Nook Tablet

I just found out about the new Nook tablet reader. It is awesome! I am excited to find out more about this device for possible use in the classroom. It seems to have a long battery life and has a good sized screen for reading and using apps. I am not familiar with the Android app database and whether it offers similar educational apps as the iTunes App store. This is something that I plan to research more.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to a new and exciting school year! I am looking forward to meeting all of my new students as the year begins.

iPad/iPods in Education

Even though this summer is flying by i am excited that July is here. I am going to be taking an iPad/iPods in Education class through Wisconsin Lutheran Collage starting on July 15. There have been some great resources that I have come across in the last few months that have tweaked my interest, especially in the area of special education. I hope to learn a lot and have a ton of valuable resources to share soon. Until then, I will just have to enjoy the beautiful weather.

EdCamp Chicago

I am at EdCamp Chicago today in Lincolnshire, IL. It is going to be a great day. There are some great conversations that are going to go on today. I am impressed by all of the insight and collaboration that is taking place today. Follow the conference on Twitter with #edcampchicago. There are some great resources that I will share later.

Make-up Workshops Today

I will be holding a make-up workshop today from 3:45-4:45 in the KMS LMC lab on digital storytelling. It will cover digital storytelling options using programs that are currently loaded onto the lab computers, using the equipment for check out, and using simple things that you already have in your classroom.

Flipsnack

This is a site that I just found out about today. It is a great way to create a flippable book where you can create the artwork on the pages. Students can create anything from simple picture book to a multi-chapter book. All you need to do is upload your files to the website in PDF format then you can choose a template, view and publish your flippable book. You can also download your book right to your computer. A free account is needed to save your projects. Check out a video tutorial by clicking on the link below.

Flipsnack Video Tutorial

Flipsnack would also be a great tool for creating online portfolios for both students or teachers. You could compile work from all of your students into one portfolio to keep from year to year or have each student showcase his or her work. 

Free E-book on Web 2.0 Resources

No matter if you are a classroom teacher, a computer applications teacher, or an administrator this is a great resource for anyone in education. The ultimate goal is to create a 21st century classroom in every classroom and this free e-book outlines easy ways to accomplish this goal that don't break the bank. Click on the link below to sign up for your free copy.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/kpw25/

Digital Storytelling

I am excited to be holding two digital storytelling workshops this week. The first will focus on programs that are already loaded onto the computers and the second will focus on web based tools.

Monday and Wednesday @ GCMS from 3:45-4:45 in room 112
Tuesday and Thursday @ KMS from 3:45-4:45 in the LMC lab

Discovery Education Virtual Conference

Discovery Education is hosting a free virtual conference this weekend. Click on the links below to find a location that is close to you. They are going to be presenting some great information and tools on creating or expanding your PLN and integrating web 2.0 tools and other digital media into your classroom. Check it out if you have the chance.

General Information
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/blog/tag/spring-virt-con-11/

Verona, WI location information
https://lrougeux.wufoo.com/forms/spring-2011-virtual-conference-wisconsin/

Register for the virtual sessions
https://discoveryedevents.webex.com/ec0605lc/eventcenter/enroll/join.do?siteurl=discoveryedevents&confId=279446643

Intel Teach Live Webinar on Project Based Learning

I attended a fantastic webinar last night! It was an Intel Teach Live webinar on project based learning. There were four project based learning projects that were presented that included technology integration, 21st century skills, and global initiatives. I was overwhelmingly impressed by these projects. It was great to see that the technology elements that were used in these projects were used as tools to achieve a greater outcome rather than just for the purpose of incorporating them. I am both inspired and motivated to create a project of my own and find some teachers that would want to be involved. Project based learning is a great direction for education to move towards. I hope that a lot more teachers can begin to include project based learning opportunities in their classrooms in the near future.

Check out more information on this webinar by clicking the link below.
http://engage.intel.com/message/24850#24850

Make-Up Workshops This Week

I am holding two make-up tech workshops this week. If you missed either of the workshops last week you can still attend. I hope to see you there.

Tuesday, April 26 from 3:45-4:15 @ KMS: Everyday Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom
Wednesday, April 27 from 3:45-4:45 @ GCMS: Digital Classroom Communications

Inspiring Ted Talk for Educators

Today's Ted Talk was truly amazing. An educator named John Hunter talks about a project that he designed the World Peace Game that he uses with his 4th grade students. He put world problems into the game and has the students work together to solve them. Students had to work together and use critical thinking to solve complex problems. His students were engaged and innovative in their process and solutions. If you are an educator you should take some time to watch this video.

Great Web 2.0 Tools for your Classroom

Check out the page on my blog called Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom. There are some great tools that you can use everyday in your lessons or for your students to use on their own. Check it out now!

Everyday Web 2.0 Tools for the Classroom

Tech Tuesday Workshop Today!

Today is a Tech Tuesday! Today's workshop topic is Classroom Digital Communications. Many teachers have told me this year that they are tired of sending home traditional "classroom newsletters." Many of them asked what a good alternative would be. With the trend to go paperless quickly catching on,  this workshop will provide a variety of web-based options for classroom communication. Whether you are interested in creating a website, wiki, blog, or using an online learning management site, there is something for you. Come check it out!

3:45-4:45 @ Glacier Creek
Room 112

Intel Elements

I recently attended a great workshop on 21st century assessment through Intel. They offer a variety of online training programs for teachers in the areas of project based learning, 21st century assessment, and collaboration in the digital classroom. The Intel Elements program provides great resources for your classroom and is easy to use. Their website has endless resources and ideas for how to adapt your classroom to include 21st century skills. Click on the links below to explore the Intel site and its resources.


http://engage.intel.com/index.jspa
http://www.intel.com/about/corporateresponsibility/education/k12/index.htm
http://www.intel.com/education/teachers/