Multimodal, text-based student projects
February 8 - March 7
February 8 - March 7
The shift to online and hybrid models of learning has prompted many educators to wonder how best to design innovative, project-based learning opportunities for their classrooms. It has become especially challenging to engage students in complex, shared texts — in order to meet the Hallmarks for Advanced Literacies articulated by the NYS Department of Education — and to motivate students to participate in creative, collaborative work.
This course, inspired by our Literacy Unbound initiative, will guide you in both conceptualizing and realizing multimodal, text-based student projects designed to bridge physical and digital space. Discover how to engage readers in challenging texts by awakening their imaginations through the collaborative construction of the textual world. Throughout this course, you'll not only unpack the Literacy Unbound design process, but develop a unique student project customized to your needs, and emerge with the tools needed to enact innovative, purposeful project-based learning in your classrooms — whether physical or online.
Please note: Designing Invitations to Create, while a complement to this course, is not a prerequisite for participation.
This course, inspired by our Literacy Unbound initiative, will guide you in both conceptualizing and realizing multimodal, text-based student projects designed to bridge physical and digital space. Discover how to engage readers in challenging texts by awakening their imaginations through the collaborative construction of the textual world. Throughout this course, you'll not only unpack the Literacy Unbound design process, but develop a unique student project customized to your needs, and emerge with the tools needed to enact innovative, purposeful project-based learning in your classrooms — whether physical or online.
Please note: Designing Invitations to Create, while a complement to this course, is not a prerequisite for participation.
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Literacy, Unbound is a three-module, asynchronous online course. You'll be able to move through this course at your own pace, with no expectation to be online at specific times.
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. While you can interact with each module as often as you'd like, we find that 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants. Throughout this course, you'll discover how to:
Is this course right for you? Literacy, Unbound welcomes all educators, but is best for high school English and history teachers, middle school humanities teachers, and teacher leaders who want to:
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ. |
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Each module will include the following elements:
Examining: A Deep Dive into the Project Design ProcessExplore the ways in which a Literacy Unbound project is crafted, and identify distinct steps in the design process. Envisioning: Conceptualizing Multimodal, Text-Based Student ProjectsDiscover how to draft and revise your own multimodal, text-based project in accordance with the design process discussed in Module 1. Enacting: Planning for Project Implementation, Assessment, and EvaluationCreate a plan for implementation, assessment, and evaluation of your conceived multimodal, text-based project in your own classroom. |
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Dr. Adele Bruni Ashley is a lecturer in the English Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught 8th through 12th grade English at the New York City Lab School, founding the Lab Theatre Company (LTC) in 2007. Prior to public school teaching, she received her M.F.A. in acting from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program (PATP) where she taught undergraduate theatre. As an educator, she is interested in structuring classroom spaces as laboratories for imaginative exploration and creation. |
FAQ
Registration
What are CTLE hours, and should I register for them?
Beginning in 2016, a registered holder of a NYS professional classroom teaching certificate, educational leadership certificate, or Level III teaching assistant certificate is required to successfully complete 100 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Teachers College is a state-approved provider of CTLE hours, and participants can earn up to 6 CTLE hours for participating in this opportunity. Participation will be verified before CTLE credits are awarded.
CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to accommodate new CTLE requests.
CTLE information must be included on your registration form. If you decline CTLE hours at the time of registration and change your mind afterward, you'll need to contact us prior to the start of this course. Once you begin, we'll be unable to accommodate new CTLE requests.
Is there a New Teacher Network membership discount available for this opportunity?
No, this opportunity is not eligible for an NTN member discount. You are welcome to register & participate in this course after paying the registration fee, or you can visit our PD Opportunities page to see other opportunities where your discount will apply.
Can I pay for my registration with a purchase order?
Absolutely! Have your school contact cpet@tc.edu to initiate this process.
In your message, please make sure to provide:
This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.
Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
In your message, please make sure to provide:
- your school name & address
- contact information (name & email) for the person who handles POs & payments at your school
- the number of teachers interested in registering for this opportunity
This information will allow us to provide you with the documentation needed to create a PO. This documentation will include our vendor & DOE contract numbers.
Once we've received a PO, we will provide your school with a promo code to distribute to the teachers they are funding. The promo code will allow you to bypass Eventbrite's payment section, so that there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. You will still be required to complete a registration form.
I have a promo code — where do I enter it?
Please see the blue text in the registration section that says "Enter promo code". Click that text, enter your code, and click "Apply". From there, you can continue with your registration as usual.
This course has already started. Can I still register?
Yes! You can register through February 15, 2021.
How do I change or cancel my registration?
If you need to change or cancel your registration for any reason, contact us at cpet@tc.edu.
If you choose to cancel your registration, we will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
If you choose to cancel your registration, we will be able to offer you a refund as long as you have not yet accepted the invitation to join the course.
Access & participation
How do I access this course?
Once you've registered, you will receive an email invitation to join our digital platform from Teachers College Canvas. From there, you will be able to set up a username and password.
If you register before February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation by the time the course begins.
If you register after February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 business hours of registration.
- Go to MyTC Portal (my.tc.columbia.edu)
- Click on the "Non-UNI Canvas Login" link
- Enter your email and password. If you didn't create one or have forgotten, simply click on the "Forgot Password?" link on the Canvas login page
- On the Canvas dashboard, accept any course invitations, if prompted
- You may also access the course on your mobile device through the Canvas Student App
- Course materials will be accessible immediately following your acceptance of the invitation
If you register before February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation by the time the course begins.
If you register after February 8, you can expect to receive the invitation within 48 business hours of registration.
What does a module include?
Each module will include the following elements:
*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
- Instructional talks: A series of 3-4 short videos that break down the topic, provide examples, pose questions, and invite further reflection.
- Key resources: Downloadable resources for you to read, review, or use in your instruction.
- Discussion prompt*: Each module will pose a reflection question, which you can respond to using the discussion board. We want to hear from each person in the discussion board at least one time, and want each person to respond to a minimum of 2 other posts.
- Assignment*: Practical, hands-on assignments that will help you implement the content of the module and reflect on your experiences.
*Must be completed to earn all CTLEs
How much time will it take me to complete this course?
This course is designed to allow for approximately 2 hours of participation per week. This course runs from February 8 - March 7, and includes a total of three modules. While you can move through the course at your own pace, we find that approximately 2 hours per week / 1 module per week works best for participants.
Will I be expected to be online on specific days / at certain times?
No; this course is asynchronous. You can move through each module at your own pace.
This course is open over a scheduled break. What are the instructor’s expectations during break?
Good news! When a course takes place over a school break, instructors do not expect to see assignments or discussions submitted; however, you are welcome to work on the course over break if you’d like.
How do I earn CTLE credits?
CTLEs are based on participation and completion of the course assignments and discussions (tasks). Completion of a task equals 1 CTLE credit.
Do I need to complete this course by a specific date?
All modules must be completed by the end of the course — March 7, 2021 at 11:59pm.
