Digital Learning CommonsDigital Learning Commons

DLC Newsletter: May 2008

Are you planning to use ClassTools this summer?

Apex Learning is scheduled to release new and updated content in ClassTools on July 1, 2008. Here are some things that you should know about these updates:

  • In order to access the new content, teachers will need to enroll students in newly created classrooms on or after July 1, 2008.
  • Actively-used classrooms created prior to July 1, 2008 will remain available after July 1, but will not reflect any updates in content and features.
  • In order to encourage the use of the updated material, all ClassTools classrooms and enrollments created prior to July 1, 2008 will be expired on August 1, 2008.
  • Student and teacher accounts, and student progress reports, will remain intact and available after the August 1, 2008 expiration date.

New trainings for ClassTools users

The DLC now requires completion of a two-part training in order to create a new ClassTools account. The first 30-45 minute training provides an overview of the content and use of the resource; the second 90-120 minute training guides users through best practices. Existing account holders are encouraged to participate but are not required to do so. Go to: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/classtools/accounts.php

Librarians make a game out of mastering DLC resources

Two high school librarians have found creative ways to inspire their students to become better fact-finders. Ballard High’s Debbie Arthur and Shorewood High’s Brenda Gilman talk about the importance of motivating students now so that they become lifelong seekers of knowledge. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2008/04/making_a_game_o.php

Become a DLC teacher leader in your school

If you’ve attended our Innovative Practices conferences, we invite you to apply for Teacher2Teacher (T2T): A Collaborative Project, our year-long professional development program that begins with a three-day retreat held August 13 – 15, 2008. As a teacher leader, you’ll receive this training at no cost to you.

Learn to help other teachers:

  • Plan and implement instructional activities that integrate DLC resources into their curriculum.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to integrate DLC resources into their lesson activities.
  • Use coaching and collaboration skills to promote discussion about instruction.

Starting this fall, DLC Tutors provide live, online homework help

Wouldn’t it be great if we could hire private tutors for every child in Washington State? The DLC is working hard to make that a reality for our subscribers. Beginning in September, your students can access live, online homework help after school. Not only will our trusted DLC Tutors guide your students to digital resources that solve homework headaches, they also provide college and career guidance.

If you would like to offer this service to your students, be sure to renew your membership for the 2008-09 school year: http://www.learningcommons.org/join/full.php

Join the DLC team as a School Support Trainer

We’re excited to announce a part-time job opportunity for educators or consultants who reside in Eastern Washington. Become a valued member of our school support team as we work with educators and administrators in schools across the state. If you are an excellent communicator with experience in planning and leading workshops for adults, and you’ve worked in the K-12 education system, please visit http://www.learningcommons.org/about/employment/