understand the distinctions and today’s inescapable realities.
Excerpts:
11 Ways to Support Learning at Home
-
- Focus learning on your child’s natural interests.
- If your child gets stressed, take a break.
- Make learning a game.
- Embrace Minecraft.
- Add movement to promote learning.
- Build focus with busy hands and feet.
- Tap into online tutors.
- Ditch the worksheets. Use educational videos, phone apps, educational podcasts, or other media to introduce or expand on a subject.
- Take things one day at a time.
- Follow your child’s lead.
- Accept that homeschooling may not work for you.
Research Quest Live sign up
Though the museum is currently closed, the Natural History Museum of Utah is allowing kids around the globe the opportunity to transport back in time to a past where dinosaurs roamed the world. With the recently launched Research Quest Live, offering a taste of the world with virtual tours and free access to daily online science classes taught by museum educators.
Common Sense Launches Wide Open School to Help Families and Educators Transition to Students Learning from Home — from commonsensemedia.org
As Schools Continue to Close as a Result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Some of the Most Respected Companies in Education, Media, and Tech Join Forces to Offer a Free and Open Collection of Quality Online Learning Resources to Educators and Families.
Excerpt:
SAN FRANCISCO, March 31, 2020—Common Sense, the leading nonprofit organization whose mission is to help kids, families, and educators thrive in a world of media and technology, has convened a group of education, media, and tech partners to launch WideOpenSchool.org, a free online resource to support families and educators who are transitioning to remote learning as a result of the coronavirus.
Wide Open School features the very best resources from publishers, nonprofits, and education companies, including the American Federation of Teachers, Amplify, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Head Start, Khan Academy, National Geographic, Noggin, PBS, Scholastic, Sesame Workshop,Time for Kids, XQ Institute, and YouTube. Find the full site at WideOpenSchool.org.
On 03/29/2020,
in adjunct faculty, Canvas - and other Instructure-related items, CMS/LMS, colleges, community colleges, education technology, faculty/staff, higher education, K-12 related, online learning, online media, online tutoring, teachers, teaching & learning, teaching online, vendors,
by Daniel Christian
Canvas Video Resources — from instructure.com
Are you in the middle of #remotelearning, and could you use a refresher on how to do certain things w/Canvas LMS? Don’t worry, a group of community members came together & produced videos about key features to help you get moving.
#edtech #onlinelearning #coronavirus #education #highered #k12 #CMS #LMS #Canvas