The Essential Role of Information Fluency in E-Learning and Online Teaching

I've been researching and writing about Information Fluency since the turn of the century. My work is published on the 21st Century Information Fluency Portal: http://21cif.imsa.edu You'll find modular online learning content including games, micromodules and assessments on the portal. (Free for all educators.)

I include information fluency training in all of my online classes. I introduce power searching and website investigation to the graduate students studying in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate Program at UW-Stout ( http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html ) because I believe that Information Fluency is a foundation skill for all online teachers and learners.



What continually surprises me is that most educators (including those with advanced degrees) lack formal training in this field. Unless I'm working with a Library Media Specialist, most have little experience in searching, evaluating, and ethical use of digital materials.

Curiously, most educators think they are competent searchers and evaluators, when they are really just beginners. Their disposition is to ask for help rather than search for answers. With simple instruction many radically improve their ability to search, and evaluate. This is empowering and greatly increases learner satisfaction. Instruction in copyright and fair use is also part of the program.

At the same time I push the idea that it is everyone's duty to teach website evaluation and ethical use as part of any online curriculum. Too often educators assume someone else should have done the job by the time their students walk through the door. The application of information fluency to all curriculum areas is profound. Students given even rudimentary instruction in Information Fluency immediately benefit.

As online teachers and learners we work in a computer where information is just a few keystrokes away. I hope we can promote the disposition in all online teachers and learners that skilled use of Internet resources is the essential learning skill of our times.

If you'd like to receive a free Information Fluency Newsletter, please click through to subscribe. (Right click to open in a new window.)

Dennis O'Connor
Program Advisor
E-Learning & Online Teaching
School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Wisconsin's Polytechnic University
oconnord@uwstout.edu
530-318-1145 (Cell)
Skype: wiredinstructor2

E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate (University of Wisconsin-Stout!)

University of Wisconsin-Stout
School of Education
Online Professional Development 

E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html

• Are you looking for an accredited E-learning and Online Teaching Certificate program?
• Is your institution rapidly developing online courses and programs?
• Are you looking for a new career or a way to supplement your current salary?
• Our courses benefit educators interested in effectively teaching online or blended courses. 

Summer registration is open. Sign up soon.

Courses are completely online; no travel to campus required.
8-Week Online Courses

Course Start and Ending Dates
Each course is 8 weeks.

EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 graduate credits
This is the introductory course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate, is an approved elective in the online Master of Science in Education degree program, and is open as an individual course to students seeking professional development.

EDUC 762 Assessment in E-Learning 3 graduate credits
(choose one section)

EDUC 763 Instructional Design for E-Learning 3 graduate credits

EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities in E-Learning 3 graduate credits
NOTE: This is the fourth in the series of five required courses for individuals pursuing the Graduate Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching and is also available as a single course for experienced trainers and online educators seeking professional development.

EDUC 764 E-Learning Practicum 3 graduate credits
(Prerequisite: Successful completion with a 3.0 gpa in EDUC 760, 761, 762, 763 and Consent of Instructor)

Successful completion of the practicum earns the E-Learning Certificate. This course culminates your preparation as an e-learning professional. You will finalize your professional e-portfolio as a career building demonstration of your online teaching skills and abilities. During the practicum you will teach with a cooperating online instructor gaining valuable real world online teaching experience. (A customized internship is available for those already teaching online.)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Practicum


How long does it take to complete the online teaching graduate certificate?
Five semesters if you enroll in one course per term. If you enroll in two courses per term, you may complete the certificate in ten months.

Recommended Course Sequence  


OPTION A: Complete the Certificate in 10 Months (enroll in two courses each term)
EDUC 760 June 13 – August 5, 2011
EDUC 762 June 5 - August 5, 2011 or June 13 - August 12, 2011
EDUC 763 September 19 – November 18, 2011
EDUC 761 September 26 – November 18, 2011
EDUC 764 Spring 2012

OPTION B: Complete the Certificate in 19 Months (enroll in one course each term)
EDUC 760 June 13 – August 5, 2011
EDUC 762 September 19 – November 11, 2011 or October 3 – December 2, 2011
EDUC 763 Spring 2012
EDUC 761 Summer 2012
EDUC 764 Fall 2012
 
For more information, visit http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html
You may enroll in any course for professional development or complete all four courses and the practicum to receive the Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching.

Courses can be used to fulfill requirements in the Master of Science in Education, Master of Science in Career and Technical Education and Ed.S. in Career and Technical Education degree programs.
Benefits

• Expert facilitation by veteran online educators
• Small highly interactive classes
• Professional quality projects for an e-portfolio to aid in job searches
• Career mentoring and job placement assistance
• Credits may also apply as electives in three different UW-Stout graduate degree programs
• Highly competitive tuition (tuition is the same for Wisconsin residents, out-of-state and international students)

The courses model best practices in e-learning with interactive discussions and hands-on experiences

• creating and using blogs, wikis, and other social tools
• integrating video and podcasts
• adopting best practices for engaging class discussions and assignments
• designing authentic assessment activities, quizzes and grading options 
• building strong communication activities in your online class
• motivating online students who are falling behind      
• managing your online teaching workload

If you have any questions, please contact Dennis O'Connor, the program adviser, at (530) 318-1145 or email oconnord@uwstout.edu

REGISTER SOON  
Register online today to reserve a spot at: http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/register.shtml

Visit us on facebook!

Experimenting with QR codes created with this QR Code Generator: http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/

I was able to create this qr and scan it with NeoReader on my Iphone 3g.  This image will lead you to our facebook page!  

 

Or you could just click here!

Director of Online Learning, Wisconsin eSchool Network

UW-Stout: Good Training Opens the Door to Your Future

Network Description:

The Wisconsin eSchool Network is a rapidly expanding statewide network of school districts that share resources to support high quality online teaching and learning initiatives to best prepare students for success in the 21st Century. Local districts autonomously determine how the online resources will be used within and by their districts. Students from throughout the state are eligible to enroll in online courses, whether for a single course or as a full-time online student. The Network anticipates reaching 5,000 enrollments for 2010-11. The Wisconsin eSchool Network’s unique, highly sustainable model provides opportunities for a knowledgeable and experienced leader to facilitate the Network’s vision.

General Description:

This is a full-time, 12 month position with salary and benefits negotiated commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Director reports to the Governance Board and/or Advisory Board or their designee.

The Director of Online Learning will execute the Wisconsin eSchool Network vision and mission for online learning; he/she will have full responsibility for developing and meeting the Network’s goals for revenue, growth and quality. He/she will be responsible for the overall management and expansion of the Network.

Responsibilities:

• Provide vision, leadership and strategic planning
• Collaborate with the governance board to develop and maintain the Network by-laws, policies and procedures, contracts etc.
• Develop an annual budget based upon Network strategic goals
• Collaborate with Online Learning Coordinator (OLC) on day-to-day operational decisions
• Collaborate with Network Partner District Liaisons to identify online learning priorities on a regular basis
• Facilitate Partner district relationships
• Manage operations for all core centralized financial and data driven tasks. This includes: budget, business records, accounting, contracts, invoices, reconciliation, staffing etc.
• Develop and maintain contractual relationships with key technology and content vendors
• Develop a recruitment and outreach program to attract new district Partners
• Oversee development of marketing plan, press releases, conference presentations
• Design, implement and oversee a district mentoring program for new Partners
• Represent and advocate for the Network at the local, state and national level by engaging in policy and politics of online learning
• Coordinate with the governance board: (i.e. prepare agendas, act as liaison to Partners as a group)
• Seek and secure grants and foundation funds to support the initiatives of the Network
• Oversee all operational tasks in collaboration with the OLC
• Write and submit conference proposals
• Keep apprised of new and emerging instructional technologies
• Address inquiries from outside districts, parents, students
• Work with the OLC to plan the agenda and facilitate the Network Partner meetings
• Coordinate Virtual High School (VHS, Inc) allocations
Qualifications:
• Masters required, preferably in education or administration
• Management experience, preferably management of an online program
• 5 years experience with teaching and online learning
• Demonstrated success as a leader of large scale projects
• Solid understanding of best/promising practices of online and blended/hybrid learning
• Strong problem solving and trouble-shooting skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with program and project evaluations
• Working knowledge of current technologies
• Experience with instructional design

Application:

Qualified candidates can apply by sending their resume` and copies of transcripts to admin@wisconsineschool.org.

Deadline for Applicants:

- Qualified candidates need to submit their resume` and transcripts by April 30, 2011.
- Selected candidates will be asked to supply references prior to interview in early May 2011.
- Contract start date to be negotiated, potentially June 1, 2011

E-Learning Job: Online Learning Coordinator, Wisconsin eSchool Network

UW-Stout: Good Training Opens the Door to Your Future

I urge qualified graduates of our UW-Stout E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate program to apply for this job! ~ Dennis O'Connor, Program Advisor .


Online Learning Coordinator, Wisconsin eSchool Network

The Wisconsin eSchool Network is a rapidly expanding statewide network of school districts that share resources to support high quality online teaching and learning initiatives to best prepare students for success in the 21st Century. Local districts autonomously determine how the online resources will be used within and by their districts. Students from throughout the state are eligible to enroll in online courses, whether for a single course or as a full-time online student. The Network anticipates reaching 5,000 enrollments for 2010-11. The Wisconsin eSchool Network’s unique, highly sustainable model provides opportunities for a knowledgeable and experienced leader to facilitate the Network’s vision.

General Description:

This is a full-time, 12 month position with salary and benefits negotiated commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Online Learning Coordinator (OLC) reports to the Governance Board and/or Advisory Board or their designee.

The OLC will execute the Wisconsin eSchool Network vision and mission for online learning; he/she will have full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Network. He/she will be responsible for the timely support of the Network.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, distribution and promotion of operational policies and procedures
• Serve as the Network level contact for technology issues
• Become an expert in the Student Information Systems (SIS), Learning Management Systems (LMS) and online content to support districts in their use of the Network SIS, LMS and online content
• Communicate regularly with vendors to handle “trouble tickets” and request/coordinate customizations needed to better serve the Network
• Lead the development of training courses for District Liaisons, Registrars, Coaches and Teachers
• Coordinate the development of training opportunities for District Liaisons, Registrars, Coaches and Teachers
• Maintain the Wisconsin eSchool Network (WEN) website
• Maintain and expand the eHandbook, which includes operational policies and procedures
• Collaborate with the Director to plan the agenda and facilitate the Network Partner meetings
• Oversee and coordinate Network Professional Development offerings
• Lead instructional design tasks for WEN orientations, help teachers with curricula, and lead other projects as they arise

Qualifications:
• Bachelors required, Masters preferred
• Eligibility for Wisconsin teacher certification preferred
• 5 years experience with teaching and online learning
• Demonstrated success as a teacher leader
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to facilitate high quality professional development
• Solid understanding of best/promising practices of online and blended/hybrid learning
• Strong problem solving and trouble-shooting skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of current technologies
• Experience with instructional design
• Working knowledge of SIS, LMS and online content

Application:

Qualified candidates can apply by sending their resume` and copies of transcripts to admin@wisconsineschool.org.

Deadline for Applicants:

- Qualified candidates need to submit their resume` and transcripts by April 30, 2011.
- Selected candidates will be asked to supply references prior to interview in early May 2011.
- Contract start date to be negotiated, potentially June 1, 2011

UW-Stout Library Goes Mobile!

Many library resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stout Library are now available from your own pocket using your mobile device.

Our new mobile website enables users quick access to full text articles in Ebsco and Wilson databases, librarian-developed subject guides to online resources in Stout's programs, library hours, Facebook, and more.

So if you need to do some quick research on the run, just pull out your mobile device and get authoritative resources via the Library's mobile website.

Use your mobile browser to access MobileLib at http://m.uwstout.edu/lib or look for "Mobile" on the library's home page left navigation.

For more Library information and news follow the UW-Stout Library News blog.

Weebly Video Tutorials

• Weebly FAQs - Weebly Tutorial
  This a direct link Weebly's Frequently Asked Questions Page. Includes links to some video tutorials. Keep this one handy!
  tags: weebly tutorial e-learning
• How to set up a Weebly website | Video « Wonder How To
  tags: weebly tutorial e-learning video tutorial
  • In this video, we learn how to set up a Weebly website. This can be used to build a complete site with multiple pages. First, go to Weebly and enter in your information under the sign up now text. Next, click the sign up button and enter in the Captcha phrase. After this, title your new site and continue on until you see the tabs at the top of the screen. Elements, designs, pages, and settings will all be listed. Go through the designs until you find one you like, then settle on that. Once you do this, go to the elements tab and start to enter in text and information about your website. Edit and create different elements to your site, making it exactly how you want it to be, enjoy playing around with this!
• Weebly: A Free Website Creation Tool
  tags: weebly tutorial e-learning video tutorial
  • Weebly might sound like a fan page for Weebles, but it's actually a site that allows you to create websites and blogs using a widget-based interface. In fact, building a website with Weebly is a LOT like building a Squidoo lens.
• Weebly - Website Creation Made Easy
  Web 2.0 webpage maker. Home page for Weebly. Promises to be a simple set up.
  tags: webtools website webdesign web2.0 weebly e-learning video tutorial
• The Weebly Guide
  A large archive of Weebly video tutorials. Lots of instruction and how to here!
  tags: weebly video tutorial

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