Learners often required support, especially with the planning and reviewing aspects of self-directed learning, as well as guidance regarding how digital technologies can be used effectively for educational purposes. Importantly, studies that ..

NLET focuses on K12 data, math and pathways.

A strong call to teachers to enter fully into the what's happening...given how many different things teachers are already asked to do, is it too much to ask this of them too? Or is it essential that they do?

This case study explores the benefit of having a Professional Learning Community (PLC) for those looking to become administrators. The PLC provides the learning opportunity to build community, and in that community collaboration and reflection are encouraged.

Sean Cavanagh, Associate Editor for Education Week, writes about the use of technology to benefit the career development of students. This article focuses on the K-12 sector, but this implementation at this level is important because it will influence these students when they pursue their career choices, often in Higher Education. This article outlines specific technologies and partnerships that schools are utilizing and shows the investment that students show when given these career opportunities to guide themselves toward.

Rating: 8/10

Amen! Even worse maybe in K12, where all the social issues we are not addressing elsewhere are expected to be solved in under-funded classrooms.

Portland, OR: Parents' socioeconomic status broken down by race vs. educational attainment (reading & math).

Portland, OR: Parents' socioeconomic status vs. educational attainment (reading & math).

Statistical comparison of educational measures in relation to income and race.

This provides a list of tools that may be available to use for adult training's, or within a classroom setting. Many of these fall into the self-directed learning category, as they provide more free reign for the students in an online environment. Also included on this page is a list of various "best practices" and focuses on androgogy. The tools provided are also great for proffessional development sessions or for working with adult students.

Content Depth: 3/5

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Ease of Access: 4/5

This policy brief by the Department of Education, focuses on teaching teachers how to use technology in the classroom. Of particular note is the "Guiding Principles" that focus on best practices for teachers and their students. One key that they focus on is providing "active use" training. This can apply to both the instructors in their professional development settings, and their students.

Content Depth: 4/5

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Of note in this article is that the teachers received training via the "iNtegrating Technology for inQuiry (NTeQ) model". This model works with teachers to create real-world, problem based lessons that are collaborative. The study then looked at how teachers with these lessons were able to work with students who were presented technology in the classroom for the first time. The study notes positive scores in many of the areas tested. This would be important information to be shared at professional development meetings.

This study looked at training teachers in a constructivist modeled approach. They were given specific training on how to build curriculum in a technology rich environment, and compared to educators who were not given the same training. Not only does this article provide evidence of the success of these professional development sessions, but it helps give best practices.

Content Depth: 5/5

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This site provides a selection of webinars on a variety of topics, ranging from Educational Technology to Assessment and Testing. These webinars, most free, also include a corresponding powerpoint. This may be great for professional development on campus.

Content Depth: 4/5

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Professional Development for Tech Integration. This article would be crucial for anyone that is performing professional development for K-12 educators. It dissects best practices in how to train these individuals. It goes through pros and cons of a variety of practices.

Content Depth: 4/5

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Ease of Access: 4/5

This source from the National Education Association (NEA), gives a variety of STEM Resources, including a section based solely on professional development. The article titled, "A Compendium of Best Practice K-12 STEM Education Programs" includes 38 different programs that could be used in a K-12 classroom.

Content Depth: 4/5

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This site pulls together articles working with a variety of topics, such as Blended Learning, and is a great tool for professional development at the K-12 level. It has sections based on particular states, tips and tactics, videos, etc. that all offer important and current information on best practices in bringing educational technology to the classroom.

Content Depth: 4/5

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This site includes live webinar trainings as well as Lesson Plans to help assist a teacher who is bringing technology into their classroom for the first time. The webinars are great, though for a new teacher the lesson plans are ideal. Not only do they allow for ease of access, but they are generally light and entertaining for the students as well. This would be great for a professional development session.

Content Depth: 3/5

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The International Society for Technology in Education standards for students give a great benchmark for how educators should be integrating and their target goals for students. These would be valuable as a part of professional development for teachers on campus.

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This site provides a wealth of information on creating a "Flipped Classroom". This could be used in both a K-12 setting as well as an Adult Learning environment. The site itself is a wealth of knowledge on this particular topic, including podcasts, newsletters and articles on best practices on how to use a flipped classroom in today's technologically advanced classrooms. This would be great for professional development in both K-12 and Adult Learning environments.

Content Depth: 4/5

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This study looks at educators needs and proficiency with education to determine best practices. In particular, it identifies that teachers need, and often welcome, increased training in these areas. It notes that hands-on technological training for both teachers and students is at the crux of any success that will be seen in teacher growth in this field. It then diagrams what best practices in these trainings can look like; focusing primarily on a K-12 environment.

Content Depth: 5/5

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Ease of Access: 4/5

This site, P21, works with every individual who is involved in education; from parents and teachers, to policy makers. It provides resources, professional development and a myriad of other services to assist in education for the 21st Century. Of particular note here is the connection between education and business that is highlighted throughout the site. This could be useful as series of tools for professional development on site.

Content Depth: 4/5

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Ease of Access: 3/5

OER in k12

I don't think James ever claimed he was solving "the problems in public education." How about he's shining a light on ways increased public funding could stimulate public education?

OpenUp offers K12 OER via MS

Why isn't this in the Horizon HE report? It's more applicable to HE students who have greater opportunities and resources for experiential/self-directed learning.

Not that this isn't important, but it sort of derails the flow they had going, no?

Encouraged to find this report from opening with an idea that is central in the MentorsOnline project, which asks: "What would YOU want to do, if you could be with your students, right there in the browser?" Glad to have found this. (Glad for the course correction back to good material.)