Online Applications

Seeing Reason

We know that learning is social and is facilitated by the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the topic at hand. We also know that embedding learning in a real world context leads to greater understanding.

Use this online concept mapping tool with preservice and practicing teachers as a way to demonstrate some of the principles of learning as they grapple with the content. Seeing Reason can be used for demonstrating cause-and-effect relationships, helping students analyze complex systems, communicating understanding visually, and promoting collaborative work.

Visual Ranking

What principles of learning are best supported by technology integration? Can technology support all of the principles of learning? Can it support all of them equally?

With the Visual Ranking tool, participants can identify the criteria for planning a technology-integrated lesson in a standards-based environment. They can analyze and discuss the importance of each criteria and then order the criteria from most to least important and explain their reasoning.

Structured Activities

Using Technology to Facilitate Learning

Preservice and practicing teachers explore the principles of learning in this activity. The activity incorporates online videos from the InTime website with discussion to support the exploration.

Engaged Learning Simulation - Mathematics
Engaged Learning Simulation - Science
Engaged Learning Simulation - Reading

Have your preservice or practicing teachers experienced the effective use of technology from a learner's perspective?

In this activity, participants play the role of K-12 students as they experience an engaged learning simulation. Participants then consider the lesson from the perspectives of the student and the instructor. A whole group debriefing follows the lesson simulation.

Online Modules

These modules explore a variety of topics related to student learning. They can be used as is or bits and pieces of the modules can be incorporated into teacher education courses or professional development programs.

Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning
Teachers taking part in this online opportunity will study the theory of constructivism in detail and discover why so many educators have decided to use constructivist strategies in their classrooms. The workshop presents practical strategies, educational tools, and resources so participants can realistically begin implementing constructivism.

Cooperative and Collaborative Learning
Teachers taking part in this online opportunity will be introduced to major principles of cooperative learning. Participants also learn how these principles can be integrated into classroom activities by working through relevant resources, discussion, and online projects.

Inquiry-based Learning
Teachers taking part in this online opportunity will discover the value of inquiry-based learning activities, which teach respect for one's own interests and the interests of others. Participants are challenged to create an engaging inquiry-based learning project in their own classrooms.