What's up with Wikis?

Find out how you can learn more about wikis in the K12 classroom... http://moodlebots.blogspot.com/2008/03/using-wikis-with-your-students.html

Information from ISTE

Teachers tap Video-sharing in the Classroom On TeacherTube, educators share material, such as instructional math videos, with classrooms around the world. Another site, SchoolTube, mainly hosts videos produced by students in class with the help of their teachers. Both sites say they screen videos to make sure they are appropriate for schools, but they don't vet the clips for accuracy or quality. Despite the popularity of classroom video-sharing among some students and teachers, some experts say sites like these would serve teachers and students better if the videos faced wider scrutiny. http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/0326biz-TeacherTube-26.html http://www.teachertube.com/http://www.schooltube.com/ Adobe Puts Free Version Of Photoshop Online The maker of the popular photo-editing software Photoshop on Thursday launched a basic version available for free online. Anyone who wants to store, sort and edit their digital pics can take part in a public beta being launched by the Photoshop team at Adobe today. The San Jose, Calif.-based Adobe Systems Inc. says it hopes to boost its name recognition among a new generation of consumers who edit, store and share photos online. Photoshop Express will be completely Web-based so consumers can use it with any type of computer, operating system and browser. And, once they register, users can get to their accounts from different computers. http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/13634/14658/Adobe-launches-Photoshop-Express-beta.phtml https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html

~Ten Rules to Teach By~ 10 Rule: Capture their attention.Learners deal with an enormous number of sensory inputs on any given day.Helping them focus attention is a critical first step when engaging students. 9 Rule: Convince them to care.Getting their attention is only the first step.Be sure you have something to keep your learners’ interests piqued; you want them to stay for awhile! 8 Rule: Motivate them to change.Learning can be defined as a sustained change in capacity that persists over time.Consider what it will take to compel students to do things differently. 7 Rule: Give them choices.Learners want to engage with ideas, information, and each other, on terms they define for themselves. 6 Rule: Connect them with community.People learn from watching, showing, and sharing with people who care as much as they do.Social learning is alive and well! 5 Rule: Induce them to participate.Participation gives learners a sense of feeling personally engaged. 4 Rule: Enable opportunities to contribute.Engage learners in the active negotiation of new knowledge.That new learning will be more relevant to each and every contributor. 3 Rule: Make learning an experience to remember.The more memorable a learning experience, the greater likelihood students will remember what they’ve learned. 2 Insight: Consider that maybe it’s not about putting the learner at the center.It’s more about giving learners the skills to decide where to engage.In today’s socially networked world, it’s important to help students feel connected to the community.Relationships that operate in a networked manner may inspire lifelong learning. 1 Insight: Always remember, learning is personal.Despite the many psychological theories and principles proposed to explain what is going on inside our heads, learning continues to be unique to each individual.No one of us can ever really “do” learning to someone else, at least not without the permission or willingness to be persuaded. "Engaging Digital Learners," Campus Technology, 5/1/2007, http://www.campustechnology.com/article.aspx?aid=47761

RETA Webinar: Blogs in the Classroom II

You are invited to a RETA Webinar: The eLearning with Emerging
Technologies Series!

**This week¹s webinar is: Blogs in the Classroom II

Whether you joined us for Blogging I or not, this session will surely
help any educator take their blogs to a heightened level. Here we will
go more in depth with adding features to your blogs (RSS feeds,
widgets, polls, images, slideshows, etc.). Not only will we ³Bling your
Blog,² we will also discuss the ³how-to² of classroom blog management
and assessment.

**When: March 18, 2008 from 4:30-5:30pm

TO JOIN THIS EVENT
Our Webinar sessions are one hour long and will begin promptly at
4:30pm MST (5:30 CST; 6:30 EST; 3:30 PST).

To attend this event, please go to the following url:
http://nmsu.acrobat.com/r21506815/

To participate speakers are encouraged. A simple computer microphone
and/or headset are ideal for complete interaction. A webcam is
optional. If you have never used Acrobat Connect Professional, please
test your connection at:
http://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

TECH ASSISTANCE
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Cissy
Lujan-Pincomb or Miley Grandjean at webinars at nmsu.edu or call us at
575-649-0768 or 575.646.6143.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please visit us at http://webinars.nmsu.edu

Have a cup of coffee, invite a colleague and raise your eQ (eLearning
Quotient) with us!

Thank you,
The RETA Webinar Team

Tag, you're it, pass it on...

Thank to Holly, I’ve been tagged with this information. Read, reflect, ponder and please pass it on.

Quote from Karl Fisch:
“If a teacher today is not technologically literate - and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more - it's equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn't know how to read and write.

Extreme? Maybe. Your thoughts?”

Read his blog post on this:
http://snipurl.com/21552  

Read the Article - Are Teachers Ready for 21st Century Learning? You may need to register to read, but it’s free.
http://snipurl.com/21554

Reminder: Show me the Moodle Blocks!

Want to spice up your Moodle course?

Show me the Moodle - Blocks by Holly Rae Bemis-Schurtz
Thursday, March 6, 2008 - 5 – 6 pm Mountain Standard Time
Register at: http://moodlebots.pbwiki.com/register+here
Attend at: http://nmsu.acrobat.com/retashowmethemoodle/

How do you add RSS feeds to the sidebar of your course? What if you want an interactive calendar for students? These are only a couple of the Blocks available in Moodle. In this one hour session, we will demonstrate implementation of these popular blocks and show you how you can add Widgets to incorporate other dynamic content into your course.

This session is for Moodlers who have already had an introduction to Moodle Course Design.

This session will be recorded for on demand viewing. Details will be shared after the session.

Attending these sessions

A simple computer microphone and/or chat headset is ideal for participation. A web cam is also nice, but not required. Please plan to join the session at least 20 minutes prior to the start time to configure your computer.
 
If you have never used Acrobat Connect Professional, please test your connection at:

http://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Tech Assistance

Support will be available 30 minutes prior to the start of session for tech assistance.

More great eLearning webinars and webclass sessions coming up every week! For more information, see
http://moodlebots.pbwiki.com/Synchronous+Learning+Events

For more information on Moodle

Our ancillary resource for this session is the Moodle 1.8 Handbook at our site at http://reta.nmsu.edu/moodle. After attending, you should be able to practice the ‘hands on’ component in your own Moodle classroom (contact me if you would like a course environment for your use at RETAMoodle - http://reta.nmsu.edu/moodle).

Can’t make it?

Sessions will be recorded. A link for a session recording will be available
=========================
Holly Rae Bemis-Schurtz
hollyrae at nmsu.edu

Student Success is everybody's business!

Ph. 505.646.4699  Fx. 505.646.2044
New Mexico State University
MSC 3WEC/PO Box 30001; Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

~Division of Student Success & College of Extended Learning~
http://extended.nmsu.edu

~Regional Educational Technology Assistance Program~
http://reta.nmsu.edu
1.800.821.1574
=========================

Another Blocked Site!

Another day in paradise using technology at high school!

Once again, my students are logged in, anxious and excited to get to blog in the classroom.

They click on the link to watch a video before they begin and there it is-WEBWASHED. We are blocked from watching video at our school. I really hate being Webwashed. I want the technology to work for me-everytime. I am tired of having to work for technology finding sites and activities that are allowed. I have been doing some research about security and being blocked from Yahoo, video, blog sites, images, and the list goes on. I am trying to arm myself with information before I go and talk with our tech department. Anyone have any helpful advice to help me when I talk with technology? Help! Sandy

Invitation to NETS Standards / NMSTE

You have been invited to the following event:

Event: NETS Standards / NMSTE

Description: Dr Jill Brown will provide you with information regarding the
updated NETS( National Educational Technology Standards), an update on the
International Society of Technology in Education, and information on the
newly formed New Mexico Society for Technology in Education (NMSTE).

When: Tuesday 11 March 2008, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

TO JOIN THIS EVENT
Our webinars are one hour and will begin promptly at 4:30 pm MST (5:30 CST;
6:30 EST; 3:30 PST).

-Please register for this event at least 24 hours prior to the event.
-To register, please go to the following link:
http://nmsu.acrobat.com/nets/event/registration.html

-The email and password you use to register will be your login and
password to attend the event.
-You will receive a reminder email with the link to attend 24 hours prior
to the event.

To participate speakers are required. A simple computer microphone and/or
headset is ideal for complete interaction. A webcam is optional. If you
have never used Acrobat Connect Professional, please test your connection
at: http://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

TECH ASSISTANCE
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Cissy Lujan-Pincomb
or Miley Grandjean at webinars@nmsu.edu or call us at 575-649-0768 or
575.646.6143.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please visit us at http://webinars.nmsu.edu
Have a cup of coffee, invite a colleague and raise your eQ (eLearning
Quotient) with us!

Thank you,
The RETA Webinar Team

U.S. educators seek lessons from Scandinavia

In Finland, Sweden, and Denmark “students start formal schooling at age seven after participating in extensive early-childhood and preschool programs focused on self-reflection and social behavior, rather than academic content. By focusing on self-reflection, students learn to become responsible for their own education, delegates said.”

http://snipurl.com/211v6  [www_eschoolnews_com]

A Complete Guide to One-to-One Computing in the K-12 Environment

Join MPC Gateway and the Center for Digital Education as they explore both
the inner workings of one-to-one computing and the effects of technology on
educating the "Millennials".

Access a FREE version of "K-12 2.0: A Complete Guide to One-to-One Computing
in the K-12 Environment." <http://www.convergemag.com/mpc_gateway/>

Join a Webinar to hear about One-to-One computing implementation.
<http://www.centerdigitaled.com/conference.php?confid=396>
South Dakota is nationally recognized for its progressive and successful
technology agenda. The Center for Digital Education is pleased to share an
overview of the wonderful work the state is doing for its students.

<http://www.mpccorp.com/>

<http://www.centerdigitaled.com/>

Cool Social Studies Resource

Letter-scanning project brings history to life
University of Rochester posts to web letters written to and from Abraham Lincoln

http://snipurl.com/211uc  [www_eschoolnews_com]

Blogs in the Classroom I Reminder

This is a reminder that you are invited to Blogs in the Classroom I, which
is due to start at Tuesday 4 March 2008, 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM. Below are the
event details and instructions for participating:

Event: Blogs in the Classroom I

Description: You hear about blogs everyday from students or co-workers, but
have you thought about using them in your classroom? In this webinar
session you will be introduced to the refreshing world of blogging where you
will begin generating ideas on how you might use blogs within your own
classroom. In this first session we will introduce you to: what a blog is,
what can a blog be used for, help you set up your own blogging account, and
then send you on your way with resources, so that you will make an informed
and enjoyable push into the ³blogging world.²

When: Tuesday 4 March 2008, 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM

TO JOIN THE WEBINAR
Our webinars are one hour and will begin promptly at 4:30pm MST (5:30 CST;
6:30 EST; 3:30 PST).

--If you have not registered for this event, please go to the following
link to register at least 24 hours prior to the event:
http://nmsu.acrobat.com/blogs1/event/registration.html

--If you have previously registered for this event, attend by going to the
following link and enter the email address and password you used to
register: http://nmsu.acrobat.com/blogs1/event/login.html

Join the webinar 20-30 minutes prior to the start time to configure your
computer. To participate speakers are required; a simple computer microphone
and/or headset is ideal for complete interaction. A webcam is optional. If
you have never used Acrobat Connect Professional, please test your
connection at:

http://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

TECH ASSISTANCE
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Cissy Lujan-Pincomb
or Miley Grandjean at webinars at nmsu.edu or call us at 575.649.0768 or
575.646.6143.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please visit us at http://webinars.nmsu.edu

Have a cup of coffee, invite a colleague and raise your eQ (eLearning
Quotient) with us.

Thank you,
The RETA Webinar Team
----------------

Venti Learning with Foam: A Video Report from Starbucks

On Feb 26, 2008, Starbucks closed over 7,000 stores for a unique 3 hour company wide training effort. The following day, Elliott Masie visited the local Starbucks in Saratoga Springs, NY and did an in-depth interview with the store manager on the learning outcomes, processes and texture of this experiment.

Check out the 8 minute video at Elliot Masie's site: http://www.masieweb.com/starbucks

eLearning Update: Blogs and Moodle Blocks

This is your eLearning Update for March 3, 2008. This week’s RETA Webinar! Blogs in the Classroom I by Cissy Lujan-Pincomb and Miley Grandjean Tuesday, March 4, 2008 – 4:30 pm-5:30 pm Register at: http://webinars.nmsu.edu/ You hear about blogs everyday from students or co-workers, but have you thought about using them in your classroom? In this webinar session you will be introduced to the refreshing world of blogging where you will begin generating ideas on how you might use blogs within your own classroom. In this first session we will introduce you to: what a blog is, what a blog can be used for, help you set up your own blogging account, and then send you on your way with resources, so that you will make an informed and enjoyable push into the “blogging world.” This week’s Show me the Moodle Webclass! Show me the Moodle Blocks by Holly Rae Bemis-Schurtz Thursday, March 6, 2008 - 5 – 6 pm Register at: http://moodlebots.pbwiki.com/register+here How do you add RSS feeds to the sidebar of your course? What if you want an interactive calendar for students? These are only a couple of the Blocks available in Moodle. In this one hour session, we will demonstrate implementation of these popular blocks and show you how you can add Widgets to incorporate other dynamic content into your course. This session is for Moodlers who have already had an introduction to Moodle Course Design. This session will be recorded for on demand viewing. Details will be shared after the session. Attending these sessions A simple computer microphone and/or chat headset is ideal for participation. A web cam is also nice, but not required. Please plan to join the session at least 20 minutes prior to the start time to configure your computer. If you have never used Acrobat Connect Professional, please test your connection at: http://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Tech Assistance Support will be available 30 minutes prior to the start of session for tech assistance. More great eLearning webinars and webclass sessions coming up every week! For more information, see http://moodlebots.pbwiki.com/Synchronous+Learning+Events For more information on Moodle Our ancillary resource for this session is the Moodle 1.8 Handbook at our site at http://reta.nmsu.edu/moodle. After attending, you should be able to practice the ‘hands on’ component in your own Moodle classroom (contact me if you would like a course environment for your use at RETAMoodle - http://reta.nmsu.edu/moodle). Can’t make it? Sessions will be recorded. A link for a session recording will be available. Contact me for more information.