Big Thinkers

Big thinkers are not lacking in education. What’s lacking are big mouths. I have chosen a person who is not afraid to speak his mind as my Technology Education Hero of the Week. Professor Henry Jenkins of USC’s School of Communication and Journalism explains why it is important for teachers and schools not to shut out important instructional tools such as YouTube, video games and social networking in their classroom.

Thank you, Professor Jenkins for being a big thinker.

My Really Smart Friend

Have you met my friend, Salman Khan?  I don't mean to brag but Salman is a real life Superman when it comes to assisting everyday people with the things that confuse us. 

Salman is not my personal friend but after watching his Khan Academy videos you will feel like he is a person you cannot live without. Salman Khan has created videos to help people struggling with:

• All forms of math from Basic Math to Calculus
• Banking
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Civics
• Credit Crisis - yes, mortgages are explained
• SAT prep
• and so much more

This guy is a BIG THINKER and he makes that problem that left the 15 y/o me crying during Algebra II easy to understand.

Did I mention that all of my really smart friend's videos are free?  Start using them for yourself.  Better yet, add the videos to the Guided Practice portion of your lesson, your teacher website, or just brush up on Chemistry so you can help your child.  There is no need for your child to spend evenings frustrated at the kitchen table.

Visit the Khan Academy or Salman's YouTube channel today. You may also follow my hero of the week  @khanacademy on Twitter.

3-Ring Binders are for Wimps

Yesterday I brought you Evernote.  Today’s tool will help you group and classify the information you found and share the sources with others.  I can already see the wheels turning because you are one of those awesome educators not afraid of cooperative groups.  Your students are so lucky to have you.  Next week I want you to consider using adding LiveBinders to your ever-growing line-up Web 2.0 tools.

Here’s a 90 second video that explains the wonder of LiveBinders:

The LiveBinder community is vast and there are many resources for teachers:

• LiveBinders Education
• LiveBinders Wiki for Teachers
• Twitter feed
• LiveBinders blog
• Google the term and you’ll find so much more.

READER RESPONSE: Now that you’ve experienced LiveBinders, try it for yourself.  When you do, post your link in the COMMENTS section for others and share your greatness.

Cool Ipad 2 Apps for Educators

I do not have an iPad but I want one.  I dream of the day so much that I research the apps I can use in my workplace.  Hey, when I drop $500+ on anything I need to justify the purchase.  The best thing about the iPad 2 is that you can plug that beauty directly into a TV or LCD projector with an HDMI cable.  Wow!  Here are a couple of apps I think are awesome for each subject area:

Science: The Elements: A Visual Exploration.  This app brings the periodic table off the page and illustrates how we interact with the substances of our world on a daily basis. $14

Math: Mathematical Formulas: Math is not my subject but had I had this app I think I would have shed less tears as a teen.  This is a great app to use during bell ringer activities.  Show the equation on the screen and place a problem on the board.  This will keep the munchkins quiet as you take attendance. $1

History/Social Studies/Governement: American Dreams Speeches and Documents in US History HD.  This is one app that I would use just because.  This app features documents, audio and video recordings of every US Presidential Inaugural Addresses, Supreme Court decisions and so much more. In the age of YouTube and Discovery Streaming, this fits right in with placing your students in the moment to experience events first hand.  I don't know about you, but listening to JFK's speech makes me want to be a better American. $2

English/Language Arts: If you keep up with the blog then you know of my adoration for eReaders.  Of course, these free apps (Nook, Kindle, iBooks) are great for use in the classroom.  Just think, you can do a context clue bell ringer by showing a page on the screen followed by using the dictionary tool.  However, I want to recommend The Daily.  This is a newspaper app that is great for teaching informational text.  I hate to mention the 'T' word but understanding non-fiction is an important skill for end of grade tests. Of course this is FANTASTIC for current events.  Save trees - go media crazy for $0.

There are tons of apps for electives and physical education so I encourage you to Google your content specific area.  If you're a music teacher you will be in heaven.  If you teach Life Skills, join the party.  The iPad 2 is geared for educators plus you get a great discount when you shop through the Apple Store.

If you need help thinking of ways to integrate other apps and technology into your class, give me a call.

Have a great school year, educators!