ELearning Classes

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Social Network Challenge: Best Uses of Facebook in the Classroom

This week's blog examines best practices for using Facebook to enhance collaboration and communication within the school or campus community.  Explore how to safely and creatively use Facebook to foster student engagement through authentic learning projects.


Kelly Walsh provides examples of how Facebook enhances K-16 classrooms through discussion groups,  communication with parents, and effective learning communities.

The Edudemic staff describes how Facebook’s Questions feature utilizes collective knowledge to help students answer questions via polling, tagging and posting photos.

Michael Preston succinctly reviews the pros and cons of using Facebook and suggests how to decide if Facebook is the best tool to use for student engagement in your classroom.

Brian Jenkins describes ten top Facebook apps which create higher student achievement including: Quizlet, Study Groups, and To Do List.
Mr. Kaiser explains how he uses web-based apps like Fakebook for effective class projects which stimulate critical thinking and creativity.

Vicki Davis explains why it’s important to be savvy about Facebook’s friend feature, and why you shouldn’t “friend” your students.
Mick Charney describes how Facebook made possible a collaborative learning community at Kansas State University.

Lisa Nielsen describes how a first grade teacher uses Facebook to celebrate student success, share announcements, and publish student writing.

Tech Tip: Creating an Interactive ePortfolio With Google Sites

Google Sites is a free tool which many schools are successfully using for student ePortfolios. Here is an excellent tutorial to get you started:
http://sites.google.com/site/eportfolioapps/online-tutorials-sites/sites-how-to



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EDUC 760 E-Learning for Educators 3 graduate credits (New Section Added!)
This is the introductory course in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Graduate Certificate, is an approved elective in the online Master of Science in Education degree program, and is open as an individual course to students seeking professional development.



EDUC 762 Assessment in E-Learning 3 graduate credits (Two start dates!)
  • EDUC 762 960 June 13 – August 5, 2011 Instructor: Datta Kaur Khalsa
  • EDUC 762 961 June 20 – August 12, 2011 Instructor: Jim Erbe

EDUC 763 Instructional Design for E-Learning 3 graduate credits (Almost Full!)


EDUC 761 Creating Collaborative Communities in E-Learning 3 graduate credits (Almost Full!)
NOTE: This is the fourth in the series of five required courses for individuals pursuing the Graduate Certificate in E-Learning and Online Teaching and is also available as a single course for experienced trainers and online educators seeking professional development.



EDUC 764 E-Learning Practicum 3 graduate credits (Almost Full!)
(Prerequisite: Successful completion with a 3.0 gpa in EDUC 760, 761, 762, 763 and Consent of Instructor)  Successful completion of the practicum earns the E-Learning Certificate. This course culminates your preparation as an e-learning professional. You will finalize your professional e-portfolio as a career building demonstration of your online teaching skills and abilities. During the practicum you will teach with a cooperating online instructor gaining valuable real world online teaching experience. (A customized internship is available for those already teaching online.)  Frequently Asked Questions about the Practicum






School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Phone: (715) 232-2253

Archives - back issues in case you missed the most recent newsletter.
Posted by K. Franker on 4/20/2011
(reposted with permission of UW-Stout)