Citizenship and Online Resources - PBS Rocks!

US Citizenship Activity Pack


Yesterday, July 4th, the USA celebrated the 235th anniversary of its independence with parades, ceremonies, picnics, and fireworks.  One of the ceremonies that impressed me was a recognition ceremony honoring America's newest citizens, people from all over the world who gained US citizenship. 

Today, as I reviewed new PBS resources, I discovered their excellent collection of citizenship resources from the founding fathers to 21st century civic engagement and activities for students of all ages.  The activity tab also includes the link to the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) website.  

Teachers and students can easily learn what it takes to pass the naturalization test and the components for becoming a US citizen.  Here is the link to the online Naturalization Self Test.  You can test your knowledge of American history and government. 

These are the components of the test.

PBS keeps it simple for teachers to use their resources.  You can copy their activity packs to almost 2 dozen web tools and they provide the embed code.  If you haven't explored the multitude of resources on the PBS website, I encourage you to check them out.  Start with the citizenship resources. 

Lastly, it you know a new US citizen, take a minute to congratulate them on their accomplishment.

Leave a comment, if you use or have a way to use these resources. 

Audiobooks with Lit2Go

Lit2Go is a growing audiobook website that is an online service from Florida's Educational Technology Clearinghouse.  With Lit2Go you can download files to an mp3 player, listen to a book or poem on your computer, print a story, and view text on their webpage.  If you have iTunes available, you can also download selections to your iTunes library.
What keeps it simple for busy teachers?  You can browse by author, title, subject, and by reading level/grade level.  

The FETC people at the University of Southern Florida state that they are adding to the site on a regular basis so it is the type of site that you will want to bookmark and return to regularly. 

Many kids have an mp3 devise or phones that support mp3 files to this is a site that teachers should share with students and parents.  It's free and another way for students to access, listen and read literature and poetry.  The search interface and options are clean and easy to understand.  Lit2Go could also be used to teach research skills, something that all students need to develop. 

I'm a fan of searching by reading level.  I think it saves time and allows teachers to explore new literature that is appropriate for their age/grade level and to make reading recommendations that will ensure student success. 

Here are the "C" books and poems  that are currently available. 



Check out the features and content on Lit2Go and see if it is a resource that will work for you.
Enjoy!

ISTE 2011 Kick-Off Video Unlocking Potential

Here is a music video, "Say Hey (I Love School)" that was shared at yesterday's ISTE 2001 Conference opening ceremony.
The message was that teachers hold the key and can unlock the "key" to student potential. It features Temple University's Broad Street Line and a 4th grade class from Alliance for Progress Charter School.


Use it to inspire yourself, your class or colleagues. Share the wonderful efforts of these talented students and singers.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about unlocking student potential. 

Having Fun in Philly - ISTE Conference 2011

I just got to Philadelphia, PA to attend the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference.  About 12,000 educators and technologists will join together for four days to learn, network, listen, watch, try, and see the latest ways to integrate and use technology in Education. 

ISTE has held conferences since 1979.  The conference has grown as fast as technology has and last year's conference in Denver included 356 concurrent sessions and 604 additional presentations, all in 4 days!  Choices!  Choices!  This year there are even more sessions and amazing speakers.  If you ever have the chance to attend this conference, do!  I highly recommend it as an amazing learning opportunity.

The theme this year is "Unlocking Potential."  I am looking forward to my time at ISTE 2011 and  I promise to blog about new ideas, tools and tips so I can help you unlock your potential to use technology to enhance your lessons and for your own productivity. 

I the mean time, I am including links to the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for teachers, administrators and students. 

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers/nets-for-teachers-2008.aspx

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-administrators.aspx

http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx



I will be tweeting during the conference.  You can follow me on Twitter at: @sheilatebbano

Check out the NETs and see how much you are already doing to support these standards.  They offer a solid foundation for technology use and integration efforts.  Stay tuned for more "keeping it simple" posts after the conference!

Sheila

School Wax TV - Save to View and Upload

School Wax TV is a simple to use video website that provides screened videos for K-12 students and teachers.  In addition, you and your students can upload a video to the site. School Wax TV has search tabs for elementary, middle school, high school, educators, and student projects.  Within each level, they have videos for English, math, science, social studies, world language, and more.  There is also a search tool if you or your students are looking for a video on a particular topic.

Here is an example of a School Wax TV video.  Check out the grade level topics.  You will find everything from math tutorials to author book talks and NASA science demonstrations.



---

I've blogged about digital media resources and tools and I think School Wax TV supports student storytelling. Since it is becoming so easy to create videos in schools, consider submitting a creative video project to School Wax TV for publication so your have a wonderful digital artifact of your project.
The site provides FAQ's to make video uploading simple.

Check out School Wax TV and see if it is a tool you can use to either view safe, reliable learning videos or consider uploading a video you have created. Enjoy what they have to offer and consider sharing your thoughts in a comment.

Teachers Hold the Keys - Put the "I" in Interactive Whiteboard

Education Week published this article by journalist Mary Catherine O'Connor, Teachers Hold the Real Keys to Whiteboard Effectiveness.  I am sharing the article because it offers three examples of how teachers are effectively using their interactive whiteboard (IWB) at various levels of instruction.  Teachers are always asked to provide a "model" to support their learning target in a lesson.  This article provides models for effectively using an IWB for teachers and the author keeps it simple.

                   reinforcing lessons                      animating learning            assessing archives

It isn't so much about the board, it's what the teacher does with the board.  The article quotes Patrick Ledesma, the current teacher-ambassador fellow for the U.S. Department of Education.  "Once interactive whiteboards have been installed, teachers will do what they’ve always done, unless there is training or support to do things differently,” he said.

Training on a new tool like an IWB is more than just learning how to change the color of the pen or access images to support a lesson.  In my opinion, it must focus on the "I" in IWB, which for some teachers is a radical departure from current practice.  Getting teachers comfortable with the "I" has been a focus of all my IWB training and I am pleased when administrators notice a difference in instruction after teachers participate in training and coaching.  Recently, I received this feedback from Assistant Principal.

                It is my belief that your work with some of my “freshmen” teachers really 

                made the difference in turning a lack luster lesson into a lesson that was 

                interesting, as well as, motivating for their students.  Having the added feature 

                of Smart technology and watching as students interacted with technology 

                to learn and create led to satisfactory lessons...

                In addition, one thing I also noticed was the level of confidence the teachers 

                had in delivering their lessons.  

As a technology consultant, providing teachers with the confidence to develop an interactive lesson is the end goal of training.  These teachers changed the way they instructed by adding the "I" factor.  Teachers are they key to effective use of the IWB but I want to mention the importance of administrator support for the teacher training.  I'm taking this opportunity to recognize the forwarding thinking administrators who have supported teachers in their quest to engage students with active learning via the interactive white board.  Without their commitment and support, training would not have taken place. 

• Paul, Ling Ling, Maribelle, Grace, Rosarie, Tom, Yvonne, and Avon 

 I hope you enjoy the article examples and my thoughts on using an IWB.  If you have the good fortune to use an interactive whiteboard, look for ways you can put the "I" in IWB.  There are many more examples out there.  

Learning Games for All Ages - Sheppard Software

         

Sheppard Software's philosophy is to make learning fun.  The collection of free online interactive games has something for Pre-K through college and adults. The games have visual effects to make learning engaging and different levels to challenge players to continue playing and learning.   Sheppard Software games can be used with an interactive whiteboard.  They keep it simple with a list view and icon view of the learning games.  The games to what they say and provide feedback and positive reinforcement.  Check out Comma Chameleon, a punctuation practice game.

Middle and high school teachers, the games for older students are excellent and kids will love to challenge themselves by playing the games for adults.  The brain games support current research for learners of all ages.  Check out the puzzles, brain teasers, memory games, and more.

I hope you enjoy this robust site as much as I do.  There is definitely something for everyone here.  Keep learning going over the summer and share this site with  your students and parents and add it to your tech learning toolkit.

www.sheppardsoftware.com

Use Visual Media - Tech & Learning Article

Using digital media in the classroom does not need to be complicated.  This list of 10 Innovative Ways to Use Visual Media by Ellen Ullman keeps it simple while providing ways you can integrate digital media/storytelling into your classroom.

Tech & Learning online professional learning website that is an excellent source of information, lessons, best practices, a magazine, and much more.  You can subscribe and/or have content sent to you via RSS. 
Tech & Learning is a great way to expand your tech knowledge.

I hope you enjoy these 10 ways to use visual media.  I have blogged about some of these tools already.  So, get out the digital camera, have students take pictures or video, and let their creativity shine with some of these ideas. 

As always, share your comments or thoughts in a comment. 

How To's and Tutorials with Tildee

Tildee is a simple to use web 2.0 tool that allows you to create tutorials and how to's.  You can create without registering.  After you create the tutorial, you add a email address and it is sent to you.  Registration allows you to save your tutorials and modify them as necessary. 
Tildee give you a web link to your tutorial and you can share it as you like.  You give your tutorial a name, add steps and include images, video or Google maps with a few clicks.  Here is my example tutorial on how to create an account on Tildee.  I included a few screen captures in the steps and left some as text only.
This is the link to the tutorial and below is the image of it.  http://tildee.com/L9lcpd

I think this tool offers teachers another keeping it simple tool to add to their instructional tool belt.  It can be used across the curriculum. Tildee could be used to demonstrate knowledge of directions, sequencing, progressions, problem solving, logic, and story-boarding.  The possibilities of sharing something are endless.   I think the uncomplicated interface will appeal to students. "How To" assignments are popular in many schools.  This tool is perfect for that and I can see teachers sharing so many things in this format.

Do remember, Tildee a Web 2.0 tool so teachers need to follow the school's acceptable use policy regarding this and other tools. 

Check it out and see what you think!  I'd love to hear back in a comment.

Classroom Review Games With "Super Teacher Tools"

In the northeast, we are in review time before the end of the school year.  Teachers are looking for online games and tools so I want to share an excellent one that is still totally free, Super Teacher Tools.  Are you looking for an easy to use Jeopardy game?  This site has it and they make embedding your game into your blog or website.  The game can be downloaded on Windows OS.
This is the site's sample Jeopardy game.



Super Teacher Tools allows you to edit the categories/question/answers with one click, keeping it simple.

Although Jeopardy is the sites most popular game, they offer a number of other review games including Millionaire, Speed Match, a board game, and Hangman.  There are also classroom management tools like random group/name generator.  In addition, there is a classroom seating chart that works well.


If you are looking for an easy to use and edit review site, look no further.

I have been using these games in my interactive whiteboard training with teachers and they work well.  Teachers have been impressed at how simple it is to use, edit and create interactive games using Super Teacher Tools. 

Enjoy this site if you are looking for a fun game or if you are in the heat of serious review for high stakes tests like the Regents Exams that are given in New York State.

Check out the site and leave a comment if the games or tools work for your classes.

My 100th post - Sooeet!

If you have been following my blog, you know I try to share tools, tips and information in a way that keeps it simple for readers.  I know everyone "can do tech" thus the name of my blog.  I believe everyone can do tech and integrate technology into the classroom to enrich and engage students.

That brings me to Sooeet!, a neat, simple to use interactive conversion tool that allows you to convert everything from clothing size to math to time zones and so much more.  You plug in a number, set the conversion and you have the results. 

This tool can be used in so many ways in the classroom for a number of subjects.  These are just some of the conversions you can do on Sooeet! It really is sweet!

The time zone interactive is very engaging and an excellent way to connect geography and the differences in time around the world.  The display is clear and easy to read.  You simply click the buttons under the map to change your view. 

Math and science teachers will find conversions for many topics in the curriculum.  We all need convert something from time to time and this is a practical, powerful learning tool.

I'm happy to share Sooeet! with you for my 100th post.  Enjoy and let me know if it is something you can use. 

Having or Using Technology, What Can We Learn?

Congratulation to Patrick Ledesma on an excellent Education Week blog post, Technology Integration Isn't About Technology

In my opinion, it is so easy to get caught up in the "tech stuff" that educators can forget to "keep it simple" and focus on using whatever technology is available.  
You have to read the whole article as Mr. Ledesma connects Apple's philosophy to teachers using technology with students.  The point of the article is that having the latest gadget or fastest computer isn't as important as using what you have enhance your life and the lives of your students.  I have worked in schools with incredible hardware, software, clickers, pads, and gadgets available to teachers and students that go unused and I have worked in schools where teachers get more out of one computer than you can imagine.  

Are you using the technology that is available to you?  Do you use technology to enhance the quality of your teaching and life?  What can you do to make it more about learning process?  Let's say YES to using and not just having!

If you agree or want to challenge the ideas presented here, you can comment here or comment on Mr. Ledesma's blog post on Ed Week Teacher. 

Engaging Science with "Science Monster"

In New York State, students are preparing for the state science assessment so teachers engaging science websites has been a topic I have been discussing with teachers.  If you have a favorite, please share it in a comment.
Science Monster is a site I recently found and it offers excellent information and interactive games on a number of science topics. 

You can click the pictures or from a list at the bottom of the page.   The topics include Earth Science, Technology, Solar System, Physics, and Plants.  There are additional topics that will be added in the future.
Each topic brings you to a lesson on a topic and then to an interactive learning game.

The Technology section has good information about the Internet and future lessons will include lasers, computer viruses, nano-technology, television, and how a computer works.  Is is obvious that Science Monster is still in development, but what is there so far is worth checking out.  The site "keeps it simple"and is easy to navigate. 
Science Monster is part of Cool Math so if your students like Cool Math, they will also find Science Monster as engaging.

If you like the site, please share a comment about how you use it and what your students think of the site.  Enjoy!

Video - The Science of Learning

I am working with some high school teachers who work with challenging, at-risk students. We are working on developing active learning and I came across this video on Edutopia.

Neurologist turned teacher, Judy Willis, shares her philosophy on the science of learning in 2-3 minute video segments that discuss boredom, curiosity, focusing attention, the relationship of video games to classroom instruction, and 21st century learning. She keeps it simple in her explanations and classroom suggestions.  She offers practical examples of how you can use brain research to improve your instruction. 

Check out her video and leave a comment and let me know what you think the video.  Do you use videos like this as part of your professional learning? 

Edutopia has a number of video resources for teachers and you can search by topic and grade level.

Google Site - Picture Pizazz

I work with a number of teachers who have classroom websites using Google Sites and this week I did a presentation on Adding Pizazz to a Google Site.  One of the keeping it simple  examples I offered was to add a picture collection.  Adding pictures to Google Sites and Blogger is easy and I usually insert a number of pictures to my blog posts.  However, when you want a collection of images, formating can become unwieldy so here is my tip.

Create your page, insert a table on the page, add an image to each cell on the table.  Your images will be aligned and have a neat look on your page.






In my example, I created a 3 x 3 table and the pictures resize to fit the chart.  Then, you can click on individual pictures and enlarge them.   If you like to share pictures of events or examples of student work, try this tip to organize the images.

I hope you find my simple tip useful if you have a Google Site.  If you don't have one, try creating one.  It's free and easy.

TIme Toast - Create Interactive Timelines

http://www.timetoast.com  is an easy to use time-line creator that could be your new instructional best friend.  With TimeToast you can create your timeline with a few clicks and view it in text or timeline view.  TimeToast also allows you to add a picture to each event you create in a timeline.  The ability to change views with one click reminds me of the software program, "Inspiration."  The ability to change views supports my keeping it simple philosophy and also promotes classroom differentiation.  Preparing a timeline can help students organize their thoughts.  Creating or filling in timelines promotes scaffolding and research skills. 
              Text View                                                                         Timeline View

With a free log in, you can save all the timelines you create.  After they are completed, timelines can be published on the TimeToast site or kept private, something for teachers to consider.  The ability to save timelines makes this tool valuable for the classroom.  Please follow your school's acceptable use policy when using Web 2.0 tools. 
In addition to creating, you can search and view published timelines by categories.  Give TimeToast a look for your next research project or help your students organize themselves with a timeline. 
I would love to hear how you would use this tool.  Leave a comment with your idea!  

Interactive Learning "Sid the Science Kid"

Looking for interactive science resources?  Check out Sid the Science Kid by PBS Kids.  This interactive website offers videos and games on science topics, even a topic of the week.   

I think this site can be used in the classroom and shared as an "at home" learning resource.  Young kids will be engaged and learning with the games and videos.  The characters talk you through the directions and guide you through the games.

Directions are clear and won't require much assistance on the part of teachers or parents.  Kids will get it!









The videos have a weekly theme and some include close captioning.  The health theme for this week has a number of engaging short videos on health topics including germs, fitness, eating healthy, and moving.  I like the fact that PBS updates the site with new content.  Teachers will like this and it will keep kids returning to the site when they visit it at home.

This one's a keeper for the younger set.  Hope you check it out and leave a comment if it works for your class.

Interactivate - Math & Science for MS & HS

Interactivate is an award winning free resource for math and science that provides Java-based activities and lessons, along tools and a dictionary for students and discussions and standards alignment for teachers.  This web tool is produced by Shodor, a nonprofit organization that supports computational science. 

One thing that I really like about this tool is the step-by-step guide that uses screen shots and clear directions to help users effectively use the activities.
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/guide/
This guide "keeps it simple" and I encourage you to check it out.  It is a superb example of how to develop a user guide.
The teachers I have shared this with really enjoy using it with their students. We need to find ways to challenge and engage students in their study of math and science.  I hope you find this a powerful learning tool and as always, I hope you will comment after you check out Interactivate.

Drip Read Keeps It Simple

Drip Read is a simple to use website that allows you and your students to break reading into a daily digest.  Does reading overwhelm your students?  Does your daily routine minimize the time you are able to read?  Drip Read may be a viable alternative or solution and it's free!

FAQ's about Drip Read that you may find helpful.



Here are some things I like about Drip Read.

• You can read classics without creating an account with Drip Read.
• Your daily reading is emailed to you.
• Reading becomes part of your daily routine.
• You can upload e-books that you have purchased or e-books that are available from other online resources.

This is an example of what you receive in your email from drip read.

Check it out.  See if it works for you and think about how you can use this with your students. 

Leave a comment and let me know how drip read can work for you.

Happy reading!