Technology Based Learning & Research

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LINKS

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LINKS is the school place - a place where students, teachers, administrators, parents and interested persons can learn about learning and about schools. LINKS Learning is designed to provide educators and others with information and tools to help meet the challenges of school reform and school improvement. It is an e-learning resource that may be used by individuals, groups or training organizations. LINKS Learning is organized to provide information on the various roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and provides information organized by content areas.

Technology Based Learning and Research (TBLR) is a project partner of the LINKS learning project. TBLR's award winning video and animation team are responsible for producing state-of-the-art video and animations for the project.

The LINKS Learning site is produced by a consortium of the following state education agencies:

• Arkansas State Department of Education
• California State Department of Education
• Illinois State Board of Education
• Pennsylvania State Department of Education
• Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

LINKS - Methods and Project Development

LINKS Learning is a multi-state project focusing on professional development for teachers by giving examples of excellence in teaching and demonstrating their effectiveness based on current research.

Math LINKS is an interactive and animated CD program to help teachers strengthen their mathematics instruction as well as their content knowledge in mathematics.

Stages of the Project Development:

1) First evaluate the major areas in need of instruction and  locate teachers whose lessons are exemplary in these  areas.
2) Help film these teachers and create materials to go along  with the video.
3) As follow-up to the lessons, conduct teacher interviews and develop supplemental materials, such as lesson plans, entry learning experience and reference lists.
4) Next, design illustrated lessons for the animators and programmers, animated commentary on the lessons and research-based introductions for each lesson.
5) Include other instructional aids, such as an animated glossary, teaching tips, and classroom assessments at  the end of each lesson. After synthesizing the research, edit the video and text for website and CD delivery.

Math LINKS Methods:

Needs Assessment
- Determine the major areas in need of instruction
- Find teachers to be filmed

Filming
- Film teachers
- Conduct teacher interviews

Follow-up
- Develop supplemental materials, such as lesson plans, entry learning experience, and reference lists

Writing
- Write illustrated lessons for the animators and programmers
- Write animated commentary on the lessons
- Write research-based introductions for each lesson

Editing
- Edit video of teachers

Final Production
- Materials are posted on the LINKS website and made into CDs