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In The February 2012 Issue
Inquiry Learning Step by Step
eBooks at Your Service
Free March Webinars
INFOhio Insider Tip
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People are saying... 

"I always learn something from these webinars even though I think I've been around the block with this."

...about INFOhio webinars!

 

Inquiry Learning Step by Step

 

If you've been toying with the notion of using inquiry-based learning in your classroom but don't know where to start, then the Learning Skills series of modules is for you.  In about 15 minutes, each module shows you how real teachers around Ohio are using inquiry learning with their students. And you'll learn specific techniques--based on Robert Marzano's research-proven strategies from Classroom Instruction that Works--that you can start using right away.

 

CuesVideoFeb2012
Scene from Module 1

Inquiry-based learning has gained favor in recent years because of its emphasis on improving students' ability to learn, not just memorize facts. Given the amount of information and rate of change today's students will face throughout their careers, helping them develop the analytical skills presented in inquiry-based learning is important. What's more, inquiry

skills such as note taking and reflection apply to every subject area, so a little time spent in science class

on these skills helps students with every one of their classes. It also provides a great way for teachers to

work together.

 

But while teaching inquiry methods is important, finding--and affording--the training necessary to put it into practice has been a stumbling block.

 

"Finding high quality video exemplars of effective instructional strategies based on the current research was very difficult," said the Director of School Improvement for Montgomery County ESC Betsy Apolito. So INFOhio and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center worked together to develop the instructional strategy modules. The team researched how schools around Ohio are

incorporating inquiry-based learning.

 

"It was a challenge to find schools in some cases," said Ann Tepe,  educational consultant, who wrote the scripts and produced the videos. "But the level of commitment from the teachers we worked with was phenomenal. I've delivered a great deal of professional development throughout my career, but I'd have to say I'm most proud of this module series and what it can potentially do for classroom instruction. And the students involved were great!"

 

SelfAssessmentFeb2012
Scene from Module 4

Each module consists of a short video thagives you a behind-the-scenes view of the steps other teachers have taken to successfully incorporate inquiry learning in their classrooms. Afterward, you can peruse an extensive list of related templates and web resources you can start using right away.

 

Module 1, Cues, Questions and Advanced Organizers, focuses on two specific instructional strategies -- activating prior knowledge and developing questions for acquiring deeper content understanding and new knowledge.

 

Module 2, Summarizing and Note Taking, focuses on several specific instructional strategies -- applying critical thinking, refining keywords, problem solving, questioning deeply and examining content. 

 

Module 3, Cooperative Learning, focuses on helping students learn to work effectively in groups. Skills such as handling criticism and confronting a group member who is not completing work help students throughout their careers.

 

Module 4, Self Assessment and Reflection, focuses on helping students assess themselves to become strong and independent learners. Tools used include checklists, rubrics, questionnaires, and work logs.

 

The modules and the related resources are free to all Ohio educators. To view the modules, go to the Instructional Modules Introduction available within the INFOhio Learning Commons.
eBooks at Your Service

  

It's well past time to replace that dog-eared classroom set of Shakespeare's Macbeth, but the budget to do it dried up long ago. Before you resign yourself to pulling out the tape in hopes the set will make it through one more round, check out INFOhio's new eBook Collection.

 

"While there are many ebooks on the Internet, they aren't always easy for schools to find and use." said Diane Deibel, INFOhio staff and eBook workteam member.  "The INFOhio eBook Collection contains titles selected to support Ohio school curricula, and we added information so that teachers and students can search for them through their library catalog by subject, grade band, and Lexile when available." The titles can be downloaded any time of day directly from the school's catalog in a variety of formats for use on computers, ereaders, or smartphones.

  

The INFOhio eBook Collection team searched public domain titles within Project Gutenberg and ThoughtAudio for titles on Ohio school reading lists and for Core Curriculum exemplar titles. While most titles are more appropriate for middle and high school, there are selections for elementary school students, including Beatrix Potter's books, interna-

eBookFeb2012
Example page from Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse

tional fairy tales, and Aesop's fables.

 

"The response from schools has been exciting," said

Deibel. "From September through January, we had more than 53,000 views and downloads."

  

Currently, the collection includes more than a thousand electronic books and audiobooks.  In addition to literary classics such as Alice in Wonderland, The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, and The Poetry of Robert Browning, the collection also includes Shakespeare titles and primary documents such as State of the Union addresses, the U.S. Constitution, and first-person accounts of historical events. A complete list of books by author and by title is available.

 

The INFOhio eBook Collection was initiated in 2011 at the request of INFOhio users and their ITC INFOhio providers.  A workteam composed of volunteer ITC providers established content and cataloging specifications and standards. 

 

The INFOhio eBook Collection team continue to review more than 38,000 public domain titles to add more books daily. "We welcome title suggestions from teachers and librarians," said Deibel. Request books through your ITC or by emailing INFOhio directly at central@infohio.org.  

 

The eBook Collection is available at no charge for districts that automate their libraries through INFOhio. All other districts can access the eBook Collection by taking advantage of this year's low subscription offer for the INFOhio Discovery Portal. For more information, go to INFOhio eBook Collection.  Or email INFOhio at central@infohio.org.

Free March Webinars

If you need to earn a CEU or just want to learn something new, log in to one of INFOhio's upcoming webinars in March.  
  • March 8-PLNs: Personal Learning & Sharing Networks
  • March 15-OHIO AS AMERICA: An Exciting New 8th Grade Social Studies Resource!
  • March 22-GO! INFOhio: Ask! Act! Achieve! Research Step by Step
  • March 29-Beyond the DIALOGUE:  Using INFOhio and Web2.0 for Research Projects
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 Learn with INFOhio! Webinars
INFOhio Insider Tip

March is Youth Art Month. Did you know that The ART Collection includes more than 70,000 images from museums around the world? In addition to paintings and drawings, you'll find photographs, clothing, furniture, architecture, textiles, sculpture, masks, and more. You can search the collection by keyword, or browse by country, owner, creator, or object type. To see for yourself, go to The ART Collection(If you are at home, you will need the INFOhio username and password. It's available from your school librarian or ITC. Or try our automated INFOhio Username and Password Request Form.)