TMS BLIF Update
March 20, 2015
Duties for the Weeks of 3/23 and 3/30
I-SS Blended Learning In The News
THe Relevant Educator
Quick Reads: A Good Idea In A Small Package
Digital books, or e-books, have revolutionized the way we access books and information Students no longer spend hours paging through books at a library to gather information to write a paper. Now they turn on a computer, tablet, or other mobile device and search the Web. As we continue into the twenty-first century, schools are being encouraged to embrace technology, such as iPads®. Such technologies, however, can present challenges for educators who must learn how to teach with them. Continued
TED Talk
GREAT TED Talk on “grit” and having the passion and persistence to follow through with your goals and dreams by Angela Duckworth
PD opportunities
Melt Summer Institutes for Math Teachers
There are still seats available in all MELT Summer Institutes, but some classes are filling quite quickly. While the group discount still exits, this opportunity cannot remain open indefinitely. (For information regarding group discounts, please contact Dr. Michael J. Bossé as soon as possible.) If a school district or any individual school chooses to support teachers to attend MELT Summer Institutes, or if any individual teachers wish to support themselves to attend these Institutes, it is recommended that they soon communicate with the MELT program and submit the registration forms. (See the links below for access to the registration forms and other information.)
K-12 mathematics teachers can earn CEUs by investigating content, pedagogy, and assessment associated with current K-12 math standards. Under the title of the Mathematics Education Leadership Program (MELT), high quality, residential, Summer Institutes are offered at Appalachian State University in the beautiful High Country of Boone, NC. (Participants beyond commuting range can select to stay in dorm suites at a cost much lower than hotels in the area.)
The MELT Institutes for Summer 2015 include:
Week 1: June 22-26, 2015:
Integrating Technology into Mathematics (6-12);
Math 1: The 1st High School Math Course
Measurement and Statistics (K-5)
Measurement and Statistics (6-8)
Week 2: July 13-17, 2015
Math 2: The 2nd High School Math Course
Probability and Statistics (9-12)
Algebra and Functions (K-5)
Algebra and Functions. (6-8)
Week 3: July 20-24, 2015
Math 3: The 3rd High School Math course
Building Mathematical Thinkers (6-12)
Geometry (K-5)
Geometry (6-8)
The following resources are provided online through the associated hyperlinks:
The MELT Registration Form (http://melt.appstate.edu/sites/melt.appstate.edu/files/MELT%20Registration%202015%20new%201-12-15.pdf);
Description of the Summer Institutes (http://melt.appstate.edu/summer-institutes);
Summer Institutes daily schedule (http://melt.appstate.edu/node/16);
A brief Promotional Brochure (http://melt.appstate.edu/sites/melt.appstate.edu/files/MELT%202015%20Flyer.pdf);
A second flyer denoting curricular foci of the Institutes (http://melt.appstate.edu/sites/melt.appstate.edu/files/MELT%201-15%20Institute%20themesFlyer%20%232.pdf); and
A printable version of the curriculum (http://melt.appstate.edu/sites/melt.appstate.edu/files/MELT%201-15%20Printable%20Curriculum%20Institutes-3.pdf).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me as soon as possible.
Michael J. Bossé
Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education and MELT Program Director
Dept. of Mathematical Sciences, 243 Walker Hall, 121 Bodenheimer Dr.,
Appalachian State University, Boone NC 28608-2092
Office Phone: (828) 262-2862 Cell Phone: (252) 902-7536 Skype address: Michael.J.BosséGraduate Program in On-line teaching and instructional design.
Lenoir-Rhyne University is currently accepting applications for the graduate program in online teaching and instructional design. This innovative program is designed to prepare online instructors for quality blended and online teaching and instructional design. Instructors model effective instructional design principles and online teaching methods, and students have multiple opportunities to experience, evaluate, and apply quality instructional design and online teaching methods. There are two tracks within the program -- a full master's degree program (33 credit hours) and a graduate certificate program (18 credit hours). The online teaching and instructional design program is fully online, with courses offered every fall, spring, and summer. Applications are now being accepted for Summer 2015. Three courses will be available this summer. Read descriptions of these courses below. If you have questions or would like additional information about the program, contact program coordinator Dr. Jayme Linton at jayme.linton@lr.edu or 828-455-1534. You can read more about the program and apply here.
EDU 659, Leading Technology Change in Schools and Organizations
This course is designed to prepare students to lead technology change in their schools or organizations. Students will explore current educational and organizational leadership theories and practices, particularly related to the use of technology in schools and organizations.
EDU 657, Instructional Design: Theory and Research
This course will explore instructional design models and research on the use of instructional design in online environments. Students will research an instructional design model that will provide the foundation for their work in the remaining courses within the program.
EDU 658, Instructional Design: Application
This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply instructional design principles in their field or setting. Students will develop and rationalize an instructional unit or training module using research-based instructional design principles.