Recently I came across a blog post on SimpleK12 from a couple of years ago describing 21 signs that indicate if a teacher is using 21st century teaching techniques. I thought it was still applicable in 2012 and wanted to share.  My favorite signs are listed below.

• You ask your students to do a character/historical person study...and they create mock social media profiles of their character.
• Your students create a study guide...working together on a group wiki.
• You make your students turn in their cell phones before class starts...because you plan on using them in class.
• You require your students to summarize a recent chapter...and submit it to you via a text message.

I like the list because while you may not be doing all or even most of these things, there are some super ideas.  Things that can inspire you to try something new. I suggest picking out 1 item per week or month and trying it out with your students.  Working toward becoming a better 21st Century Teacher may be a goal you want to share with your class and letting them know they are in on it with you can inspire them to learn new things too.  Acknowledge that they are the guinea pigs and that you all will learn together.  Try it out...you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

Are You a 21st Century Teacher?

Via: OnlineSchools.org

The History of Online Schooling

February 1, 2012, marked the first ever Digital Learning Day!  It was national event and the National Town Hall meeting featured U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Federal Communications Chairman Julius Genachowski.  Creating a day to focus on digital learning uniting states across the country allowed schools, teachers and students to embrace the digital age of learning and share new ideas.  Alabama is one of only five states that have chosen to continue this effort all month long.

To learn more about how Alabama is leading their state to digital excellence, click here. Pointing to ALEX, ACCESS, and other state-wide initiatives, Alabama is highlighting many forms of digital education in our state. One of the most notable and interesting resources is the "ALEX Resource-A-Day" calendar they have created as a resource for teachers.

Alabama's Digital Learning Story

Retention is not a new concept but in the online arena it has been getting a lot more attention over the past two years.  As many schools continue to grow their online course offerings, student readiness for alternative learning environments remains an issue of concern. Many schools are working hard to help students get in the right course and providing them with the necessary tools to keep them enrolled successfully.  Schools taking this proactive approach are noticing a return on their investment.  

Schools are using various strategies to provide students with the help they need.  Most have an orientation course that includes various tutorials and instructions of how to contact instructors.  Some institutions are using a personal touch assigning a mentor or liaison to assist students in communicating their needs.  Adding a readiness assessment to measure a student's strengths and weaknesses such as SmarterMeasure is serving not only as a remedial tool, but also gives administrators insight about their students. 

Companies like Innovative Educators are noticing a spike in interest of their webinars, many of which focus on student retention.  One of their newest resources is called StudentLingo. It is a suite of tutorials and services that offer students remedial help.  For a free trial of the StudentLingo suite click here.

Online Student Retention

Via: OnlineSchools.org

Is Online Learning Right For Me?