Google as a Classroom Tool for Learning Grades K-12
This online course for teachers introduces K-12 educators to some of the best practices for effectively integrating a variety of Google products and services into their classrooms for educational purposes. This course allows teachers to practice navigating through the general interface of many different Google products including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Drawings, Classroom, Sites, Photos, Blogger, Maps, Earth, and YouTube. The searching, organizational, communication, and collaboration components of various Google products will be highlighted in order to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of how Google can enhance learning among and between students. Teachers will learn to utilize the basic tools of many educationally-relevant Google products and, through the use of such products, will become skilled in creating standards-based lessons that will help students learn in an efficient, effective, and engaged manner. Teachers will also be introduced to some of the basics for using Chromebooks in their classrooms. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel comfortable using a wide variety of the most popular Google products.
For more information, visit the website.
The Flipped Classroom: An Interactive Approach to Student Engagement Grades 4-12
| This online course for teachers is for educators who want to learn how to effectively implement flipped learning in their classrooms. Teachers will learn how to find instructional videos online or create their own using WeVideo editing software. Teachers will also learn how to create their own screencasts using Screencast-O-Matic. Other presentation tools in the course with full instructions include PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Prezi. As flipped content is developed, teachers are provided with important points to consider such as accessibility and Internet safety. Specific information regarding how to flip instruction for each of the four main content areas is shared, using methods such as cooperative learning and targeted grouping. Finally, teachers will learn about the various assessment strategies which are appropriate for the flipped learning model. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel comfortable implementing a flipped learning model of instruction. |
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Effectively Using iPads to Transform Your Classroom Grades K-12
This online course for teachers helps educators learn how to successfully use iPads in the K-12 classroom. Teachers are taught the importance of using the iPad to reach educational objectives and teach real-world technology skills to students. A plethora of apps are introduced that align with curriculum standards. The apps outlined in the course can be used to teach English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, and the arts. Teachers will also learn how to access and use Google apps on the iPad. Teachers will be introduced to apps that can be used for communication, collaboration, and social networking. Additionally, teachers learn about apps that can be used as classroom tools for instruction and assessment, as well as those that can serve as platforms for the creation of multimedia components and projects. Finally, teachers will discover a multitude of additional uses for the iPad, such as creating presentations (both for students and by students), creating their own podcast, and developing screencasts for classroom instruction.
For more information, visit the website.
Effective Strategies to Improve Student Writing Grades 4-12
| This online course for teachers provides educators in grades 4-12 with strategies that are sure to improve students’ writing skills. Teachers will be provided with effective ways to teach students how to write successful narrative essays, persuasive essays, and informative essays. The course also focuses on teaching students a step-by-step process for writing research reports, including note-taking and outlining skills. Technology is another area of focus addressing digital research, information literacy, digital storytelling, and iPad writing apps. Teachers will also learn ways to help struggling writers as well as motivate reluctant writers. Strategies for using literature as an inspiration for writing will be shared as well as using the six traits to expand and improve writing. Tips for teaching writing to English language learners will be shared in order to expand the skills of this special population. Writer’s workshop is introduced within the context of the writing process. A variety of assessment options are explored and shared. Finally, ideas for using writing across the curriculum and presented and explored. |
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Effective Strategies for Emergent and Early Writers Grades PreK-3
This online course for teachers focuses on helping PreK-3 educators work with emergent and early writers by understanding the developmental stages of writing. Teachers will learn many useful and practical strategies they can use to help young writers with specific strategies for narrative writing including developing a character, establishing the setting, and creating the plot. Additionally, strategies for teaching students how to write informative text, including how to write how-to books are shared as well as strategies for teaching persuasive writing. Tips for teaching basic research report writing are explored along with ideas for teaching basic note taking while conducting research. Excellent children’s literature is presented as a springboard for writing. Additional topics presented include the writing process, writer’s workshop, and using technology, including online apps, to both produce and publish student writing. Effective strategies for helping struggling writers are also shared. Assessment options for writing are presented that are specific to emergent and early writers.
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Data-Driven Instruction Grades K-12
This online course for teachers is designed for K-12 educators who want to not only learn about the data-driven decision-making process, but who want to learn how to dig deep into the data to help them further drive their instruction for the benefit of all students. In addition to learning about the different phases of the data-driven decision-making process, teachers will also learn how to “read” and analyze data so that any newly-discovered trends and weaknesses can be turned into concrete learning and understanding. Teachers will also learn about the role they play in guiding students to perform their best, using data to support their instructional decisions. Teachers will learn how to effectively use data to support their grouping decisions so that student motivation is increased and essential parental partnerships are forged. Teachers will dive into several data-driven instructional best practices and will learn how to use the various types of data to their utmost advantage, employing technology as much as possible.
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Educational Technology 101 Grades K-12
| The course begins by examining the issues with Internet safety while exploring ways to keep students safe while online. Effective search strategies are shared along with lessons for teaching students about information literacy. Topics addressed in the course, accompanied by detailed instructions for every app, include designing WebQuests, using wikis (Wikipedia, PBWorks), creating and participating in blogs (Blogger), creating podcasts (Anchor, Podbean, Audacity), creating a website (Google Sites, Weebly, Educator Pages), how to develop digital stories, participating in and creating virtual field trips (Google Tour Creator), effectively using YouTube to enhance lesson content, issues with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and using interactive whiteboards. Teachers will learn how to use all of these technologies in the classroom and integrate them into their content curriculum. Teachers will also learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel as well as the basic functions of Google Drive and Google Docs. |
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Designing and Creating a WebQuest Grades 3-12
| This online course for teachers focuses on how to develop a WebQuest based on any content area. Teachers will learn to begin with content standards and then develop the WebQuest based on a theme or topic that addresses the standards. Internet search strategies will be emphasized in order to find WebQuest resources efficiently. Issues related to Internet safety for students will also be shared. Every step necessary to create a WebQuest will be explored in detail throughout the course, including setting goals and creating tasks, understanding the four filters, and creating the WebQuest assessment rubric. Teachers will also explore a variety of ways to program and share a WebQuest. Finally, teachers will learn how to share the strategies they learned with students, allowing them to create WebQuests on their own. |
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Embracing Technology to Empower Students with Special Needs Grades K-12
This online course for teachers begins with a discussion on the critical role technology plays in special education and how educators must break the cycle of inaccessibility students with special needs face. Differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning are explored as teaching strategies for meeting the various needs of students. Teachers will learn about digital accessibility and be provided with many practical strategies for creating accessible learning materials. From there, teachers are provided with various technology tools that can be used to support students with challenges in verbal expression, communication, written expression, reading comprehension, math, and executive function. Teachers will also learn how to create a sensory-friendly environment for students with sensory processing disorder as well as learn about strategies and tools for teaching social-emotional learning to students with special needs. Finally, teachers are provided with tips for keeping students safe online and tools for promoting digital citizenship.
For more information, visit the website.
Multimedia Project Design and Development Grades K-12
This online course for teachers helps K-12 educators learn how to take the proper steps toward designing an effective plan for assigning multimedia projects in the classroom through all phases including Determine, Design, and Development. Teachers are taught how to properly plan for the multimedia project by determining standards and setting objectives within the context of teaching students critical information literacy skills. Strategies for organizing the project, creating cooperative groups, and effectively assessing student projects are discussed. Detailed instructions for creating multimedia projects using Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google Sites, Prezi, and Canva are provided that can be used by both teachers and students. Techniques for integrating graphics, animation, audio, and video into a multimedia presentation are shared. Multimedia project ideas for all grade levels and all content areas are also presented. Finally, teachers will gain management tips for implementing multimedia projects and activities into their classrooms.
For more information, visit the website or contact Lindsey Maranto at lindsey@webteaching.com