Well it's almost here! The "GO LIVE" date for the improved SmarterMeasure is this Thursday, May 17th. The first two webinars have been huge hits and we are gearing up for our final training session tomorrow at 10:00 am CST. To register click here. If you cannot attend you may click this link to view a previous session - https://vimeo.com/41931212 - password protected 2NewSM2012. Below are a list of key points to remember about the enhancements and updates.
Suggestions
Join SmarterMeasure google groups for the latest news and updates - http://groups.google.com/group/smartermeasure
Read the newsletter – Thinking Smarter (emailed monthly)
Update your SM contacts – go to admin panel, click manager account, click contacts
Use the Account Requested Data and add your own questions
Modify the custom texty on the login screen for students.
Reminders
If you’d like us to update your new custom user interface – email julie@smarterservices.com
Go Live date – May 17th
Update your SM contacts – go to admin panel, click manage account, click contacts
All tutorials will be updated later this month.
Assessments replaces terminology test taker groups
Assessment groups replaces terminology admin group
Click the Account Manager icon for more details about how we can best assist you to get the most out of SmarterMeasure
There will be no downtime associated with the enhancements
SSO access will not be affected by the new enhancements
With SSO we still do not allow for custom questions at this time
Readiness Alerts will pull from the past 30 days, and shows the most recent 50 most assessments.
Are you interested in learning about using Google Apps? Join John Sowash, a certified Google apps teacher and trainer. Glean from his expertise and get started today!
Recently I came across a blog post on SimpleK12 from a couple of years ago describing 21 signs that indicate if a teacher is using 21st century teaching techniques. I thought it was still applicable in 2012 and wanted to share. My favorite signs are listed below.
You ask your students to do a character/historical person study...and they create mock social media profiles of their character.
Your students create a study guide...working together on a group wiki.
You make your students turn in their cell phones before class starts...because you plan on using them in class.
You require your students to summarize a recent chapter...and submit it to you via a text message.
I like the list because while you may not be doing all or even most of these things, there are some super ideas. Things that can inspire you to try something new. I suggest picking out 1 item per week or month and trying it out with your students. Working toward becoming a better 21st Century Teacher may be a goal you want to share with your class and letting them know they are in on it with you can inspire them to learn new things too. Acknowledge that they are the guinea pigs and that you all will learn together. Try it out...you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
What is Digital Learning Day? "Digital Learning Day is a culminating event in a year-round national awareness campaign to improve teaching and learning for all children", a place to start a conversation, try one new thing, or showcase a success! Digital learning is part of everything we do. Technology facilitates our vacations, shopping, banking, and communications. It's time to embrace what how we learn digitally and celebrate it, learn better ways to make it happen, and share with others. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of this first time ever national effort. Register today, it's free!
Did you know that in 2010, more than 4 million K-12 students participated in formal virtual learning programs? The continued growth in K12 online learning is not just a trend. As enrollments in non traditional learning environments grow, states are working on proposing mandates that students take at least one online course prior to graduating from high school. according to a recent article in eSchool News, in 2006, Michigan was the first state to implement such a requirement followed by Alabama in 2008. Soon Florida and Idaho are were on board while it appears Indiana willl be next in line.
One challenge states are faced with when proposing required online education is defining what that is and what it looks like. Most states recognize that a fully online course is not the only way for a student to experience an alternative learning environment. Like any organization, the end goal must be examined in order to determine the path to reach it. Guidelines allowed include technology rich courses, a hybrid model of using a laptop onsite to take an online class, using live webinar teachings, participating in web chats about course content, and using learning management systems to access content and assignments among others.
K-12 online learning is about a decade behind the same concepts in higher education. However, it seems to be growing at a much more rapid pace. There seems to be less controversy about the usefulness of it, pedagogy discussions, and academic integrity that has plagued higher ed for so long. Rather, it seems educators in the K-12 space are embracing the new found freedom to assist their students in learning through technology and pushing the boundaries of traditional learning. Is that because we've already fought the battle in higher ed or do you think it is because K12 administrators are less resistant to change? Interesting topic for discussion.
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