Final2
In This Issue
21Essential Things Updated
Come See INFOhio at eTech
Free February Webinars
INFOhio Insider Tip
Quick Links




Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter

Largelogowhite
 
21Essential Things Updated

Online tools have changed in the two years since INFOhio introduced the 21st Century Learning Commons and its 21 Essential Things for 21st Century Learning. To keep up with the latest technology, INFOhio instructional staff updated 
the 21 Essential Things, an online self-directed set of 21 modules that walks you through the latest digital tools and techniques to ensure your students develop 21st Century skills.  Here are some of the changes:
  • New Web 2.0 tools were included.
  • New INFOhio resources were included, such as the closed captioning added to Digital Video Collection streaming videos. 
  • The Knowledge Building Community (KBC) is integrated with the 21 Essential Things. The KBC lets you interact with other users to get new perspectives and ideas, much as you would in a classroom. The KBC hosts groups on a variety of 21st Century learning topics, INFOhio resources, and information literacy issues. 
  • More images were added to help guide you through the program.
  • Each "Thing" was evaluated and revised to reduce text, clarify directions, and make navigation easier and clearer.

But with all the changes, one thing is the same: You can still complete the 21 Essential Things for CEU or graduate credit. To learn more about the 21 Essential Things and credit options, go to http://learningcommons.infohio.org/.  

Come See INFOhio at eTech
All of us at INFOhio invite you to stop by our booth (#229) at the eTech Ohio Educational Technology Conference, February 13-15.  Or sit in on one of our sessions. See you there!

Monday, February 13 
21st Century Tools for Schools: Power Up with INFOhio
with Trish Baker & Jessica Prunty 
Are you ready to integrate the powerful new INFOhio resources into your curriculum or library program? Are you looking for resources to promote to teachers as they increase their emphasis on inquiry in their classrooms this year? Tools for students, new resources and tools for professional development will be presented. Attend this session to see the new resources INFOhio has to offer along with old favorites. 
Time: 12:00 -12:45 p.m. 
Room: C123 - 125
 
 
Tuesday, February 14  
Discovery Portal: What Can It Do For Your Classroom?
with Stephanie Newson & Paula Deal
Need to find the latest in video streaming, e-books, research sites, learning activities for centers or whole group? Well, Discovery Portal is the place for your students and you. This interactive resource site links technology and core standards to help enhance lessons ranging from elementary, middle and high school areas of interest.
Time: 8-8:45 a.m. 
Room: Union C 

  

Apps, Widgits and QR Codes! Oh My!
with Melissa Horwell & Jennifer Schwelik
Mobile technology for your school is easy to use to make your classroom or library come to life. Learn how to find and use free or inexpensive educational mobile apps, from INFOhio and more, which support the Common Core and Ohio Revised Standards. Explore how classroom teachers, librarians and administrators can use widgets to make information accessible, support inquiry and promote quality sources. Discover how to create and use QR codes in K-12 education settings to engage students and support problem solving and inquiry. Learn how to help students use their mobile tech tools to gain knowledge while having fun.
Time: 12:00-12:45 p.m. 
Room: C215

DIALOGUE with your students for effective 21st Century Skills
with Karon Lippincott
Students struggle with organization, motivation and the research process. They prefer to learn using the technologies in their everyday lives. Teachers struggle to integrate the right technology tools into their lessons to engage today's modern learner. INFOhio's DIALOGUE model will help give you a matrix to create effective 21st Century lessons. Learn why information literacy is one of the most important skills we can give our students. 
Time: 1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
Room: Union B
 

  

Wednesday, February 15 
INFOhio's e-Book Collection - FREE 24/7!
with Linda Ehrnschwender & Diane Deibel
INFOhio has developed a collection of over 1000 public-domain e-books and audiobooks, selected specifically for Ohio's schools. Students and teachers have easy, unlimited access to these 24/7. Need 30 copies of a classic title? Don't buy them, download them FREE! The books can be downloaded to ereaders, iOS devices, computers, and most smartphones. This session will demonstrate how to access the collection and download to a variety of devices. We'll also demonstrate one of the free e-reader programs that allows students to bookmark, highlight, take notes and customize the screen based on personal preference.
Time: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
Room: D240-241
 
Free February Webinars

If you need to earn a CEU or just want to learn something new, log in to one of INFOhio's webinars.  They take place on Thursdays at least twice a month. Upcoming sessions include the following:
  • February 2-The Common Core Literacy Standards for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
  • February 9-Power Up Differentiated Instruction with INFOhio's New Closed Captioned Videos and Other INFOhio Tools
  • February 23-The K-12 e-reader:  Uniting students with e-reading devices  
All sessions are 3:30-4:30 p.m.  If that time is inconvenient, all webinars are archived for later viewing. To register for an upcoming session or to view a previous one, go to http://www.infohio.org/educator/webinars2011-2012.html
INFOhio Insider Tip

Did you know that Science Online offers more than 1,000 hands-on science experiments searchable by field and grade level? From  Acid or Alkali: Testing with Cabbage to Zoetrope, each one features background information, a detailed materials list, the procedure to follow, and safety precautions. It could be a lifesaver to your students who can't find a science fair project. To see for yourself, go to http://www.fofweb.com/Science/ and click Experiments under Browse Science Resources. (If you are at home, you will need the INFOhio username and password. It's available from your school librarian or ITC.)