In Case You Missed It (3/22/2009)
News:
Laptops in classroom may not always be a good thing. I have to confess that a year ago I was very skeptical of using laptops in the classroom, fearful of vandalism, theft and difficulty of maintenance. However, I have found that laptops in the classroom is very beneficial. Teachers love having them at hand, in their usual place of business. The kids respond well to them and on the most part treat them well. Certainly, if the lesson planning is not there, then laptops can offer little benefit.
Worth Discussing:
Discussion on the question of “friending” students. I’ve always been a strong advocate for setting boundaries between staff and student, and would never friend a student. I always have questions of professionals who feel the need to cross the line and become buddy buddy with students.
Blog about the potential of video games in education. Certainly video games can be used for benefit. It just is quite a challenge to teach students that they are not just getting over on you and having them lose respect for you.
Blog post: Making the case for cell phones in schools. Some schools need more of something and others less of something. Our students are constantly taking cell phones out and using them in classes. I’d say our staff is much too lenient.
Software:
Some nice software and online tools for students with that special exception.
Text-to-Speech Plugin for Microsoft Word
Free program guide to open any file extension!
Web Resources:
It’s amazing what is available online if you look!
Create posters from a single image for free! I have been looking for a free poster creator for some time. Unfortunately this one requires large images to work.
The text of A People’s History of the United States
as well as Understanding Algebra by James Brennan. You can also read a number of magazines online at Issuu.
For further exploration:
Tips and Tricks:
Couple good tips for adding webclip icons to your IPhone or IPod touch and create an animated GIF on Twitter.
Getting Started with Educational Technology:
Two good resources for new teachers: Techy tips for not so techy teachers and New Teacher resources. Also some podcasts worth checking out: Podcasts in Educational Technology
For Fun:
Periodic Table of typefaces. Another intriguing idea, with absolutely little RL application.
