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Dear [member_name_first],
T he month of March can bring unpredictable weather. Cold, windy days are as common as warm and mild days.
We can officially welcome spring on March 20th this year, as the vernal equinox will occur on this day, meaning the sun passes directly over the equator, making day and night about equal in length. The vernal equinox can be used to start classroom lessons about astronomy, horticulture, and traditions. Visit ehow.com to see an example of how to create lesson plans from this topic.
March is also known as Women's History Month. Some people say that the history of women was written in invisible ink. The pupose of Women's History Month is to increase the consciousness today of the contributions of both famous and ordinary women. The Teacher Planet is a great location for history lessons in women's history.
One of the most recognized days in March is St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in the U.S.; however, it is not a national holiday. The Lesson Plan Page offers many fun St. Patrick's Day activities to share with your students that pertain to most academic subject matters.
Enhancing Social Presence in Online Learning: Mediation Strategies Applied to Social Networking Tools
Abstract:
An exploration of the mediation strategies applied to social networking tools for purposes of enhancing social presence for students participating in online course work. The article includes a review of the literature, specific examples from the authors’ professional practice, and recommendations for creating a positive social experience for online learners.
Introduction:
This article explores and explains mediation strategies applied to social networking tools. Focus is placed on how utilizing social networking tools (e.g., MySpace or Facebook) may enhance social presence for students participating in an online course.
Short, Williams, and Christie (1976) defined social presence as the belief the group members are communicating with people instead of objects. When communication channels are reduced, social presence decreases in a group. As a result of this reduction, group members feel disconnected from one another. Conversely, an increased sense of presence leads to a better perception of social connection.
The current popularity and growth of Web-based social networking tools is prompting many educators within organizations and institutions, including higher education, all over the world to consider how these tools can enhance online learning.
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National Education
News
College Students React To New Credit Card Regulations
Turnto23.com
College students have been targeted by credit companies for years, many times putting them in debt at a young age. But now under the federal law, thanks to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act, which went into effect Monday, it will be more difficult for those under 21 to sign up for a card.
Bill that targets bullying clears committee at State House
wickedlocal.com
Legislation targeting school bullying, which gathered momentum after a South Hadley teen committed suicide last month, cleared a Beacon Hill committee Tuesday and was sent to the Senate for its consideration.
“Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science.”
montgomerynews.com
“Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science.” This quote is still as relevant today as it was more than 10 years ago when Dr. Louisa Moats wrote an article regarding the complexity of the reading process and the responsibility of insuring that all educators step up to the challenge of preparing to teach this most important academic skill for children.
Web Resources for Teachers
TeachersContinuingEducationUnits.com - Need CEUs? Check this website out for all the information you need on workshops, conferences, and courses that provide CEUs for teachers.
TeachersProfessionalLearningUnits.com - Need PLUs? Go to this website and find all the latest workshops, conferences, and courses that will help you meet your professional development requirements.
TeacherClockHours.com - Need clock hours? This is the resource where you can find everything you need to know about workshops, conferences, and courses that provide clock hour credit for teachers.
Need graduate or undergraduate credit and want to take your courses in the comfort of your own home? Check out the universities section of our website to see a list of all our partners who offer the kind of credit you need in your state. Just select the university you want to go through and find a list of all the courses offered, type of credit offered, and total cost per course.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Did you know that VESi courses transfer into the MAT program through Morningside College? This is by far the most economical Master's Degree we have found for educators. Learn more about the MAT options available, or see a list of VESi courses offered through Morningside College.
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