The Adventures of Library Girl: Six Tips to Help Teachers Move From TechnoPHOBE to...

This is fantastic!  Read it!

The Adventures of Library Girl: Six Tips to Help Teachers Move From TechnoPHOBE to...: I ran across this post recently (thanks to a member of my PLN who posted it on Facebook).  It outlines "10 Things School Leaders Do to Kil...

Video Games in the classroom

Again we are about engagement in the classroom.  What about this?  Take a look at this slideshow about Video Games in the classroom.  What do you think?  Is it time you try it?

http://www.slideshare.net/jlagarde/game-on-using-video-games-to-ramp-up-your-instruction

Also check out this video at the bottom of this blog about the defense of video games in the classroom and whether or not they are worthwhile.  The blog also brings up some really great points.

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/02/ten-surprising-truths-about-video-games-and-learning/

Hey English Teachers

Looking for an impromptu writing assignment?

Check out http://www.piclits.com/

Basically it gives a picture and a person can write about the picture, on top of the picture.

Something like inspiration...

A few years back...like 10 there was this great software called Inspiration.  I know that it is still around but I have found a cheaper version if you are looking to brainstorm and bubble that brainstorm.

Go to:  popplet.com

You get 5 popplets for free, otherwise it's $3 a month for unlimited popplets.  Seems really reasonable if you are a teacher that uses this frequently.

I really like the look of the website and how user friendly it is.  Try it and see what you think.

Graphic Novels in the Classroom

I found this great resource that is published by Scholastic on how to use graphic novels in the classroom.

Go to:  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/sites/default/files/asset/file/graphix_teachers_guide.pdf

We have been talking a lot about engagement.  I definitely think this is one way to engage our students.  By the way, these get checked out a lot in the library.

We have:

The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future

Magic Pickle

Bone

Smile

Amulet

Ghostopolis

BadIsland

Cardboard (just added)

Into the Volcano

Missile Mouse

Malice

The Arrival

Drawing From Memory

If you can't get it to download or you would just like a paper copy let me know and I can get you one.

Helpful Article

Read this tonight on one of the blog/classes that I have been participating in for the last 50 some days (it last for 137 days).  I think everyone could benefit from this.

http://lifehacker.com/5941496/top-10-simple-things-every-computer-user-should-know-how-to-do?popular=true

Links and other stuff

At this point I have tried to link every website that I have posted.  Thanks to Deanna for pointing this out to me.

Something else I want to mention...

Try XtraNormal - a place where you can make a video.

www.xtranormal.com

Simple but totally worthwhile

Want to take a screen shot?  Shortcut would be Command-Shift-3.  This will take the picture and put it on your desktop.  Thanks to Nancy for asking about it!

Attention: iPad/iphone/ipod Users

I have a new app for all the ipad, iPhone and ipod users.  Download FasterScan HD.  This allows you to take a picture and your device turns into a pdf.  You can then email yourself.  Try it out!

There is a free version and a $4.99 upgrade if you are interested.

Want a place to chat about videos?

Just came across www.synchtube.com  This service allows you to watch a video and have kids "chat" about what they have seen.  If you use it let me know how it goes.

There is also TED-Ed which is TED videos for education.  They do some flipped video lessons as well...don't know what a Flipped Classroom is?  Google and then come talk to me.

New computer trick

Alright well it's been brought to my attention that on a lot of the newer computers in our school when you open any application it opens the last 10 documents in whatever app you are using.  How do you turn it off?

Step 1:  Click on Apple
Step 2:  Click on System Preferences
Step 3:  Click on General
Step 4: Unclick “Restore windows when quitting and re-opening apps”


This should take care of it for you.  Thanks to all who are following this blog.  

Why comics?

(You may want to look at the previous post)

Why comics?  Take a look at this argument for why.

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/How-to-Play/Educators/

Saw something amazing...

We should always be learning from our students....yesterday I ran into some of my former students up at the high school.  I noticed they were giggling and working on something on the computer.  As soon as I walked over they wanted to tell me all about what they were doing....

I learned something from some of the greatest resources and teachers around me, OUR STUDENTS.

Check this out.

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com

Quote from article

Thanks to Brooke for pointing this article out and for Cassie Erkens for publishing this. 

This is a huge a-ha moment for me!

"During the learning process, learners need more information than grades can provide:  they require ongoing, clear, quality information regarding their progress toward the learning expectations. At all points along the way, teachers and learners need to be able to “see” the learners’ progress so that they can intervene, enrich, and ultimately celebrate as necessary."

From:  http://www.allthingsplc.info/wordpress/?p=2989

21st Century Teacher...are you?

Here are just a few of these...

1. You require your students to use a variety of sources for their research projects...and they cite blogs, podcasts, and interviews they've conducted via Skype.

2. Your students work on collaborative projects...with students in Australia.

3. You give weekly class updates to parents...via your blog.

4. Your students participate in class...by tweeting their questions and comments.

Click on the link below to see the rest!

Thanks again to Simple K12

http://blog.simplek12.com/education/21-signs-youre-a-21st-century-teacher/

iPhone Apps for the Classroom

Try these iPhone apps for your classroom.  Brought to you by my SimpleK12 Friends (From the ISTE Conference 2012).

1. WordPress for Iphone - Teachers can use this app to send 

out assignments to their students and stay connected in 

general

2. iFlashCards - flashcards that can be carried around in a 

convenient digital format!

3. Fluent News Reader - Help your students stay aware of 

what's going on in the world

4. Dropbox 1.2.5 - Store, View and Share files from anywhere!

5. Dragon Dictation 2.0.0 - dictate a long series of notes and 

then e-mail or text them

Media Catalogs

So I know that you are wondering, where is that media catalog?  You know that big three inch binder that you got at the beginning of the year?  Well have no fear those are not coming back to you but if you are looking for a movie (dvd or vcr) you can access all of the catalog through http://home.site.esu9.org/  Go to the left hand side and under Media Catalog and click on Media Catalog.  You can search a lot of different ways.  If you would like to order come to the library and I will give you a form.  Any questions?  Come on down to the library or give me a ring.

Quick Reads for your students

Check out these places for good articles about various different subjects.

Quick Reads for Teens (Web Articles)

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/scholasticnews/index.html

http://tweentribune.com/teen

http://teenink.com/

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/

http://www.timeforkids.com/news

http://www.dogonews.com/

http://www.headlinespot.com/for/kids/

Helpful hint for all iPhone users

Trying to figure out how to sync all of the your calendars from google to your iPhone?
Go to Safari on your phone and go to this address...google.com/calendar/iphoneselect

Follow the directions and you are set!

Thanks to Diane for challenging me with this!

A place for articles of any subject

Thanks Deanna for this suggestion. Try this place for online articles -

http://kellygallagher.org/resources/articles.html

For my Social Study peeps...

or anyone else interested in a Virtual time line that you make and use.


http://www.tiki-toki.com/

Try this!

Looking for a place to learn lots of stuff about technology?  Videos help you more?  You can sign up for this for free and they will send you updates about new technology from time to time.  They also have a cute bunny slipper logo.


http://simplek12.com/

Great explanation of social media

Maybe you just don't understand social media well. 90% of educators are using some form of it in their classroom. Check this website out: http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/files/2012/07/teachers-guide-social-media.png

The Adventures of Library Girl: The Future of Research

The Adventures of Library Girl: The Future of Research: Last week a new pal and astute educator, Ed Chase , asked me if research was really a skill that “students of the future” would even need. A... This is something to ponder. Just think this through a little. Why don't we allow students...?

Well I'll be back soon

Just wanted to let you know that spence and I will be gone starting Thursday July 19-Friday July 27. You can email me with questions and I will try to help from afar. See you when we get back.

Wordle but better...

As we start the year I know that many of you use Wordle.  Try http://www.tagxedo.com/


You can change the shape of the word clouds that you create and you can order items with your word cloud on it.

Circle Project/miLearning

I have received a lot of questions about Circle Project and miLearning over the years.


I can only give you bits about it because it is difficult to explain.  One thing that I will tell you is that it has completely changed the way I think about education, our students, and the way I think about myself.


Today I was on miquestion.org which is the wiki that ESU9 has put together for those that have been through any of the Circle Project classes.  On it was a video that I found very striking about the education system.  See what you think!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=player_embedded


I am currently reading my way through this author's book right now and find it completely intriguing.

Google "Docs"

Hey just wanted to let everyone know that Google "Docs" is now called DRIVE.  If you click on DRIVE it will bring up your docs.


Helpful hint so you're not panicking!

Looking for information?

Looking for information about technology? Do I have the site for you. The Honor Roll: 50 Must-Read K–12 Education IT Blogs http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2012/06/honor-roll-50-must-read-k-12-education-it-blogs This is a list of blogs that you can follow to help you with technology in the classroom.

Check this out! Google

So I found this article that might interest some of you.  There are many things that Google offers that most people don't know about.


http://lifehacker.com/5923588/the-best-google-features-youre-probably-not-using

Let me know if you find something that you think is usable!

Twitter article!

If you haven't yet figured out I am on Twitter...finally.  My tag is vogtteacherlib.  Check it out and follow me.


Today I was reading an article about "Flipping Classrooms" that I think many of you might want to check out.  It is titled "Why Flipped Classrooms Are Here to Stay".  My challenge to you...how can we meet the needs of our students (who are digital natives) and think outside the box to use technology.  Have an idea?  Share it with me and I will share it with others!

Co-op Orders

Slowly co-op orders are coming in.  Be patient.  If you receive something that doesn't belong to you please let me know.


As they are brought to me I will get them sorted and out to you.


One of my favorite times of year...new school supplies to use in the classroom.  Enjoy

Something you might want to try!

Just got this e-mail and thought I would pass the website on.  Check out this site.  It has free audio books available to anyone!  They are books that are in the public domain (what does that mean?  they are classics).


The website is:  http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/


Check it out and let me know what you think.

Couple things to try...

Check out the following video websites:


http://www.kideos.com/ - Videos for kids (Does use YouTube)
http://www.tubechop.com/ - Chop/cut your YouTube videos so that they can edited for classroom use.
http://www.keepvid.com/ - Allows you to download videos from YouTube at home and keep them downloaded to your computer.


I think you might find these websites very useful!

Beginning words and thoughts...

Well first off I just have to say...WW stands for Wonder Woman (don't we all feel like her somedays?) that way if there are any questions you know the secret.  Blogging is interesting to me and I want to see how this can be helpful to the other people that I work with.  You will see many posts about all kinds of resources that are available to you in your classroom.  From time to time I will also list "challenges".  See what you can do with them.  This is a journey for both of "us" so here we go.