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.

You Are What You Read

As a librarian I totally agree with this statement.  Are you junk or nutritious goodness?  I read a lot like I eat.  I combine books that fuel my brain but add a bit of spice and sweetness with the occasional romance novel or tabloid fare.

Scholastic takes the idea of being what you read further with You Are What You Read.  Here's the premise as printed on the Scholatic site: "Once you sign up, you’ll be able to input your Bookprint – the five books that most influenced your life. You’ll then be able to connect with others through your shared Bookprints, interact with a global community of readers, and discover new books to enjoy."

This site is similar to Good Reads but with the added zen factor.

The uncharacteristic part of the site is that Scholastic has created but an adult and youth site. This is a great way to bring the world into the lives of your students.  Sign up today.

This is a stix up!

Once upon a time I killed trees.  Before you bash me please understand that it was for a good cause.  I used to allow my class to brainstorm on the whiteboard by utilizing Post-Its. 

The kids loved it and the ideas flowed.  However, the need to remove a hundred little stickers from the board and compile them in one central place is a thing of the past thanks to Stixy.

Today's interactive tool allows students to post all of their ideas on one site and refer to it even when class has ended.  Students may also copy and paste from and link to any websites.  Don't you just love when learning never ends?  I do. 

A similar site is Edistorm.  Unlike Stixy, Edistorm allows you to export your ideas to a PDF which is great for handouts or posts on class blogs. Edistorm has a free service but I recommend buying the basic package to get the most out of the tool.

READER RESPONSE: How do you plan to use Stixy or Edistorm in your class?

Tiny Bubbles

Yesterday’s tool, Mindmeister, catered to the mind mapping capabilities of older students.  Today I bring your Bubbl.us.  Bubbl.us is geared toward our sub-high school students.  This easy to use tool allows students to brainstorm quickly, easily and in five easy steps.

• Step 1: Push the button – There is a START button on the home page to help you begin the brainstorming process.
• Step 2: Fill in the essentials – This is where you sign up for your account but this is optional.  Signing up for an account allows users to connect with other users. 
• Step 3: Start with a central thought. 
• Press ENTER to continue that thought OR
• Press TAB to begin a new set of thought bubbles.
• Step 4: Save your work.  Always remind students to save their work because technology is great but you never know when the PC will freak out.
• Step 5: Share with others.  This is essential for content collaboration.  Yay for cooperative learning!!!

Enjoy today’s screenflow that give you more detail to make your map pop:

Technorati Tags: bubbl.us,collaboration,mind map

Symba-what?

Today’s post is written by guest author, Cindy Brock.  Cindy is a Technology Coordinator in Memphis, TN who writes her own blog, Tech Tips for Teachers.  Check it out and enjoy her post about something I know you’ll love – Symbaloo.

Our classrooms all have laptop carts and I've been looking for a way to organize sites our students use on a regular basis. Through the power of twitter, I found Symbaloo.  Symbaloo is a simple start page that allows you to organize and access favorite sites on one page. It has a great look for kids (as well as adults). Symbaloo allows you to create various webmixes, so I created one for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades as well as a subject area for the main subjects. Our school uses Google Apps, so using Google Sites, I create a home page for each grade level. I made that page include the webmix with more general sites (our school homepage, AR, IXL, etc.) I then created a Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Keyboarding, and Just for Fun site for each grade level. Click here to see our 2nd grade example.

Symbaloo is very user friendly. You can increase or decrease the size of your webmix. You can personalize the icons for each individual square. You can add or delete sites on your webmix any time. You can also embed it in another site, email the link to anyone, keep it private, or share with the world.

I have shared this with our teachers and they are excited about how easy it will be for their students to access web sites. We also plan on sharing the google site for each grade level with parents so they can make it their homepage on home computers.

Symbaloo is free, but there are paid accounts as well.  Check it out! I think you will be pleased.

View out today’s video to learn more:

Thanks, Cindy!

Technorati Tags: symbaloo

Spicy Nodes

I bet you read that title as Spicy Noodles and thought I posted on the wrong blog.  Unfortunately this is not a great recipe for something yummy but this is a great post about another great 21st Century tool and it will add a bit of pep to your lesson.  The tool is SpicyNodes and it takes the “ugh” out of concept maps.
SpicyNodes is another great management tool that allows users to organize visually and by category. What makes SpicyNodes better than what you see above is the ability to link each node to media such as text, links and photos.  Social Studies teachers can bring history to life as students link their nodes to the actual footage discussed in class.  Math teachers can use SpicyNodes to create algorithms.  The possibilities are endless.  However, if you need a shot of inspiration visit the site’s education page. Here’s today’s video to tell you more: 

Finally, for those of you who navigated to TTWIT seeking spicy noodles, here is a recipe for you.  Let me know how it turns out.

READER RESPONSE: Please post the link to your SpicyNode here.

Technorati Tags: spicynodes,aasl

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.

Never Forget Again

Do you know what drives me crazy about secondary students?  It’s their inability to organize. I believe our expectations of students need to be raised. It is time to go beyond stuffing their notes in an overloaded Trapper Keeper (Do they still make those?) and move toward the tools in their pockets.

This week we will delve into managing and organizing information.  You will find that the five tools shared this week will not only benefit the munchkins but you, your family and friends. The best thing about the tools is that they are easily accessible on both your laptop and phone. 
Today’s tool was introduced to me a few weeks ago by my colleague, Jeremy.  He asked if I ever heard of Evernote and from that point on it’s as if this little app started to storm through the world of education.  Evernote allow users to organize their thoughts, notes and sites from a variety of sources such as your ideas, things you heard, see in passing, websites, store PDFs and more.  The great thing about Evernote is that it is available on every format imaginable: Mac, PC, Android Market, iTunes, etc.  This allows your ‘notes’ to be where’ever’ you need them.  Cool, right? Evernote is your personal assistant and one that never needs a potty break of a day off. 

With Evernote you will never forget a lesson plan idea that strikes you in the oddest of places like using the song you heard in Zumba in your classroom.  Here’s my challenge to you, educators: Ask your students to pull out their Smartphones in class and download the app the next time you have a research assignment.  Show them how Evernote can help them share their tools with their group.  The goal of utilizing Web 2.0 tools in the classroom is to turn 21st Century students into 21st Century innovators.  It is vital to put the tools in their hands now so it will become a part of their college and professional lives.
Stay tuned for a lesson on how Jeremy shares his Evernotes with his fellow teachers.  Until then, check out Ron’s Evernote tips on Tumblr.
READER RESPONSE: How will you use Evernote?

Zooburst

As we lounge around and commemorate Labor Day with BBQ and beer, I invite you to consider one last Digital Storytelling tool to add to your dynamic curriculum.  This week consider adding a pop of wow with Zooburst.  Zooburst adds a new dimension to storytelling by adding a 3-D component. 

Zooburts also offers a huge library of clip art to help your students get their point across.  If a Zooburst photo does not fancy your charge, no problem, have her upload her own picture.  Students adore adding their own image in an assignment.  Zooburts allows them to personalize their 3D story which will make everyone take notice on presentation day.

I want to end Digital Storytelling tools by encouraging teachers of all content to think outside the box.  These tools are not just for the English classroom.  Math teachers, have students explain how to solve problems.  Social Studies educators, retell an event in history.  Foreign language teachers, I cannot think of a better tool for students to put their newly learned words into practice.  Visit the Zooburst gallery for more ideas or even add one of the stories to your lesson. Digital Storytelling is a great way to escape from the ordinary.  Keep your students guessing what may happen next in your class and watch their attentiveness soar.

Technorati Tags: zooburst

How the heck did you do that?

I believe in learning by doing especially when it comes to performing computer tasks. One of the most beneficial tutorials online are those that offer recordings of users navigating websites, using features in MS Office, etc.  As both a Mac and PC user I found this issue frustrating when my Mac and the Screenflow program are not around.  I am not interesting in spending more money on Camtasia to have this feature on my PC so what is a girl to do?  A girl is to sign up for Jing right away.
I must let you know that Jing and Camtasia are from the same tech gurus.  The major difference is the ability to make polished videos with Camtasia while Jing is very basic.  The upside is that you will get your point across easily.  Here are a few ways to use Jing according to their website:

• Collaborate on a design project
  
• Share a snapshot of a document
  
• Narrate your vacation photos
  
• Capture that pesky bug in action

• Show Dad how to use iTunes
  
• Comment on students' homework
  
• Post tidbits on Twitter or Facebook

Additionally you can share your video instantly via e-mail, IM, Twitter, blogs, etc.With the addition of Lync on school campuses this is especially good news.  Here is a sample of a web snapshot to start the wheels turning in your noggin.

A picture truly paints a thousand words.  Why not lessen the confusion when adding technology to lesson and use Jing.  Your students will thank you.
READER RESPONSE:  How will you use Jing?

Microphones, Telephone, Webcams – oh my!

There comes a time in every class when students are forced to work together.  Just as Dorothy traveled the yellow brick road, your students now have a path leading to greatness…introducing Voicethread.  Voicethread allows users to share images, slides and documents with their voice.  The best part of Voicethread is the ability to work collaboratively.  As students work they can upload their narration five different ways: microphone, telephone, text, audio files and webcams. 

Imagine the possibilities of Social Studies projects.  Allow your students to detail how they solved a math problem.  Debate issues within a video and so much more.  Imagine the level of Blooms you will reach with this tool.  We’re aiming sky high, fellow educators. 

From embedding your Voicethread with a specially designed Moodle plugin or exporting the file to a DVD, there is no limit to sharing your creation. 

READER RESPONSE: How have or will you use Voicethread in your classroom?  Please share your links below to threads you create.

Technorati Tags: media sharing,web 2.0,webcam,voicethread

Technology Sandbox

Have you ever drooled over a library?  I just did and this saliva inducing hotbed of information exists a mere hour up the road at NC State University in Raleigh, NC.  The new Technology Sandbox is a place that should serve as a model for not only higher education but K-12 students, faculty and administrators.  I am truly excited about how this place of learning will impact not only North Carolina but the nation.  Take a look at the video and be amazed.

Week 4 - Publishing_Leadership project part 1

The North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES) Conference is one I discovered about one week before members convened earlier this month.  Several of my fellow media specialists planned to attend and asked if anyone wanted to share a room.  What?  Huh?  How can it be that I am oblivious to this unique opportunity?  Well, never more.  NCTIES is an organizational website that I follow several times a week and I believe that a presentation on Moodle to my fellow North Carolina educators is timely and fits the mission of NCTIES nicely.

Mission:

The mission of NCTIES is to provide leadership in educational communications and technology by linking all who hold a common interest in the use of educational technology and its application to the learning process.

Have you tried Schoology?

Facebook reigns not only for us but our students love it too.  How many times have we as educators tried to use Facebook to communicate with students and parents only to discover that our district blocks the site?  If you're in the same boat then I wonder, have you tried Schoology?  Schoology has the same look and feel as Facebook but it is a Learning Management System (LMS) similar to Moodle, Blackboard, etc.  Your students will L-O-V-E Schoology for the social networking and you will adore the LMS for the ability to embed projects, share videos/links with students and create assessments that are a 20 steps above multiple choice tests.  Check out the video for a guide to creating the Perfect Unit One.  As always, please contact me should you need guidance integrating this dynamic tool into your curriculum.

No time for Moodle training - here's your solution

Moodle is an outstanding Learning Manangement Software for educators; however, most of us cannot afford to take time off for training.  Are you in a similar situation or is Moodle not an option at your school?  If so, take a look at Schoology.

Understanding Cancer through Gaming

Cancer has touched the students at NEMS first-hand in that one of our well-known students' is in the toughest battle of her life. In an effort to understand what she's going through students can engage in research to learn how cancer affects the body. Re-Mission the game is the first step toward engagement understanding and learning. Watch this video to see how James Paul Gee's learning principles promote education while involving students in a a valuable lesson.

Problems and Solutions (School Projecct)

Book Reports: Sad to Stunning

It goes without saying that teachers think of fun and exciting things to do over the summer but time and resources cause our plans to fly out the window.  Here's a cool tool that will allow you to integrate technology into your lesson AND excite your students.  Go!Animate allows users to create free cartoons that may be embedded on websites or uploaded to Facebook, Twitter or MySpace.  Are you concerned about content?  No worries, Domo Animate is geared toward younger students and probably accepted by your school technology department.  View my tutorial below.  As always, contact me should you have additional questions.  I'm here to help.

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You may view the actual book report below.

GoAnimate.com: Eat Pray Love by Tamika@fb


Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Spice Up Your Lesson Plans

Let's face it, sometimes our lessons plans are missing a little pep.  How many times have you glanced at your pacing guide only to discover that it's time to conjugate verbs or showcase the glories of the periodic table?   But how can you make last years bland delivery into something fiery? I think you know my answer.  The 2010-11 school year is approaching at a rapid pace.  The most exciting aspect or biggest fear is the use of technology.  I found this great Scrib to help you plan and integrate flavor into your curriculum.  Whatever you do, make sure these sites are accessible on campus and be sure to grab an Averkey or utilize an LCD projector the day you introduce new technology. As always, especially to my Rams, contact me if you need help utilizing these awesome tools.

Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers

BP2_Google Reader

Side note, I used the iGoogle Screen Shots as my first entry because it is stated to do so on the Blogging to Learn activity. 

My first blog post spoke of efficiency and how Google Reader can help.  I love the time saving aspect of the ability to read the latest and greatest about my personal and professional interest from various minds around the world.  This time saving aspect is vitally important during the school year.  The blogs mentioned in this post keep me updated about technological trends or simply provide a laugh about my profession.

Cool Cat Teacher Blog: 
How can one not adore the name?  As an IT director and teacher, Vicki shares her experiences in the classroom and how technology can impact our students and families.  As a Google Certified Teacher, Vicki also provides tips on how to utilize Google tools in our classrooms.

Blogging About The Web 2.0 Connected Classroom:
This site keeps me up to date about all that is occurring in the Web 2.0 world.  The author, Steven, also has a podcast in which he's able to expound upon his postings.  I especially enjoy the author's posts on technology integration when it comes to school administration.  Today's teaching world mandates that technology be a major part of our curriculum but it's like pulling teeth to ask administration for the funds to buy the equipment.  Steven offers ideas to make the task an easier one.

Edutopia Blogs:
Have you ever read something because it's cool?  Well we all know that Edutopia is about the coolest thing ever for teachers.  This blog is one of the sites that will rev your engines when you need a jump start.  Edutopia blog authors are contributors from around the globe but they each have a unique voice when it comes to technological trends in education or simply how to keep the fire burning in our students during the mid-year slump.  Do you need inspiration?  Then head to Edutopia Blogs.  How do you think I found out about Full Sail?

 
The Shifted Librarian
I am a librarian.  Did the lady with the bun and the glasses chained around her neck pop into your mind?  Well, I do wear glasses and but they're DKNY and I do sport a bun because it's sleek.  Basically, I'm not your mama's librarian.  Times have changed and The Shifted Librarian speaks about how people now expect to receive information and how librarians must shift their views in order to deliver it.

Dangerously Irrelevant
As a librarian I realize the impact titles have on young readers.  I was drawn to this blog by the title of the creator's video. Did You Know? (Shift Happens).  Isn't that a great play on words?  The blog is aimed at school leaders and discusses the rate at which technological change is occurring in the world.  As our school library media specialist I find that my principals come to me to discuss what is new in the world of technology.  This blog allows me to be prepared for that conversation.

Did you and I read the same blog?  If so, what drew you to the site?