We offer, free of charge to Summer Institute participants, the following online courses, to begin three weeks prior to the commencement of this year's Summer Institute:

1. An Introduction to Knowledge Building/Knowledge Forum
This course introduces users to Knowledge Forum 4.0 functionality through a knowledge building activity relevant to the Summer Institute themes.
Outcomes/Expectations
- Gain a basic understanding of collaborative groupware technology
- Master of Knowledge Forum 4.0 functionality
- Be introduced to Summer Institute participants

2. Understanding Knowledge Building Pedagogy
Participants will work collaboratively to gain a deeper understanding of Knowledge Building Principles and the Knowledge Forum software that supports knowledge building.
Outcomes/Expectations
In this course users (students) will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of knowledge building principles and how these principles map onto Knowledge Forum software functionality
- Gain knowledge and expertise working in a online, knowledge building environment
- Apply knowledge building principles in the design of authentic knowledge building activities

3. Applying theory to Practice
In this course participants will explore strategies developed by the Institute for Knowledge Innovation and Technology to encourage and support knowledge building practice within a given community (schools, workplaces, etc.) The course will introduce users to effective designs and pedagogical strategies for creating Knowledge Building Communities.
Outcomes/Expectations
- Apply knowledge building principles in the design of curriculum
- Gain increased conceptual understanding and expertise using Knowledge Forum software for authentic activities
- Design a unit of study utilizing knowledge building strategies

Note: Each course is approximately 5 hours in length. The development of these three courses was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education and they are intended to be offered to teachers in Ontario as part of the Professional Learning Program mandated by the Ministry.