553 ~ Using Internet Resources: June 2011

Course Goals

Course Goals:

1. Obtain an overview of the tools and information that are available via the World Wide Web (1.1.1-5) {1, 2, 3, 4,5}

2. Review the history of the Internet(1.1.1-5) {1, 2, 3, 4,5}

3. Learn about Web browser software and Web pages & addresses (1.1.1-5) {1, 2, 3, 4,5}

4. Navigate the Web and use it to find information for use in the classroom and as a professional development tool (1.1.1-5) {1, 2, 3, 4,5}

5. Learn about Google search tools, how they work and how to formulate effective Web search strategies using various kinds of search expressions (1.1.1-5) {1, 2, 3, 4,5}

6. Use Web 2.0 and social media tools for academic networking and utilization in the classroom setting (3.1.1) {1, 2, 4, 5}

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the role digital literacy and supporting technologies can play in effective 21st Century Classrooms (3.1.1) {1, 2, 4, 5}

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!

553 ~ Using Internet Resources