Kentucky Academy of Technology Education

Moodle for Virtual Learning

Instructional Illuminations

Do you want your students to participate in the world of virtual learning? Virtual Learning environments (VLM) or Classroom Management Systems (CMS) have been expensive and almost impossible for public schools to use until recently. 

Enter "Moodle"-an open-source system-which is not only free but also highly adaptable. Schools are quickly discovering that they can save thousands of dollars by implementing Moodle, and then spending a small portion of the money saved to program it to work precisely the way they and their instructors want it to. Moodle, however, even used "as is" provides a rich selection of features that often surpasses those of other systems, according to an article by, Thomas N. Robb in the TESL-EJournal.

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Public Speaking

Core Connections

When asked, some people indicate their first memory of public speaking as being in a school or church play, presenting a project at a science fair, or simply answering a question in class.  Whatever the first experience, for some students, public speaking in any form is very unnerving.  Sweaty palms, heart racing, and a nauseous stomach:  these symptoms are what many people feel at the mere mention of giving a speech.  For some the art of public speaking is a gift; others a learned skill.  Students should be introduced to public speaking at an early age to promote this skill and help quell the fear and anxiety that will surely plague them if postponed until middle or high school.  Good speakers are everywhere:  preachers, teachers, politicians, news anchors, sport commentators, salespeople, game show hosts, doctors, lawyers, and the list goes on.  No matter what a person's occupation, effective speaking skills are a must.  At some point in every person's life they are encountered with a public speaking opportunity.  It may be a formal affair that requires weeks of preparation, accepting an award for achievement, or something as simple as making a short speech at a holiday party.   As indicated in Kentucky's Academic Expectations students should be able to use communications skills for purposes and situations they will encounter throughout their lives.  Although not expressly indicated in the core content document or tested on state assessments, teaching effective speaking skills is fundamental for success in school, one's career, and life in general.

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Social Injustices

Core Connections

by,  Kim Barrett, Calloway County Middle School

Throughout history, people have experienced injustices at the hands of intolerant, cruel individuals. Although we spend a great amount of time in the classroom investigating these injustices, we often neglect to make real connections to the lives of our students and those voices from the past. Thus, students miss out on the rich lesson of relating past events and characters in literature to their lives.

 

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