Published February 20, 2008
An online professional development opportunity for Maine educators
The content of the Read/Write Web, as we will call it, is characterized by open communication, freedom to share and re-use content, and dynamic interactivity among users of varying technical abilities around the globe. There are now a multitude of web-based tools available that can allow people to organize their favorite bookmarks, write online documents, and share information with others through social software like blogs and wikis. These tools can positively impact teaching and learning and the implications are significant.
Students can be empowered to see how their ideas can be shared easily with the world, and students around the globe can easily collaborate and communicate with each other to build knowledge communities that are not dependent on time and space. Educators are sharing their ideas and blogging about these new tools so that they can be used effectively in classrooms.
In this course, participants will be exposed to many of the tools of the Read/Write Web and will get the chance to experiment with these new tools each week. Weekly discussions will help participants focus on how these tools can be integrated into the classroom to make the most of their potential to enhance student learning.
Quick Facts
What is it? This is an ONLINE professional development opportunity for Maine educators. It is a 6-week long course that will be conducted in Moodle, an easy to use and intuitive online environment.
Who should participate? This is an introductory course for teachers, library media specialists, technology specialists, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel interested in learning more about Web 2.0.
How much does it cost? There are no costs associated with registering for this course.
What do I need to be able to participate? Participants are expected to have regular access to computers, and proficiency with email and current web-browsers.
When is the course offered? Five educators will each be offering this 6-week online course at different times. Choose one of the following opportunities to participate in the course:
Course One ~ March 5-April 15
Teacher: David Patterson
Educational Specialist for Distance Education, Maine Department of Education
Course Two ~ March 17–April 27 (with April vacation week off)
Teacher: Phil Brookhouse
MLTI Statewide Integration Mentor
Course Three ~ March 26-May 6
Teacher: Ken Martin
Distance Learning Director, Washington County Consortium for School Improvement
Course Four ~ April 30–June 10
Teacher: Barbara Greenstone
MLTI Statewide Integration Mentor
Course Five ~ April 30-June 10
Teacher: Martha Thibodeau
MLTI/eMINTS Regional Trainer Mentor
What is involved with participation in this course? This course is divided into six one-week sessions, each of which includes readings, an activity, and an online discussion among course participants. The time for completing the requirements for each week is estimated to be approximately four to five hours. In addition, participants will maintain a blog throughout the course in which they will reflect on what they are learning. As a final product, participants will complete a planning template outlining how they can integrate the Read/Write Web tools into a lesson or unit they currently teach or are involved in.
Is this workshop for credit? Upon successful completion of the workshop and all of the course objectives, educators will be provided with a “certificate of participation” for 30 contact hours.
How to sign up? Send an email to David Patterson at david.patterson@maine.gov stating the course you would like to be registered for (select one from Course One through Course Five). A limit of 20 participants per course will be registered.
Questions? Contact David Patterson at david.patterson@maine.gov or 624-6779.
