http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Tue, 21 May 2013 07:39:06 PDT Tue, 21 May 2013 07:39:06 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=437332 This is a free wiki book "is an overview of the concept of 'blended learning' and how it relates to the integration of technologies in the K-12 environment." "While teachers have always used a variety of teaching methods and media, blended learning includes the recent availability of digital learning technologies and Internet-based tools that facilitate communication, interaction, and collaborative learning.״There is a variety of authors as well as a good description of Blended Learning. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=437004 ״This new publication is a handy yet authoritative reference for state and local policy makers. Two of the nation’s leading experts in teacher compensation base their presentation on the following principles: 1. The key accountability for schools is to improve student performance. 2. Teachers in the classroom (including those in hard-to-staff fields such as math and special education) and their instructional practice are the single most important factors that will lead to improved student performance. 3. Teacher compensation is the single biggest part of the education budget (often more than 60%). 4. Therefore, linking pay to teacher performance–instructional practice that produces student learning gains–is the best way to expend money in a way that ultimately improves student performance. This book will show how the connections among those principles are playing.״Please note that this site will try to sell supplements and you must create an account. However, there is no charge for the download of the textbook. As noted on the website, “Free access to the online book. Includes StudyBreak Ads (advertising placed in natural subject breaks).”