Virtual High Schools
Today’s Topic:
Virtual High Schools
Tech Tip: Blinkx Searches Content Within Web Videos
Announcement: UW-Stout Launches New Online Certificate in E-Learning
More Students Across US Logging On to Online Classrooms
Seema Mehta describes how virtual schools are meeting students’ needs for flexible scheduling, specialized course offerings, and a customized educational experience.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction staff explains the benefits and challenges of delivering instruction online.
The staff of the North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL) articulates a vision of how 21st century skills can be incorporated in virtual schools and improve learning outcomes for all students.
The Digital Bridges staff in Portland, Oregon provides an excellent overview of K-12 online learning, including demands on the learner, implications for the learner, special needs accommodations, and research findings on the effectiveness of online programs.
Millions of videos are now online, but most are only searchable by user-supplied titles or text descriptions in Google Video and others. Blinkx – the largest video search engine in the world--goes beyond text-based searches by locating audio and video content within videos. Its unique visual analysis and speech recognition capabilities make Blinkx a leader in multimedia searching capabilities.
By clicking on “advanced search” users can also search for videos by over 60 major producers, including ABC News, CNN, Discovery and YouTube. The handy “video wall” feature lets you quickly preview groups of thumbnail-sized videos matching your search criteria. A Safe Search feature can be set to block unsuitable content.
Announcements
2007 Toyota International Teacher Program
Applications are now available for the 2007 Toyota International Teacher Program to the Galapagos Islands. The program is open to U.S. secondary school teachers who teach full time. Twenty applicants will be selected in May. Apply online. Deadline is April 23, 2007.
UW-Stout Launches Online Certificate Program in E-Learning
Graduate Certificate in E-Learning and Online Courses begins in June, 2007
Do you want to learn how to:
- Motivate online learners to succeed
- Use questioning skills to deepen understanding
- Use multiple assessments to measure online learning
- Take advantage of free Web 2.0 technologies for instruction
- Facilitate discussion to foster higher order thinking skills
- Create an efficient flow of instruction using a course management system
- Blend online learning with classroom instruction
“Our new E-Learning Certificate program will benefit K-12 instructors, curriculum consultants, and administrators, as well as instructors in technical and community colleges who are interested in the essential knowledge and skills to effectively teach or train online. Clearly, having this skill set will help prepare educators to become leaders in their school’s distance learning initiatives,” said Dennis O’Connor, course author and program advisor.
What Our Students Are Saying…
About the
"The courses were an eye-opening, growing experience and provided a strong foundation for teaching online classes. The expertise of the responsive and supportive instructors was excellent. Online learning made it possible for me to complete a course from my home computer without traveling to campus."
~ K-12 Staff Development Trainer
"I loved the format. I also enjoyed the ability to try and test new tools that I had never even heard of. I liked the feedback and challenges provided by Dennis and his positive supporting nature. This class was amazing!"
~ Corporate Manager
"I have benefited most from the challenge of the 'hands-on' aspect of the course. The readings and activities have been practical and thought-provoking."
~ High School Drama Teacher
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Labels: e-learning, Online Teaching, Tech Tips
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