Research that says that professional development is most effective when it aims to create professional learning communities â€” places where teachers learn and work together to apply research to improving student achievement. By providing ongoing professional development and support for teachers, McREL can help you create professional learning communities in your school or district. This is ideal for large districts with logistical difficulties and widely dispersed rural districts. OLCs are not just online tutorials; they include both synchronous and asynchronous cooperative learning opportunities that engage learners and build collective efficacy. See a demonstration video of an OLC at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VJ_D-yVjjw.

Episode 9 - McREL Online Learning Communities

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology


Learn how popular two-way web tools can be used to create interactive
multimedia content for your students, parents, and community!
Understand the benefits and drawbacks of popular tools such as blogs,
wikis, and Google Docs - and understand when to use each one. Many
examples and educational models will be shared. This session also
addresses the pedagogy, ethics, and safe use of the two-way web.


http://twowayteaching.wikispaces.com/tenaya


 


Episode 15 - Mark Wagner presents "Two-Way Teaching with the Two-Way Web


Many educators are exploring revolutionary new online tools with their
students: blogs, wikis, podcasts, and more - including social tools
like ning and twitter. But it is more important for educators and
students to become part of an online learning network than to master
any of these specific tools. Participants will hear how one
teacher-turned-educational-technologist learned to network, and then
networked to learn. They will leave with inspiration and concrete ideas
to use for taking charge of their own professional development - and
for helping their students become part of a global learning community.


http://networktolearn.wikispaces.com/tenaya


 


Episode 14 - Mark Wagner's Spotlight Presentation "Learn to Network & Network to Learn"

Explore Google's latest tools in a fun, faced-paced session that answers the question: is Google really improving access to the world's information? As consumers and instructional leaders, the Internet is a major source of information for educators. Google is the primary entry point for most people into the vast resources available on the Internet, yet most people don't understand why it is so special and how to use it effectively. In addition, Google's latest tools allow for information to be personalized and shared in exciting new ways. This session highlights some Google's hottest new tools and helps educators get them most from the "Google Universe."

Episode 13 - Chris Walsh presents "Search, Learn, Share in the Googleverse"

This fast-paced, high-energy presentation explores the implications for
living, teaching, and learning in a world of infinite knowledge - where
today's tools support learning everywhere and all the time.  The
proliferation of high-speed Internet access, the near ubiquity of
mobile communication devices, and the efficiency of today's
collaborative tools have deep implications for how we teach and learn. 
But what will we do with this massive flow of information?  How will we
know if learning is really happening?  And how do these technology
changes connect to other social trends?  Schools and communities that
can figure this out will lead the way in the 21st century.

Episode 12 - Chris Walsh's Spotlight Presentation "Learning Everywhere All the TIme"


Matt sits down to talk to us and gives us an overview of his three McREL sessions from the conference, talks about open source software, putting your district money towards bandwidth, and remembers the good old days of the movie filmstrip in the classroom.


During our conversation Matt mentions Stellarium. Find out more about it at www.stellarium.org.


Learn about McREL at www.mcrel.org.


 


Episode 9 - McREL Online Learning Communities

Download our free app to listen on your phone