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Web Tools Blog Series: Tools to Help Students Collaborate
In previous blogs, we focused on web tools to collect and organize content and tools to help students create and present ideas. In this module, we focus on how to use web tools to foster collaboration. Randy Nelson (Pixar University) provides a brilliant definition of collaboration by using two principles of improv. Principle 4: Shut up and Listen Good improvisers are not necessarily more clever, or more quick-witted. Principle 5: Action beats inaction Don't talk about doing it, do it. Principle 8: There are no mistakes Earlier I said that we have to be willing to make mistakes. As a quick example, watch this video (caution, one bad word near the end). Imagine what would have happened if the cast would have cut him off. Extending Class and Thinning the Walls A variety of web tools provide opportunities for students to collaborate with each other (in or out of the classroom) or with others outside of the class. Example Projects Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. Tools
WISE Home Page
Java UpdateJan 15, 2014 On January 14, 2014, a new version of Java was released. Please update your computer to this version to continue using simulations and probes in WISE. Click here to download the latest java. WISE Image AnnotatorFeb 27, 2013 Check out the new WISE image annotator. Java UpdateFeb 20, 2013 For OS X 10.7 (mountain lion), typically Mac machines sold in 2011 and later, a security update will require you to reinstall the Java applet plugin to run many of the WISE4 projects. WISE in SpanishFeb 14, 2013 WISE is collaborating with a group in Argentina to create versions of all our activities in Spanish. WISE 4.6 is released! A stable release of WISE v4.6 is now available for download from WISE Server DowntimeOct 15, 2012 The WISE server will be down for maintenance on Saturday October 20th from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM PDT. WISE included in STEMworks DatabaseAug 17, 2012 WISE Book ReviewAug 17, 2012 WISE research highlighted by NSTAJun 27, 2012 WISE4.5 is released!
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Technology and Teaching: Finding a Balance
There is no doubt that finding the time to integrate technology is an overwhelming task for anyone. Throughout the course of a day, teachers find themselves pulled in many directions. However, technology is already integrated in nearly everything we do and nearly every job our students will encounter. Tomorrow's Literacy Technology is a literacy that is expected in higher education and in our economy. The contemporary job market requires us to adapt, continually learn, and apply various skill sets in many directions. It's equally important to expose students to information literacy skill sets. 3 Examples of Balanced Tech Integration Integrating technology doesn't have to consume your life as an educator. Here are some examples: Edmodo If I wanted to introduce my students to collaborative learning spaces or integrate a scaled-down learning management system (LMS), I would use Edmodo. Google Sites Google Drive I've used Google Drive nearly every year that I've taught. Opportunities, Not Apps
The Resourceful School:Favorite Freebies
December 2011/January 2012 | Volume 69 | Number 4 The Resourceful School Pages 84-85 The International Children's Digital Library is an amazing open-access resource with hundreds of digital books in dozens of different languages. Educators can use it to give children access to a rich library of culturally diverse books in a fun digital format. It also enables English language learners to access books in their native language as well as read books in English with protagonists from their heritage. —J-Lynn Van Pelt, director, E.L. Cord Foundation Center for Learning and Literacy, University of Nevada, Reno Teaching Channel contains videos showcasing many practical, specific ideas and tips for pedagogy organized by age level, subject area, and topic. —Nick Romagnolo, professional development, Agile Mind —Gwen Todd, secondary instructional resource teacher, Charles County Public Schools, Maryland —Holly Blythe, instructional technology, Lincoln Consolidated School District, Arkansas —Steve J.
Good-to-Go Projects for 2014
Image credit: iStockphoto When teachers ask how to get started with project-based learning, I acknowledge the "front-loading" that's part of project planning. Before students enter the picture, teachers need to consider the learning goals of a project, develop an assessment plan, and map out at least a rough calendar of the learning activities that will support the inquiry process. Those details may change once students dig in, but having a plan provides a roadmap for the student-directed learning ahead. Starting with a ready-made plan that you can adapt to fit your context can help you and your students get off to a faster start with PBL. The Happiness Project Is your community a happy place? These are among the intriguing questions that students will explore in a global investigation of happiness in 2014. Here's the big idea: The project is adaptable across subject areas and grade levels. Check out the project description and resources, and fill out a form to indicate interest.
QR Codes Can Do That?
There are tons of quick and easy ways to integrate technology into your instruction -- with powerful results. I've been a fan of Quick Response (QR) codes in education for years and even wrote a book all about how they can be used to promote deeper learning in your classroom. When speaking to teachers about these black-and-white squares, it's so much fun to see the "aha" moments as we explore different ways to use scannable technology in the classroom. This list of five things that you may not know about QR codes contains some simple ideas that definitely pack a punch. These tips include strategies for differentiating instruction, distributing materials, and keeping families up to date on classroom activities. If you've tried one of these QR tips or have another to add to the list, the comments section of this post is the perfect place to share! 1. QR codes can talk! 2. Since a QR code is connected to a web address, you can take a scanner to any location on the internet. 3. 4. 5.
