Advancing Professionally Training Options

Phase II: The Online, Project-Based Classroom
Goals:

• Evolving teaching and learning with technology from the lab or single computer scenario to the multi-computer classroom environment.
• Improve methods and strategies for teaching in the multi-computer classroom including designing web-based projects and learning activities
• Develop vision for creating student-centered learning opportunities that meet standards and embed technology skills
• Reflect on personal and school needs and new skills to set goals for creating classroom projects and further learning opportunities

Outcomes:

• Participation in online, collaborative environments
• Creation of curricular projects (Research Investigations, WebBytes)
• Creation of a classroom web page (Launcher) that serves as a communication and showcase tool for teaching and learning
• Developing the eFolio as a means for showcasing student learning in an authentic, standards-based environment

Standards and Effective Teaching:

• State and/or national standards are embedded into every curricular project
• Authentic assessments as a means for evaluation, remediation, and goal setting
• Support for a variety of classroom setups and differentiation for diverse community of learners

Support:

• One year membership to The Learning Space
• Two day, face-to-face sessions in fall and winter (10/1 ratio)
• Release time from classroom for visitations
• Thee day, intensive "Summer Experience" (lodging and food included)
• Facilitated, online support network
• 24/7 access to web tools and resources created for classroom teachers

Commitment:

• Teams and individual teachers must attend fall and winter classes
• Teams and individual teachers will make spring visitations and allow other participants to visit their classrooms
• Participants will contribute on a regular basis to online listserv
• Participants will keep a journal or personal eFolio as part of the program
• Schools and Districts will pay for any classroom sub costs and for costs incurred for travel and lodging

Overview
Building Projects: Teams will have opportunities to expand and build web based projects. New learning concepts and the ability to develop online classroom resources are making a huge impact in education and represent the future of learning. This strand will focus on building skills designed to bring classroom content, communication, and support into a web-based environment.

• WebBytes: lessons that focus on single site, standard, and technology skills.
• Investigations: cross-curricular projects that involve research and developing critical thinking skills.
• Launchers: A Launcher is a web resource that teachers use to share information about classroom resources, expectations, lessons, projects, and provide for student showcases.

Authentic Assessment and eFolios: Everywhere you turn there is movement to bring powerful, student-centered learning and reflection into the classrooms with electronic portfolios. This strand is designed to help teams work out details for creating process or project portfolios within their school including authentic assessments, file linking, and management ideas.

• eFolios in the Classroom (Core Module): Develop a vision and a plan for using eFolios for your students. A wealth of examples and templates will assist teams in designing an eFolio to fit their school community.
• Professional Growth eFolio (Optional): Professional certification standards in Washington State require teachers document their progress and mastery of "teaching standards". Create a personal, professional growth portfolio as a first step in understanding the eFolio steps and processes.