If This Then That

If This Then That is a cool site that allows you to put the internet to work for you so that "If this" happens...."Then That" should happen.  For example, if I get an email with this subject, then put the information into a specific document.  Watch this video to get more information about If This Then That:

Common Core testing will require digital literacy skills

eSchool News had an article about Common Core testing where students will need to have digital literacy skills to use when taking the online tests. I thought this was an interesting article-Common Core testing will require digital literacy skills.

Technology Integration Research Review | Edutopia

 Technology Integration Research Review | Edutopia

Case Study of a Public School Turnaround | Edutopia

"Once the eighth lowest-performing middle school in the state, Cochrane Collegiate Academy reversed course and is swiftly raising student achievement by investing in research-based teaching strategies, enhancing teacher excellence, and fostering strong relationships."

This site has a lot of good videos to view.

Case Study of a Public School Turnaround | Edutopia

Project-Based Learning Research: Evidence-Based Components of Success | Edutopia

Project-Based Learning Research: Evidence-Based Components of Success | Edutopia

Common Core Big Idea Series 1: A New Blueprint | Edutopia

Common Core Big Idea Series 1: A New Blueprint | Edutopia

How to Create Social Media Guidelines for Your School | Edutopia

How to Create Social Media Guidelines for Your School | Edutopia

Collaborative Learning Builds Deeper Understanding | Edutopia

"By working together on problem sets in math and sharing their interpretations of literature in roundtable discussions in English, students at The College Preparatory School in Oakland, California, are making collaboration the driving force in their learning."

Collaborative Learning Builds Deeper Understanding | Edutopia

DIY Professional Development: Edutopia

Edutopia put together the best resources for DIY Professional Development.  
DIY Professional Development: Resource Roundup | Edutopia

What we're learning from online education by Daphne Koller

21st Century Skills: What do they look like?

The Top Ten Lessons Steve Jobs Can Teach Us - If We'll Listen

I enjoyed reading this article and thought you might like to see what the top ten lessons Steve Jobs can teach us:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2011/09/19/the-top-ten-lessons-steve-jobs-can-teach-us-if-well-listen/

A Vision of Students Today

Lost Generation video

I saw this a few times and thought I would share it. You need to read the text as it is spoken - go to full screen. I like the way it goes forward and backward and you hear a totally different message.

The Crisis in Haiti: What can you do to help?

A metal arts class decided to create jewelry to sell to raise money for Haiti. This experience was described in a video that was presented at a worldwide "The Crisis in Haiti: What can you do to help?" videoconference. Hope you enjoy the show!

100 Apps for Tech-Savvy Teachers

I received an email about the article "100 Apps for Tech-Savvy Teachers". Some I am sure you have not heard of before.

All My Faves website

Have to check out the All My Faves website. This website contains links out to so many favorite sites. Make sure you don't overlook the tabs at the top. There is an Education tab that might be of use.

Blogging

I started this blog back in 2007 and then just did nothing with it. I am now taking an online course where I needed to create a blog so I started entering posts and now am thinking this could be a good way for me to get information out to our staff. I like to stay with Google tools so I am using Blogger. Here is an article that lists the 100 Best Blogs for the Classroom Teacher.

Here are some ideas on how you can use a blog in your classroom:
•English classes/Librarian can use a blog to discuss books they read.
•Work Experience students can use a blog to discuss job related items such as ethics on the job, what makes a good resume, what are good interview skills, etc.
•Science can use blogs to have students make predictions before experiments.
•Use a blog to critique projects – in our web design class we take class time to critique every website created by the students. We could use a blog for students to write their critiques as an assignment and then we can discuss it in class – would get more participation as some students are intimidated by those who are vocal.
•Have students enter journal entries after they come back from a field trip/event.
•Use blogs to share information and things learned/experienced.

Visit our district's Cybercenter wiki on Blogs.

Wordle

Do you want to make a word cloud? Go to Wordle where you can place your text and Wordle will create the word cloud for you. The more the word is used, the larger it will appear. The word cloud shown is the Gettysburg Address. As you can see, the words "nation" and "dedicated" are the largest and most used words in the address.

You are able to change the font and color to make the word cloud exactly how you want it to look. If you click on the "Randomize" button on the bottom the program will automatically change the look of the cloud and you are able to keep clicking on "randomize" to view it differently. If you enter 2 words that you wish to keep together in your cloud, make sure you type the "~" key between the words.

Here are some sites that give examples on using Wordle in the Classroom:
Wordle in the Classroom
Wordle Ideas

Check out our CyberCenter wiki on Wordle.

Digital Natives

Here is a cute video about "What Digital Natives want from their library". This can be found on YouTube.