THEME
Online Learning and Its Impact on Practice
UPDATE
English Language Learners and RTI
NOTICE
Use Goodsearch Search Engine and Give a Penny to TASH
SPOTLIGHT
Equity Alliance at ASU
PEOPLE IN EDUCATION
Dr. Kimberly Scott
RECOMMENDED READINGS
E-News
TOOLS YOU CAN USE
Teachertube
DataMaps
FEATURED NIUSI-LEADSCAPE PRINCIPAL WORK
Tempe, AZ, Professional Learning Schools
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Plato
FEATURED WEBSITE
www.niusileadscape.org
DID YOU KNOW
SPP/APR Online Calendar
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reducing Disproportionality in Special Education
Equity Alliance Webinar Series
First Annual What Works in Education Partnerships National Conference
FOR PARENTS
RAND, Promising Practice Network
FOR STUDENTS
1000 Voices- A National Archive
Online Learning and Its Impact on Practice
This month, we discuss online learning and its impact on practice. Modern technology has expanded the capacity of learning to take place in a variety of spaces, both physical and virtual. The success of collaborative learning has been studied most notably by social learning theorists who propose that the greatest potential for learning is achieved through social interactions with peers (Vygotsky, 1978). Online learning creates a space where individuals can interact with one another even when no physical contact is made, and as such, carries a positive and powerful impact on learning. By using the tools afforded by technology, educators and students now learn in ways previously not thought possible. E-learning, educational gaming, and other forms of online learning create virtual spaces for individuals to interact with one another and gain knowledge by means of online participation. Hrastinski (2009) in his Theory of Online Learning as Online Participation, comments, "Online learner participation occurs at the nexus of physical and psychological tools," technology acts as the physical tool, while individual participation the psychological tool.
Teachers and educators are in a unique position to harness the impact online learning has on education. By integrating technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge in teaching, classrooms are created in which all students can access curriculum, supported by the shift from formal to informal learning experiences (Gibson, 2008). Within this issue of eQuiNews, we provide readers with online resources designed to augment both learning and teaching.
Gibson, D. (2008). Make it a two-way connection: A response to "Connecting informal and formal learning experiences in the age of participatory media." (2008). Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 8(4). Retrieved from http://citejournal.org/vol8/iss4/editorial/article1.cfm
Hrastinski, S. (2009). A theory of online learning as online participation. Computers and Education, 52, 78-82.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.
English Language Learners and RTI
A new popular means of communication between professionals is a webinar. Merriam-Webster Online dictionary defines a webinar as, "a live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments." The National Center on RTI recently hosted a webinar with Dr. Janette Klingner, English Language Learners and RTI. Dr. Klingner discusses the challenges of implementing RTI and how this model of instruction impacts English Language Learners. As they often do with popular webinars, this session has been made available online for individuals who weren't able to attend. To listen to the session, follow these steps:
- Click on the link: https://www302.livemeeting.com/cc/airorg/view.
- Enter your name and the recording id (ELLS and RTI) (Note: there is no recording key).
- Click on the yellow box that reads, "View Recording" and enter your email address and your company/organization name.
- Click again on "View Recording" to be directed to the information page.
- Click "Play" to view the session.
Viewing the session requires the use of Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player.
Use Goodsearch Search Engine and Give a Penny to TASH
Need to search for an address or for other tidbits of information? Try Goodsearch search engine! Each time a search is performed on Goodsearch, one penny will be donated to the charity of your choice. TASH, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating inclusive communities through the venues of education, research, and advocacy, is one of the charitable organizations you can choose your penny to go. In order to specify the charity you wish to receive your donation, enter its name in the box under the prompt, "Who do you Goodsearch for?" Next, click "Verify" to verify that your charity is a valid participant, and then you may begin your search. There are already over 71,000 different charitable organizations participating in Goodsearch, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars! Next time you need to search, use Goodsearch.
Online learning can take place in many spaces. One of these includes online communities. The Equity Alliance at ASU has joined the online communities of Facebook and Twitter. Facebook and Twitter are both online communities of students, educators, and others that allow users to communicate and form networks with people from all over the country. Our Facebook community is named equityallianceatasu, and our Twitter community is named eQuinews. Online communities generate a unique venue for discourse that is informal and uncensored.
Dr. Kimberly Scott at Arizona State University (ASU), is the director of Compugirls, a program that transports girls from high needs districts to a university for the purpose of learning how to utilize technology to examine social justice issues. The combination of technical skill and qualitative research design development with small group mentor-style tutoring, affords girls the opportunity to learn how to use technology to plan and carry out research affecting the masses. The mission of Compugirls is to "level the technological playing field with more empowered, socially conscious girls committed to community development and sustainability." Visit the Compugirls website to learn how you can become involved.
Traditionally in this section, we recommend a few good books. However, books are not the only mechanism for acquiring information. Corresponding with our theme, we'd like to recommend a few of the many excellent electronic newsletters that provide helpful information on research and best practices in education.
eQuiNews: The eQuiNews is written and edited by the staff of the Equity Alliance at ASU, which houses the National Institute for Urban School Improvement (NIUSI), the National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt), NIUSI-LeadScape, and the Region IX Equity Assistance Center, serving Arizona, Nevada, and California. We at the Equity Alliance at ASU strive to bring our readers the most current news, tools, and resources available. Offering fifteen sections including Tools You Can Use, Featured Website, and For Parents, we provide a monthly comprehensive snapshot of information regarding equity and inclusive education research and practice guided by a common theme. To subscribe to eQuiNews, click on the following link: http://www.nccrest.org/press.html.
PEN: The PEN, or Public Education Network Weekly Newsblast, is another education e-newsletter. Written and edited by the Public Education Network, the PEN is a weekly e-newsletter that gathers education news nationwide and creates a national picture of educational practice. To subscribe to the PEN, click on the following link: http://www.publiceducation.org/subscribe.asp.
NECTAC eNotes: NECTAC eNotes are written and edited by the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center. Aimed at providing readers news related to early intervention and early childhood special education, eNotes is a weekly e-newsletter. To subscribe to eNotes, click on the following link: http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp.
RTI Responder: The RTI Responder is an e-newsletter written and edited by the National Center on RTI. The National Center on RTI is an organization which specializes in disseminating information related specifically to the implementation of Response to Intervention. The RTI Responder is a monthly newsletter. To subscribe to the RTI Responder, click the following link: http://www.rti4success.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1.
Most everyone is familiar with YouTube, a website where you can download and watch videos from people from all over the world, but are you familiar with TeacherTube? Much like YouTube, TeacherTube is a website where teachers can download and watch videos submitted by other educators. Videos cover a wide variety of topics from math and reading to videos specifically designed for students to watch, supplementing classroom instruction. Designed by a fourteen year veteran educator, TeacherTube provides a web-based alternative to conventional professional learning methods.
The National Institute for Urban School Improvement (NIUSI), National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt), and NIUSI-LeadScape all employ the use of data to drive their work. One way in which data is utilized is through Data Maps. Each of these projects created Data Maps which provide detailed information about individual states' school-aged population. Each map presents data on disproportionality by race and disability, teacher certification, special education rates by race and disability, and disproportionality by race and least restrictive environment. Through the use of technology such as these Data Maps, each of these non-profit organizations are able to assist states regarding civil rights issues within schools, based on each state's individual needs. For more information visit the NIUSI, NCCRESt, and NIUSI-LeadScape websites.
FEATURED NIUSI-LEADSCAPE PRINCIPAL WORK
Tempe, AZ, Professional Learning Schools
Tempe Elementary School District #3 recently inducted 39 new teacher candidates into its Urban Professional Learning Schools Initiative (UPLSI) project. These candidates are enrolled in a teacher preparation program at Arizona State University to become dually certified in elementary and special education while participating in four semesters of site-based learning at designated urban schools and taking specially designed teacher education courses that help develop effective, scientifically-grounded, culturally responsive teaching skills. Principals Rebeckah Winans, Bernadette Kadel, and Christine Roe are integrating the inclusive principles of their NIUSI-LeadScape work with the capacity building efforts of the UPLSI program to develop sustainable, inclusive learning communities to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students.
"Someday, in the distant future, our grandchildren's grandchildren will develop a new equivalent of our classrooms. They will spend many hours in front of boxes with fires glowing within. May they have the wisdom to know the difference between light and knowledge." - Plato
NIUSI-LeadScape, one of the many projects housed at the Equity Alliance at ASU, is an online resource for educators and administrators. We at NIUSI-LeadScape work directly with principals across the country, assisting them in transforming education to be more inclusive, offering equal opportunities for all students to access high quality education. The NIUSI-LeadScape website, however, is not just a tool for the principals with whom we work. Some of the useful applications for our readers include the wiki, library, professional learning, and guest writers' blog, which is one of our most popular applications. Next time you need information on transforming schools, visit www.niusileadscape.org!
The SPP/APR online calendar provides information to states about meeting NCLB and IDEIA criteria. On the SPP/APR website, you can search according to the specific indicator or area in which your state needs the most help. Additionally, they offer suggestions for improvement including linking websites to different technical assistance centers that specialize in that particular indicator area.
Reducing Disproportionality in Special Education
The Regional Resource Center Program has prepared a series of webinars, Disproportionality: Reducing Disproportionality in Special Education-Together We Can!! Five sessions in total will take place February-May, 2009. Topics include Introduction to the Series, Beyond Compliance, Intervention, Addressing Systemic Issues, and Roles and Responsibilities for Moving Forward. Space is limited and participants are required to pre-register for each webinar, so it is recommended to register early.
Equity Alliance Webinar Series
The Equity Alliance at Arizona State University (ASU) has designed a webinar series, Educational Equity. Three webinars compose the series, including The State of Equity in Public Schools, Gender Equity and Academic Achievement and Outcomes, and Addressing Discriminatory Treatments in High Schools. The series, which debuted in late January, will continue through September. Make sure you receive notice of our next webinar if you are not already subscribed to our listserv.
First Annual What Works in Education Partnerships National Conference
Educational research is currently re-focusing on the use of evidence-based practice, but what does it look like? What IS evidence-based practice in the classroom? To help answer these questions and more, Arizona State University has decided to initiate an endeavor to bring together leaders in education, education researchers, evaluation experts, practitioners, policy-makers, philanthropists and others committed to improving educational systems in order to discuss evidence-based practice in more detail and give specific examples of "what works".
The first annual, "What Works in Education Partnerships National Conference" will take place in Phoenix, AZ on February 20-21, 2009. Contact Dr. Mehmet Ozturk for more information, or visit the conference website at: http://educationpartnerships.asu.edu/conference
RAND, Promising Practice Network
RAND, a non-profit research organization, created the Promising Practice Network (PPN) on Children, Families and Communities. The PPN is a group of individuals and organizations which collectively offer numerous resources for parents, providing them with information on child development and parental support to improve the welfare of children, families, and communities. Their website is a great tool for locating empirically supported information on child development.
1000 Voices - A National Archive
1000 Voices: A National Archive is a collection of videos taken nationwide which document the voices of the nation concerning issues of social justice. In telling peoples' stories, 1000 Voices believes they can create a tool for change. Listening to one another's story can facilitate a connection between people all over the nation. Visit their website to find out more information or listen to the voices.
eQuiNews reflects the collaborative relationship between the National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt), the National Institute for Urban School Improvement (NIUSI), NIUSI-LeadScape, and the Equity Alliance at ASU Region IX Equity Assistance Center. With a new issue every month, eQuiNews can communicate with the broadest audiences and provide the most innovative, vital and current information on issues in education, school reform, cultural diversity, disproportionality, inclusive practices, and much more. eQuiNews will keep you informed of the work of these projects as well as other news and information in related fields.
For questions or comments on this newsletter, please email the editor of this newsletter - Kara Sujansky (kara.sujansky@asu.edu).
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To view the past issues of eQuiNews, please visit http://urbanschools.org/enews/2008_archives.html