Former Special Education Teacher Joins the Apperson Team as Social Emotional Learning Consultant
Lisa-Anne Williams brings experience in SEL instruction and leadership
Charlotte N.C. – Sept. 26, 2016 – Assessment leader Apperson has hired former teacher Lisa-Anne Williams to join its team as a social and emotional learning consultant. Williams will support the Apperson team in its mission to provide wrap-around assessment and support to schools and out of school time organizations throughout the country.
“Apperson’s work in schools really resonates with me,” said Williams. “I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that SEL instruction can have for students. Meaningful SEL data
plays a key role in this because teachers can use it to guide instruction and help students build the specific skills they need to succeed in school, and in life. I look forward to being part of the Apperson team as we continue this work and improve outcomes for students.”
Prior to joining Apperson, Williams worked for more than a decade as a teacher at Rock Hill Schools in South Carolina, the Ysleta Independent School District in Texas, and the Norwich Public Schools in Connecticut. Her experience includes teaching social emotional learning skills to elementary school children with special needs, emotional disabilities and conduct disorders. Williams has also managed and trained educational teams on behavior management, social skills training, curriculum instruction and delivery, and Crisis Prevention Interventions. She has implemented and developed program guidelines, standards and assessments, and collaborated with teachers on differentiated instruction. Williams has bachelor’s degrees in child psychology and early childhood education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction (applied behavior analysis).
“At Apperson we support teachers in their work to implement SEL programs and instruction,” said Bill Apperson, chairman of the board of Apperson. “Lisa-Anne brings insight, experience and a passion for social emotional learning and will be an asset for the Apperson team.”
Apperson offers a K-8 online assessment and intervention tool called Evo Social & Emotional which uses the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) to help educators measure students’ SEL skills and provides strategies for instruction and intervention.
About Apperson
Apperson’s Evo SEL is based on the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA), a standardized, strengths-based measure of SEL competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills and decision-making. Apperson provides the online platform for administering the DESSA and DESSA Mini universal screeners to quickly identify students’ SEL competencies. It also provides resources and activities to address SEL gaps. Version 2.0, now available, provides the data needed to help SEL program administrators measure the impact of their programs and to help educators understand students’ SEL needs. For more information, go to http://www.apperson.com/sel.
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Promethean Partners with EdChat Interactive to Host STEM, Engagement & Robotics Professional Development Series
Three interactive, online PD sessions to be presented by distinguished educators
(ATLANTA) September 26, 2016 — ClassFlow™, free teacher-designed lesson delivery software that energizes the classroom learning experience, is partnering with EdChat Interactive to host the STEM, Engagement & Robotics webinar series. Delivered in an interactive format through Shindig video chat, EdChat Interactive replaces traditional “talking head” webinars with an awesome online professional development experience that engages and excites. Veteran educators and ClassFlow Ambassadors from around the country will share their experiences and practical tips they learned from launching technology programs built around a STEM curriculum, engaging assessments, robotics, and coding.
“We’re extremely excited to partner with EdChat Interactive to provide interactive PD sessions to educators across the nation,” said Bethany Beaudrie, Global Learning Community Manager at Promethean. “The topics of STEM, engaging assessment, and robotics are all extremely relevant to teaching today’s 21st-century learner. During the interactive webinars, we have the opportunity to highlight the impressive work and best practices of experienced educators who are leaders in their schools and communities, and who are also familiar with how ClassFlow can support these initiatives.”
EdChat Interactive provides busy educators with interactive, 45-minute online PD sessions that use live video to enable peer-to-peer sharing of education best practices. “This is an exciting series,” said Mitch Weisburgh, the co-founder of EdChat Interactive. “These educators are all engaging their kids in learning and are going to share and refine their techniques with other educators. EdChat Interactive gives them a forum that is much more social than just a lecture or webinar.”
The interactive webinar series will include:
Growing A STEM Program from The Ground Up with Cindy Wallace
Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at 8:00 EST/5:00 PST
In this presentation, STEM Coordinator Cindy Wallace, along with colleagues from Marshall Independent School District in Texas, will detail how they designed a STEM program to develop future-ready students. Their program uses rigorous, standards-aligned projects that involve real-world problems, global connections, hands-on builds, and technology. Attendees will learn how to build their program’s framework and focus, as well as how to find resources, community partnerships, and funding sources.
To register for this webinar, click here.
Engaging Assessment with Kathy Perret
Thursday, October 13, 2016, at 8:00 EST/5:00 PST
Kathy Perret, an 18-year elementary school teaching veteran and instructional coach, will highlight how assessment can be leveraged in the learning process to excite and motivate learners. Her strategies include giving students the opportunity to address how they learn, guiding them to want to learn, and asking questions along the way to apply what they learn.
To register for this webinar, click here.
Today’s Classroom: Robotics, Programming, and Computer Science with Dave Blanchard
Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 8:00 EST/5:00 PST
In today’s classroom, students no longer complete worksheets; instead, they explore problems and create solutions. During this EdChat Interactive, Dave Blanchard, 21st-century skills and technology teacher at Cambridge-Isanti Schools (MN), will discuss popular tools for integrating robotics, programming, and computer science into your classroom, with a focus on content and tools for K-8 grades.
To register for this webinar, click here.
ClassFlow allows teachers to showcase lesson content on any interactive display, share digital lesson materials with students, administer quizzes and polls, and assign group learning activities using mobile devices. For more information on ClassFlow and to sign up for an account, visit ClassFlow.com. Participants that register for a free ClassFlow account prior to the webinars may find that it enriches their experience.
About Promethean
Promethean is a global education company that improves learning productivity by developing, integrating, and implementing innovative 21st-century learning environments that help make everyone more engaged, empowered, and successful. Promethean’s main corporate offices are located in Blackburn, UK, and Atlanta, USA. Promethean is a member of the Net Dragon Websoft, Inc. (HKSE: 0777) group of companies. For more information, please visit PrometheanWorld.com.
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Boxlight Releases “Get Out the Vote” 2016
Lessons and Activities
Updated series contains more lessons and includes MimioMobile collaborative activities, as well as suggestions for non-tech-enabled activities.
Lawrenceville, GA – Sept. 28, 2016 – The ongoing presidential campaign is a golden opportunity for social studies teachers to bring real-world events to lessons about the election process. To support those efforts,Boxlight has updated the popular Mimio lesson series “Get Out the Vote!,” hosted on the MimioConnect®website, with new subject matter about the nominees, voting, polling, political parties, state representatives,and more.
The series provides seven sets of lessons for three grade levels: K-2, 3-6, and 7-12. The lessons provide plenty of tips for increasing collaboration among students, whether or not a classroom is equipped with educational technology.
“We’ve designed these lessons to give teachers maximum flexibility in terms of their students, classroom, and teaching style,” said Travis Rink, training manager, Boxlight.
“Teachers can add content of their own, perform assessments to gauge learning, and incorporate any technology they have, if desired.”
The lessons in this series are as follows:
- Election Vocabulary lessons expose students to terms related to the election and their definitions. Those terms will reappear in many of the other lessons in the series.
- Meet the Candidates materials inform students about each of the nominees for president. In the lessons for grades 7-12, students will also learn about the vice presidential running mates.
- Polling activities show students how polling can affect the run for the presidency. Boxlight classrooms can use the MimioVote™ assessment system or the MimioMobile™ app with other devices to participate in a number of polls related to their lives or election topics.
- How Does the President Get Elected? These lessons explain the Electoral College. Students can be divided into different “states” to participate in a mock election, calculating electoral votes to decide on the winner. In the 7-12 grade lessons, students will also learn about swing states and their effect on the results of the election.
- Deciding Congress materials focus on the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the lessons for grades 7-12, students will also take a look at representatives and senators in their state, and the issues particular to their state.
- Who Can Vote? These lessons give students a closer look at who is eligible to vote and the history behind eligibility, and informs them about their responsibility to become a voter in the United States.
- Political Parties and Issues lessons present the characteristics of each political party and examine the national and global issues that are part of this election year.
For classrooms equipped with Boxlight technology, each lesson offers opportunities to use the MimioVote student response system, the MimioMobile app with mobile devices and other supported media, or traditional classroom tools. Teachers can also use the MimioStudio™ classroom software’s Collaborate feature to have students work individually or in small groups. The Boxlight interactive projectors or the Boxlight touch displays allow multiple students to work at the front of the room simultaneously.
About Boxlight Corp.
The merging of Mimio and Boxlight Corp. has resulted in an expansive selection of premier digital classroom technology solutions designed for every K-12 classroom. The company is integrating Boxlight’s manufacturing of patented, award-winning interactive classroom technology and Mimio’s advanced line of classroom hardware and software solutions to create the most complete line of progressive, integrated classroom technologies available on the market today.
For more information about the extensive product offerings of the companies, please visitwww.boxlight.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @boxlightinc or Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/boxlightusa.
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Science and STEM Teachers Share Success Stories on Probeware and Student Learning
Vernier to publish teacher success stories showing how probeware makes a measurable difference for teachers and students
BEAVERTON, Oregon, September 27, 2016 — To provide educators with innovative, real-world examples of how data-collection technology is being used to make a measurable difference for students and teachers, Vernier Software & Technology will release a of educator success stories featuring science and STEM teachers. This collection is the latest resource offered by Vernier for educators to support teaching students with technology.
“We are constantly impressed with the innovative ways our customers use data-collection technology to engage their students in hands-on learning,” said John Wheeler, CEO of Vernier Software & Technology. “Sharing these stories, which we hope will inspire fellow teachers to continue to use technology in new and exciting ways, is part of our overall commitment to provide the ongoing service, support, and resources educators need to succeed in the classroom.”
Each month a new story will be released on the Vernier Success Story page at http://www.vernier.com/company/success-stories/. For a chance to win a Vernier gift certificate, educators worldwide are encouraged to submit their own stories about an innovative use of Vernier technology or how Vernier has made a measurable difference in their teaching on Vernier’s Stellar Service page at http://www.vernier.com/stellar-service/. All stories must be submitted in English.
The Vernier Stellar Service page also includes links to Vernier’s compilation of free educator resources. These include:
· Innovative Uses: Educators can discover unexpected and creative experiment ideas from fellow teachers using Vernier technology.
· Experiments: The student version of investigations using probeware can be downloaded directly from the Vernier website. More than 1,000 sample experiments are available.
· Supporting Research: Educators can read the research about the correlation between teaching with probeware and improved student learning.
· Online Video Library: This collection of more than 180 videos provides helpful tutorials on using various Vernier data-collection technologies.
· Technical Information Library (TIL): An extensive collection of technical information, troubleshooting advice, frequently asked questions, and more than 1,000 searchable technology tips are available 24/7. The Vernier TIL was honored with a Stellar Service Award from Tech & Learning magazine.
· Webinars: These personalized, customized webinars provide an effective way for educators and their science departments to learn more about using Vernier technology.
The Vernier Stellar Service page also includes helpful links to Vernier’s grants, workshops, warranty, innovative technology, technical support team, and newsletter.
To learn more about Vernier’s free resources and how to submit a success story, visithttp://www.vernier.com/stellar-service/.
About Vernier Software & Technology
Vernier Software & Technology has led the innovation of scientific data-collection technology for 35 years. Vernier was founded by a former physics teacher and hires educators at all levels of the organization. The company is committed to teachers and developing creative ways to teach and learn science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using hands-on science. Vernier creates easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and graphing/analysis software. With worldwide distribution to over 130 countries, Vernier data loggers are used by educators and students from elementary school to university. Vernier technology-based solutions enhance STEM education, increase learning, build students’ critical thinking skills, and support the science and engineering practices detailed in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Vernier business culture is grounded in Earth-friendly policies and practices, and the company provides a family-friendly workplace. For more information, visit http://www.vernier.com.
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Epson iProjection App Now Available for Chromebooks
Mutli-User Wireless Projection in the Class
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2016 – Epson, the number-one selling projector brand worldwide, today announced the availability of the Epson iProjection™ App for Chromebooks, enabling students and teachers to wirelessly display content from Chromebooks on Epson BrightLink® interactive projectors and most PowerLite® projectors. With the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function1 and the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks, the teacher has the ability to display up to four Chromebook notebook computers simultaneously from a maximum of 50 connected devices for an engaging collaborative classroom experience.
“Chromebooks are now the device of choice in the classroom and we worked directly with educators to ensure our app was meeting their needs for classroom collaboration,” said Jason Meyer, senior product manager, Epson America. “With the app, we developed a way to wirelessly mirror Chromebooks on Epson projectors so that it supports multiple Chromebook displays at the same time.”
For teachers and students, the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks makes it easy to move about the room and effortlessly share content with the entire class by wirelessly sharing Chromebooks with the classroom projector. When used on its own, the Epson iProjection App for Chromebooks can display content from a single Chromebook on an Epson projector. When the app is used in conjunction with the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function, teachers can select and display content from up to four Chromebooks at one time.
Epson projectors expand the educational capabilities of flat surfaces, transforming any 2D surface, such as a whiteboard, into an educational work space. Epson 3LCD projectors deliver three times brighter colors than leading competitive projectors to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful, educational lessons2. With genuine Epson lamps lasting up to an estimated 10,000 hours depending on the projector model3, educators can engage students in seemingly endless learning opportunities by projecting directly from a variety of devices utilizing advanced connectivity options while supporting easy readability for everyone in the room.
About the Epson iProjection App
Leveraging the free Epson iProjection app, teachers can wirelessly display documents, photos and web pages from Chromebooks and most iOS Apple devices running iOS 4.2 or later, including the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch®, and most AndroidTM devices running Android 2.3 or later.
About the Epson Multi-PC Projection with Moderator function
Multi-PC projection with Moderator function is a free software program from Epson enabling teachers to wirelessly connect up to 50 devices and share students’ work from up to four device screens simultaneously, including computers and Chromebooks and iOS® and Android™ tablets and phones.
About Epson Education Products
Designed with educator input, Epson’s advanced interactive display and projector technologies make bright, collaborative learning environments a reality. Compatible with a wide range of devices and widely-used interactive software, Epson projectors make it easy for teachers to share content and engage students, no matter where they sit in the classroom. Epson’s unmatched technology, service and support ensures that educators have high quality, bright images and multimedia available in the classroom every day.
About Epson BrightLink Projectors
Epson’s award-winning line of BrightLink interactive projectors offers advanced connectivity options to project onto any existing whiteboard, wall or other smooth, light-colored, hard surface. BrightLink interactive projectors offer dual pen support and PC-free annotation with a range of devices including document cameras, DVD and Blu-ray players as well as tablets and mobile devices, or no source at all. The cost-effective BrightLink models deliver a large interactive learning area with variable image sizes and include HDMI connectivity. Epson BrightLink projectors utilize 3LCD, 3-chip technology for brilliant images with vivid color.
About Epson PowerLite Projectors
Epson’s extensive line of affordable short-throw and ultra short-throw projectors provide a reliable design for the connected K-12 classroom that minimizes glare and shadow interference to deliver brightness and resolution options to accommodate a diverse range of educational needs. With models that offer moderator functionality that allows a network of up to 50 personal devices to connect to the projectors, teachers can wirelessly control which personal devices are displayed, with up to four student screens shown simultaneously1. In addition, many projectors feature two HDMI ports, one with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) support for connecting multiple digital devices, including mobile phones, tablets and other portable devices, for enriched high definition viewing capabilities.
Epson iProjection is currently available for free download in Google Play™ or App Store™. For additional information about Epson projectors, visit www.epson.com/education. For more information on Epson iProjection, visit www.epson.com/iprojection.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 67,000 employees in 90 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).
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1 Moderator feature is part of EasyMP Multi-PC Projection software.
2Color brightness (color light output) measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4. Color brightness will vary depending on usage conditions. The projectors used by a third-party lab for measuring color brightness were leading Epson 3LCD business and education projectors and leading 1-chip DLP projectors, based on NPD sales data for June 2013 through May 2014 and PMA Research sales data for Q1 through Q3 2013.
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‘[Tom Bennett is] the most influential teacher in the UK’ – US Senator Mike Johnston
About researchED
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EXO U and Samsung Partner to Make Classrooms More Collaborative
Millions of Samsung users gain access to Ormiboard for connected whiteboarding, collaboration, and device management.
(Montreal, Canada) September 23, 2016 — EXO U Inc. (“EXO U” or the “Corporation”) (TSXV: EXO), a software development company focused on effective collaboration and classroom management, today announced its agreement with Samsung Electronics America, Inc., to be an authorized referral partner to promote, bundle, and refer EXO U’s Ormiboard to new and current Samsung customers.
As part of the partnership announced today, Samsung will bundle Ormiboard with new and current educational packages, and also offer it as a standalone feature to current Samsung customers. Samsung will incorporate Ormiboard functionality on large-format displays, interactive displays, Chromebooks, Android devices, and more.
“All of us at EXO U are excited to provide Samsung users with a mobile collaboration tool that facilitates 21st-century learning,” said Jim Kirchner, the CEO of EXO U. “Ormiboard can help schools make better use of the technology they have in classrooms to engage students today—and also grow with them as classroom technology evolves. Our partnership gives educators using Ormiboard on Samsung devices the freedom to incorporate whiteboarding into any lesson, creating a seamless teaching and learning experience in the classroom and beyond.”
Ormiboard is a first-of-its-kind, device-agnostic digital learning environment that transforms any device into an easy-to-use whiteboarding tool, extending collaboration beyond a board or panel on the wall to all 1:1 or BYOD devices.
“Samsung and EXO U share a commitment to delivering ed tech solutions that dramatically improve student outcomes and engagement in learning,” said Ted Brodheim, the Vice President of Vertical Business at Samsung Electronics America. “By equipping our classroom hardware with the power of Ormiboard, we look forward to helping teachers and students unlock the power of anytime, anywhere collaboration and whiteboarding in their classrooms.”
With Ormiboard, teachers can easily create and customize lessons and activities using a floating toolset to insert more than 500 vector clip art images, pictures, shapes, text, tiles, sounds, actions, and more. Teachers can instantly push content and activities to students’ devices, jump to external content, simultaneously view multiple student sessions on one screen, and select any student’s activity to appear on the front-of-class display. Ormibooard’s expanding library of templates and searchable content covers all subject areas and includes quick quizzes, click-and-drag assignments, and games.
Ormiboard also features a robust suite of device-management tools that have been customized for Samsung. Educators will be able to lock and unlock students’ Samsung devices, specific pages, and more—helping keep students on task during lessons while still personalizing their experiences with content and activities.
Ormiboard is also available directly to teachers worldwide. To sign up for a free trial or for more information, please visit Ormiboard.com.
About EXO U
At EXO U, we believe that people learn best with instructional technologies that support and don’t interrupt the momentum of teaching, learning, and collaboration—whether they are learning in person, remotely, or across an evolving device landscape. That’s why our web-based whiteboarding and classroom management solutions for educational institutions and corporations work on any device with any OS, anytime and anywhere, solving important mobility issues such as security, privacy, real-time collaboration, and management of application and content. EXO U’s shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol EXO.V. For more information about Ormiboard, visit Ormiboard.com and follow us on Twitter @ormiboard.
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Learning Magazine Names Primary Concepts’ HourGlass Classroom Timer and Noise Controller a Winner the 2017 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Classroom
Berkeley, CA – September 26, 2016 – The HourGlass classroom timer and noise controller from early learning curriculum developer Primary Concepts recently won a coveted 2017 Teachers’ Choice Award for the Classroom from Learning Magazine. The Teachers’ Choice award puts classroom products through a rigorous evaluation process by educators and then chooses winners based on those evaluations.
HourGlass is a dual function classroom management system that can be used as a timer or a noise detector. The large hourglass-shaped tool can sit on a desk or be mounted on a wall. The display is large enough to be easily seen by everyone in the classroom or even in an auditorium.
HourGlass received high remarks from all evaluators, including one who said, “The best aspect of this product is that the kids asked to use it! I would tell them they had ten minutes and forget to use it and one of the kids would turn it on.”
When used in “timer mode,” HourGlass offers a fun, visual way to time games, tests and other events. Green LED lights replicate grains of sand falling from the upper part of the hourglass timer to the bottom. As the time limit approaches, the lights turn red and a one-minute warning tone sounds. When the time is up the display flashes and a sound plays to signal the end.
When used in “noise mode” HourGlass helps teachers manage classroom noise. The teacher uses the dial on HourGlass to set a “trigger point” volume level for the classroom. HourGlass monitors the noise level in the room and the rows of green lights rise and fall based on the volume of sound. When the levels are loud enough to reach the trigger point, the lights turn red and a warning sound plays, alerting the class to quiet down.
“We designed HourGlass to be a companion for teachers to make it easier for them to do their jobs,” said Jim Whitney, president of Primary Concepts. “HourGlass is easy to use and presents a simple, dynamic, visual display that students immediately react to. We are honored to be chosen as a Teacher’s Choice Award winner.”
HourGlass is operated using four C-batteries or by purchasing an optional AC adapter. HourGlass can be purchased for $99.95 at www.primaryconcepts.com. The AC adapter is $14.95.
About Primary Concepts
At Primary Concepts, we believe the early years are a unique part of a child’s development. We focus on the essentials of the preschool and primary curriculum, emphasizing engaging, motivational, hands-on learning to build a foundation for academic success. We translate the most current educational research and best practices, as recommended by the Common Core State Standards initiative, the International Literacy Association, and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, into developmentally appropriate learning materials that offer ease of use for teachers and effective outcomes for your children.
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Credo Upgrades InfoLit Modules With New Content, New Platform
Content can now be customized to meet students’ needs
BOSTON, Sept. 27, 2016 – Credo, the industry leader for information literacy, critical thinking, and research solutions, announced today it has introduced new content for its InfoLit Modules, as well as a dramatically upgraded platform that enables instructional customization. Credo’s InfoLit Modules – a mix of videos, tutorials, and assessments – are a library of ready-to-use instructional assets to support librarians in teaching information literacy and research skills.
The upgraded InfoLit Modules are Credo’s answer to the growing need for libraries to conduct formalized information literacy instruction, both in-person and online, that is aligned with Information Literacy Frameworks and Rubrics from ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) and AAC&U (Association of American Colleges & Universities), explained Ian Singer, Chief Content Officer for Credo.
Singer added InfoLit Modules are ideal for supplementing one-shot library instruction, embedded librarian models, point of need instruction, and for addressing gaps in classroom or online teaching. Moreover, now the content can easily be customized to individually meet students’ needs.
“Whether the research instruction is provided in-person or online, students who use our InfoLit Modules become more proficient with research,” Singer said. “While the library is often responsible for preparing students for research, creating high-quality, standards-driven instructional materials requires time, staff and technical expertise. The Modules extend librarians’ reach beyond in-person instruction, and help an institution’s library become a leader in information literacy instruction.”
The InfoLit Modules are also simple for students to access, either through their online classroom (LMS integration), LibGuides or library website, or via a Credo-hosted platform. For instructors, the featured guides provide documented learning outcomes, related information literacy standards, discussion topics, and activity ideas.
Credo has partnered with more than 2,500 libraries over the last 16 years to drive more effective and efficient student research activities. Since 2014, Credo has been developing instructional content while working with librarians to improve student research outcomes.
For more information about Credo, visit credoreference.com.
About Credo | www.credoreference.com
Credo is an information skills solutions provider that serves educational institutions worldwide. It enables the flexible configuration of content, technology and services for the purpose of connecting learners, faculty and teachers, librarians and publishers. Credo promotes knowledge building, problem solving and critical thinking to give people the information skills necessary for success throughout their academic, professional and personal lives. Founded in the U.K. under the name of Xrefer, Credo has helped colleges, universities and public libraries successfully educate students and patrons since 1999. Credo is headquartered in Boston, Mass., and maintains an office in the U.K.
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Dr. Brandon Wiley Named Chief Program Officer at Buck Institute for Education Part of Strategy to Increase Use of Project Based Learning NOVATO, California, Sept. 26, 2016—
Dr. Brandon Wiley has been named Chief Program Officer at Buck Institute for Education (BIE). Brandon will be heading up initiatives to partner with schools and districts and offer multiple entry points for teachers and leaders to learn about Project Based Learning (PBL), including flexible in-person, digital and online options for professional development. Brandon brings his experience as a classroom teacher, professional development leader, district administrator, and international education consultant to this new role. Brandon has extensive experience leading local, state, and national initiatives focused on school and district reform and the implementation of innovative programs. He has previously served as the Executive Director of Asia Society’s International Studies Schools Network and as Senior Director of School Development for Springpoint.
The key priorities for this new role reflect strategic organizational priorities for BIE: x To create access to high quality PBL for all students; x To help build a stronger evidence and research base around the impact of quality PBL on student learning; x To evaluate and redesign BIE’s service offerings to produce even greater student outcomes through its work with districts, schools and individual teachers; and x To encourage the development of 21st century success skills through PBL
. Bob Lenz, Executive Director of BIE, said, “As BIE looks to deepen and expand our work across the country, Brandon’s experience developing and delivering deeper learning professional services to schools and districts across the country makes him uniquely and extremely qualified for this new role.” “I hope to bring greater coherence to our work and help envision new services, resources and learning opportunities for the field,” said Brandon. “I would love to build networks and partnerships to position BIE as the globally recognized leader in supporting teachers and leaders in the development and implementation of PBL.” Brandon is available for interviews to discuss his new role, high quality PBL initiatives and the global perspective he brings to BIE. If you want to meet Brandon in person, he will be at the EdLeader21 conference in Denver on September 28-30 and the Global Education Forum in Philadelphia October 13-15. Email him at bwiley@bie.org and reach out to congratulate him on
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STEVENS POINT, Wis. (Sept. 27, 2016) – Skyward, an industry leading K-12 school administrative software provider, is accepting entries for its third annual Leader in Excellence Awards. The program recognizes K-12 districts and individuals using Skyward’s solution to enhance education and inspire innovative ideas and initiatives.
“Last year’s second annual Leader in Excellence Awards saw a terrific response from our district clients across the country,” said Ray Ackerlund, chief marketing officer at Skyward. “This year, we expect to receive great participation again from districts and individuals who are using our School Management System’s SIS or ERP to empower their staff with the tools to create a better learning environment that promotes student success.”
Madison, Wis. (Sept. 27, 2016) – As K-12 districts continue to shift to digital curriculum, education leaders need the right tools to deliver computer-based lessons. The Learning® Magazine 2017 Teachers’ Choice℠ Award for the Classroom recently recognized Califone’s 1534BK Kids Headphone as an exceptional audiovisual tool to be used in the K-12 classroom.
Kids Discover Online Launches Cross-Curricular Lesson Contest
Educators are eligible to win free licenses and other prizes by creating their own lessons using Kids Discover Online content
(NEW YORK, NY) September 26, 2016 – Kids Discover, a leading provider of dynamic, engaging science and social studies curriculum, today announced the launch of a cross-curricular lesson-building contest aimed at rewarding educators who create and share engaging lessons for their classrooms.
The contest, identified by the hashtag #XCurricular, encourages teachers to create high-impact and creative cross-curricular lessons using at least one Kids Discover resource. Complimentary access to the platform will be provided to those who do not already have it. Each submission should include information on the “big ideas” of the lesson, acquisition of knowledge and skill, the learning standards that the lesson addresses, a step-by-step learning plan, and assessment. Lessons will also be judged on practicality and originality.
“For 25 years, Kids Discover has brought STEM, history, culture, and social studies to life for learners of all ages,” said Ted Levine, the president and CEO of Kids Discover. “We are committed to empowering teachers to design rich, meaningful learning opportunities. #XCurricular is our way of encouraging K-12 educators to share their expertise in fanning the flames of innate curiosity to expand each learner’s grasp of the world.”
From today, September 26, 2016, through October 31, 2016, teachers can submit their entries using this Google Doc Template. The winners of the contest will be announced on November 7, 2016.
Lessons will be judged by a panel of three educational leaders including Kristine Scharaldi, an educational consultant and professional development provider; Dr. Kimberly Greene, associate professor of education and an online educator for Brandman University; and Shannon McClintock Miller, Mackin’s Teacher Librarian Advocate.
Educators can submit to #XCurricular for free. Prizes include:
- 1st Prize: Site License ($2,500 value)
- 2nd Prize: Three Educator licenses and Kids Discover print titles (more than $800 value)
- 3rd Prize: $300 credit towards Kids Discover products
Kids Discover Online enables educators to mix and match material from science and social studies to facilitate students’ exploration of big ideas through cross-curricular learning. The newly added Assessments tool gives educators full control to create, distribute, and assess custom quizzes, tests, and homework assignments directly within the platform.
For information about the contest or to enter, please visit online.kidsdiscover.com/cross-curricular-contest.
About Kids Discover
For more than 25 years, Kids Discover has been creating beautifully crafted nonfiction products for kids. With a specialty in science and social studies, the team of talented writers, award-winning designers and illustrators, and subject experts from leading institutions is committed to a single mission: to get childr
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