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June, July, 2002
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Temple University Center for Research
in Human Development and Education |
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5.University of Maryland and National Science Teachers Association bring
Online Professional Development Created for Science Teachers.
The University of Maryland's College of Life Sciences has joined the National
Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Institute to bring middle and high school
science teachers the first online graduate program of its kind created
specifically for working teachers. Some of the courses provided via the Internet
include concepts of modern biology, chemical ecology, principals of chemical
biology, and modern molecular genetics. This program enables practicing science
teachers to pursue an advanced degree by earning a 30-credit interdisciplinary
graduate degree in life sciences from the University of Maryland.
This graduate program gives teachers the chance to improve their science
knowledge and immediately apply it to their classrooms. Students not seeking a
degree may also enroll for up to 12 credits. The University of Maryland program
will be part of the NSTA Institute's professional development initiative to
support quality teaching. The Institute links all of the association's
professional development activities and provides a framework for diverse
programs, including online courses and site-based topical conferences and
workshops. The NSTA Institute will feature the University of Maryland courses
developed and taught by the university's faculty. Four 10-week terms are offered
each year. Four 10-week terms are offered each year. All courses will be offered
on a rotating basis.
To register, contact the University of Maryland registration and information
line at 1-877-989-SPOC, or visit
http://www.e-learning.umd.edu/old_index.html
The NASTA web address is
http://ecommerce.nsta.org/institute/default.asp.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/education
/newsid_1879000/1879019.stm
6. "Online Website That Helps Students Pursue and Reach Their Goals"
Start Something is an online program started by the Tiger Woods foundation and
Target stores for kids ages eight to seventeen that helps them figure out what
they might want to do in their life and the steps they should take to pursue
their interests and reach their goals.
There are two ways to participate in the program:
1) Students may work in groups with a teacher or group leader. This person will
coordinate sessions and activities and provide supervision for students in their
group. Students will benefit greatly from the support they receive while
pursuing their individual goals.
2) Students can work on their own, following the curriculum online. Younger
students may find it helpful to have a parent or another adult guide them
through activities.
This program is designed to help in building positive experiences and
self-confidence, and helps in realizing that goals are attainable. There are also
scholarships that students are eligible to apply for from Target in amounts from
$100 to $5,000. For information in regard to the program and the scholarships
offered please visit the link below.
http://startsomething.target.com/info/index.asp
7. Wearable Computer for Special Kids
Xybernaut - known for supplying computers to telecommunications companies and
the military has developed a wearable computer which aides autistic students in
communicating. This portable device can be worn all day or carried around. Early
usage has shown that kids have been able to participate in nearly all the
mainstream classroom activities. Kids with mild mental retardation, cerebral
palsy and Tourette syndrome have also seen some benefits from the technology.
To read more about this technology click on the link.
http://www.wired.com/news/school/0,1383,52148,00.html
8.McGraw-Hill Online Professional Development for Pre-Algebra Teachers
Educators' Professional Development (EPD) part of the McGraw-Hill education
family, are providing professional development for teachers and school
administrators. Onsite and online programs are provided to educators
EPD puts the participants through the IMPACT training model. IMPACT is research
based and covers all aspects of the learning process. Through the use of video,
participants observe master teachers using the best instructional strategies.
Programs can be customized in courses ranging from 8 to 120 hours. It is
currently offering online programs for pre algebra teachers. To read more about
EPD please click on the following link.
http://www.epd-mh.com/online/mathyes/overview.html
9.Website Usability for Children
Millions of children already use the
Internet, and millions more are coming online each year. Many websites
specifically target children with educational or entertainment content, and even
mainstream websites are adding "kids' corner" sections for children either as a
public service or to build brand loyalty from an early age.
Despite this growth in users and services, very little is known about how
children actually use websites or how to design sites that will be easy for them
to use. Most website designs for kids are based on pure folklore about how kids
supposedly behave or, by insights gleaned when designers observe their own
children, who can hardly be a non biased representative of average kids, with
typical Internet skills and a common knowledge of the Web.
But usability study of kids found that they are as easily stumped by confusing
websites as adults. Unlike adults, however, kids tend to view ads as content,
and click accordingly. They also like colorful designs, but demand simple text
and navigation. To read more about the article go to the article at
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20020414.html
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