Introducing AEA PD Online!

For the first time, all of the AEAs are putting their online courses in one place. The result is AEA PD Online, and it is up and running, available for registration.

Educators across the state have taken advantage of online courses. Online courses fit better in busy schedules, as instructors can choose when during the day it works for them to log in. They provide a 21st century learning experience, embedded with digital resources and self-directed activity, mixed with digital collaboration with classmates. And it saves on the costs of gas!

Currently the AEAs are offering summer courses on Google Apps, project-based learning, integration of web 2.0 tools, and much more. To register for courses, check out our registration system at https://prodev.aeapdonline.org. For more information, check out our website at http://www.iowaaea.org, and click on the "AEA PD Online link."

AEA PD Online Needs Instructors
Have you been interested in delivering professional development courses and teaching online? The AEAs, through their joint initiative AEA PD Online, are looking for experienced online instructors or those that are interested in learning how. We are assisting current professional development provider with modifying their face-to-face courses for an online setting and helping new instructors develop an online course.

For more information on where to start, visit our website at http://www.iowaaea.org, click on "AEA PD Online" from the left, and then select the "Instructor Toolbox" link down below. Also, feel free to contact Evan Abbey at eabbey@aea11.k12.ia.us with your questions.

Google Apps Professional Development Online

AEA PD Online is offering summer courses in the Google Apps suite. Google Apps 101 is a course that helps teachers understand how to use Google Docs, Calendars, Mail and Sites in their classrooms. This 1-credit course is held online, and participants can log in when it fits in their schedule. To register for summer courses, please see the website at https://prodev.aeapdonline.org.

Superintendents: May HAA Agenda & Johnston Location

Download a Word Doc or PDF version of the May Heartland Administrators Association meeting agenda. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3 from 9:00-11:50 a.m. Please remember that this month's meeting will take place in Room 13 at the Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive). If you have time before or after the meeting, feel free to browse our newly relocated professional library and print center!

Curriculum Network: May Curriculum Network Meeting

May Curriculum Network Meeting will be held on Friday, May 6 at 8:30 a.m. in Rooms 13 A & B of the Johnston Regional Education Center. The featured topic for the day will be "Awareness of ebook platforms and content—it's not just Nook v. Kindle."

Breakout sessions will include IPTV Social Studies Resources, HEART Cracker Barrel Session, Crisis Plans and Dialogue: A Day in the Life of a Curriculum Coordinator. You can find the agenda by going to the following address: http://curriculumnet.pbworks.com/w/page/39524665/May-2011-Agenda

Curriculum Network Blog is Live!

Check out the Curriculum Network Blog at http://cnblog.aea11.k12.ia.us/. You will find updates, announcements and answers posted on the blog.

Reminder: Iowa Core Summer Institute Registration

Remember to secure your spot at the 2011 Iowa Core Summer Institute! Register through the Heartland Professional Development catalog using activity numbers listed below.

Overview of Iowa Core Characteristics of Effective Instruction ($10)
June 13, 2011 at the FFA Enrichment Center on DMACC campus
Activity Number: IS016399111201

Iowa Core Summer Institute: Teaching for Deep Understanding ($20)
June 14–15, 2011 at the FFA Enrichment Center on DMACC campus
Activity Number: IS016299111201

Leadership Planning for Iowa Core ($10)
June 16, 2011 at the Heartland AEA Johnston Regional Education Center (6500 Corporate Drive)
Activity Number: IS016492111201

There are no credit options for these activities. A template for site-based credit will be available so that districts can customize the additional hours and assignments. Contact for Kim Thuente at kthuente@aea11.k12.ia.us for options and information.