New book - Intentional, Talk How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussions

How do you facilitate productive math discussions? ,
Intentional Talk by Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz helps you direct discussions with a goal in mind, get students to participate in meaningful ways, and support their thinking with effective questioning and teacher "talk moves." 

Not all mathematics discussions are alike. It's one thing to ask students to share how they solved a problem, to get ideas out on the table so that their thinking becomes visible; but knowing what to do with students' ideas; where to go with them, can be a daunting task.

According to Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz, the critical first step is to identify a discussion's goal and then understand how to structure and facilitate the conversation to meet that goal. Through detailed vignettes from both primary and upper elementary classrooms, the authors provide a window into what teachers are thinking as they lead discussions and make important pedagogical and mathematical decisions along the way.
Intentional Talk provides the perfect bridge between student engagement and conceptual understanding in mathematical discussions.

  

Table of Contents

Foreword by Megan Franke
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Open Strategy Sharing
Chapter 3: Targeted Discussion: Compare and Connect
Chapter 4: Targeted Discussion: Why? Let's Justify
Chapter 5: Targeted Discussion: What's Best and Why?
Chapter 6: Targeted Discussion: Define and Clarify
Chapter 7: Targeted Discussion: Troubleshoot and Revise
Chapter 8: Conclusion: Reflecting and Learning
Appendixes A-J
References
Index

Preview the entire book online! 

About Allison Hintz
Allison Hintz is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Washington Bothell. As an elementary teacher, Allison participated in the Developing Mathematical Ideas professional development with University of Washington professor Elham Kazemi, coauthor of Intentional Talk: How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussions.
Read more...

Photo: Stenhouse Publishers

About Elham Kazemi
Elham Kazemi is a professor and associate dean of professional learning at the University of Washington Seattle, where her focus is elementary mathematics education and school-based professional development. In 2012, Elham was nominated for the university's faculty award for Distinguished Contribution to Lifelong Learning. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences.
Read more... 

Source: Stenhouse Publishers and Education Week

New book - Intentional, Talk How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussions

How do you facilitate productive math discussions? ,
Intentional Talk by Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz helps you direct discussions with a goal in mind, get students to participate in meaningful ways, and support their thinking with effective questioning and teacher "talk moves."  

Not all mathematics discussions are alike. It's one thing to ask students to share how they solved a problem, to get ideas out on the table so that their thinking becomes visible; but knowing what to do with students' ideas; where to go with them, can be a daunting task.

According to Elham Kazemi and Allison Hintz, the critical first step is to identify a discussion's goal and then understand how to structure and facilitate the conversation to meet that goal. Through detailed vignettes from both primary and upper elementary classrooms, the authors provide a window into what teachers are thinking as they lead discussions and make important pedagogical and mathematical decisions along the way.
Intentional Talk provides the perfect bridge between student engagement and conceptual understanding in mathematical discussions.

  

Table of Contents

Foreword by Megan Franke
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Open Strategy Sharing
Chapter 3: Targeted Discussion: Compare and Connect
Chapter 4: Targeted Discussion: Why? Let's Justify
Chapter 5: Targeted Discussion: What's Best and Why?
Chapter 6: Targeted Discussion: Define and Clarify
Chapter 7: Targeted Discussion: Troubleshoot and Revise
Chapter 8: Conclusion: Reflecting and Learning
Appendixes A-J
References
Index

Preview the entire book online!  

About Allison Hintz
Allison Hintz is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Washington Bothell. As an elementary teacher, Allison participated in the Developing Mathematical Ideas professional development with University of Washington professor Elham Kazemi, coauthor of Intentional Talk: How to Structure and Lead Productive Mathematical Discussions.
Read more...

Photo: Stenhouse Publishers

About Elham Kazemi
Elham Kazemi is a professor and associate dean of professional learning at the University of Washington Seattle, where her focus is elementary mathematics education and school-based professional development. In 2012, Elham was nominated for the university's faculty award for Distinguished Contribution to Lifelong Learning. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences.
Read more... 

Source: Stenhouse Publishers and Education Week

Does all elearning need to be mobile?

"Today’s business professional never leaves home without their smartphone; an extension of the tech-savvy’s life. But does that mean that all elearning now has to be mobile too?" summarizes Melanie Small, regional director at Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH).

Mobile learning, or mLearning, is changing the educational, personal and executive learning landscape and it requires a completely different approach to instructional design, graphic and user experience design and information presentation. We live in a digital age and individuals require content that interacts with all types of portable technologies - anytime and anywhere.

Photo: TrainingZone

Mobile learning is associated with learning across multiple contexts providing diversified types of activity using a range of electronic devices. There is a wide range of equipment that can be used: Kindles, cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, smartphones, notebooks, netbooks et al. It is about ensuring knowledge reaches an even wider audience in many senses and appealing to differing learning preferences and auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners.
Read more...

Source:TrainingZone

Does all elearning need to be mobile?

"Today’s business professional never leaves home without their smartphone; an extension of the tech-savvy’s life. But does that mean that all elearning now has to be mobile too?" summarizes Melanie Small, regional director at Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH).

Mobile learning, or mLearning, is changing the educational, personal and executive learning landscape and it requires a completely different approach to instructional design, graphic and user experience design and information presentation. We live in a digital age and individuals require content that interacts with all types of portable technologies - anytime and anywhere.

Photo: TrainingZone

Mobile learning is associated with learning across multiple contexts providing diversified types of activity using a range of electronic devices. There is a wide range of equipment that can be used: Kindles, cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, smartphones, notebooks, netbooks et al. It is about ensuring knowledge reaches an even wider audience in many senses and appealing to differing learning preferences and auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners.
Read more...

Source:TrainingZone

Four Reasons Why Online Learning Is Advantageous by Ken Myers.

My guest blogger today is Ken Myers. Please be sure to check out his unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me. 

In these contemporary times, more and more people are becoming interested in online learning as a viable way to earn a degree-based education. While statistics indicate that the number of people who are enrolling in online courses has increased, however, many students remain skeptical regarding whether or not doing so will be advantageous. If you are attempting to determine whether online learning could be of benefit to you, consider the following four facts that indicate why distance learning can help you:

1. There Is No Significant Difference Between Your Ability To Learn In A Classroom Or Online.

In determining whether or not to study online, some people are concerned that their ability to learn information decreases when they become an online student. But this is not the case. Indeed, research indicates that there is no significant difference between our ability to grasp information in an online or offline setting. Thus although you may need time to adjust to the differences between the offline and online environments when you begin your career as a distance learner, you will not seriously impair your ability to learn by attaining your education via internet.

2. Online Degrees Are Becoming Increasingly Credible To Employers.

In the past, there was much skepticism regarding the value of an online degree. Questions regarding whether the student really learned anything or was able to earn the degree through cheating often led employers to believe that online degrees were substantive. In recent years, however, employers have come to understand that online degrees are actually good measures of a student's aptitude and ability to perform the roles and responsibilities indigenous to a specific field.

3. Online Courses Help You Gain Valuable, Transferable Skills.

When an individual opts to obtain an education online this decision means that she or he will become more proficient with things such as sending and receiving e-mail, using a web browser, and the like. These acquired skills will be of great value in the job world and can actually increase the likelihood that you are selected for a position.

4. Online Learning Gives Students Greater Flexibility For Other Activities.

Generally, taking classes online enables you to decide when to complete tasks such as taking exams and quizzes. Rather than having to be physically present for a certain period of time, online quizzes and exams are generally posted for a specific time frame, leaving you to decide when to complete the assignments within that time frame. This feature of online learning often means that you have more flexibility with respect to your work schedule and recreational activities.

Although many students hesitate to take online classes because of concerns regarding whether or not doing so will be personally and professionally advantageous, research indicates that the world of distance learning can be of immense value to students. With this in mind, individuals who have been seriously considering online courses as a path to attaining a degree should feel confident in accomplishing their goal this way. 

Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.

Many thanks to Ken Myers.
Enjoy your reading!

Four Reasons Why Online Learning Is Advantageous by Ken Myers.

My guest blogger today is Ken Myers. Please be sure to check out his unique guest post. Guest posts are always welcome, please contact me. 

In these contemporary times, more and more people are becoming interested in online learning as a viable way to earn a degree-based education. While statistics indicate that the number of people who are enrolling in online courses has increased, however, many students remain skeptical regarding whether or not doing so will be advantageous. If you are attempting to determine whether online learning could be of benefit to you, consider the following four facts that indicate why distance learning can help you:

1. There Is No Significant Difference Between Your Ability To Learn In A Classroom Or Online.

In determining whether or not to study online, some people are concerned that their ability to learn information decreases when they become an online student. But this is not the case. Indeed, research indicates that there is no significant difference between our ability to grasp information in an online or offline setting. Thus although you may need time to adjust to the differences between the offline and online environments when you begin your career as a distance learner, you will not seriously impair your ability to learn by attaining your education via internet.

2. Online Degrees Are Becoming Increasingly Credible To Employers.

In the past, there was much skepticism regarding the value of an online degree. Questions regarding whether the student really learned anything or was able to earn the degree through cheating often led employers to believe that online degrees were substantive. In recent years, however, employers have come to understand that online degrees are actually good measures of a student's aptitude and ability to perform the roles and responsibilities indigenous to a specific field.

3. Online Courses Help You Gain Valuable, Transferable Skills.

When an individual opts to obtain an education online this decision means that she or he will become more proficient with things such as sending and receiving e-mail, using a web browser, and the like. These acquired skills will be of great value in the job world and can actually increase the likelihood that you are selected for a position.

4. Online Learning Gives Students Greater Flexibility For Other Activities.

Generally, taking classes online enables you to decide when to complete tasks such as taking exams and quizzes. Rather than having to be physically present for a certain period of time, online quizzes and exams are generally posted for a specific time frame, leaving you to decide when to complete the assignments within that time frame. This feature of online learning often means that you have more flexibility with respect to your work schedule and recreational activities.

Although many students hesitate to take online classes because of concerns regarding whether or not doing so will be personally and professionally advantageous, research indicates that the world of distance learning can be of immense value to students. With this in mind, individuals who have been seriously considering online courses as a path to attaining a degree should feel confident in accomplishing their goal this way. 

Ken Myers is a father, husband, and entrepreneur. He has combined his passion for helping families find in-home care with his experience to build a business. Learn more about him by visiting @KenneyMyers on Twitter.

Many thanks to Ken Myers.
Enjoy your reading!

15 OER tools for educators

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "Do you use OER in your school or classroom? Either way, you might want to check out the 15 OER tools we're featuring on the site today." 

 As educators and students clamor for relevant and engaging digital content, many are turning to open educational resources (OER)–educational materials that are free to use under a special license.

Photo: eSchool News 

On the following page, you’ll find OER tools, reports, and information, as well as resources where you can search for materials that suit your specific needs. Each resource features a short description taken from information provided online.
Read more...

Source: eSchool News   

15 OER tools for educators

Tweet me: Laura Devaney

Laura Devaney, Managing Editor writes, "Do you use OER in your school or classroom? Either way, you might want to check out the 15 OER tools we're featuring on the site today." 

 As educators and students clamor for relevant and engaging digital content, many are turning to open educational resources (OER)–educational materials that are free to use under a special license.

Photo: eSchool News 

On the following page, you’ll find OER tools, reports, and information, as well as resources where you can search for materials that suit your specific needs. Each resource features a short description taken from information provided online.
Read more...

Source: eSchool News   

New eBook: 84 Tips on New Instructional Design for New Instructional Technology

Today’s learning professionals have myriad technology options for designing, developing, and delivering content, from virtual labs and graphic novels to social media and wearable devices. Even artificial intelligence promises to be an effective learning technology in the near future.

In this eBook 21 learning professionals who have successfully melded new instructional design with new instructional technologies give us their best tips. Regardless of what technologies you’re using currently, you’re bound to find tips that will help you design more effectively for those technologies. 

The 84 tips cover topics including:

• Putting learning goals and needs before technology
• Planning for and managing new instructional technology
• Developing with and blending instructional technologies
• Leveraging instructional technology for language learning
• Learning games and gamification
• Driving learning with graphic novels
• Making learning mobile
• Using MOOCs
• Sharing learning-technology expertise

 Download now

Source: The eLearning Guild

New eBook: 84 Tips on New Instructional Design for New Instructional Technology

Today’s learning professionals have myriad technology options for designing, developing, and delivering content, from virtual labs and graphic novels to social media and wearable devices. Even artificial intelligence promises to be an effective learning technology in the near future.

In this eBook 21 learning professionals who have successfully melded new instructional design with new instructional technologies give us their best tips. Regardless of what technologies you’re using currently, you’re bound to find tips that will help you design more effectively for those technologies. 

The 84 tips cover topics including:

• Putting learning goals and needs before technology
• Planning for and managing new instructional technology
• Developing with and blending instructional technologies
• Leveraging instructional technology for language learning
• Learning games and gamification
• Driving learning with graphic novels
• Making learning mobile
• Using MOOCs
• Sharing learning-technology expertise

 Download now

Source: The eLearning Guild