Agenda

Introduction - Brief Workshop - Q&A

- Introduction
     > Taught over 20 online courses using Blackboard software for Community College of Vermont
     > Spent the last 4 years as 1/2 time teacher and 1/2 time tech integrationist at Harwood
     > Initially became aware of edu20.org by Susan Hennessey when looking for a place to hold threaded discussion
     > Re-visited edu20 when GMVS came looking for a solid and reliable Learning Management System (LMS)
     > Became even more involved as Harwood began a search for a place to host Digital Portfolios
     > Helped to develop ed20 over the past 3 years - discussion board assignment, portfolios, proficiencies, gradebook improvements, and numerous smaller suggestions.

- Brief Workshop

     1)  "show them inroads - ways to get started?" 

- Begin slowly, start with basic assignments and instruct as you introduce new features (many features can be turned off)

- Learn how to effectively use the HTML editor and teach your students the same, including:

     - External links, linked video, embedded video and other HTML widgets, image manipulation, etc

- Start a new class, enroll students (from school roster), enroll yourself as a student, create an assignment.

 

     2)  "what to do with edu20?"

Business as Usual Transformative

- Provides an easy way to deliver assignments and collect student work online.

- Helps teachers become more efficient over time
When all assignments are digitized there is less wasted time finding, prepping, sharing, and reminding and more time to refine lessons, give formative feedback, or spend with your family.

- Helps educators share good ideas and common assessments

- Even if edu20 is used only to share assignments with students and parents there will still be major benefits.

 

- Allows for greater differentiation and Personalize Learning

- Promotes Greater Choice, Voice, and Autonomy of what students learn, how they learn it, and how they show their learning.

- Provides opportunities for 'Nearly Now' asynchronous learning environments                                         

- Provides opportunity to collaborate safely outside the classroom walls (upcoming Learning Circles)

- Provides richer data than standardized tests

- Provides an effective platform for effective digital portfolios that focus on student learning rather than portfolio-building skills.

 

    3)  "how can edu20 enhance learning and/or support curriculum?" - see above and see here

     4) "What about the forum or discussion features?"
          - Great feature!  Allows students to make their voices heard in a less threatening environment for many.  Has bee shown to give students confidence to take part in class discussions.
        - Save it for discussions that are inherently appealing to students (i.e. controversial issues, role-plays, philosophical issues, debates, etc)
        - Train students with an easy prompt first - focus on skill not on content
         - Remember the power of the HTML editor - use images, videos, slideshows, links etc.
         - Clear expectations for language, min/max, and prompts for feedback are helpful

5) Tips and Hints

- Enroll all students and teachers beforehand
- Create basic protocols for creating a class at your school
- Create a Class Template with grade map, grading periods, weights etc.
- Be careful copying and pasting from Word or other WP programs
- Encourage the use of web-based tools (google docs, google presentations, prezis, slideshare, glogs, etc)
- Avoid using lessons until you learn the system, and avoid gateway lessons especially
- Get Involved!  Make your voices heard in the forums - it does matter.
- Join the edu20 users group being formed.

Question and Answer Session

    




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