Features
The Online Learning Modules have many features that make them a practical and powerful way to extend your learning about Habits of Mind. Although they may be used as a stand alone course for individual teachers, they are more powerfully employed when used in combination with, or as a follow up to, other professional learning strategies.
Each module contains many "lessons", each with their own learning outcomes that highlight important aspect of the Habits of Mind. Rather than being a purely linear text based experience, these lessons are enhanced by many multimedia elements. The lesson also give teachers the ability to jump out of lessons to explore each idea in greater depth, look at classroom examples, or in other ways enrich the learning experience. Opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and engage with other teachers are also provided throughout each Module in a "Virtual Classroom"
Some of the features of the Online Modules include:
Video
The lessons often contain video interviews with Art Costa as well as teachers who discuss their personal school based experiences. This greatly enriches the learning experience and helps to keep the lessons engaging
Self Paced
Teachers can interact with the lessons at their own pace, and in their own time. Suggested time allowances are given for each module for districts where teachers need to log a certain number of PD hours each year.
Tailored for Teachers or Teacher Developers
The core lessons are designed to be useful to classroom teachers of all year levels. The examples and activities given are focused on the classroom. However it is anticipated that these Modules will be accompanied by school based professional learning that is often run "in house" by school based personal. To cater for this need, when you subscribe to the Modules as a Professional Developer you get access to further resources, powerpoints to use with teachers, suggested professional learning activities and much more to help support teachers when leading this work in schools.
Virtual Classroom
Throughout the Modules teaches are provided access to a Virtual Classroom. This is a community space where teachers can ask questions and interact with other teachers from around the world that are also completing these modules. Private space can be set up within the vitual classrooms to allow school groups or other special interest groups to interact.
Constantly Expanding and Updating
Unlike a book or many other forms of professional learning the Online Learning Modules are constantly being added to and expanded as new ideas emerge and new resources and professional learning ideas are developed. Teachers are encouraged to make suggestions for improving and enhancing this dynamic learning environment.
Links to Outside Resources
Throughout the lessons you'll find many links to other resources and learning opportunities. These include engaging and relevant UTube videos, blog entries, other web sites, resources and books you might consider purchasing, classroom activities, the Habits of Mind Resource Library, Vignettes, pod casts and much more!
Certificate of Completion
Every teachers who completes a course (other than course 1) will receive a certificate of completion from the Institute for Habits of Mind. There is no requirement to complete assignments or hand in work, but to receive this certificate there must be evidence of teachers participating in the Virtual Classroom.
