Connections: Virtual Learning Communities- ebook

Connections: Virtual Learning Communities is an eBook that explores how online communities form, who joins them, and how they operate in learning environments. This book is available as an .epub document, suitable for viewing on most mobile devices and desktops. If you aren’t sure how to handle .epub files, check out this excellent review of software for desktop and mobile devices: http://www.jedisaber.com/ebooks/Readers.asp

In the Virtual Learning Communities (VLC) Research Laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan we have been investigating the shape of online learning networks for more than a decade. We’ve conducted research and written a bunch of papers, chapters, articles and reports on the topic.

This ebook pulls together the big ideas from our work for educators who might actually be able to put what we have learned to good use. That’s what this book is about—making sense of online learning communities. In a sense it isn’t original; it is rewritten out of material the VLC Research Lab already created along with a healthy dose of my own speculations. So it is selective rather than comprehensive. It doesn’t attempt to pull together all of the excellent work and writing about online learning.

This is also an experiment with this digital form of a book. The ebook format offers a number of fresh affordances and imposes some really difficult layout restrictions. The book includes a number of links to resources and examples. Every chapter has a video introduction that you can jump to if you want to get the big idea without combing through an entire chapter to dig it out. And by the time I release the next edition, I hope to discover a reasonable way to embed videos into the document, instead of having to link to external files.

And I hope to make this an evergreen book that changes as we learn more about how groups of people gather online to learn together. I invite you to add your own ideas to the next edition of the book at http://vlcbook.wikispaces.com/

So download a copy of Connections for yourself, and tell your friends (or enemies, if you don’t like the book). This is the first time I have been able to guarantee that a book of mine will be worth every penny

http://rickscafe.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/connections-virtual-learning-communities-ebook-launch/

The Science of Learning: How Current Brain Research Can Improve Education -Report

In this latest STAR (School Technology Action Report), “The Science of Learning: How Current Brain Research Can Improve Education,” the editors of eSchool Media highlight cutting-edge research from leading neuroscience experts on how various activities affect the brain, and how these activities can help students improve their comprehension and memory.

From understanding how multimedia and physical exercise can affect classroom instruction, to appreciating the influence of art and reading on brain development, to taking the first steps in realizing the mind mechanics of autism, researchers know more today than ever before on what techniques can have the biggest impact on teaching and learning.

In this report, you’ll discover how the brain reacts to:

• Visual learning and memory training
• Physical activity
• Arts and Language Arts
• Gaming
• New techniques for students with disabilities
• Early childhood education

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/06/22/the-science-of-learning-how-current-brain-research-can-improve-education/

CourseLab v2.6.5 has been released

The commercial version of CourseLab (v2.6.5) has been released. Contact courselab@courselab.com to get the trial version. In July the company will add detailed information about the commercial CourseLab to www.courselab.com and will start official sales.

CourseLab v2.6 is being translated into French, Spanish, Deutch, Arabic, and Japanese now. Localized releases are coming soon. Beta version are already available for several languages and are available upon request.

Finally, the company would like to announce that one more release - v2.7 - is coming soon, too. v2.7 will add new objects and, most importantly, will support the latest versions of all popular web browsers.

http://www.courselab.com/db/cle/doc.html&doc_id=F48FCD8CA193FF4CC32578B90054CF9F

Hidden Webtools - 11 Tools for 2011 - ebook

11 Hidden Gems of the Internet For Creating a 21st Century Classroom Without Spending A Dime, Without Searching, Without Frustration.

...AND You Can Flat-Out HAVE This Entire 17 Page Technology Integrating Digital eBook That Puts You Into The Inner Circle Of EdTech Teachers...

Plus You'll Get Bonus "Ninja" Secrets delivered periodically to keep your classroom ahead of the pack...
We have searched the web for some lesser known FREE webtools to integrate into the classroom. We’re excited to share this digital eBook with you! These free resources will help you create engaging 21st century learning experiences for you and your students.

You’re about to see "Hidden Webtools" used by teachers, just like yourself, to enhance lesson plans and class activities. Best of all – it’s organized and provides all of the links to the exact websites you will need.

Inside You'll Discover...

 The top 3 video tools that simplify publishing, sharing, communicating and connecting with other teachers and students around the world. 
 How to quickly and easily find just the right image for that all important report or pictorial essay.

 The best ways to share those large files that are impossible to send via email. 

Finally, find the "Diamonds in the rough" so you can easily integrate technology into your classroom with your complimentary Hidden Webtools eBook.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/KPW25c/

Emerging Trends: 2011 School Technolog Action Report

With widespread adoption of the Common Core State Standards, the national push for school reform, and a renewed federal investment in education, 2011 just might be the year 21st century innovation finally becomes a reality in our nation’s schools.

In this edition of STAR (the School Technology Action Report), “Emerging Trends: 2011,” eSchool Media, Inc., presents the five emerging trends we believe will take root this year, due to the large amount of attention these trends received in 2010, as well as the positive results they produced in student achievement and administrative effectiveness in schools, districts, and states.

In this report you’ll find the latest news on:

• Classroom instruction trends
• Mobile devices trends
• eReading technology trends
• Virtualization trends
• Bullying trends, and much more

I hope you find it useful.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/03/emerging-trends-2011/2/

No More Excuses! It’s Time To Overcome Your Techphobia! Webinar

The SimpleK12 Team has discovered the best tips, advice, and webtools proven to CURE Techphobia of all degrees. And now we’re sharing all of these SECRETS with you!

Whether you’re Techphobic Tracy or EdTech Eddie, there’s something for you at this webinar. So join Kimberly and Grace from SimpleK12 as they go over the 7 major symptoms of Techphobia, and how to overcome them.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/c03414od/

Searching With Google - ebook

Discover 15 Ways For Using Google To Easily Engage Your Student's "Learning Brain" To Capture Attention, Inspire, and Make The Internet A Better Tool For Your Classroom!"

...AND You Can Flat-Out HAVE This Entire Technology Integrating Digital Workbook That Puts You Into The Inner Circle Of EdTech Teachers...

Plus You'll Get Bonus "Ninja" Secrets delivered periodically to keep your classroom ahead of the pack...

Capture the power of Google Tools for your classroom. We’re excited to share this digital workbook with you! The free resources from Google will help you create engaging 21st century learning experiences for you and your students.

You’re about to see Google activities and ideas used by teachers, just like yourself, to enhance lesson plans and class activities.

Inside You'll Discover Ideas For...

 Commemorating a field trip, a project, or just a wonderful year together. 

 Organizing a Google Group to help save energy in school and at homes.

 Staying current with the latest developments in education and in your specific subject. 

Finally, put the "Power of Google" to work for you and your class. The ideas, examples and exercises in this FREE workbook will help you easily integrate technology into your classroom.

Discover 15 Ways For Using Google To Easily Engage Your Student's "Learning Brain" To Capture Attention, Inspire, and Make The Internet A Better Tool For Your Classroom!"

...AND You Can Flat-Out HAVE This Entire Technology Integrating Digital Workbook That Puts You Into The Inner Circle Of EdTech Teachers...

Plus You'll Get Bonus "Ninja" Secrets delivered periodically to keep your classroom ahea

d of the pack...

Capture the power of Google Tools for your classroom. We’re excited to share this digital workbook with you! The free resources from Google will help you create engaging 21st century learning experiences for you and your students.

You’re about to see Google activities and ideas used by teachers, just like yourself, to e

nhance lesson plans and class activities.

Inside You'll Discover Ideas For...

 Commemorating a field trip, a project, or just a wonderful year together. 

 Organizing a Google Group to help save energy in school and at homes.

 Staying current with the latest developments in education and in your specific subject. 

Finally, put the "Power of Google" to work for you and your class. The ideas, examples and exercises in this FREE workbook will help you easily integrate technology into your classroom.

Discover 15 Ways For Using Google To Easily Engage Your Student's "Learning Brain" To Capture Attention, Inspire, and Make The Internet A Better Tool For Your Classroom!"

...AND You Can Flat-Out HAVE This Entire Technology Integrating Digital Workbook That Puts You Into The Inner Circle Of EdTech Teachers...

Plus You'll Get Bonus "Ninja" Secrets delivered periodically to keep your classroom ahead of the pack...

Capture the power of Google Tools for your classroom. We’re excited to share this digital workbook with you! The free resources from Google will help you create engaging 21st century learning experiences for you and your students.

You’re about to see Google activities and ideas used by teachers, just like yourself, to enhance lesson plans and class activities.

Inside You'll Discover Ideas For...

 Commemorating a field trip, a project, or just a wonderful year together. 

 Organizing a Google Group to help save energy in school and at homes.

 Staying current with the latest developments in education and in your specific subject. 

Finally, put the "Power of Google" to work for you and your class. The ideas, examples and exercises in this FREE workbook will help you easily integrate technology into your classroom.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/qaq22/

Reviewing eLearning Courses Made Easy with Adobe Captivate 5.5 -Webinar

Description: Join Dr. Pooja Jaisingh and Vish to learn how to use Adobe Captivate Reviewer to get your Captivate projects reviewed by the SMEs, internal team or customers. Also learn how to leverage Acrobat.com or your internal server in this process.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Publish the project for review.
• Share project for review on an internal server.
• Share the project on Acrobat.com for review.
• Review Adobe Captivate project.
• Add comments to the SWF file.
• Edit comments in the SWF file.
• Import comments from an XML file.
• Export comments to an XML file.
• View or sort comments in the AIR application.
• View or sort comments in the Adobe Captivate project.
• Provide feedback on comments by reviewers.

http://blogs.adobe.com/captivate/2011/06/captivate-training-reviewing-elearning-courses-made-easy-with-adobe-captivate-5-5.html

The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators - ebook

There are many teachers who want to start using technology in their classrooms, but just aren't sure where to start. That's why I got together ten prominent ed tech bloggers, teachers, and school administrators to create The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators. In this book there introductions to more than six dozen web tools for K-12 teachers. Additionally, you will find sections devoted to using Skype with students, ESL/ELL, blogging in elementary schools, social media for educators, teaching online, and using technology in alternative education settings.

Here's the list of contributors to The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators:

George Couros, Patrick Larkin, Kelly Tenkely, Adam Bellow, Silvia Tolisano, Steven Anderson, Cory Plough, Beth Still, Larry Ferlazzo, Lee Kolbert, and Richard Byrne. If you like what you read, please visit the contributors' blogs and let them know.

There are many teachers who want to start using technology in their classrooms, but just aren't sure where to start. That's why I got together ten prominent ed tech bloggers, teachers, and school administrators to create The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators. In this book there introductions to more than six dozen web tools for K-12 teachers. Additionally, you will find sections devoted to using Skype with students, ESL/ELL, blogging in elementary schools, social media for educators, teaching online, and using technology in alternative education settings.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/66326425/The-Super-Book-of-Web-Tools-for-Educators

Adding Raptivity Interactions to PowerPoint 2007

This Tutorial From Raptivity Blog :

You can add an attractive interaction on any slide of the PowerPoint. There is no gimmick in it but certainly simple guidelines to be followed. Read them and save the hue and cry.

a.    Open the PowerPoint presentation in which you want to add the interactivity. Go to the slide where you want to add the interactivity.

b.    Click the “Microsoft Office” Button, and then click on “PowerPoint Options” as highlighted in the screenshot below

You can complete the tutorial at the source page here :

http://blog.raptivity.com/2011/07/adding-raptivity-interactions-to-powerpoint-2007/

Tick, Tock...Saving Time with Innovative Web Tools - Webinar

Wish there were more hours in the day? Need new ways to improve student work ethic? Looking for FREE web tools to improve your lesson plans?

We at SimpleK12 have found some amazing free web tools, tools that will not only save you time, but inspire your students too.

And the best part is - we're sharing all of these web tools with you at this webinar!  This webinar (Hidden Webtools for 2011) were designed
specifically for Teacher Learning Community members but we’re opening them to the public for FREE.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/e057728od/

In Search of Learning Agility ebook

This publication deviates from the typical eLearning Guild eBook. We’re publishing it here because we believe that it contains a powerful and insightful view of the role educational technology plays in organizations. The central premise is that enduring competitive advantage must be built on organizational learning agility — meaning an organization’s ability to respond to adaptive challenge through the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills. The authors, Clark and Gottfredson,  sketch three distinct stages of learning agility: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, and illustrate a clear path forward for the meaningful use of learning technologies in organizations. This is a “must read” for managers and executives who are interested in aligning learning and training efforts and investments with larger business objectives.

The source page:

http://www.elearningguild.com/content.cfm?selection=doc.1054

Google Tips & Tools for Your Classroom - Webinar

From new products to new features, it’s hard to keep up with everything going on at Google. Why not let the SimpleK12 Team do the work for you?

We at SimpleK12 have selected our favorite Google Tips and Tools - from searching shortcuts you don’t know exist, to apps your students will die for – and during this webinar, we’re sharing them all with you!

PLUS we’re giving all viewers a FREE copy of SimpleK12’s Workbook, “Searching with Google”, with real-life examples of how to use Google in the classroom.  This webinar and Workbook were designed specifically for Teacher Learning Community members but we’re opening them to the public for FREE.

The source site:

http://simplek12.com/tlc/g06137od/

Handbook of e-Learning Strategy

The eLearning Guild's Handbook of e-Learning Strategy

In many organizations, there is a need to better identify and document a comprehensive learning strategy and to answer the question, "What should we be doing in order to support improved learning and performance?" This e-Book will help you make a broad, fundamental connection between learning, e-Learning, and your organization's mission, business objectives, and the bottom line. Chapters address everything from crafting a focused strategy, to keeping your strategy focused, to change management. Refocus on e-Learning strategy and insure that your e-Learning technology and methodology investments pay off and so you can achieve your e-Learning goals!

This FREE Digital Book was made possible by a generous contribution to its development from Adobe Systems.

http://www.elearningguild.com/content.cfm?selection=doc.817