Online Teaching

6 Tips for the Successful Online Teacher

Teaching online classes is the new hype for K-12 educators, as of late. Many believe they can teach at their leisure in their pajamas, but author Richard Rose says the "grass is not necessarily greener on the other side of the network connection" (2012). Teaching online classes requires a different skill set than teaching in the classroom and not everyone may be cut out for the job. The first tip Rose talks about is to forget constant validation. "Online teaching actually requires a much higher level of emotional security and confidence in one's own professional competence" (Rose, 2012). Teachers of online classes need to work extra hard to make sure their approach is humanized. The second tip is to "know thy students" (Rose, 2012). It is harder for teachers to get to know their students in an online class, so it is important not to make judgments about students right from the start. The third tip is to "lose complete control" (Rose). Teaching online classes require the teacher to let go of all control and trust the students in the class. The fourth thing Rose touches on is "collaboration resistance" (2012). Collaboration is a great thing when everyone works together and gets along, but this does not always happen in a larger group. Rose states, "The challenges of collaboration are multiplied in the less controllable environment of online" (2012). The next idea is to be sure all teaching is 100% accurate right from the start. In a classroom, teachers can make adjustments to their teaching approach while a lesson is being taught. In an online class, however, it is not possible to made changes at the time students are "in class." Many times all coursework and assignments need to be planned and created ahead of time, as well. The last thing Rose talks about is online teaching being a lifestyle. Without having a set work day, many online teachers find they have trouble setting boundaries, especially when students are online at different times during the day or night. 

This article was very interesting for me because it touched upon ideas that I haven't thought about before in relation to online teaching. When you think about it, it sounds like it should be simple because you can teach right from home. However, after reading and thinking about these 6 tips from Rose, I'm not sure I would make the best online educator!

New Media Player

View the article here

The company Califone has recently launched a new touchscreen media player that is intended to use in an educational setting. This player has audio options, video recording and viewing, image capturing, gaming, and electronic book options. Digital tools and other types of technology are big in the classroom and this media player seems like a good competitor. The player can be used individually or as a small group learning center. Up to four students can use this player at the same time, so it could be a good piece of technology to use as a literacy center. I looked on that company's website and this media player is $172. That doesn't seem like an absurd amount to me and could be very beneficial in the classroom!

Raising a Reader

In the article, Raising a Reader: Read Every Day, one quote really stuck out to me: "'Children are made readers on the laps of their parents'" (Michael, 2012). Growing up I always read with my mom and dad, typically before bedtime. Today, my dad does nothing but read all day and my mom and I often swap books and talk about our favorite parts. I realize not everyone loves reading, but I think because I've grown up surrounded by books I have more of an interest in books than I would have if I didn't read with my parents at home. This Scholastic article talks about the importance of reading with your children everyday; not for a long amount of time, just 20 minutes or so. Taking a small part of your day to read with your children is easy to do and will help develop habits in your family. This time is also a great bonding time for parents and children because everyone is engaged in the same story. 

ParentLink 9

The article ParentLink 9 Brings Mobile Communications to Parents, Educators caught my eye as a great way to keep parents involved in their children's education. Parlant Technology released this program called ParentLink 9 that is a great way for parents to stay updated on classroom progress. The new program has an app that parents can use on smartphones and tablets to stay in the loop. Many schools already use the ParentLink program, but this new update adds a lot more to the program including an Administrator Dashboard that allows principals to see how their school is doing as a whole in relation to the district, a Tip Line, Attendance Management, Teacher Messaging, and Surveys. This technology seems like a great way to keep everyone involved in the events taking place at school. I haven't heard of this program before, but it definitely sounds like something to look into!

Tablet Users Are Geezer Couch Potatoes?

In this article, author Brian Proffitt talks about recent research that shows most tablet users are likely to be older which goes against many theories. The report came from comScore, which also conducted a poll that found most smartphone users also use or own tablets, unlike those who do not own a smartphone. In the report it isn't stated why most tablet users are older, but Proffitt offers some of his own theories. He believes most people who own smartphones would also be interested in tablets because the apps can be used across devices (getting the most for their money), the onscreen keyboard is quite large and doesn't require an external mouse, and most people who own a smartphone are expected to be more interested in tablets. The largest group using a tablet ranged from ages 25-44 and the next largest group were those aging 65 and older. This statistic was shocking and says a lot for the tablet market. Most businesses want tablets to be used in the workforce, but most people 65 and older are already retired, meaning they won't be used in the workforce. This isn't to say that tablets won't be used in businesses at all, but the majority of tablet users are already done working.

In my opinion, I think tablets are being used by older people because the screen resolution is very clear and videos or Internet pages are very easy to see and read. Also, the keyboard is very large and easier to use than the keyboard on a smartphone. 

Digital Writing Matters

In the article, Why Digital Writing Matters in Education, author Jeff Grabill talks about the importance of writing  both digitally and on paper. With technology on the rise, the meaning of writing is changing. In this article, Grabill focuses on two main issues, "1. Digital writing challenges what counts as writing and reveals the gap between how writing works in the world and how we teach it in schools. 2. Digital writing platforms and services are ways to innovate instruction and learning" (2012). Writing is a very importance subject in school and also serves as a basis for all other classroom subjects, as well. Grabill explains that digital writing doesn't just include actual writing, but incorporating videos, images, music, etc. too. These are ways students can become more interested in writing because they are able to add in different types of media that are more appealing. "We need many more efforts to support and share the innovations of teachers wrestling with how to teach digital writing in their schools" (Grabill, 2012). 

Reading, Writing, and Music

Building Reading and Writing Skills with Music

In this article, author Jeffrey Pflaum, an inner city elementary teacher, talks about a program he created and tested called Music Writing. I was drawn to this article because just the other day I was talking about using music as a means to help students learn. How many students can sing all the lyrics to multiple songs, but have trouble memorizing facts or dates? History is not my subject, but I can tell you all about the Louisiana Purchase because of an 8th grade Schoolhouse Rock musical I was in.
Pflaum explains that his Music Writing program helps develop creativity because he plays music and has his students visualize and think about the music. After about 10 minutes, he turns of the music and sends the students off to think and write about the music. Pflaum states, "The process allows adolescents to explore intra- and interpersonal communication and knowledge, including conflicts, negative emotions, problem-solving and decision-making, through the frameworks of an inner eye, voice and imaginary TV screen in the mind" (2012).
This seems like a nice way to help students explore their creativity. The music allows them to use different senses, which may be very beneficial for auditory learners.

Project-Based Learning: A Success!

I've blogged about project-based learning previously, but this article stood out to me because gives specific examples to prove that PBL does, in fact, increase student learning. In Manor, Texas, Manor New Technology High School began a project-based learning program five years ago. At this high school, all students are taught every subject through project-based learning. At this school, "98 percent of seniors graduate and 100 percent of the graduates are accepted to college. Fifty-six percent of them have been the first in their family to attend college" (Nobori, 2012). Edutopia decided to find out exactly what makes this school run so smoothly by following around a sophomore student for a few weeks. It was found that the main reason for the students' success "is a schoolwide, unwavering commitment to the design and implementation of a PBL model that includes evidence-based strategies and drives students to actively pursue knowledge. From the moment a project is introduced, students are responsible for figuring out what they need to know and for doing the legwork to find the information, analyze it, and present it. Teachers are there every step of the way to guide students through the process and to provide workshops to help clarify any concepts" (Nobori, 2012). This process lets students guide their own learning so they are driving their own instruction. Students are more apt to retain information if they are actively using it, which is exactly what the PBL model promotes. Project-based learning is a great way to teach students to ensure they are getting the most out of their education. It may not be feasible for all districts and schools to teach this way in every single classroom, but this article is definitely something to keep in mind!

Teaching Internet Safety

In the article, How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students, Mary Beth Hertz explains the importance of teaching our students of all ages how to stay safe on the Internet. We all know the dangers of cyber bullying and other threats online and how important it is for both teachers and parents to ensure the safety of our children. Hertz names three things we need to be aware of when teaching Internet safety to our students: "First, the transfer of handling strangers in 'real life' to those in virtual environments is not automatic. It needs to be taught. Second, while most 'Stranger Danger' programs teach that strangers are scary, mean and want to hurt or abduct children, this contradicts the way collaboration occurs between strangers online. Not all strangers are dangerous. Lastly, in 'real life,' students can walk or run away from a potential threat. In an online environment, the danger is inside a student's home and hard to escape without the necessary skills for handling tough situations" (Hertz, 2012). Hertz then provides an example lesson plan she used with her kindergarten and first grade students to explain that strangers exist in an online setting. While this lesson plan is geared towards younger students, it is a great way to inform all students of the threats that exist on the Internet. Hertz also states in her article that this month is Internet Safety Month!

Blended Learning Model

Washington DC Middle School Switching to Blended Learning Model


Kramer Middle School is heading towards a new type of learning called the blended learning model where students will take traditional classes half of the time and the other 50% will be spent on online classes. The principal at Kramer MS selected Adaptive Curriculum where students will gain more knowledge in the areas of math and science. The purpose of this type of curriculum is to help students "improve college readiness with an increased emphasis on 21st century skills, focus on science, technology, engineering, and math; and boost student engagement with educational technology and a strong curriculum" (Sohn, 2012). This type of curriculum is beneficial to students in today's society because of the increase in technology. Students will become more involved and active in their own learning by using this Adaptive Curriculum program. 


This program sounds like a great idea! The article mentions it should be used for students in grades 6-12 and can be a great way for students to become better prepared for college and the real world. Students will still be required to attend classes in a regular classroom setting, but will also have the opportunity to explore with educational technological tools through their online classes. I am interested to hear how this program goes!