Instructional Designers’ Best Practices

I recently met with a group of instructional designers from Herzing University, all of whom use our product to build simulations for courses such as nursing, business, and information technology. While each program prepares students for its specific learning objectives and professional cultures, the instructional designers all agreed on a few excellent practices for creating friendly, engaging simulations that teach higher-level critical thinking skills while meeting learning objectives.

1. Create Characters to Increase Interactivity

To promote involvement even further, the researchers built characters who return to students in simulations throughout their academic careers. A simulated patient may return multiple times, frequently with different symptoms, providing trainees with the opportunity to deal with individuals whose backgrounds and other health difficulties they are familiar with or even foresee ailments that may need to be addressed at a later date.

2. Utilize the Work of Other Designers

To keep simulations interesting, present students with alternative variables as they proceed through them or redo them so that a specific simulation is not the same experience each time.

Reese mostly works on simulations for the business school, but she admits to being drawn into nursing on occasion. When she realized that patients in a nursing simulation had slightly different vital signs each time a student ran through a simulation, she decided to adopt that concept to accounting simulations in which students practice topics like the accounting equation “assets plus liabilities equals account.”

3. Begin at the end.                                                                 

It is critical to have a clear vision of what you want pupils to achieve. Is the simulation being used to test their understanding? Do you want them to be exposed to new information? Are you attempting to persuade them to consider a different viewpoint? These are all goals that simulations can help you attain, but they require different designs to work properly.

Along with your goal, you should consider the whole scenario. One of the most difficult aspects of the Herzing team’s design task, according to several members, is obtaining instructors to provide them with situations to employ designers who worked on nursing simulators; on the other hand, they indicated that their situations are frequently influenced by ideas from the vice provost of education. The researchers then stated that they work with subject matter experts, including department chairmen, to flesh out their simulations.

4. Soft Skills Are Required

We live in a skill-based economy, where having the right degree isn’t enough. Students must be able to exhibit not only their technical abilities but also the social skills essential in today’s business. Rose claims to have created a whole interview simulation for IT students in which they must select the most politically acceptable answer from a series of questions.

Because employers are seeking new employees who know how to socialize with their coworkers, IT students must demonstrate their ability to communicate and collaborate.

Students can utilize simulations to learn higher-level thinking abilities and observe the consequences of their choices. This is an entertaining practice activity and a great motivator to solve knowledge gaps before leaving the simulated world to get a job in the professional world.

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Remember That You Make a Difference. The teaching profession, and all of the criticism it receives, may make you feel unappreciated and as if you are not making an impact at times. Parents will doubt your educational approaches, students will disregard you, and education administrators will press you the opposite way throughout your career. Do not get disheartened; these circumstances will change if you give them enough time.

The parent who questioned your teaching techniques will one day wake up and wonder, “When did my child grow so smart?” and perhaps thank you for your contribution. The youngster who mistreats you will write you a letter after they graduate from college appreciating you for educating them on discipline and how to honor others. And the school administrator who looked to be hounding you perhaps saw talent in you and wanted to help you reach your full potential.

So, even if things look hopeless and you want to run the other way and become a car salesman, take a breath and trust in time’s equalizing and retrospective influence. Things will improve, I assure you. Teaching is a vocation, and like any profession, the road is not always smooth, but it is worthwhile.

Follow the “Golden Rule.” Educators, like all humans, are inherently emotional animals. When a parent, kid, or coworker treats you badly, your natural reaction may be to become enraged. Instead, follow the “Golden Rule” and treat people how you want to be treated. It’ll be not easy, but it’ll be essential.

So, kill them with gentleness instead of retaliating when a coworker throws you under the bus. They lacked the courage to own their mistakes and accept responsibility for their conduct. That’s all right. Maintain a professional demeanor while dealing with them. This relieves your mind, body, and spirit of the bad feelings and hormones associated with carrying a grudge.

As my mother used to say, seeking revenge and being angry is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to become sick or die. I am not suggesting that you forget what they committed; rather, do not get sucked into a hole of despair and let it influence you personally or your integrity. Of course, you will be aware of this person’s reputation, but you will not be burdened with the ramifications of a professional conflict.

Your Learners and Colleagues Don’t Have to Like. Teachers might become too preoccupied with how their students and colleagues see them. Although there is nothing wrong with making and sustaining good relationships with individuals we interact with, it is not always attainable. People do not always like you, and when they don’t, it typically says more about them than it does about you.

It is natural for students to despise their teachers, and it is even developmentally appropriate in some cases. Some people instinctively resent the power imbalance that arises in most student–teacher relationships. It is typical for other teachers to judge you without cause when it comes to your colleagues. Perhaps they do not like your teaching style or your upbeat goody-two-shoes demeanor?

Do not worry about it; just be yourself. People make judgments about their feelings for others, and nothing is more heartbreaking than when someone goes to great lengths to make you love them. It may be downright scary at times.

Take Advantage of Shortcuts. No one would choose a path to work that takes 15 minutes longer than the fastest. That would be a complete waste of time. We only have 24 hours a day, so it is critical to make the most of it. As an instructor, this entails figuring out how to work smarter rather than harder. Why prepare a lesson plan when so many free ones are accessible online? People post them with the expectation that instructors like you would utilize them. Therefore you are not plagiarizing. You may need to make a few adjustments, but they won’t take long.

The same may be said for routine assessment and classroom management duties. Whatever chore you have in mind, there is an application for it. Just ensure you are familiar with the technology and know-how to utilize it. If you follow my suggestions, you can keep your teaching career to 50 hours or fewer per week and avoid burnout.

What did I overlook?

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1. Classic Bloody Mary

The perfect balance between tart tomato juice, spicy Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and tangy lemon juice. Garnish with a celery stick and olives for the ultimate experience.

2. Green Goddess Bloody Mary

Instead of using tomato juice, this innovative recipe uses green tomatillo juice, cilantro, jalapeno, and refreshing cucumber for a bright twist on the classic.

3. Smoky Chipotle Bloody Mary

Add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick and garnish with thick-cut bacon strips.

4.Plant-Powered Bloody Maria

Replace vodka with tequila for a south-of-the-border-inspired twist. Add extra vegetables to pack this drink with layers of flavor.

5. Surf & Turf Bloody Mary

Spice up your cocktail by garnishing it with fresh shrimp and crispy bacon slices.

6. Spicy Kimchi Mary

Swap out pickled vegetables with tangy kimchi for an extra kick of umami goodness.

7.Virgin Bloody Mary or “Bloody Shame”

A non-alcoholic version using high-quality ingredients along with a touch of balsamic vinegar for a luxurious finish.

8.Ginger-Mint Hibiscus Tea Bloody Mary

A unique blend made with ginger-mint hibiscus tea, vodka, honey syrup, lemon juice, and tabasco sauce.

9.Oyster Shooter Bloody Mary

Add freshly shucked oysters to mini-sized cocktails for an upscale twist on the usual recipe.

10.Carrot-top Bloody Gazer

Incorporate carrot juice for a healthful rendition of this beverage favourite.

11.Yellow Pepper Bloody Bull

Combine vodka, yellow pepper puree, lemon juice, and an eye-opening dash of horseradish.

12.Bloody Mary with Fresh Herbs

Garnish your signature cocktail with aromatic herbs such as basil, cilantro, or mint for an added depth of flavor.

13.Citrus-Habanero Bloody Mary

Brighten up the classic recipe with a combination of fresh orange and lime juices plus a habanero pepper for that extra fiery kick.

14.Cucumber-Watermelon Bloody Mary

Stay refreshed during those hot days by blending down watermelon and cucumber for a new take on this cocktail.

15.Michelada-style Bloody Mary

Switch up your base by using lager beer in place of vodka, a perfect choice for fans of the Mexican Michelada.

16.Triangle Bloody Mary

Utilize V8 juice and garnish with pickled veggies to create a triangle of flavors: spicy, sweet, and salty.

17.Crab Claw Bloody Mary

Serve with jumbo lump crabmeat and Old Bay seasoning for a decadent seafood lovers’ delight.

18.Bloody “Beer”

Add grated horseradish and tomato paste to a can of your favorite lager or pilsner beer to create this refreshing take on the classic.These 18 recipes demonstrate that there’s no limit to what you can do with the fundamental elements of a great Bloody Mary. Grab your favorite vodka, put on your bartender hat, and start experimenting in an endless pursuit to find your perfect bloody mix. Cheers!

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Tiramisu cake is a popular Italian dessert, cherished for its rich and creamy flavor. This delectable treat is made with simple yet high-quality ingredients, combining light and fluffy sponge cake layers with a delicious mascarpone cheese filling and a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. The following recipe will guide you through the steps needed to create an exquisite tiramisu cake that will leave your taste buds singing.

Ingredients:

– 6 large eggs, separated

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

– 1 cup heavy whipping cream

– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

– 1 package of ladyfingers or Italian sponge cake (savoiardi)

– 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled

– Cocoa powder, for dusting

– Chocolate shavings, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mascarpone filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they become pale yellow in color. Add the room-temperature mascarpone cheese and whisk until smooth and well combined.

2. In another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside.

3. Beat the egg whites in a separate clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the mascarpone and whipped cream mixture to create a light and fluffy filling. Set aside in the refrigerator.

4. Assemble the cake: quickly dip each ladyfinger or sponge cake into the cooled brewed coffee or espresso, ensuring they do not become too soggy. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers on the bottom of an 8×8-inch square or round dish.

5. Spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone filling, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

6. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

7. Refrigerate the tiramisu cake for at least 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Overnight refrigeration is recommended for best results.

8. When ready to serve, remove your tiramisu cake from the refrigerator and slice into portions. Enjoy this delightful and irresistible Italian dessert-buon appetito!

The post Best Tiramisu Cake Recipe – How To Make Tiramisu Cake appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society. Every day, they inspire and educate the next generation. However, many teachers are faced with a harsh reality – they must use their own money to provide essential school supplies. This burden is not only unfair to teachers but also deprives students of the best possible education.

The lack of funding for school supplies is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed. Education is a fundamental right, and it is essential that we invest in our schools and support our teachers. Instead of relying on their own pockets or crowdfunding platforms, teachers should have access to a reliable and equitable system for obtaining the supplies they need.

One possible solution is increased government funding for education. By allocating more resources to schools, we can ensure that teachers have access to the supplies and materials necessary for effective teaching. This would alleviate the financial burden on teachers and guarantee that students receive the education they deserve.

In addition to government funding, corporations and individuals should also step up and contribute to providing school supplies. With their financial resources and support, they can help bridge the gap between the needs of teachers and the resources available to them. By partnering with educational institutions, businesses can make a significant impact on the quality of education and support the professional growth of teachers.

Furthermore, school districts should implement strategies to streamline the procurement process for school supplies. This can include bulk purchasing, negotiating discounts with suppliers, and creating partnerships with local businesses. By optimizing the process of obtaining supplies, teachers would have easier and more affordable access to the resources they need.

In conclusion, it is high time that teachers no longer have to beg for school supplies online. Education is a critical pillar of our society, and it is our responsibility to support our educators in providing a quality education to students.

By advocating for increased government funding, corporate involvement, and efficient procurement strategies, we can ensure that teachers have the necessary resources to create a conducive learning environment. Let’s build a future where teachers are no longer burdened by the financial strain of supplying their classrooms, but instead empowered to educate and inspire our future generations.

The post In 2023, Teachers Should Not Have to Beg for School Supplies Online appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

1. Sign Up for My Best Buy: Best Buy’s loyalty program, My Best Buy, offers exclusive discounts and rewards. Teachers can create an account and start earning points towards future purchases.

2. Check the Deals Page: Best Buy frequently updates its deals page with discounts on various products. Teachers should regularly check this page to find special offers specifically for them.

3. Shop During Back-to-School Season: Best Buy often offers special discounts for teachers during the back-to-school season. Take advantage of these deals to save on electronics and other school supplies.

4. Attend Special Teacher Shopping Events: Best Buy occasionally hosts events exclusively for teachers, offering extra discounts and promotions. Keep an eye out for these events and make sure to attend.

5. Utilize Price Match Guarantee: Best Buy offers a price match guarantee, so if you find a lower price for an identical item elsewhere, they will match it. Take advantage of this policy to ensure you get the best deal.

6. Apply for the Best Buy Credit Card: The Best Buy Credit Card offers additional benefits such as exclusive financing offers and reward points. Teachers can apply for this card and enjoy extra savings.

7. Join the Student Deals Program: While specifically designed for students, teachers can also sign up for the Student Deals Program. This program offers exclusive discounts on various products, including laptops and accessories.

8. Check for Open Box Deals: Best Buy often sells open box items at discounted prices. Teachers can find great deals on open box products by checking the store’s website or visiting their local Best Buy store.

9. Subscribe to Best Buy’s Email Newsletter: By subscribing to Best Buy’s email newsletter, teachers can stay updated on the latest deals and discounts. They may receive exclusive offers and notifications about teacher-specific promotions.

10. Follow Best Buy on Social Media: Best Buy frequently posts special offers and discounts on their social media platforms. Teachers can follow their accounts to stay informed about the latest deals.

11. Shop during Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Best Buy offers huge discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Teachers should take advantage of these sales events to score big savings on electronics and other items.

By utilizing these 11 ways, teachers can save money when shopping at Best Buy and enjoy the benefits of their teacher discounts.

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1. Health Science Academy at XYZ High School:

The Health Science Academy at XYZ High School offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on both academic and practical training. Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships at local hospitals and clinics. The academy also organizes guest lectures and workshops by healthcare professionals to expose students to different career paths in the health sciences. By immersing students in real-world healthcare settings, XYZ High School equips them with relevant skills and a taste of what it’s like to work in the field.

2. STEM Magnet School’s Health Sciences Program:

The STEM Magnet School’s Health Sciences Program takes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare high school students for careers in health sciences. The school integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts with healthcare-related subjects. Students participate in project-based learning activities, where they solve real-world health problems using their STEM knowledge. Moreover, the school collaborates with local universities and medical institutions to provide students with research opportunities and mentorship from professionals in the field.

3. Career and Technical Education Center’s Health Science Pathway:

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center’s Health Science Pathway is designed to give high school students a head start in their health science careers. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, students learn about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care. The CTE Center partners with local healthcare facilities, allowing students to gain practical experience in various healthcare settings. Furthermore, the program offers industry certifications and prepares students for entry-level healthcare jobs upon graduation.

In conclusion, these three amazing schools are revolutionizing high school education by preparing students for health science careers. Through their innovative programs and partnerships with healthcare organizations, they are equipping students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences to succeed in this rapidly growing field.

High school students who attend these schools not only gain a solid foundation in the health sciences but also receive hands-on training and exposure to real-world healthcare scenarios. With these skills and experiences, they are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in the health sciences.

The post How Three Amazing Schools Are Preparing High School Kids for Health Science Careers appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Author: E.B. White

Summary: The timeless tale of a friendship between a spider named Charlotte and a pig named Wilbur, who together try to save Wilbur from becoming the farmer’s dinner.

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia

Author: C.S. Lewis

Summary: This fantasy series takes readers to the magical land of Narnia, where children go on exciting adventures, meet talking animals, and battle evil forces.

Title: A Wrinkle in Time

Author: Madeleine L’Engle

Summary: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe set off on a journey through space and time to rescue Meg’s father from an evil presence.

Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Summary: In a seemingly perfect dystopian society, a young boy named Jonas discovers the disturbing truth hidden beneath the surface and embarks on a mission to bring change.

Title: Matilda

Author: Roald Dahl

Summary: Matilda Wormwood is a young girl with exceptional intelligence and telekinetic powers who uses her abilities to stand up against her neglectful parents and oppressive headmistress.

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Author: Scott O’Dell

Summary: Based on a true story, this novel follows the adventures of Karana, a Native American girl who is stranded alone on an island and must survive using her wits and resourcefulness.

Title: The Secret Garden

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Summary: After the orphaned Mary Lennox discovers a hidden garden, she brings it back to life and, in the process, seeks solace and healing from her own troubled past.

Title: Bridge to Terabithia

Author: Katherine Paterson

Summary: Jesse Aarons forms a deep friendship with Leslie Burke, and together they create an imaginary kingdom called Terabithia, where they escape the challenges of their real lives.

Title: Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

Summary: Stanley Yelnats is sent to a juvenile detention center, where he and his fellow inmates are forced to dig holes every day. Through this experience, Stanley uncovers a hidden treasure and learns valuable life lessons.

Title: The Phantom Tollbooth

Author: Norton Juster

Summary: Milo embarks on a whimsical journey through a magical tollbooth and discovers the power of words and knowledge in a fantastical and pun-filled world.

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: Percy Jackson finds out he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and goes on a quest to prevent a war among the Greek gods while facing mythical creatures and solving puzzles.

The post 11 Classic Middle Grade Books We Should Still Teach appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

2. What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

3. Who is your favorite teacher and why?

4. What is your favorite book and why?

5. What is your favorite game to play with friends?

6. What is your favorite part about being in elementary school?

7. If you could be any animal, which one would you choose and why?

8. What is your favorite movie and why?

9. What is the most exciting thing you have done recently?

10. What is your favorite sport to play or watch?

11. Who is your best friend and what do you like most about them?

12. What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

13. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

14. What is your favorite food and why?

15. What do you want to be when you grow up?

16. Who is your role model and why?

17. What is the coolest thing you have learned in school?

18. What is your favorite holiday and why?

19. What is your favorite memory from elementary school so far?

20. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

These questions can help you check in with elementary kids and get to know them better. They can spark conversations and provide insights into their interests, preferences, and personalities. It’s important to create a safe and comfortable environment for them to share their thoughts and feelings. Enjoy getting to know the young minds!

The post 20 Questions To Ask Elementary Kids To Check In & Get To Know Them appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.

Large class sizes have become a common problem in many schools, especially in overcrowded urban areas. The student-teacher ratio is often unmanageable, with one teacher having to handle a significantly high number of students. This can lead to various challenges and difficulties for both teachers and students.

For teachers, large class sizes make it extremely difficult to provide individualized attention and support to each student. With limited time and resources, it becomes challenging to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of all the students in the class. This can result in students falling behind, feeling discouraged, and even affecting their overall academic performance.

Moreover, teachers often find it challenging to maintain discipline and order in large classrooms. With a high number of students, it becomes harder to keep everyone engaged, focused, and on task. This can lead to disruptive behavior, decreased productivity, and a negative classroom environment.

The impact of large class sizes goes beyond the teachers and affects the students as well. With fewer opportunities for personalized attention and support, students may struggle to fully grasp the concepts being taught. They may find it harder to actively participate in class discussions and may feel overlooked or neglected.

Additionally, large class sizes can hinder collaborative learning and peer interaction. With a crowded classroom, there may be limited opportunities for students to work together, engage in group projects, and benefit from collective knowledge sharing.

The consequences of teachers leaving the profession due to large class sizes are significant and far-reaching. It not only affects the continuity and stability of education but also creates a shortage of experienced and qualified teachers. This, in turn, can lead to the hiring of inexperienced teachers or relying more on substitute teachers, further impacting the quality of education.

In response to this issue, various measures can be taken to address the challenge of large class sizes. Schools and educational institutions should prioritize reducing class sizes and ensuring a reasonable student-teacher ratio. This would require investment in hiring and retaining more teachers, constructing additional classrooms, and optimizing the utilization of existing resources.

Furthermore, professional development programs can be implemented to support teachers in effectively managing large class sizes. Techniques and strategies can be taught to teachers to engage students, promote active learning, and create a conducive learning environment despite the challenges posed by large classes.

It is crucial for policymakers, school administrators, and the broader community to recognize the impact of large class sizes on education and take proactive steps to alleviate this issue. By prioritizing the well-being of both teachers and students, we can ensure a more conducive and enriching learning environment for all.

The post Teachers Are Leaving the Profession Because of Large Class Sizes, and It’s Changing the Face of Education appeared first on The Tech Edvocate.