Dr. Lane key speaker at KPMG Peat Marwick Summit Conference
Dr. Carla Lane, Executive Director of TEC, was invited by the internationally renowned business consulting firm, KPMG Peat Marwick, to be a key presenter at their three-day "21st Century Summit Conference" in Boca Raton, Florida. Considered an expert in the area of educational technologies and learning styles, Dr. Lane addressed 200 top industry leaders and their alliance partners on the topic of distributed learning and how the use of learning styles and multiple intelligences increases the impact of learning in mediated courses.
TEC Personal Learning Model BETA Nears Completion
Providing course material in a student's preferred learning style offers quicker, better learning with a higher retention rate. The question becomes how to ascertain learning styles for online courses. To meet this need, TEC, in partnership with Performance Learning Systems of Nevada City, California, is developing the Personal Learning Model (PLM); the PLM is an online learning styles/ multiple intelligences (LS/MI) assessment that will determine a student's preferred learning style and secondary learning modes.
The PLM is not a "paper-and-pencil" type test; rather it will be a series of tasks and problems to solve in a virtual environment. The responses will be tracked and built into a LS/MI profile. The profile is tagged, stored in a database, and passed to an online course so material can be presented in the preferred learning style. PLM adheres to the Educause/Information Management System (IMS) standards, and utilizes object-oriented, reusable learning objects.
The PLM, developed in Asymetrix software, is nearing completion and we are pleased to announce that BETA testing on the software will commence shortly.
Online Cosmetic Surgery Training Utilizes 3-D Interactive Simulation
TEC is currently working with Dr. James Fulton, co-developer of Retin-A, and renown cosmetic/plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, to develop web-based training for his bleeding-edge (no pun intended! ) practices. The courses will be offered to physicians throughout the world. The training utilizes a virtual-reality product from Eon Reality, Inc., which allows users to manipulate and practice surgical techniques on a 3-D interactive simulation of a person after watching Dr. Fulton perform a training session online. TEC foresees terrific potential for the Eon software to be used in any training that requires hands-on manipulation of objects, and/or is aiming to reach the kinesthetic learner.
TEAMS Project Evaluation: Los Angeles County Office of Education
TEAMS Distance Learning brings exemplary learning opportunities to K-8 students, teachers, and parents across the United States through nationally televised satellite broadcasts and the Internet. Learners use instructional technologies to access a combination of the best features of time-dependent (synchronous) video-based instruction along with time-independent (asynchronous) computer access to multimedia and the Internet.
TEAMS is now the largest satellite distance learning provider of instruction for the elementary grades in the United States. Over 140,000 students and 4,000 teachers from 20 states plus the District of Columbia receive direct student instruction and professional development transmitted via satellite from the ETN studio facilities at the Los Angeles County Office of Education.
TEAMS Distance Learning has won eleven national awards for program excellence, and is highly regarded in the educational community for its unique learning design which provides hands-on motivational instruction for students and long term professional development for teachers. TEC conducted the largest research study ever conducted on a distance learning program and surveyed thousands of TEAMS participants over a four year period. This survey of teachers and students demonstrated conclusively that this distance learning program significantly improves instruction in the elementary and middle school grades. TEC is proud to be named the evaluator for the project for the eighth year.
TEAMS is funded in part by Star Schools legislation through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (O.E.R.I.). Web site http://teams.lacoe.edu/
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership
Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership focuses on the needs of the Native American population in the vast intermountain region which it services. This partnership of four states is developing an electronic, virtual campus employing a two-way audio and visual interactive connection using fully scaleable high speed digital ATM microwave technology, electronic transmission and receiving classrooms, and computer-assisted instructional programming centers. Teachers are empowered to design and deliver interactive multimedia curricula to remote communities for K-14 students and adults using a comprehensive training model and multimedia curriculum strategies.
The project provides services in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana. TEC is moving into the third year as the project's evaluator and was the evaluator on the Four Corners Project for three years prior to the next Star Schools funding round. TEC conducted the on-site evaluation in April.
The project is funded by Star Schools legislation through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (O.E.R.I.). Check out the web site at http://stars-cwc.cwc.whecn.edu/
San Bernardino Student and Teacher Excellence Project (STEP) Evaluation
San Bernardino County is one of the few areas in the US selected to offer its students accelerated science and math programs based on material from NASA. TEC, chosen as the evaluator of this innovative program with its winning use of technology in the classroom, is working closely with the STEP staff to provide total educational improvement through the integration of staff development, curriculum development, home access, evaluation and technology/ infrastructure support. The project is built on the belief that educational improvement is not a function of a single intervention, but a system of interventions. TEC has completed the research design and survey instruments and will conduct site surveys for four days in June.
High quality curriculum development is a project emphasis. Project STEP targets highly focused math and science concepts and explore these concepts in depth. It follows the recommendations of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the National Science Standards that, "more emphasis should be placed on studying a few fundamental science concepts" and limit the number of topics covered at each grade level.
NASA resources are invaluable in helping students see the relevance of math and science in the real world. Each Project STEP unit of study is results-driven with a rigorous application activity, based on NASA project resources, embedded into the curriculum. Learning progresses from understanding to application, and then to application in dynamic, unpredictable situations. Instruction emphasizes "doing" rather than just "knowing".
In collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Dreyden Flight Center, teachers are involved in wide variety of professional development activities. Professional development activities are a key feature of the STEP project with a full-time mentor teacher assigned at each project school. This commitment to on-going multi-strategy professional development supports networks of teachers at the site, regional, and county levels.
Web site at http://step.k12.ca.us
Oakland Unified School District Core Values Project Evaluation
The Oakland Unified School District received a California state Challenge grant 1998. TEC has been named the evaluator and recently completed a weeklong site visit for the evaluation.
The Core Values Projects addresses four identified needs of its 10,694 middle school students: They don't think critically or historically. They are not proficient readers, writers, and speakers. They are not presented with opportunities to work within a constructivist approach to learning. They do not systematically use technology tools to support academic progress. However, the adoption of curriculum embedded assessments has allowed Oakland to go beyond measuring failure to design a data-driven program for middle schools that is at the heart of this proposal.
The project incorporates a linked progression of content, technology skills and habits of mind that move students from investigating the past to taking an active citizenship role to address current community problems. To develop these skills students have access to networked, multi-media research pods and the instruction based on their usage. Professional development for teachers within the LA/SS/ELD content areas connects technology, curriculum and classroom practice to ensure progress in student achievement, curriculum development and technology integration. Teachers are collaborating with U.C. Berkeley and the Oakland Museum to create on-line resources to address specific needs in the LA/SS/ELD curriculum. Schools will recruit and train staff from community based organizations, technology volunteers and parents to be "community service project partners," increase classroom support, and continue networking classes. Teachers have "just-in-time" on-site technical assistance. The district's 24 hour educational cable channel, Web page, videoconferencing, and School Calling system extend staff development and the instructional day, give access to enriched learning resources, and improve home-school communications.
Using Project-Based Learning Strategies, OUSD Core Values students:
- Work in Cooperative Groups- students build knowledge collaboratively, encountering multiple perspectives.
- Read and Write for Understanding- students analyze and synthesize information; record reactions, thoughts, and feelings; clarify and organize information using a wide variety of writing activities.
- Use Inquiry Learning Methods- challenging problem solving and research tasks that require higher-order thinking skills and multiple abilities, and student ownership of work in heterogeneous groupings.
- Use Technology as a Tool- for research, communication, and production; content comes first, supported by uses of technology; students are communicators and authors.
- Demonstrate Content Knowledge- students are challenged to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various modalities and media: performance, portfolio, and presentation.
To Support Project-Based Learning strategies, OUSDCore Values Teachers:
- Plan for and use Spiraling- topics and information build outwardly and sequentially from the basic to the complex, and Scaffolding- support students in ways that enable dependent success, moving towards independent success
- Use Standard English Proficiency (SEP) and Sheltered Instructional Strategies- appeal to Diverse Learning Populations, Second Language Learners, and Multiple Abilities, as well as instructional strategies which support and strengthen under-prepared students.
- Facilitate Group Work- tap into abilities and strengths of others, develop skills communally while working with a variety of people; requires teacher and student management of time and facilities.
- Receive Professional Development- address best teaching practices, classroom management, lesson design, meeting new teachers' needs and the new needs of experienced teachers.
- Use Curriculum-Embedded and Alternative, Authentic Assessments- portfolio, performance, exhibition.
Check out the web site at http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/cv/
Seeking New DL Solutions: TeleCon East
The TeleCon East (Washington, DC, March) and TeleCon West (Anahaim, CA, Oct ) conferences are super-charged shows that feature cutting-edge technologies, and the opportunity to network with others focused on using technology to enhance learning. The TeleCon East conference has been reconfigured to be the world's LEADING conference in Distance Learning and, as chairs and producers of the TeleCon shows, TEC is seeking examples of brand-new distance learning applications and products. Contact us so we can spotlight your solutions !
Dr. Carla Lane is co-chairing the TeleCon East show with Shirley Davis, Director, Learning Innovations, PBS Adult Learning Service, who is the current president of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and Dr. Jolly Holden who is USDLA president-elect and Chief Learning Strategist Spacenet , Inc.
TEC Online Courses
Too busy to attend a sit-down class after working all day? Join other busy professionals who want to stay current in the latest trends in educational technologies - enroll in a TEC online course. Customized courses are available when five or more people enroll from the same organization.
The following courses are currently being offered:
Introduction to Distributed Learning - 15 hours - asynchronous online and audio conferencing - $89
An overview of the online learning environment, products, and learning models used in presenting online education to users in diverse locations. Includes the characteristics of a good candidate for online courses.
Using Technology to Address Learning Styles - 15 hours - asynchronous online and audio-conferencing- $89
For all the years since Socrates, most teachers and trainers have presented information to trainees or students in one format-lecture. However, studies has shown that presenting information to students in their preferred learning style provides a learning impact more quickly, with learning easier to retrieve, easier to apply, and more deeply understood. Acquire an overview of how to addresses learning styles in online courses.
TEC courses are facilitated by Dr. Lane and Joanne Carle-Accornero, developers and instructors for numerous online programs including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and the University of Phoenix Online.
Course sections will have limited enrollments! For more information and to enroll, call 949-369-3867.
