Here is a link to an interesting article I read today. It's worth a read!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-divide-technology-internet-access-mary-beth-hertz
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Flubaroo + Google Forms = Homerun
Tired of grading quizzes? Would you like immediate results for students? Want more plan time?
Flubaroo and Google Forms are the ticket to more time to plan instruction and less time to spend of grading! The results will be inserted on a new sheet on your form and results can be e-mailed to students.
It's simple, fast, and FREE!
Here are a few quick steps:
1. Create the quiz using Google Forms. Add three questions at the beginning of the survey: first name, last name, and e-mail address.
2. Take the quiz. Your results will be the answer key.
3. Go back in to Google Docs. Open the Form.
4. Click on Insert > Script > Flubaroo
5. You will see a new tab appear on the spreadsheet called Flubaroo.
6. Click on Flubaroo > Grade Quiz. Click Yes to enable the script. Then click Flubaroo> Grade Quiz again.
7. Answer the on screen prompts.
8. Your quiz should be graded and results ready for you to view!
Need some help? Check out the Flubaroo website at http://www.flubaroo.com/
Flubaroo and Google Forms are the ticket to more time to plan instruction and less time to spend of grading! The results will be inserted on a new sheet on your form and results can be e-mailed to students.
It's simple, fast, and FREE!
Here are a few quick steps:
1. Create the quiz using Google Forms. Add three questions at the beginning of the survey: first name, last name, and e-mail address.
2. Take the quiz. Your results will be the answer key.
3. Go back in to Google Docs. Open the Form.
4. Click on Insert > Script > Flubaroo
5. You will see a new tab appear on the spreadsheet called Flubaroo.
6. Click on Flubaroo > Grade Quiz. Click Yes to enable the script. Then click Flubaroo> Grade Quiz again.
7. Answer the on screen prompts.
8. Your quiz should be graded and results ready for you to view!
Need some help? Check out the Flubaroo website at http://www.flubaroo.com/
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Dropping Bricks
What makes someone embrace a new technology tool?
Every two years my cell phone is eligible to be upgraded. Each time I am forced to learn a whole new set of tools in order to communicate effectively with this new phone. First came texting, then taking and sharing photos, and now with the release of iPhone4GS last week, Siri!
If educators would be forced to refresh and re-tool with instructional technology in the classroom every two years like we must with cell phone plans, we would be blazing trails into the 22nd century and beyond!
We all cling to the comfort of the old, afraid to drop the heavy old tools we are so familiar with and embrace a collaborative 21st Century tool. By clinging to old technology and not venturing out to try new things, we become weighted down just like carrying a load of bricks where ever we go. If we were to try to jump weighted down with bricks, we do not have the ability to leap for the sky.
As an example, I took a bold new move several years ago when I abandoned my brick of MS Word and took my bold leap into Google Docs.
It started after I had attended the ISTE conference and learned about this new tool. I was at a meeting in school where most people were taking notes in Word, a few even with paper and pencil. I jumped in with a new Google Doc and shared it with one of my colleague's. As the meeting progressed, we together took notes, added links, and even shared ideas by instant messaging on the side of the doc. It ROCKED! When I left the meeting, my notes were not only complete, but the doc was shared with all the people in the room! Everyone had the power to add more content to this document and the doc is always available in the cloud for everyone to access anytime.
Then and there I knew this was a game changer for workflow productivity. The power of many brains on one document was revolutionary. Imagine how teacher collaboration could be transformed if everyone were using Google Docs.
Taking that first step to incorporate a new tool into my routine is vital to continual growth and learning. I am constantly dropping bricks so I can bounce higher and higher into the 22nd century!
I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and dropped the brick of MS Word. Letting go and re-tooling is a must. It’s up to you, are you ready to drop a brick and bounce with me?
Every two years my cell phone is eligible to be upgraded. Each time I am forced to learn a whole new set of tools in order to communicate effectively with this new phone. First came texting, then taking and sharing photos, and now with the release of iPhone4GS last week, Siri!
If educators would be forced to refresh and re-tool with instructional technology in the classroom every two years like we must with cell phone plans, we would be blazing trails into the 22nd century and beyond!
We all cling to the comfort of the old, afraid to drop the heavy old tools we are so familiar with and embrace a collaborative 21st Century tool. By clinging to old technology and not venturing out to try new things, we become weighted down just like carrying a load of bricks where ever we go. If we were to try to jump weighted down with bricks, we do not have the ability to leap for the sky.
As an example, I took a bold new move several years ago when I abandoned my brick of MS Word and took my bold leap into Google Docs.
It started after I had attended the ISTE conference and learned about this new tool. I was at a meeting in school where most people were taking notes in Word, a few even with paper and pencil. I jumped in with a new Google Doc and shared it with one of my colleague's. As the meeting progressed, we together took notes, added links, and even shared ideas by instant messaging on the side of the doc. It ROCKED! When I left the meeting, my notes were not only complete, but the doc was shared with all the people in the room! Everyone had the power to add more content to this document and the doc is always available in the cloud for everyone to access anytime.
Then and there I knew this was a game changer for workflow productivity. The power of many brains on one document was revolutionary. Imagine how teacher collaboration could be transformed if everyone were using Google Docs.
Taking that first step to incorporate a new tool into my routine is vital to continual growth and learning. I am constantly dropping bricks so I can bounce higher and higher into the 22nd century!
I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and dropped the brick of MS Word. Letting go and re-tooling is a must. It’s up to you, are you ready to drop a brick and bounce with me?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
We are creatures of habit.
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs.
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs.
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
Monday, October 17, 2011
Skype Resources
Skype is a free downloadable software that lets you do voice and video calls combined with instant messaging for free. The possibilities of Skype to flatten your classroom are endless. Here are a few ideas followed by resources you may be interested in!
1.Interview authors, astronauts and other amazing individuals from around the world.
2.Collaborate with classrooms, businesses and more in multi-disciplinary projects.
3.Explore a volcano, rain forest, or history museum in virtual field trips with experts in the field or even share your field trip experiences with others.
4.Practice conversational foreign languages with native speakers.
5.Provide additional support for students needing extra attention or unable to come to class.
6.Invite a guest lecturer from leading educators and experts from anywhere in the world.
7.Explore foreign cultures first hand with classroom to classroom video conferencing.
8.Broadcast a performance or project to parents and families unable to make it to school.
9.Access and share professional development opportunities with educators on the go.
10.Collaborate with innovative educators to plan units, lessons, and more.
Resources:
1. Using Skype at School for Dummies: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
2. Skype in the Classroom. This article offers help on ways to set up Skype, tips for finding other teachers on Skype, technical obstacles, and more. http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/skype-in-the-classroom.html
Here are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
1. ePALS. Sign up for a free account here, then find other teachers and classes around the globe using Skype. http://www.epals.com/
2. Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author. http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/
3. Skype in Schools. List yourself or find others in this directory just for educators seeking Skype collaboration. http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008318/FrontPage
4. Skype in the Classroom – The EduSkypers Phonebook. Scroll through these comments to find other teachers from around the world looking to connect through Skype. The most recent are at the very end of the list. http://skypeintheclassroom.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/lets-build-a-community/#comments
5. Global SchoolNet. This organization works to connect teachers and students around the world through forensic science programs. Browse to find something of interest or start your own project. http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
6. Around the World with 80 Schools. This teacher is hoping to connect schools around the world through short Skype sessions. http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/03/around-the-world-with-80-schools/
7. Skype in the Classroom. Join this community to find other teachers seeking Skype connections.
http://maculspace.ning.com/group/skypeintheclassroom
8. Mixxer. This group helps connect language learners seeking partners to practice their language skills via Skype. http://www.language-exchanges.org/
Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
1. Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2008/03/02/podcast231-global-voices-using-synchronous-and-asynchronous-voip-applications-for-worldwide-classroom-collaborations/
2. Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
3. Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
4. Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_frontlinebrgrowinguponline_2008-01-23
5. Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
http://coordinator2.wordpress.com/2007/05/13/skype-for-teachers/
6. Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
7. Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
8. Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/25/nation/4188033&sec=nation
9.Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
1.Interview authors, astronauts and other amazing individuals from around the world.
2.Collaborate with classrooms, businesses and more in multi-disciplinary projects.
3.Explore a volcano, rain forest, or history museum in virtual field trips with experts in the field or even share your field trip experiences with others.
4.Practice conversational foreign languages with native speakers.
5.Provide additional support for students needing extra attention or unable to come to class.
6.Invite a guest lecturer from leading educators and experts from anywhere in the world.
7.Explore foreign cultures first hand with classroom to classroom video conferencing.
8.Broadcast a performance or project to parents and families unable to make it to school.
9.Access and share professional development opportunities with educators on the go.
10.Collaborate with innovative educators to plan units, lessons, and more.
Resources:
1. Using Skype at School for Dummies: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
2. Skype in the Classroom. This article offers help on ways to set up Skype, tips for finding other teachers on Skype, technical obstacles, and more. http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/skype-in-the-classroom.html
Here are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
1. ePALS. Sign up for a free account here, then find other teachers and classes around the globe using Skype. http://www.epals.com/
2. Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author. http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/
3. Skype in Schools. List yourself or find others in this directory just for educators seeking Skype collaboration. http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008318/FrontPage
4. Skype in the Classroom – The EduSkypers Phonebook. Scroll through these comments to find other teachers from around the world looking to connect through Skype. The most recent are at the very end of the list. http://skypeintheclassroom.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/lets-build-a-community/#comments
5. Global SchoolNet. This organization works to connect teachers and students around the world through forensic science programs. Browse to find something of interest or start your own project. http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
6. Around the World with 80 Schools. This teacher is hoping to connect schools around the world through short Skype sessions. http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/03/around-the-world-with-80-schools/
7. Skype in the Classroom. Join this community to find other teachers seeking Skype connections.
http://maculspace.ning.com/group/skypeintheclassroom
8. Mixxer. This group helps connect language learners seeking partners to practice their language skills via Skype. http://www.language-exchanges.org/
Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
1. Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2008/03/02/podcast231-global-voices-using-synchronous-and-asynchronous-voip-applications-for-worldwide-classroom-collaborations/
2. Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
3. Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
4. Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_frontlinebrgrowinguponline_2008-01-23
5. Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
http://coordinator2.wordpress.com/2007/05/13/skype-for-teachers/
6. Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
7. Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
8. Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/25/nation/4188033&sec=nation
9.Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Things I Learned on Twitter Today
1.Mail merge with Google Forms http://www.rylice.com/teachertech/
2.10 Apps for Working with PDF's.http://www.inman.com/news/2011/10/14/top-10-ipad-apps-working-with-pdf-documents
3. Three Things That were Learned at Edscape: http://lynhilt.com/the-3ls-of-edscape/
2.10 Apps for Working with PDF's.http://www.inman.com/news/2011/10/14/top-10-ipad-apps-working-with-pdf-documents
3. Three Things That were Learned at Edscape: http://lynhilt.com/the-3ls-of-edscape/
The System Has Failed You
I got this video from my colleague Brent Catlett (@catlett1) who found it from a Twitter friend @epaopao who use this video as part of his keynote address at a technology conference in Kearney. Interesting message!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Things I Learned on Twitter Today
1. Recap of great articles to read http://summify.com/rkiker/2011/10/15/1/?utm_campaign=viral&utm_medium=web&utm_source=short
2. 25 Free Apps for Lifelong Learners http://www.missiontolearn.com/2009/06/lifelong-learner-free-resources/
3. Pearson and Google Join to Provide Free Learning System: http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/pearson-and-google-jump-into-learning-management-systems/33636
2. 25 Free Apps for Lifelong Learners http://www.missiontolearn.com/2009/06/lifelong-learner-free-resources/
3. Pearson and Google Join to Provide Free Learning System: http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/pearson-and-google-jump-into-learning-management-systems/33636
Friday, October 14, 2011
Things I Learned on Twitter Today
1. Photos of the decade http://www.reuters.com/news/pictures/slideshow?articleId=USRTXRYG2
2. PBS Free Games http://pbskids.org/lab/games/
3. Discovery Education Web 2.0 Links - http://web2011.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools.cfm
2. PBS Free Games http://pbskids.org/lab/games/
3. Discovery Education Web 2.0 Links - http://web2011.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools.cfm
Monday, October 10, 2011
Welcome to Our Class Blog
Welcome to our class blog!
This blog will be a quick way for you to access your peer's blogs and view blogs from previously classes too!
You will use your blogs as a way to share your curriculum projects, links, and videos with one another and ultimately with your students. Here is an example of an excellent blog that is being used for instruction by Mr. Brent Myers at Mission Middle School in Bellevue, http://thunderamericanhistory.blogspot.com/.
Bookmark this page and come back often. You will notice that the most currently updated blogs will appear at the top of the blog list. It is very easy to see when updates are made! :-)
This blog will be a quick way for you to access your peer's blogs and view blogs from previously classes too!
You will use your blogs as a way to share your curriculum projects, links, and videos with one another and ultimately with your students. Here is an example of an excellent blog that is being used for instruction by Mr. Brent Myers at Mission Middle School in Bellevue, http://thunderamericanhistory.blogspot.com/.
Bookmark this page and come back often. You will notice that the most currently updated blogs will appear at the top of the blog list. It is very easy to see when updates are made! :-)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Connect with Students via Text Using ClassParrot
ClassParrot was my Twitter gem for the day! ClassParrot allows you to text all of your students at once for FREE! Set up is simple and you will be up and running in minutes.
To get started, here is what you need to do. First, create an account and set up a class. Then, have kids text to join the class with the code ClassParrot provides. The dashboard in ClassParrot makes it simple to send your 145 character message to your class of students. I created my account and have given it a try. I LOVE it!
I see the communication potential as being HUGE using this tool. Most kids prefer a text to an e-mail, so this is the perfect way to get a message and reminders your students who are connected to their phone like fingers are their hands. The fun part is that the cell phone numbers are organized into classes by ClassParrot AUTOMATICALLY. This is the first tool for organizing and sending multiple messages via text that I have found to be so user friendly. ClassParrot is to text messaging what groups are to e-mail addresses!
In addition, you can pre-load your texts to be delivered at a certain time and date. You can sit down and put in all the reminders at one time and kick back while the system does the work for you!
Check it out at http://classparrot.com and see what you think!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Weebly: Quick and Easy Way to Make a Website
Are you looking for a super easy way to make a FREE classroom website? Try Weebly at http://education.weebly.com/ . Weebly makes is so simple to create a classroom web site. You can have your site up and running in less than 30 minutes. The price is right!
Weebly not only allows you to create a website from anywhere with the Internet, but also allows you to create student accounts too! What a fun way for students to keep an electronic portfolio of their work over the school year!
Here is a link to our BPS site at teacher-sites.weebly.com
Check it out!
Weebly not only allows you to create a website from anywhere with the Internet, but also allows you to create student accounts too! What a fun way for students to keep an electronic portfolio of their work over the school year!
Here is a link to our BPS site at teacher-sites.weebly.com
View some BPS examples on the blog. Teachers from around the world can also post their Weebly Educational Website to the blog so we can all get inspired from each other and learn some pretty cool things.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Great Document Camera, Great Price
The iPEVO document camera is a very simple, portable, and easy to use camera. The price is right too, only $69. We just finished a week of training for all of our elementary teachers on the new camera and projectors and I have to say that I am impressed with the camera.
The camera has a great picture quality, timer feature, and a zoom. Photos can be added to other applications such as PowerPoint very easily. The camera is two megapixels and features a zoom that makes it easy to see what is projected. Even better is the ease of use and portability. Set up is simple and the camera is small and light weight. Teachers were up and running in minutes.
It is an amazing little camera that is an excellent tool for any classroom. Find out more details at http://www.ipevo.com/prods/Point-2-View-USB-Camera .
The camera has a great picture quality, timer feature, and a zoom. Photos can be added to other applications such as PowerPoint very easily. The camera is two megapixels and features a zoom that makes it easy to see what is projected. Even better is the ease of use and portability. Set up is simple and the camera is small and light weight. Teachers were up and running in minutes.
It is an amazing little camera that is an excellent tool for any classroom. Find out more details at http://www.ipevo.com/prods/Point-2-View-USB-Camera .
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Things I learned on Twitter Today
1. Great resources for iPads in the classroom http://interactioneducation.com/ipadsineducation.html#.TinrXLrKzds.twitter
2. Three Things All Teachers Need - Great article at http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2011/07/three-things-all-teachers-need.html
3. Social Media Finds a Place in the Classroom - Article from USA Today at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-07-24-schools-social-media_n.htm
2. Three Things All Teachers Need - Great article at http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/2011/07/three-things-all-teachers-need.html
3. Social Media Finds a Place in the Classroom - Article from USA Today at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-07-24-schools-social-media_n.htm
Three Things I Learned on Twitter Last Night
1. The Super Book of Web 2.0 at http://issuu.com/ktenkely/docs/webtools?mode=a_p
2. A to Z Box of Tricks, web resources for educators at http://www.boxoftricks.net/internet-resouces-for-education/
3. Clickable Book Mark with iPad apps that correlate with Blooms Taxonomy from Kathy Schrock at http://kathyschrock.net/ipadblooms/.
2. A to Z Box of Tricks, web resources for educators at http://www.boxoftricks.net/internet-resouces-for-education/
3. Clickable Book Mark with iPad apps that correlate with Blooms Taxonomy from Kathy Schrock at http://kathyschrock.net/ipadblooms/.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Getting Started in Tweetdeck
Here is a quick video to get you up and running on Tweetdeck (made the screencast using Quicktime on my Mac Book Pro)!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Digital Citizenship
Social media has flattened the world. People of all ages share pictures, videos, instant message, and create all kinds of information collaboratively using on-line cloud computing. These socializing and communication options can be fulfilling, yet they also come with risks.
Digital citizenship is more important today as students are using technology independently and interacting in both a physical and online world. In the book, Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble and Gerald Bailey, nine elements that together comprise digital citizenship are outlined. They are digital access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, rights and responsibilities, health and wellness, and security.
Many times people (kids and adults both) forget that their online actions can have real world consequences because of the feeling of anonymity while online. Tweens and teens share thoughts and plans with the world. This type of socializing can create a hurtful environment if words, photos, or videos are meant to damage a reputation
Cyberbullying is an issue that is emerging and comes with a large audience. Students can help stop cyberbulling by not responding and report the issue to the site where it happened.
Free resources are available to public schools from the Federal Trade Commission at http://bulkorder.ftc.gov/. The kit contains videos, handouts, and resources for students, parents, and teachers. There is also great material at http://www.onguardonline.gov/.
We offered a parent session on digtial citizenship held during conferences. The details of the presentation is found at http://techtools4teaching.wikispaces.com/Digital+Citizenship.
A Real Gem: Self Grading Quizzes with Google Forms and Flubaroo
Are you ready to take Google Forms to the next level? Use Google forms to create a multiple choice quiz or test and use Flubaroo to grade the quiz. It is simple to use. Check out this link to learn more!
http://www.flubaroo.com/flubaroo-user-guide
If you want to try it out, create a quiz and answer key. You can make a sample and link it to your blog or just e-mail the link to any classmate, friend, or family member to take so you can see the results!
http://www.flubaroo.com/flubaroo-user-guide
If you want to try it out, create a quiz and answer key. You can make a sample and link it to your blog or just e-mail the link to any classmate, friend, or family member to take so you can see the results!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Blogging Easy as 1, 2, 3
Have you always wanted to blog with your students and did not know where to start? Well, here is the answer for you. It comes in the way of www.kidblog.org
On this website teachers can sign up for a FREE account and add as many students as you want and build different classes for multiple sections if needed. It is so easy to use and set up.
One thing I really like about it is there is NO advertising and the teacher has all the power in settings for privacy that is desired. Before any comments or posts are made it must be approved by the teacher before it goes live on the web! Students love seeing their name in a comment or when they make a post! It is very powerful to them to be published!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Transforming Learning with Technology
Transforming the classroom with technology requires that how we teach and what we assign must be different than it was even a few years ago. We need to move our students from drill and kill to creative, imaginative learners that are passionate about school. You will find that soon (if you are not already), will be tapped to be a technology leader in your district. The resources below you will want to become familar with. Take a look at the ISTE standards for students, teachers and administratros. To make a change happen in your district, ISTE has a list of essential conditions to ensure technology integration can be successful and supported.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Using Todays Meet and Twitter in the Classroom
I was just on Twitter and found a link to an article on how to use Todays Meet and Twitter in the classroom. It is worth a quick read and is found at http://h30411.www3.hp.com/discussions/1012082?mcid=Twitter
TodaysMeet
TodaysMeet at http://www.todaysmeet.com is a GREAT way for teachers to set up a collaborative environment. Although it is on the web, it is fairly private. The only way for people to access the site is by a link. The link can be share via e-mail to participants. It is similar to having an unlisted number in the phone book, only people who know the address can get in. One example of how to use this tool is to set one up for students to be on during a class lecture. This “back channel” is a way for students to collaborate and comment on material that is being presented. Teachers can then monitor the “back channel” and adjust the instruction based on student feedback. What are your thoughts on TodaysMeet?
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Free Tech For Teachers
Check out Richard Byrne's blog at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/. It will be well worth your time. He has done a great job of finding and posting useful free tools for teachers to use in the classroom. He was the keynote presenter at the NETA conference in Omaha in April 2011.
Google Translator
As you have discovered, Google Translator can translate from one language to another. But, did you know, that Google Translator can translate an entire web page into another language? Try it out. Go to http://translate.google.com/. Type the URL of the website you would like to translate. Select the language to translate from and then the language to translate too. Click the link for the site and voila…the entire site is translated. Here is my example using the Bellevue Public Schools Website. This would be great to use for ESL students! They could read a site in their native language. Parents would be able to have your blog, website, or even documents translated for them in a click of a button! Yes…the price is right…FREE!
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