Smore: Another Online Tool--

Check out Smore to see if it is a tool you would use in the classroom. The homepage features some samples that look far better than the one that I embedded below.

I just created this flyer in less than 2 minutes, but if I had more time to play around, could come up with a real newsletter or flyer. For now, I was just trying the site to see how it works.

Go Wild--New York Zoos and Aquarium

If you're looking for some interactive educational entertainment, try Build Your Wild Self, a site sponsored by the New York Zoos and Aquariums. There is plenty to explore. I just had some fun making this character, but have yet to create animal characters. There is also information to explore about the zoos and aquarium. 

Whatever age you are, you will find something on this site. Explore, but come back and post a comment to let us know what you think.

Using Pinterest in the Classroom

Just came across this clever way to use Pinterest in the classroom.The project is intended for an English class reading of Mice and Men. Check out the idea: Of Mice and Men, Multi-Genre Project. 

50 Hashtags You Should Be Following on Twitter

Which of the hashtags do you check, and which do you think you should be checking?  Be sure to link to this page for the list:

 

50 Important Education Twitter Hashtags–With Meeting Times!

Come back to this post to let us know your recommendations.

 

 

SpeakPipe

Thanks to Richard Byrne's wonderful blog, Free Technology in the Classroom, I put a SpeakPike feature into this blog. That means after you read a blog post, you can speak your comments. Look for the Voice Option the margin. Click on it and see the dialogue box to start recording your message. Try to record a message to this blog post. Here are some questions to consider:

• What are the pros and cons of adding a speech response instead of a written one?
• What do you think of the idea of having a way to respond to blog posts via speaking instead of writing?
• Do you think we will see more or less of this kind of tech use in the future?

You can read Byrne's post about SpeakPipe at this post 

Use SpeakPipe to Send Voice Messages to Email Recipients

Global Connections

Given the discipline or grade level you teach or plan to teach, how do you envision the students in your class forming global connections linked to your curricular objectives? What do you see as the best ways for students in your class to reach beyond the walls of the classroom, or even the school building, to create connections? Let's discuss. Post comments. Read one another's comments, and add to the chain of discussion.


photo credit: spitfirelas via photopin cc

Implementing Computer Technology in the Classroom

Creative Commons License to Share, Image http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathycassidy/3224352060/

One of the goals in this course is to identify new resources to implement in your teaching. Project 1 required writing a lesson plan for one of your new tech discoveries. Let's share. Reply by naming the technology you discovered and how you envision implementing it in the classroom. Also, tell how your idea for implementation fits curricular goals.

More on Project 1

Let us know how you are doing on Project 1. What sites, apps, etc. did you select to review and why? What are you thinking of doing for your lesson plan? How will this lesson plan help others to understand how the selected technology will be implemented in the classroom? Did your reviews give enough attention to the section in which you address how the selected technology can be used in a lesson plan? What questions do you have for us?

Sharing Ideas for Project One

Let's share in this blog post what sites, apps, or software we are considering for Project 1. This project involves writing two reviews and one lesson plan. Ideally, everyone will select options of interest to others. The reviews should be honest assessments and need to include ideas for implementation in the school setting. For now, what are you considering reviewing and why did you make these selections?

If you are still looking for ideas, check the other course blogs for ideas: Computers in the Classroom  and  Computer Connections These blogs have posts about a variety of sites worth implementing with students, and many of the recommended sites are Web 2.0 tools with open-ended application in a variety of grade levels and subject areas.

Think proactively when making your selections. Consider selections that you can use on a wide scale over the course of the year with students and selections that will appeal to students and engage them in learning.

Okay, let's hear your thoughts about what you are considering for project one and why.

Welcome to Education 570, Computers in the Classroom

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rameshng/5930493923/

Welcome to class! We will use this blog to share ideas specifically related to our course. To get started, let's introduce ourselves to one another. Tell us a little about yourself. If you're teaching, what grade level or subject area? Why are you taking this course? How do you see this course as relating to your professional goals? What is your comfort level with technology tools? What digital tools do you use often? How do you incorporate technology into your professional work? What are some of your goals for this course? What would you like to learn in the course? What other information do you want to share to help us get to know you? When responding, be sure to start off by telling us your name. (When ready to post, you can select the option, Open, and also add your name there.)