Timothy Aaron Haviland
Software Developer, Marsh & McLennan, Inc 96th Floor of the World  Trade Center (North Tower)

On December 18, 2001 Congress designated September 11^th as Patriot Day.

This day honors the innocent victims whose lives were taken as a result of the terrorist attacks September 11, 2001.

Click here to learn more about Tim.

Teaching is a challenging profession and as educators ourselves, we know how difficult it can be. Our role at Professional Learning Board is to make things just a little bit easier for teachers by bringing professional development right to you, allowing you to access online courses in a convenient manner that doesn’t take you away from your students and classroom.

To show our appreciation for your hard work, we’re giving away 100 FREE online courses from Professional Learning Board. Please take advantage of this opportunity for yourself or pass the information on to 1 close colleague who may benefit from this.

Be one of the first 100 teachers to enroll and get a FREE online course. When you’ve successfully completed this course, you’ll earn 1 Clock Hour/CPDU while experiencing online learning and discovering how Professional Learning Board can help in your quest for quality professional development opportunities. See below for course information and registration instructions:

COURSE TITLE: Recognizing Child Abuse

“I completed the online [Recognizing Child Abuse] program as part of my employment requirements. I found the program to be comprehensive and detailed yet not overwhelming to the average individual. The important descriptions and expectations are clearly outlined.”

This one clock hour course empowers each of us with the ability to recognize types, signs, characteristics, scenarios, and in general, indicators of suspected child abuse. We know this is a difficult subject to discuss. For that reason, we think you will find this course to be respectful of the topic while giving a solid foundation in understanding the key information about child abuse.

• What is Child Abuse
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
• Emotional Abuse
• Resources

Enter coupon code CAB3FEC6D5 in the Optional Code box during enrollment to get the course for free. Click here to enroll.

Thank you for all that you do!

This brand new self-directed course is available now!

“This course covers many familiar and emerging technology tools that changed the way I teach and learn. The resources available are astounding!”

This interactive course introduces teachers to technology tools with one goal in mind: increasing teacher comfort level in using the Internet and today’s technology tools for teaching and learning. Teachers will learn new ways of using tools they are familiar with and be exposed to brand-new tools and applications for use both in professional development and with students in the classroom. Topics covered in this course:

• Basic computer terminology
• Office applications
• Email
• Web tools
• Integrating technology in classroom lessons
• Using technology to enhance professional development

Course updated regularly to include the most up-to-date tools available

Clock Hours/CPDUs: 5
Author: Kate Olson
Access: 90 days
Price: $29

Register for this Course

I’m excited about judging in the ThinkQuest International 2008! I’ve been missing the excitement that comes from working directly with K-12 student learners and look forward to exploring the work of innovative and very tech-savvy student teams.

Thanks to n2teaching for making me aware of this opportunity. She writes,

“Yes, it is a blast…I like to look at the fantastic websites. Here is the webpage that explains the judging process and application: http://thinkquest.org/judge/tq_volunteer_judge.pdf

ThinkQuest organizers like to have judges from all over the world. The judging starts on April 14, 2008 , and they give you almost a month (ends on May 5, 2008) to look them over 24/7 at your leisure. There is no required amount of websites to judge.”

ThinkQuest inspires students to think, connect, create, and share. Students work in teams to build innovative and educational websites to share with the world. Along the way, they learn research, writing, teamwork, and technology skills and compete for exciting prizes.

Sponsored by the Oracle Education Foundation, the competition offers a unique project-based learning experience to students and teachers across the globe. Everybody wins by having their completed websites published in the ThinkQuest Library, a rich online resource visited by millions monthly.

Off to judge some entries now. Please let me know if you’re doing this too.

Spring is upon us and summer is right around the corner – a perfect time to start thinking about expanding your professional development portfolio!

We’re listening. More classes is your #1 request and they’ll be coming soon to PLB.

In our efforts to continually improve our services to meet your professional development needs, we are proud to inform you that we have recruited new instructors to share their knowledge with you. Over the next few months we will spotlighting and introducing folks in informal interviews and giving you previews of the courses in which you can learn and teach together.

Look for new courses coming soon in our PLB renowned self-study format as well as instructor led versions.

New Facilitator

Professional Learning Board is proud to welcome a new teacher-facilitator – Kate Olson. Kate is facilitating the NEW Web Technology for Teachers (Facilitated) course and designed the NEW Introduction to Technology (Self-Directed) course. Kate is an educator who does an amazing job integrating technology into all classrooms. We did a brief interview with Kate so you can get to know her better:

PLB: What draws you to online learning and teaching?
Kate: I really love the fact that online learning breaks down all geographical and time barriers to learning. Teachers have such busy lives and it’s wonderful to be able to make professional development fit in an already full schedule.

PLB: What’s your favorite thing about all of the new web tools and technology available today?
Kate: The numerous tools for collaboration are at the top of my list – they allow students and teachers alike to work together so much more efficiently.

PLB: When you aren’t glued to your laptop, what do you enjoy doing?
Kate: I love spending time with my 2 children and my husband, reading, and enjoying outdoor life on our farm. The best thing about a laptop is that I can take it outside with me!

New Technology Courses

Web Technology for Teachers (FACILITATED by Kate Olson)

Discover exciting web-based tools to enhance your instruction and transform your classroom into a 21st Century learning environment. Explore blogs, wikis, and social bookmarking (to name just a few) in a quest to understand how the internet is changing the lives of students and teachers alike. At the end of the course you’ll have resources that you can put to work immediately. The tips, tricks and techniques in this course are must-knows!
(15 clock hours/CPDUs)

“I have just completed a course I recently took from Professional Learning Board called Web Technology for Teachers. I never knew there was so much out there! I am getting excited just thinking about the possibilities. I have found all of their courses to be useful and user friendly.” – Amy (Illinois)

Introduction to Technology for Teachers (Available May 1 – SELF-STUDY)

Beginner computer user? This course is for you.
Technology Expert? Uncover the latest web tools…you’ll love this course too!

From the fundamentals of computer-based technology basic hardware to web tools and computer lab classroom management you’ll come away with tons of easy, quick and effective ways to use the tools already available to you in your classroom!
(5 clock hours/CPDUs)

Minnesota Teachers

New Core Teaching Package
includes all four Minnesota relicensure topics and a bonus free course for only $100!

Teacher Technology Resources

Diigo
Diigo is HOT! In fact, these days this social bookmarking tool is creating a lot of buzz in the online education technology world. For the latest and greatest in Web 2.0, join our Ellen Paxton’s rapidly growing CoolTools and EdTech group at Diigo.com.

ClassTools.net
Create your own games for education – a great tool for all teachers!

Spectorsoft
Computer and Internet monitoring software for families and schools
If your school is interested in this software, contact safeschools@professionallearningboard.com

New resources are added weekly to the FREE Teacher Toolbar!
Download it here: http://professionallearningboard.ourtoolbar.com
Just added over 50 safety resources!

Thank you for your continued support of Professional Learning Board – we look forward to hearing from you!

As the temperature dropped to nearly 30 degrees below zero I thought: Why write “NEARLY 30 degrees below” as if it’s not quite cold enough? Will folks know this is Fahrenheit and not Celcius and does it really matter? How do I make that little degree symbol? The moonlight against ice crystals in the sky creates a stunning halo (click to see images).

The good news is that Spring magazines are starting to arrive promising blooming flowers and green covered fields! Warm weather cannot be too far behind.

Please tell your friends and colleagues about these important updates:

• As of March 1st there will be a slight increase of $4 per sefl-study course from Professional Learning Board.
  All courses purchased before February 29th will have the $25/self-study course price honored
  (This includes Purchase Orders!). Please help us spread the word.  

• We’re proud to announce NEW FACILITATED COURSES. Sessions start the first Monday of each month beginning Monday, March 3rd. Register now. All courses 15 clock hours/CPDUs:  
  1. NEW: Web Technology for Teachers
  2. NEW: Accommodating All Learners
  3. NEW: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
  4. NEW: Reading Instruction Techniques: Enhancing Learning in All Subject Areas

Scroll down for info on these resources in which I think you might be interested:

• FREE student courses through HippoCampus by the National Repository of Online Courses (NROC)
• Shameless Plug (My sister wrote a children’s book!)
• Tech Trials
  • YackPack
  • KnightCite
• Student Competition

Thank you for your continued support of Professional Learning Board.

Best regards,

Ellen Paxton, MEd, NBCT

A free, public website for high school and college students that offers multimedia correlated to most major textbooks and in the following areas:

• Algebra
• American Government
• Biology
• Calculus
• Calculus (Spanish)
• Environmental Science
• Physics
• Psychology
• US History

To Be Released: March 13th

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803731957?ie=UTF8&tag=everyonisat06-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0803731957

Lulu’s older brother says she is too little to play with him. Her mama and papa are busy too, so Lulu has to make her own fun. This is a situation for Ladybug Girl!

Ladybug Girl saves ants in distress, jumps through shark-infested puddles, and even skips along the great dark twisty tree trunk—all by herself. It doesn’t matter what her brother says, Ladybug Girl is definitely not too little!

In this sweet and cheerful story by husband and wife team Jacky Davis and David Soman, one not-so-little girl discovers how to make some fun that is just her size, right in her own backyard.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Dial
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0803731957
ISBN-13: 978-0803731950
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches

YackPack http://www.yackpack.com

They say, “We help people use the power of human voice to build relationships.“

 

KnightCite http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/index.php

They say, “Maintained by the Hekman Library at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. Questions about Citations and Styles? Try the fantastic resources available at DianaHacker.com. “

I say, “An incredible tool for citing resources (books, anthologies, periodicals, multimedia and communications) in MLA, APA and/or Chicago style.”

 

I say, “The voice quality sounds top-notch. I’ve sent questions to their posted email addresses and receive bounce-backs every time. Why can’t they hear me?”

 

Doodle 4 Google is giving U.S. students in grades K-12 the opportunity to design a doodle (see samples here) for the Google homepage. Students will be asked to draw a doodle that best represents the theme “What if…?” We ask ourselves this question every day when we build our products, so we thought we would ask the same of the future doodlers.

Check out www.google.com/doodle4google for more details. All that’s needed to get started is a teacher or principal to register the school. Registration closes on 3/28/08, and entries must be postmarked by 4/12/2008.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

‘Tis the season. Yes, that’s right. It’s the time of year for teacher workshops, meeting professional development goals and continuing education licensing requirements. Here’s how we’ve been preparing:

• Inviting teacher-leaders to author and teach online guided courses.
  (Please contact me directly if you’re interested in joining this work.)
• New Course: Working Together: Parents & Teachers Recognizing Early-Onset Mental Health Disorders in Children & Adolescents
  (We tried for a longer name but decided this was sufficient.)
• Building school and district online Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to teach and reach all staff.

Thank you for your continued support of Professional Learning Board.
I hope your 2008 is off to a great start!

Ellen Paxton, MEd, NBCT

A PEEK INSIDE

How many senses do human beings have?
You’re correct if you said, “as many as two dozen.”

Some of them (for example, sensory awareness of hunger and thirst) are still questionable. And, common sense did not make any of the resource lists we consulted. We tend to focus on the five commonly understood senses—seeing, hearing, smell, taste, and touch plus a few others.

• Lots of math links including 2+2 for Math [http://www.funnymathforkids.com] and the outstanding tool Geogebra (http://www.geogebra.com)
• Audio Literature (http://www.loudlit.org)
• Virtual Worlds (http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/virtualworlds) focused on Real Learning (http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses) and
• Free Technology Resources including MindMapping (http://bubbl.us) software
• KnightCite (http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/index.php?op=newCitation)
  Automatically generates citations of work in MLA, APA and Chicago style. Where was this when I was in school?!

I say, “Imagine up to 250 people all talking and text chatting at the same time. Impossible to listen.“

There are so many ways in which we are both teachers and learners.

Here’s a sample of the robust resources we hand-pick, scouring the Internet for you, and those we get from people like you, members of our professional learning community:

• Expert Village http://www.expertvillage.com
  In addition to How to Make EggNog and Untangle Christmas Lights, you’ll find How to Write an Essay.
  

• The Night Sky

http://www.quietbay.net/Science/astronomy/nightsky/ A quicky (15 minute) lesson to impress a loved one during this holiday season as you gaze up into the stars together.

• TeacherTube http://www.teachertube.com

• MIT Provides FREE High School Curriculum
• Teacher Social Networking Site
• FREE Teacher Toolbar
• Safety Advice from Law Enforcement

Happy Holidays and thank you for your continued support of Professional Learning Board.

Ellen Paxton, MEd, NBCT

Bring MIT into your classroom and school with free online courses and resources for high school teachers and students in the following topics:

Classroom 2.0: Social Networking Site for Teachers!
(http://classroom20.ning.com/)

We like Classroom 2.0 because it is a rapidly growing social networking site for teachers that is an easy place to get started using the tools of Web 2.0. The site has attracted a lot of teachers of all levels of experience using web technology in their classroom. We think once you check out the site you will agree that it is a worthwhile resource for teaching and learning today. If you agree, please vote for Classroom 2.0 at the 2007 Edublog Awards by clicking on the following link: http://edublogawards.com/2007/best-educational-use-of-a-social-networking-service-2007/.

Our most recent tech endeavor has resulted in the creation of a Teacher Toolbar that connects you to professional development, news, classroom materials, resources, ed tech, online tools, Q&A, radio stations and much more! Please feel free to download, take a look, try it out, pass it along and by all means, let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. If your car alarm goes off an intruder will probably not stick around… and after a few seconds neighbors will be looking out their windows. Also remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. This tip can also be useful for any emergency, where you can’t reach a phone.