Institutions around the world are increasing their online presence, from rural elementary schools to prestigious doctoral programs. Within these institutions are faculty members and teachers who might not have adequate preparation for designing online courses or teaching them in an effective way. TOWLYM was written as a no-nonsense, practical, and sometimes humorous guide for teachers and faculty who just want to know how to do it and why it should be done that way. The book includes everything a teacher or professor needs to know to design and teach a high quality online course- from brainstorming and storyboarding to grading, giving feedback, and handling unique online student issues. This book can be a useful addition to an institutionally-supported training program, or as a stand-alone resource for those who lack institutionalized support for online course design and teaching.

From wired campuses to smart classrooms to massive open online courses (MOOCs), digital technology is now firmly embedded in higher education. But the dizzying pace of innovation, combined with a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of new tools and programs, challenges educators to articulate how technology can best fit into the learning experience. Minds Online is a concise, nontechnical guide for academic leaders and instructors who seek to advance learning in this changing environment, through a sound scientific understanding of how the human brain assimilates knowledge. Drawing on the latest findings from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, Michelle Miller explores how attention, memory, and higher thought processes such as critical thinking and analytical reasoning can be enhanced through technology-aided approaches. The techniques she describes promote retention of course material through frequent low‐stakes testing and practice, and help prevent counterproductive cramming by encouraging better spacing of study. Online activities also help students become more adept with cognitive aids, such as analogies, that allow them to apply learning across situations and disciplines. Miller guides instructors through the process of creating a syllabus for a cognitively optimized, fully online course. She presents innovative ideas for how to use multimedia effectively, how to take advantage of learners’ existing knowledge, and how to motivate students to do their best work and complete the course. For a generation born into the Internet age, educational technology designed with the brain in mind offers a natural pathway to the pleasures and rewards of deep learning.

A surprisingly simple way for students to master any subject--based on one of the world's most popular online courses and the bestselling book A Mind for Numbers A Mind for Numbers and its wildly popular online companion course "Learning How to Learn" have empowered more than two million learners of all ages from around the world to master subjects that they once struggled with. Fans often wish they'd discovered these learning strategies earlier and ask how they can help their kids master these skills as well. Now in this new book for kids and teens, the authors reveal how to make the most of time spent studying. We all have the tools to learn what might not seem to come naturally to us at first--the secret is to understand how the brain works so we can unlock its power. This book explains: Why sometimes letting your mind wander is an important part of the learning process How to avoid "rut think" in order to think outside the box Why having a poor memory can be a good thing The value of metaphors in developing understanding A simple, yet powerful, way to stop procrastinating Filled with illustrations, application questions, and exercises, this book makes learning easy and fun.

A working mother of six, who has homeschooled her own children for years, shows how any family can do it, with customized plans for every schedule, lifestyle, and educational goal. More people are looking into homeschooling as an alternative to traditional in-person education, but many parents fear they won’t be able to juggle it on top of their own jobs and obligations. How can you create a lesson plan, manage a curriculum, and teach, all while keeping up with your own career? Luckily, Linsey Knerl is here to help. As a mother of six and freelance journalist whose own children learn at home, she’s committed to making homeschool work for every family who wants it. In Homeschool Hacks, she shares stories of homeschooling families with different backgrounds and motivations, dispelling the myth that it’s only for religious folks or stay-at-home parents. And she walks you through a complete plan for your child’s learning, including: -Sample schedules to create a flexible framework for your own classroom -Curriculum assessments to discern which program will best fit their needs and their schedules -Tips for finding—and navigating—your local the homeschool community -Online resources to continue your journey through graduation Whether you are considering homeschooling for the long term, the short term, or the first time, this book has everything you need to become your kids’ best teacher ever.

From wired campuses to smart classrooms to massive open online courses (MOOCs), digital technology is now firmly embedded in higher education. But the dizzying pace of innovation, combined with a dearth of evidence on the effectiveness of new tools and programs, challenges educators to articulate how technology can best fit into the learning experience. Minds Online is a concise, nontechnical guide for academic leaders and instructors who seek to advance learning in this changing environment, through a sound scientific understanding of how the human brain assimilates knowledge. Drawing on the latest findings from neuroscience and cognitive psychology, Michelle Miller explores how attention, memory, and higher thought processes such as critical thinking and analytical reasoning can be enhanced through technology-aided approaches. The techniques she describes promote retention of course material through frequent low‐stakes testing and practice, and help prevent counterproductive cramming by encouraging better spacing of study. Online activities also help students become more adept with cognitive aids, such as analogies, that allow them to apply learning across situations and disciplines. Miller guides instructors through the process of creating a syllabus for a cognitively optimized, fully online course. She presents innovative ideas for how to use multimedia effectively, how to take advantage of learners’ existing knowledge, and how to motivate students to do their best work and complete the course. For a generation born into the Internet age, educational technology designed with the brain in mind offers a natural pathway to the pleasures and rewards of deep learning.

Now in its third edition, this classic text remains the seminal resource for in-depth information about major concepts and principles of the cultural-historical theory developed by Lev Vygotsky, his students, and colleagues, as well as three generations of neo-Vygotskian scholars in Russia and the West. Featuring two new chapters on brain development and scaffolding in the zone of proximal development, as well as additional content on technology, dual language learners, and students with disabilities, this new edition provides the latest research evidence supporting the basics of the cultural-historical approach alongside Vygotskian-based practical implications. With concrete explanations and strategies on how to scaffold young children’s learning and development, this book is essential reading for students of early childhood theory and development.

Bring your home out of the mess it’s in—and learn how to keep it under control! Housekeeping expert Dana K. White shares reality-based cleaning and organizing techniques that will help you learn what really works. Do you experience heart palpitations at the sound of an unexpected doorbell? Do you stare in bewilderment at your messy home, wondering how in the world it got this way again? You’re not alone. But there is hope for you and your home. Managing your home isn’t an all-or-nothing approach, and Dana has broken down the most critical things that you'll need to do to keep up with the housework. With understanding, honesty, and her trademark humor, Dana shares her field-tested strategies including: Exactly where to start to tame the chaos Which habits deserve your focus and will make the most impact How to gain traction in your quest for a manageable home Practical tips you can implement and immediately to declutter huge amount of stuff with minimal emotional drama Cleaning your house is not a one-time project—it’s a series of ongoing and daily decisions. Start learning Dana’s reality-based cleaning and organizing techniques—and see how they really work! Praise from Readers: “This book lays out the hard truths of a clean house but in a way that doesn’t make me feel silly for not having embraced them before.” “Dana leads you step-by-step with the heart of a woman who has been there and struggled with the same issues you are currently struggling with. Really, this is a must read for anyone who wants to learn the secrets that all those organized types seem to know.” “I felt like a failure already. Did I really need to read yet another book full of tips and tricks that would leave me feeling worse? From the first page, I was put at ease.” Get ready to say goodbye to the stacks of dirty dishes crowding your kitchen counters, conquer the never-ending piles of laundry, and stop tripping over clutter on your living room floor as Dana helps you discover what works for you, for your unique personality, and in your unique home.