Tuesday, December 24, 2013

A Year in Review and a Look at What's Coming in 2014



Season’s Greetings! 
As the year comes to a close, we want to thank you for all your support. 

From participating in our courses, taking our trainings, and viewing AEA PD Online: LIVE events, we’ve accomplished so much together. 

Check out our biggest accomplishments that are highlighted in this video and how you’ve helped bring joy to our world over the past twelve months!

AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Heartland AEA Curriculum Director's Network - 1/3

We will be overviewing our services at the Heartland AEA Curriculum Director's Network on January 3rd.  You will find the handout below.  We look forward to working with you at the Network!


Friday, December 13, 2013

AEA PD Online is Looking for Online Instructors: Start Making Plans to Teach for Us!



Even though it’s cold outside, it is never too early to start making plans for summer. It is an especially good time of year to start planning for summer employment opportunities. AEA PD Online is looking for educators who would like to share their expertise with others by developing and teaching online courses.


Not only does AEA PD Online offer educators the opportunity to learn anytime, anywhere, it also provides instructors with the opportunity to teach outside of the traditional professional development times. AEA PD Online offers interested individuals many supports which include:
  1. Online Learning for Iowa Educator (OLLIE) courses
    • Introduction to Online Learners (Course description and registration info here.)
    • Technology for Online Learning  (Course description and registration info here.)
    • Online Learning Instructional Design (Course description and registration info here.)
    • Online Facilitation (Course description and registration info here.)
    • Online Assessment, Feedback, and Evaluation (Course description and registration info here.)
  1. An instructor toolbox located here
  2. Support with course development and design
  3. Assistance marketing your course to Iowa educators
  4. Online teaching mentors who will work with as you teach your first class

For additional information about any of these supports contact Deborah Cleveland.

Tool of the Month: PowToon-Giving you the Power to Animate your Content





Check out how Powtoon, a free online tool, can help you animate your presentations.


PowToon Introduction



Powtoon Tutorial

Upcoming Courses (Jan. 1-Feb. 15, 2014)




See below for a list of upcoming online professional learning opportunities. To register, click on the activity number listed with each course. To conduct your own search for professional development classes, download the AEAPD Online app at myapp.is/aeapdonline or click here to go to the AEA PD Online catalog.

Google Apps 101
Find ways to use Google apps to increase student productivity.
Register at 22004099991402
Course Dates: Jan. 2-Feb. 3, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Blueprint for Common Core Foundational Skills
Dig into the literacy Iowa Core Foundational Skills and find out how understanding the phonetic basis of English can help students be successful.
Register at 22016699991403
Course Dates: Jan. 6-Mar. 2, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Using IPads in the Math Classroom
Discover ways to leverage the power of the iPad and math apps to increase communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in the classroom.
Register at 22014199991401
Course Dates: Jan. 6-Feb. 3, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Moving Past the Textbook: Teaching U.S. History Thematically
Push past the boundaries of the history textbook and discover ways to make American history meaningful to students.
Register at 22017099991402
Course Dates: Jan. 7-Feb. 10, 2014
Credit(s):  2 (Renewal Only)

MOLLIE: Blended Learning
Discover how to blend classroom instruction so that students have the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of face-to-face instruction.
Register at 22015099991403
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

OLLIE: Online Assessment, Feedback, and Evaluation
Online assessment, feedback, and evaluation is different than face-to-face. Learn methods to use with students in an online course.
Register at 22009899991402
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

OLLIE: Technology for Online Instruction: Moodle
This course will help teachers become “Moodle-savvy.”
Register at 22005399991402
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

How Do You Teach Reading? Speaking the Language of the Book Whisperer
Add to your toolbox of resources and ideas that will “awaken the inner reader in every child.”
Register at 22019399991401
Course Dates: Jan. 13-Feb. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Inquiry through the School Library
Learn how to stimulate inquiry based learning by implementing the information problem solving model in your classroom.
Register at 22007799991401
Course Dates: Jan. 13-May 9, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Exploring Iowa’s Natural Resources
Build a project-based unit that you can use with your students to teach about local natural resources and the issues facing them.
Register at 22007499991402
Course Dates: Jan. 20-May 4, 2014
Credit(s):  3 (Renewal only)

Strategies for Champion Teachers! Easy Tips and Tricks You can Use Tomorrow
Learn how to implement Doug Lemov’s 49 practical, research-based instructional strategies that will increase critical thinking, engage students, and build a positive culture in your classroom.
Register at 22019299991401
Course Dates: Jan. 20-Mar. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Ollie: Introduction to the Online Learner
Discover what online learning is like from the student perspective.
Register at 22001399991405
Course Dates: Jan. 22-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Read and Learn Spanish
Improve your ability to understand, speak, and read Spanish.
Register at 22007199991401
Course Dates: Jan. 22-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2 (Renewal only)

Learn China
Prepare students for working with global society by providing them with knowledge about China’s people and culture.
Register at 22007599991401
Course Dates: Jan. 23-Feb. 27, 2014
Credit(s):  1 (Renewal only)

Introduction to Google Apps
Learn ways to use Google Apps and and create a 21st century classroom environment.
Register at 22007899991407
Course Dates: Jan. 27-Mar. 2, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Examining: Building School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Leverage parental and community involvement to increase student achievement.
Register at 22018899991401
Course Dates: Jan. 29-April 25, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: Bullying from Both Sides
Learn about the emotional needs of bullied children and the one who bullies.
Register at 22002099991403
Course Dates: Jan. 29-Apr. 25, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas
Support content area literacy at the middle/high school level.
Register at 22012999991402
Course Dates: Jan. 29-Apr. 25, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: Secrets of the Teenage Brain
Examine strategies and approaches for teaching and reaching teenagers.
Register at 22019199991401
Course Dates: Jan. 29-Apr. 25, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction
Help students improve their vocabulary by using practical strategies that are research-based.
Register at 22004899991402
Course Dates: Jan. 29-Apr. 25, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Introduction to Preparing and Teaching in a 1:1 Environment
Discover strategies that will assist in the transition to a 1:1 environment.
Register at 22018499991402
Course Dates: Feb. 3-Mar. 9, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Examining: 7 Keys to Comprehension
Improve students' reading comprehension.
Register at 22007099991404
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: How the Brain Learns
Examine the latest brain research, how the student’s brain works and how we can best teach to that brain.
Register at 22017399991402
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed Ability Classes
Discover how to meet the needs of all students.
Register at 22003499991402
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: Managing Noncompliance and Defiance in the Classroom
Address misbehavior and disruptive classroom conduct.
Register at 22002999991402
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: Overcoming Dyslexia
Find out how to help students with dyslexia.
Register at 22003399991403
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Examining: The Myth of Laziness
“Laziness” can be caused by the convergence of biological, neurological, and psychological factors. Learn how to help students manage these factors so that they can become more successful students.
Register at 22004999991404
Course Dates: Feb. 5-May 2, 2014
Credit(s):  3

iPods and iPads for the Classroom
Learn to implement Apple's iPods & iPads into your classroom.
Register at 22004199991407
Course Dates: Feb. 10-Mar. 24, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Web 2.0 Data Tools for Math and Science
Explore and create using in tools that can be used to collect, analyze, and share data.
Register at 22011799991402
Course Dates: Feb. 10-Mar. 24, 2014
Credit(s):  3

Sharpen Your Critical Thinking Skills
Help improve your students critical thinking skills by learning specific skills important for information based learning.
Register at 22008999991401
Course Dates: Feb. 12-Mar. 26, 2014
Credit(s):  2 (Renewal Only)

Learning Southeast Asia
Explore the land, history, and culture of southeast Asia through research, readings, and discussion activities.
Register at 22002899991401
Course Dates: Feb. 13-Mar. 20, 2014
Credit(s):  1 (Renewal Only)

AEA PD Online Live



Upcoming Events

Going Mobile in the Classroom
Date: December 18, 2013
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Do you have a BYOD or 1:1 initiative that has begun or is already in full swing? Are you looking for resources for energizing the classroom in using mobile devices? Attend this 20 minute webinar to see how the resources in Atomic Learning can help you effectively use mobile devices in your classroom!
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:


Addressing Cyberbullying with Your Students using Free E-Curriculum
Date: January 7, 2014
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
AEA K-12 Online has free E-curriculum that can be used with students to address issues related to cyberbullying. Find out what content is covered in the curriculum and how to access it.


To participate:
Go to http://iowa.adobeconnect/live/ at 3:00 p.m. on January 7, 2014. No preregistration necessary.


Archived Events
Necessary Courage: Iowa's Underground Railroad in the Struggle Against Slavery
Charity Nebbe hosts this discussion about the book Necessary Courage: Iowa’s Underground Railroad in the Struggle against Slavery, with Lowell J. Soike and Douglas W. Jones, Iowa Freedom Trail grant project manager, State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines.  In Necessary Courage, historian Lowell J. Soike details long-forgotten stories of determined runaways and the courageous Iowans who acted as conductors on this most dangerous of railroads—the underground railroad.



Unleash Technology with Atomic Learning
Andrea Anderson from Atomic Learning shares how educators in Iowa can use the website for professional learning and instructional planning.

External Partners




Teaching Math and Literacy Seamlessly
Date: January 14, 2014
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Explore the Inspiring Middle School Literacy collection of blended lessons aligned to the Common Core www.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/midlit. In these lessons students practice literacy strategies while learning math and its practical application; for example, proportional reasoning and food labels; multiplying fractions and recipes, and unit conversion and water conservation.

Register here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!



We just wanted to take a minute this week to thank you for participating in AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online activities.


Thanks to you, we've grown so much this year!


We have

  • Offered new online professional development courses
  • Added to our catalog of online trainings
  • Hosted a series of live and recorded events around current education topics
  • Created communities of practice in the Agora
None of this would be possible without the help of connected educators like you.
Thank you for being a part of our community!

Best wishes to you and your family for a safe and happy holiday.

AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online

For more updates and new information about AEA PD Online and AEA K-12 Online services and products read our blog at aeapdonline.org or aeak12online.org or follow us on twitter @aeapdonline.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Moodle Updates: Introducing the "Awesome" Bar


On November 8, AEA PD Online updated the look of its Moodle Server by adding the “Awesome Bar”. Many of the menus that used to be found on the right side of a course page in Moodle are now located in the bar across the top. This new format allows more course content to be visible in the browser and lessens the need for users to scroll from right to left on a page. To learn more about the “Awesome Bar”, view the video below.


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Tool of the Month: Are you "Kahoot"-ing?



Kahoot is a free, online, game-based classroom response system that teachers can use to ask students questions and receive immediate responses from their students. Students love it because it is learner-centric, centered around game-based pedagogy, and social. Teachers love it because it allows them to formatively assess their students, quickly analyze the data, and adapt their instruction. 

To find out more view the video below.

 Here is how you can get started "Kahoot"-ing.

Upcoming Courses


See below for a list of upcoming online professional learning opportunities. To register, click on the activity number listed with each course. To conduct your own search for professional development classes, download the AEA PD Online app at myapp.is/aeapdonline or click here to go to the AEA PD Online catalog.

Introduction to Google Apps: Tools to Integrate
Learn ways to use Google Apps and and create a 21st century classroom environment.
Register at 22014599991401
Course Dates: Dec. 2, 2013-Jan. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  2

MOLLIE: Blended Learning
Discover how to blend classroom instruction so that students have the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of face-to-face instruction.
Register at 22015099991403
Course Dates: Dec. 4, 2013-Jan. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  2

MOLLIE: Designing Online Lessons, Including Softchalk
Dig deep into how to design and build text-based and spoken lessons for an online environment.
Register at 22017999991402
Course Dates: Dec. 4, 2013-Jan. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  2

OLLIE: Online Facilitation
Learn about the differences between online and face-to-face instruction and online facilitation strategies that will increase student learning.
Register at 22009699991402
Course Dates: Dec. 4, 2014-Jan. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Developing Student-Directed Learning
Design instruction that moves from teacher-directed to student directed learning.
Register at 22010499991402
Course Dates: Dec. 11, 2013-Jan. 21, 2014
Credit(s):  3 (Renewal Only)

Design Thinking for Creativity and Art
Engage in a five stage design thinking process to build units of study on creative thinking. (Blended Course)
Register at 22018999991401
Course Dates: Dec. 11, 2013-April 23, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Blueprint for Common Core Foundational Skills
Dig into the literacy Iowa Core Foundational Skills and find out how understanding the phonetic basis of English can help students be successful.
Register at 22016699991403
Course Dates: Jan. 6-Mar. 2, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Using IPads in the Math Classroom
Discover ways to leverage the power of the iPad and math apps to increase communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in the classroom.
Register at 22014199991401
Course Dates: Jan. 6-Feb. 3, 2014
Credit(s):  2

Moving Past the Textbook: Teaching U.S. History Thematically
Push past the boundaries of the history textbook and discover ways to make American history meaningful to students.
Register at 22017099991402
Course Dates: Jan. 7-Feb. 10, 2014
Credit(s):  2 (Renewal Only)

MOLLIE: Blended Learning
Discover how to blend classroom instruction so that students have the flexibility of online learning and the benefits of face-to-face instruction.
Register at 22015099991403
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

OLLIE: Online Assessment, Feedback, and Evaluation
Online assessment, feedback, and evaluation is different than face-to-face. Learn methods to use with students in an online course.
Register at 22009899991402
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

OLLIE: Technology for Online Instruction: Moodle
This course will help teachers become “Moodle-savvy ”.
Register at 22005399991402
Course Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 11, 2014
Credit(s):  2

How Do You Teach Reading? Speaking the Language of the Book Whisperer
Add to your toolbox of resources and ideas that will “awaken the inner reader in every child”.
Register at 22019399991401
Course Dates: Jan. 13-Feb. 7, 2014
Credit(s):  1

Inquiry through the School Library
Learn how to stimulate inquiry based learning by implementing the information problem solving model in your classroom.
Register at 22007799991401
Course Dates: Jan. 13-May 9, 2014
Credit(s):  1