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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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Blogs on Online Learning

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Guest Blog: Making the Case for Social Media in Education

Steve JohnsonMarch 11, 2010

Tags Digital Divide, Online Learning, Professional Learning Network (PLN), , Technology Integration

During the time it takes me to write this intro (approx. one minute), 42,000 people will update their Facebook status, 36,000 tweets will be sent, and fifteen hours of video will be uploaded to YouTube.

Undoubtedly, the world as we know it is quickly becoming wired through social media. Our guest blogger, Steve Johnson (@edtechsteve) sheds some light on the current state of social media in schools and even provides some handy talking points to make the case to lift internet filters within schools.

--Betty Ray, Community Manager (@EdutopiaBetty) and Elana Leoni, Social Media Marketing Coordinator (@elanaleoni)

Open Professional Development: Learning in the World Classroom

Suzie BossMarch 14, 2008

Tags Mentoring, Online Learning, Open Education Resources, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

Darren Draper, a technology specialist in Utah's Jordan School District, was getting ready to offer a professional-development course last fall about using social software in the classroom. Rather than a traditional sit-and-get workshop, he envisioned a more interactive experience in which teachers would use blogs, wikis, and the other Web 2.0 tools they would be learning about.

Forging New Connections: Building Online Peer-to-Peer Collaborations

Suzie BossFebruary 22, 2008

Tags Online Learning, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Project-Based Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

Anyone who has spent time in an isolated classroom understands why teacher collaboration makes such good sense. If you don't have time to share ideas or plan projects with colleagues, you miss out on opportunities to grow and learn as a teacher. And your students miss out on something important, too.

Cite It Right: Online Citation Tools and Formal Citations

Jim MoultonAugust 21, 2007

Tags Online Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, High (9-12)

We hear it often: "Plagiarism is rampant! Teachers as detectives! Punish the wrongdoers! Stand up for what is right! Seize the moral high ground!"

How Online Simulations Work in the Classroom

Chris O'NealJanuary 11, 2007

Tags Online Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, All Grades

Thanks to simulations expert Christopher Walters for providing the following thoughts on virtual simulations for classroom use.

For years, corporations have used computer-based simulations with employee-training programs, augmenting traditional on-the-job training with virtual reinforcement, regular updates on company issues, and so on. Classroom use of simulations, however, has been sporadic, even though many teachers report that children of the MySpace generation thoroughly enjoy online work and simulated activities.