Great pdf file on Twitter for Educators!

Check out this handy guide for teachers who want to begin using twitter!

http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/MCPSS/MobileCounty/Departments/Forms/Twitter%20for%20Educators.pdf

Who to follow on Twitter???

Here are two lists just to get you started!

50 Educator Twitter Accounts Worth Following @ http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/50-educator-twitter-accounts-worth-following/

50 Important #Hashtags to follow @ http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/50-educator-twitter-accounts-worth-following/

Bill Gates: Teachers need real feedback

Looking for something to read? Want to see what others in the profession have to say?

Check out these blogs for teachers:

http://www.fractuslearning.com/2013/02/22/blogs-for-teachers/

Blogging for Communication

Here are some resources gleaned from the 2013 TIE conference regarding blogging in the classroom as a part of communication:

Articles

·         10 Ways to Motivate Students to Blog

·         Motivating Students: Writing for an Audience

Classroom Blog Examples:

·         http://eastdragonden.blogspot.com/

·         http://fischalgebra1213.blogspot.com/

·         http://mrwatanabes4thgradeblog.blogspot.com/

·         http://kdgroom102.blogspot.com/

Student Blogs

·         readersparadise1.blogspot.com (Madison Hooper - FCE 6th grade)

·         http://464646464.blogspot.com/

·         Reading response blogs

Like to Tweet? Follow these people!

Top 10 Twitter Accounts to Follow For Education Technology - See more at: http://www.fractuslearning.com/2012/05/25/twitter-follow-education-technology/#sthash.Dh4f3OWb.dpuf

TIE conference 2013

I am currently attending the TIE conference ... will have TONS of information to share with everyone!!  Stay tuned!

Primary Sources

School Library Journal's April edition shares some great links to primary resources.  On is "Historical Scene Investigation" - a site that presents various historical cases for students to work through access historical primary resources.

Two other sites mentioned were: Docs Teach and World Digital Library.

How to grade for Creativity!

How do we grade for "creativity" when the rubic focuses primarily on content, structure, and format? 
The answer is -- we don't.  But shouldn't these kids who go above and beyond anything we've ever expected get something extra? 

While teaching ninth graders about the Vietnam War, I had one student create a detailed PowerPoint that when run created a stick figure movie about a young boy traveling through time to learn about the country Vietnam, the beginnings of the Vietnam War, and the outcomes.  It was AMAZING and much MUCH more interesting than any of the short speeches my co-teacher and I listened to that week.

But "how" were we to grade for that creativity he displayed in his thinking and his learning?

Check out this blog from Byrdseed on how he accesses creativity!

(click on this picture for the article)

TLD 2012: Talk #2 - Theo Wilson: Lucifury

TLD 2012: Talk #2 - Theo Wilson: Lucifury

One of the most powerful presentations I've ever experienced.

Theo Wilson: Lucifury from the 2012 TLD

This presentation was one of the most powerful I've ever experienced. 

Student Vs. Learner

The Council on 21st Century Learner created these "mac/pc-ish" videos to illustrate the difference between a student and a learner.  Check them out! 

 

Byrdseed ... a little something for everyone

 

Byrdseed is a blog/website that hosts a wide variety of activities and information regarding differentiating for the GT student.  BUT the information here can be used for ALL students!
Check out the site today!!

Art and Science Integration

The Winter 2013 issue of Scholastic Instructor had a very intriguing article regarding the integration of science and art: Monet in Science Class?

I strongly encourage you to take a look ... not only does it discuss Common Core standards and STEM education, it gives same activities that can be accomplished in the science classroom based on famous works of art.

YouTube Resources

It has been AGES since I've last posted ... I believe I got back in the habit of sending out "emails" to individuals and departments rather than posting here for the good of all.  I'll try to be better about that. :)


In the January/February 2013 issue of Library Media Connection, there was an article that discussed YouTube Resources.  That's right ... YouTube is not just for looking up funny animal videos!  It can be used for education!!

Here are some of the recommended sites:

• Discovery Network @ http://www.youtube.com/user/DiscoveryNetworks

 Proivdes a variety of stories regarding science, natural history, geography, and engineering!

• The FDR Library and Museum @ www.youtube.com/user/FDRLibrary

 HUGE collection of historical videos!

• Nurdrage's @ www.youtube.com/user/nurdrage?blend=1&ob=4

 Science Experiements galore!

SOCRATIVE

I used this site yesterday with our Raptor's Writing Program group.  It was amazing!!!

You can create quizzes … exit tickets … queries … AND students can respond via their smartphones or a computer.

Check out the video link on their home page … it shows how it all works!!!  

@

http://www.socrative.com/

Google Lit Trips

Have to say ... these Google Lit Trips are very cool!  Would be an excellent activity to use with students!