Flat Classroom Certified Teacher Course - Information for Applicants

“I will highly recommend this course. The world is flat and the classroom needs to become flat too. I also think that this course offers a great opportunity for teachers to exchange ideas and to learn new skills to be applied in the classroom straight away.

Moreover, this course comes with the added bonus of a GREAT and CARING learning community with lots of creative ideas.”

Julie Balen - 12-1 cohort:

Would you recommend this course to other educators?

“Yes, because the course prepares teachers for what global projects could be, even if they don't start with Flat Classroom projects. If they don't take the course they are likely to think that global projects is simply about one class skyping with another.”

Aaron Maurer - 11-1 cohort:

"Wow! Where do I begin? The one thing I learned is that I have so much to learn. I came into this course thinking I was quite tech savvy and with current trends. I quickly learned that this whole notion of global connectedness is massive and very, very cool. I learned that there is this whole entire online community of amazing people who are trying their hardest every single day to become better educators and to empower their students and themselves. I continued my notion that learning how to work with people from all over the world is a very important element to education right now. We must learn how to work with others both in person and online. We may not know what type of jobs are going to exist in the future, but it is a guarantee that working with others and global collaboration will be part of the mix."

Amy Jambor - 11-1 cohort

"I would recommend it to anyone and everyone who had a true passion for global collaboration. I would recommend this course because it teaches you everything you need to build a global project. What is even more important is the relationships that you develop - they are amazing!"

Cynthia Sandler - 11-3 cohort

“I learned pretty much everything I know about global collaboration as this was my first real experience with creating such projects. I learned what to consider as important goals and objectives, how to structure a working framework for a project, how to manage the project by learning 21st century tools like pull technologies. I learned how I can reach out to others to find partners. I gained friends and a supportive network.” and “Yes [recommend the course to others]. I think it provides the framework and scaffolding one might want to feel comfortable creating and participating in a global collaborative project. It's a great way to network and find supportive and like minded people from around the world”.

Aims of the Course

The Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course aims to provide educators at all levels (e.g. K-12, Tertiary/Pre-service, Teacher educators) with resources and skills to join and complete and design, implement and manage a global collaborative project. Focus is on connected and collaborative learning using Web 2.0 and other technologies. Weekly workflow and regular assignments and challenges provide pathways for teachers to build confidence to interact globally and to bring opportunities to their schools and classrooms.

Those who earn the designation Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher will have proven their competence through this rigorous course. Graduates will in turn be invited to apply for recognition as a Flat Classroom® Global Educator.

Guiding Questions

What does it mean to flatten the classroom walls?
What is a global collaborative project?
How do educators best prepare for introducing global interactions into everyday learning?

What strategies do we need to foster and manage better learning using digital tools?
What does collaborative learning and digital citizenship look like in a global context?
How can we effectively embed social media and collaborative learning using emerging technologies?

What is a good design for a global collaborative project?
How does challenge-based professional development support Flat Classroom pedagogy?

Enduring Understandings

By completing the Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course participants will:

Understand how the sociability of online community learning can support collaborative pedagogy
Develop an understanding of the Seven Steps needed to Flatten the Classroom and be prepared for global collaboration: Connection, Communication, Citizenship, Contribution & Collaboration, Choice, Creation, Celebration
Explore global project design and management and learn how to support this in their learning context

Develop an understanding of how collaborative and differentiated instruction approaches are supported by Web 2.0 tools
Understand the importance of implementing digital citizenship ideals through project-based learning methods
Know where to find global collaborative partners and how to build sustained relationships for curriculum development

Become leaders in global collaboration within their schools and internationally and will be sought as partners by those planning global collaboration because of their proven competencies in the technology, technopersonal skills, and best practices of effective global collaborative projects.

Course Structure

The Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course will be delivered in two, consecutive parts. Both parts need to be completed to gain the Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher Certificate. Part 1 is 8 weeks in length, Part 2 is 4 weeks. There are 10 modules to complete in total, and fifteen Flat Classroom Challenges.

Where possible participants will be involved with one or more of the Flat Classroom® series of projects. All participants will complete most of the “Flat Classroom® Fifteen”, a series of challenges or learning opportunities. The course also provides opportunity for participants to connect with other Flat Classroom teachers and collaborate on an actual project while exploring project design and implementation. Professional development for project-based learning and preparing to introduce others to global collaborative learning is also a part of the course.

Individual and team structures will provide variety in working modes to complete the course material and opportunities for teachers to connect with future global partners.

Course Pathway

Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher (FCCT) in 2 parts:

Getting started with Flat Classroom pedagogy
Project design and management

To gain Flat Classroom® Global Educator (FCGE) status - after completing the FCCT course teachers will apply to become FCGE. Successful entry must satisfy at least 3 out of the 4 criteria. Criteria includes:

Evidence of ongoing contribution to Flat Classrooms community network at http://flatclassrooms.ning.com
Participation in one or more Flat Classroom projects before, during or after FCCT
Entry into the Flat Classroom Incubator program
Contribution to the Flat Classroom Project Databank http://projects.flatclassroomproject.org/

Pre-requisites and Expectations

The Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course uses the text authored by Lindsay and Davis, Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds: Move to Global Collaboration One Step at a Time. Participants are expected to purchase this prior to commencing the course. Both hardcopy and eBook versions are available.

It is expected participants will be former, current or future Flat Classroom® Project teachers and/or advisors, including the Flat Classroom Project, NetGenEd Project, Digiteen Project, Digitween Project, 'A Week in the Life...' Elementary School Project, K-2 Building Bridges to Tomorrow or Global Youth Debates Project. Some familiarity with the challenges of global collaboration within a Web 2.0 context would be desirable, however the course covers all aspects of personal learning network development, appropriate tools for collaboration and project design and management.

Participants will be expected to commit to a regular online meeting to review progress and discuss content of the course in relation to concurrent practical experience and sharing of outcomes from the course. Participants are also expected to take advantage of the networking and collaboration opportunities with other colleagues in the course and complete all team as well as individual assignments.

Course Content

The Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course content supports educators in the development of a PLN (personal learning network), as well as learning how to use social media effectively for collaboration and creation. Global project design and management is the main focus in Part 2 of the course. It provides a systematic approach to embedding collaboration into the curriculum as well as strategies for challenge-based professional development.

Part 1 aims to set teachers up with tools and connections and knowledge of how a global collaborative educator and classroom functions.

Part 2 aims to support global project design, implementation and management.

Final Presentations are an integral part of completing this course, and extra time is given after the 8-week and 4-week sessions to prepare and deliver material.

Part 1: Getting Started with Flat Classroom® Pedagogy

Six Modules completed over eight weeks.

Most of Flat Classroom 15 Challenges #1-12 completed.

Meet the Flat Classroom

Flattening Classrooms through Global Collaboration

Overview and challenges
Impact on learning
A Look at the Projects: An in-depth review of the Flat Classroom projects and their design principles

Seven Steps to Flatten Your Classroom Design Principles

Module 1

Step 1: Connection

Module 2

Step 2: Communication

Module 3

Step 3: Citizenship

Module 4

Step 4: Contribution and Collaboration

Module 5

Step 5: Choices
Step 6: Creation

Module 6

Step 7: Celebration

Part 2: ‘Rock the World’ Global Project Design and Management

Four Modules completed over four weeks.

Most of Flat Classroom 15 Challenges #13-15 completed.

Cohort Flat Classroom Project

During this 4-week course all participants will be involved in our own global collaborative project. This will provide hands-on experience of Seven Steps Design Principles while we work through advanced design ideas.

Module 7: Global Project Design Essentials

Learning Design
Connection planning
Curriculum planning
Links to standards
Global Project Pitches

Teams or individuals pitch ideas for a global collaborative project

Module 8: Advanced Global Project Design and Management Essentials

Flat Classroom Framework

Required inputs and outputs
Outcomes and assessment

Supercharge with the Seven Steps

Social media finesse
Project management decisions

Challenge-based Professional Development

Overview of current transformational practices for embedding PD
PD design and implementation

Module 9: Putting it all Together

Final global project presentations in a F.L.A.T. (Future Learning Action Talk) session

Cost

The cost for the Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher course per individual teacher is as follows:

FCCT 13-2 (August-December 2013): $495
FCCT 14-1 (October 2013-February 2014): $495
FCCT 14-2 (February-June 2014): $495

ANNOUNCING! Flat Classroom Certified Teacher - Group discount for schools and organizations (2013-14)

Schools that want to go flat can purchase a group discount 2013-14:

$2000 - 5 certified teachers
$3500 - 10 certified teachers

Contact Flat Classroom now to tailor your professional development needs. admin@flatconnections.com

Workflow/Calendar

Dates for 2013-14:

FCCT13-2: August 2013 entry

Application deadline August 14
Part 1: August 19 - October 18 (8 week course, with 1 week break)
Part 2: October 21 - November 15 (4 week course)
Presentations/F.L.A.T.s - before December 1
Graduation: December 2013

FCCT14-1: February 2014 entry

Application deadline February 1
Part 1: February 10 - April 11 (8 week course, with 1 week break)
Part 2: April 14 - May 9 (4 week course)
Presentations/F.L.A.T.s - before May 24
Graduation: May/June 2014

Part 1: Getting Started with Flat Classroom Pedagogy

Meeting 1 - Kickoff: Meet the Flat Classroom

Meeting 2 - Module 1: Connection

FC15 #1
FC15 #2
FC15 #3

Meeting 3 - Module 2: Communication

FC15 #4
FC15 #5

Meeting 4 - Module 3: Citizenship

FC15 #6
FC15 #7

Meeting 5 - Module 4: Contribution & Collaboration

FC15 #8
FC15 #9

Meeting 6 - Module 5: Choices and Creation

FC15 #10
FC15 #11

Meeting 7 - Module 6: Celebration

FC15 #12

Meeting 8 - Time for sharing and reflection on Part 1

Completion Requirements

1. Personal Journal Work

2. Online interaction via the Flat Classrooms Ning

3. Project:

Quad-networking: Build PLN, share and reflect, comment on each other’s blog; make connections
Flat Classroom Project for Teachers: study of current technology trends impacting education. Output: wiki and video project from each teacher with outsourced clip

Part 2: ‘Rock the World’ Global Project Design and Management

Meeting 1 - Module 7: Global Project Design Essentials

FC15 #13

Meeting 2 - Module 8: Advanced Global Project Design and Management Essentials Part 1

FC15 #13

Meeting 3 - Module 9: Advanced Global Project Design and Management Essentials Part 2

FC15 #14

Meeting 4 - Module 10: Putting it All Together

FC15 #15

Final Presentation - F.L.A.T - To be scheduled after the end of the course

FC15 #15

Completion Requirements

1. Personal Journal

2. Online interaction via the Flat Classrooms Ning

3. Project:

Design and implement a creative handshake process in each quad
Design and pitch a collaborative project

4. Final Presentation:

Based on feedback from pitch, implement and/or present a final collaborative project
Update all online spaces to record work during this course
Final quad blogging reflections

Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher 13-2

The first online teacher meeting for this cohort will take place the week of August 19, 2013. Once your enrollment has been confirmed you will receive further information about the Blackboard Collaborate meeting room and other spaces we will use to connect and communicate.

Course Structure and Timeline

Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher 13-2, the following timeline is applicable (2013):

Application Deadline: August 14
There are FOURTEEN Weeks to this course, August 19 - November 22
There are TWELVE online meetings (usually one hour)
There are TEN Modules to complete
There are FIFTEEN Flat Classroom® Challenges to complete
There is ONE F.L.A.T presentation (final meeting)
Each module has Flat Classroom® Challenges and Personal Journal or Teamwork to complete
There will be an online meeting for each module held in Blackboard Collaborate
Participants will get time beyond the 13 weeks to complete all process journal and unit work. All assignments to be completed before the Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher Certificate is issued.
Graduation: December 2013

Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher 14-1

The first online teacher meeting for this cohort will take place the week of February 3, 2014. Once your enrollment has been confirmed you will receive further information about the Blackboard Collaborate meeting room and other spaces we will use to connect and communicate.

Course Structure and Timeline

Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher 14-2, the following timeline is applicable (2014):

Application Deadline: February 1
Orientation and Introduction meeting: Week starting February 3
There are THIRTEEN Weeks to this course, February 10 - May 9
There are TWELVE online meetings (usually one hour)
There are TEN Modules to complete
There are FIFTEEN Flat Classroom® Challenges to complete
There is ONE F.L.A.T presentation (final meeting)
Each module has Flat Classroom® Challenges and Personal Journal or Teamwork to complete
There will be an online meeting for each module held in Blackboard Collaborate
Participants will get time beyond the 13 weeks to complete all process journal and unit work. All assignments to be completed before the Flat Classroom® Certified Teacher Certificate is issued.
Graduation: May/June 2014

Accreditation

Students wishing to earn two hours of graduate credit from the University of Northern Iowa should register through Continuing & Distance Education at http://www.uni.edu/continuinged/enroll. Then, select the first option, "Courses, workshops, practicums and internships".

FEE: $150 for two hours of graduate credit

COURSE NUMBER: INST 6286

COURSE TITLE: Studies in Flat Classroom Teacher Certification

CREDIT HOURS: 2

INSTRUCTOR: Dr Leigh Zeitz

If you have any questions while completing the enrollment form please contact Trisha at 1-800-648-3864 or trisha.becker@uni.edu.

Application Process

Educators and education leaders are invited to apply for a course according to the deadlines and starting dates as listed above.

Application Form: http://tinyurl.com/flatpd1314

Further Flat Classroom® Project information

Website: www.flatclassroomproject.net
Educator Network: www.flatclassrooms.ning.com
Flat Classroom® Conference: www.flatclassroomconference.com

Contact Flat Classroom

General inquiries - Email: admin@flatconnections.com

Director Flat Classroom

Julie Lindsay, Australia

julie@flatconnections.com