What you need to create a video cast for the Reversed Classroom.

http://vodcasting.ning.com/video/video/show?id=4973855%3AVideo%3A45815

The above link give s a ten minute video of what you could use to create a video for the reversed classroom.  I am very interested in this new teaching method.  I find it to make sense.  The software it describes include Keynote, a presentation software, OmniDazel allows you to add effect like writing on the screen, and Screen flow a screen casting for the mac with audio and video.  The presenter talks about the hardware needed.  If you have an Apple you are almost there.  He uses a tablet to write on because it is more legible, an external microphone for clarity, and his computer with a built in video camera.  I hope you enjoy this.  It is quick but it helps me know were to start.

Flipped Learning

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/12/22/teachers-turn-learning-upside-down/

eSchool News Technology News for Today’s K-20 Educator

Teachers’ turn learning upside down

‘Inverted learning’ allows students to practice what they learn under the guidance of their classroom teacher By Meris Stansbury, Associate Editor

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Article review by Sandy Beech

Flipped learning or Inverted learning is an instructional strategy that gives the students an iPad and earphones and asks them to watch 10 to 15 minute chunks of instruction at home the night before a lesson a few times a week.  Next they answer comprehension questions, using Moodle Learning Management System.  The next day, students apply the concepts through guided practice, small groups. The teacher works with these groups and scaffolds learning. 

 The teacher using Flipped Learning says it increases student engagement, student achievement, and meets many types of personalized learning.  There is a great video attached to this article were the teachers and students describe how Flipped learning works and how it has been received.  In short, the teachers say they will not give up the Flipped learning strategy.  

As I read this, for me, flipped learning is described as upside down because the students don't take home homework after the instruction, they take home the instruction and come back and do the activities, or guided practice, or homework... schoolwork, if you will. 

The 'sage-on-the-stage' is going home with the students.  Maybe the parents will become more engaged as a byproduct of this strategy.  

When I first began reading this article, I was skeptical of the strategy.  I thought, now we are going to reading to the students.  Then, I thought about the difference between mini lessons and reading a text that is above grade level and not in mini chunks.  As I read and could grasp the whole concept, it is very intriguing.  Students can watch the teacher’s mini lesson more than once, they answer comprehension questions to prove they did watch the video and was attentive.  Additionally, the teachers using this strategy say the time gained in the classroom to allow the students to problem solve is greater and the results are paying off. 

 

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_90.htm

Mission Statements and Vision Statements

Unleashing purpose

The article served as a great tool by offering ideas to guide me in writing my mission statement and vision statement.

Mission:

Assessment Solutions’ mission is for educators to have on demand response driven data to differentiate instruction at all learners’ ability levels at all times.

Vision

Assessment Solutions' vision is for educators to be able to reach all learners with relevant thought provoking tasks at their ability level with real-time assessment results and real-time standard based differentiated instructional tasks/materials.  Thus, eliminating teachers’ having to spending grueling hours grading papers, pouring over reports, and then searching for materials to meet all learners’ needs.    

My article this week comes from Mind Tools essential tools for an excellent career 

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_90.htm

This site helped me write a mission statement and vision statement that truly defines the direction I am going in.  The article provides a rational specific to a mission statement and a vision statement helping me to understand the difference.  I found it easy to follow and inspiring.  

I found it easier to write my vision statement after I wrote a mission statement because of how I think.  The site says;  "A Mission Statement defines the organization's purpose and primary objectives."  To me, this is concrete and specific.  Contrastingly, a vision statement does state a purpose but in terms of the organizations values.  With that, a mission statement is geared toward owners or stockholders to measure success.  Where a vision statement is geared toward employees to motivate and inspire.  

Once I understood my audience and focus, the steps they provided to help create a mission and vision statements guided me to write a clear mission statement and express my values in my vision statement.  

Further more, this site appears to offer many tools to help in career management from many view points ranging from leadership skills, team management, stress management, and many others. I plan to read further articles from this site.