Definitions and Common Terms (with links to great websites)
Educational Terms
Flipped Classroom: A flipped classroom (reversed classroom) is merely a classroom where the students do some prep work or initial learning outside of the classroom and then do their worksheet or test in class. This allows the teacher to help students in areas where they need assistance, rather than having them struggle at home with little or no resources. One example would be reading the directions for a science experiment or watching a video they have saved on their device after school. Then in the classroom the next day, they dive right into the experiment without spending valuable class time reading or hearing a lecture of procedures.
Click here for a further explanation of the Flipped Classroom
Blended Learning: Blended or hybrid learning combines face-to-face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities. Class time can be used to engage students in advanced interactive experiences, while the research or study portion typically done with textbooks now becomes an online adventure with multimedia rich content. In general blended learning combines online delivery of educational content with the best features of live classroom instruction.
Click here for more information on Blended Learning
Programmed Learning Resources: In short, programmed learning resources are intuitive based lessons that assist students by providing immediate feedback in small sections of a topic. They may proceed to the next lesson if they achieve a certain result or it may steer them to additional lessons to reinforce the basic principle if their score is low. It allows students to learn at their own pace and it insures that they understand the material being covered. Rather than keeping the class all at the same level of instruction, students learn independently while teachers can focus their attentions on individual students where they need it most.
Click here to see more on Programmed Learning
Learning Commons: as opposed to the "library" this new space is a place for students to come together to collaborate on projects, share ideas, learn digitally (on their device), in a media-rich, technology driven environment. There will be comfortable furniture placed in small groups, Wifi access, and a place to work in groups. It allows to use the "library" as more of a Media Center with resources moving out on the internet from many different sources. The books will still be there, but a space will be arranged to facilitate learning through digital media: recording videos, peer editing in Google Docs™, or Airdropping images, sound files and other media for collaboration on projects.
1:1 Technology Initiative: Essentially a one-to-one technology initiative places a digital device in the hands of each teacher and student to be used in the classroom and at home if they so choose. By placing the same device in the hands of every student it levels the playing field by giving them an equal advantage. Each students has access to the same applications, resources and multimedia rich content (text, audio, still images, video, animation and interactivity).
Access to Lessons in "off time": By allowing students to take their device home, we have extended the classroom educational experience beyond its four walls. Students no longer need to struggle with math homework or type a "paper" on their lesson. They will have tools available to them via the internet or through materials saved onto their device that they would otherwise not be able to utilize after school. By placing these important tools or aids at their fingertips they can explore beyond the traditional textbook into the vast educational world of online instructional materials. They will learn important organizational skills and develop skills in preparation that will serve them in higher education and in the workplace.
21st Century Skills: We are preparing our students for the 21st century workplace.
Click here to see more information on what these skills are
Click here for a website that has information on 21st Century Skills and Digital Literacy
Internet Safety
Digital Citizenship: Digital refers to anything electronic, especially computer technology. Citizenship refers to the status of being a citizen or a member of a community. Put them together and you have a person who is using "appropriate and responsible behavior in regard to the use of technology".
Click here for more information on Digital Citizenship
Cyberbullying: Refers to placing hurtful information on websites, in chat rooms, on social media sites and other digital areas that is available through electronic technology. Remember the rule: THINK - SPEAK (after you think about it) - ACT (only when you are sure)
Click here for more information on the Health and Human Services Government site
Cyber Safety: cyber (or internet) safety has become a very important issue. Anyone can create a website or blog and pretend to be anyone they want. It is important to educate your child about how to stay safe online whether it be websites, social media sites, gaming sites or even texting on their phones.
Click here for Netsmartz to learn how to keep your child safe online
Click here for WiredSafety website that has tips and support for parents
Cyber-Safety website by Rob Nickel with tips and many useful links
10 Commandments for Kids Online - printable document you and your child can sign
FBI - A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Your Teen is Living Online - Find out how what to check and why it is important
Flipped Classroom: A flipped classroom (reversed classroom) is merely a classroom where the students do some prep work or initial learning outside of the classroom and then do their worksheet or test in class. This allows the teacher to help students in areas where they need assistance, rather than having them struggle at home with little or no resources. One example would be reading the directions for a science experiment or watching a video they have saved on their device after school. Then in the classroom the next day, they dive right into the experiment without spending valuable class time reading or hearing a lecture of procedures.
Click here for a further explanation of the Flipped Classroom
Blended Learning: Blended or hybrid learning combines face-to-face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities. Class time can be used to engage students in advanced interactive experiences, while the research or study portion typically done with textbooks now becomes an online adventure with multimedia rich content. In general blended learning combines online delivery of educational content with the best features of live classroom instruction.
Click here for more information on Blended Learning
Programmed Learning Resources: In short, programmed learning resources are intuitive based lessons that assist students by providing immediate feedback in small sections of a topic. They may proceed to the next lesson if they achieve a certain result or it may steer them to additional lessons to reinforce the basic principle if their score is low. It allows students to learn at their own pace and it insures that they understand the material being covered. Rather than keeping the class all at the same level of instruction, students learn independently while teachers can focus their attentions on individual students where they need it most.
Click here to see more on Programmed Learning
Learning Commons: as opposed to the "library" this new space is a place for students to come together to collaborate on projects, share ideas, learn digitally (on their device), in a media-rich, technology driven environment. There will be comfortable furniture placed in small groups, Wifi access, and a place to work in groups. It allows to use the "library" as more of a Media Center with resources moving out on the internet from many different sources. The books will still be there, but a space will be arranged to facilitate learning through digital media: recording videos, peer editing in Google Docs™, or Airdropping images, sound files and other media for collaboration on projects.
1:1 Technology Initiative: Essentially a one-to-one technology initiative places a digital device in the hands of each teacher and student to be used in the classroom and at home if they so choose. By placing the same device in the hands of every student it levels the playing field by giving them an equal advantage. Each students has access to the same applications, resources and multimedia rich content (text, audio, still images, video, animation and interactivity).
Access to Lessons in "off time": By allowing students to take their device home, we have extended the classroom educational experience beyond its four walls. Students no longer need to struggle with math homework or type a "paper" on their lesson. They will have tools available to them via the internet or through materials saved onto their device that they would otherwise not be able to utilize after school. By placing these important tools or aids at their fingertips they can explore beyond the traditional textbook into the vast educational world of online instructional materials. They will learn important organizational skills and develop skills in preparation that will serve them in higher education and in the workplace.
21st Century Skills: We are preparing our students for the 21st century workplace.
Click here to see more information on what these skills are
Click here for a website that has information on 21st Century Skills and Digital Literacy
Internet Safety
Digital Citizenship: Digital refers to anything electronic, especially computer technology. Citizenship refers to the status of being a citizen or a member of a community. Put them together and you have a person who is using "appropriate and responsible behavior in regard to the use of technology".
Click here for more information on Digital Citizenship
Cyberbullying: Refers to placing hurtful information on websites, in chat rooms, on social media sites and other digital areas that is available through electronic technology. Remember the rule: THINK - SPEAK (after you think about it) - ACT (only when you are sure)
Click here for more information on the Health and Human Services Government site
Cyber Safety: cyber (or internet) safety has become a very important issue. Anyone can create a website or blog and pretend to be anyone they want. It is important to educate your child about how to stay safe online whether it be websites, social media sites, gaming sites or even texting on their phones.
Click here for Netsmartz to learn how to keep your child safe online
Click here for WiredSafety website that has tips and support for parents
Cyber-Safety website by Rob Nickel with tips and many useful links
10 Commandments for Kids Online - printable document you and your child can sign
FBI - A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety
Your Teen is Living Online - Find out how what to check and why it is important