A constant topic for Media Literacy class ... Miss Representation ... Women and the Media Also, don't forget to check out "Onslaught" by Dove and Greenpeace's version too - both are classics. Remember to check out "Evolution" by Dove. Type the titles into search above or on YouTube - You can't go wrong with the discussion these short clips will generate.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Speaking of Creativity ... SlideRocket
SlideRocket is a revolutionary new approach to business communications designed from the start to help you make great presentations that engage your audience and deliver tangible results.The New Way To Present ...
Go Mobile: You never know when you might need to deliver an impromptu presentation. On a plane, on a train, "in a box, with a fox".
Social:Engage your social graph with SlideRocket's social and audience feedback features to turn your online presentation into a conversation.
Collaborative: Find new ways to work with your peers, your partners, your colleagues, your students ... tap into their collective consciousness.
Creativity and Collaboration
The power of innovation and imagination hold hands. Creativity is applied imagination. Click on the link ..
http://www.youtube.com/embed/63NTB7oObtw
http://www.youtube.com/embed/63NTB7oObtw
CC Prose ... Watch, Read, and Listen
CC Prose is dedicated to making classic literature accessible to people around the world. By combining high quality audio, large print text, synchronized closed captions, and machine translations in multiple languages; they provide something for everyone.Learning to read? What better way than to follow along with an expert?
Learning English? They include English audio and text in all the videos, but also provide subtitles in over 50 languages (these are machine translations, so they are not perfect, but they can be just the ticket for trying to follow along).
Vision impaired? The large, High Definition (HD) text based video should be just what you need.
Hard of Hearing? They've got you covered with text embedded on the video and in subtitles.
Just enjoy audiobooks? Well, they have you covered there, too, on your Android phone, your iPad, your tablet, your computer, or other web-enabled device.
Check out the Video Books on this site or visit The CCProse YouTube Channel.
And do I need to say it? - Okay, it's all FREE
Without Teachers There Can Be No Revolution
Just a few quotes that I thought were inspiring ...
Sir Ken Robinson, “Human communities depend upon a diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability. At the heart of the challenge is to reconstitute our sense of ability and intelligence.”
“We have built our education system on the fast-food model.”
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come out with anything original.”
“People are opting out of education because it doesn’t feed their passion.”
“Human flourishing is not a mechanical process; it’s an organic process.”
“Moving from an industrial model to a more agricultural model – personal and more meaningful.”
HAD I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats (1865–1939)
Tread softly as we tread on the dreams of our kids.
Sir Ken Robinson, “Human communities depend upon a diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability. At the heart of the challenge is to reconstitute our sense of ability and intelligence.”
“We have built our education system on the fast-food model.”
“If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come out with anything original.”
“People are opting out of education because it doesn’t feed their passion.”
“Human flourishing is not a mechanical process; it’s an organic process.”
“Moving from an industrial model to a more agricultural model – personal and more meaningful.”
HAD I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats (1865–1939)
Tread softly as we tread on the dreams of our kids.
Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! Be Disenthralled!
Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! Video on TED.com
This is Sir Ken's talk at TED in 2010 ... another good piece of passion, learning, and putting education and work in perspective. This is a talk about what makes you passionate, creative, and love what you do - EDUCATION is the key, but the system is being fixed or reformed ... but it needs to be more than an evolutionary process. Sir Ken talks about REVOLUTION ... "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves and then we shall save our country." - Abraham Lincoln, 1862. I ask you: Are we not enthralled with concepts, ideas, and beliefs that were applicable to and coped with circumstances of the past and quite frankly, really have no purpose or function in today's society?
This is Sir Ken's talk at TED in 2010 ... another good piece of passion, learning, and putting education and work in perspective. This is a talk about what makes you passionate, creative, and love what you do - EDUCATION is the key, but the system is being fixed or reformed ... but it needs to be more than an evolutionary process. Sir Ken talks about REVOLUTION ... "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves and then we shall save our country." - Abraham Lincoln, 1862. I ask you: Are we not enthralled with concepts, ideas, and beliefs that were applicable to and coped with circumstances of the past and quite frankly, really have no purpose or function in today's society?
TED ... Behind the Scenes with Ken Robinson
My teaching is stronger now than ever before - I now see with a clearer lens so much in what Sir Ken says and does ... my teaching with kids and with adults falls nicely into the realm of Sir Ken's views. The pedagogical aspect is so clear - the next step is that as a system we need a paradigm shift and a better understanding of what truly is important. How do we foster that which we all call "creativity". Computers are tools for creativity, but they are also dust collectors if used (or misused) a certain way. The teacher's role is so different these days - the teacher is the new deliverer of the message and how that message is delivered varies in every classroom. After spending so much on curriculum and standards ... why aren't teachers the focus?
Click on the link to go to the site or just watch below ... you'll be inspired to be passionate, follow your dreams, and do what you do without knowing what you're going to do. I use this as inspiration when I need to talk to a large group. Who's qualified to give such talks? Nobody, really. Remember, your students (children and adult) "spread their dreams at your feet ... tread lightly". We are living in changing times ... revolutionary, not evolutionary!
Click on the link to go to the site or just watch below ... you'll be inspired to be passionate, follow your dreams, and do what you do without knowing what you're going to do. I use this as inspiration when I need to talk to a large group. Who's qualified to give such talks? Nobody, really. Remember, your students (children and adult) "spread their dreams at your feet ... tread lightly". We are living in changing times ... revolutionary, not evolutionary!
Behind the TEDTalk 2010 from m ss ng p eces on Vimeo.
Passion ... What floats your boat?
Here's an article by Sir Ken ... An original meaning of “passion” is to suffer or endure, as in the Passion of Christ. Its modern meanings have evolved to include love, attraction and pleasure. Finding our own element is also a journey from endurance to enjoyment. It’s a vital step, too, in moving from being one type of person to being the other type.
Creative Leadership ... Misconceptions and Afterthoughts
Here Robinson talks about making creativity a priority, his disdain for the term creative industries, leadership from the middle, and why in times of economic crisis creativity is an urgent imperative.
"Creativity is not some exotic, optional extra. It's a strategic issue," said Robinson while in Cannes where he was invited to speak about the necessity for creativity in innovation. "So what people are faced with is having to think very different about how to run organizations."
Creativity is NOT a priority with our education system ... right now, we're busy with standardized testing and comparing ourselves with other nations. How is our education system? How are our students doing? How is the money being spent. The optics of a school over-ride the fundamental necessities of the school. This direction and goals do not inspire creativity ... nor they do acknowledge, nor value creativity. In the words of Sir Ken, "If you want people to be literate, you have to get them passionate about reading and that's a creative job. To think of it as an afterthought or in conflict of the core purposes, is a misconception of what creativity is. Creative leaders get that. And if they don't they will."
Click on the title and read the whole article. A good read for administrators, superintendents, and teachers.
"Creativity is not some exotic, optional extra. It's a strategic issue," said Robinson while in Cannes where he was invited to speak about the necessity for creativity in innovation. "So what people are faced with is having to think very different about how to run organizations."
Creativity is NOT a priority with our education system ... right now, we're busy with standardized testing and comparing ourselves with other nations. How is our education system? How are our students doing? How is the money being spent. The optics of a school over-ride the fundamental necessities of the school. This direction and goals do not inspire creativity ... nor they do acknowledge, nor value creativity. In the words of Sir Ken, "If you want people to be literate, you have to get them passionate about reading and that's a creative job. To think of it as an afterthought or in conflict of the core purposes, is a misconception of what creativity is. Creative leaders get that. And if they don't they will."
Click on the title and read the whole article. A good read for administrators, superintendents, and teachers.
Personalized Learning
Learning from failures ... creativity is always something that comes out of failure. We must embrace failure, encourage failure, and build from failure. We should not pity failure, deny failure, nor should be degrade failure. If we encourage failure (not being afraid to fail), creativity is the offspring.
Taken from the article:
For Robinson, it’s simple: Teach students the way they learn.
“Personalized learning, to me, is the process of contouring learning to the individuals that you’re dealing with, recognizing that we all have different strengths and weaknesses, different interests [and] different ways of learning,” he said in a telephone interview Tuesday from his Los Angeles base.
“It isn’t that everyone has to learn different things, although eventually our interests will take us in different directions,” he continued. “But in terms of the things we want all people to learn ... personalized learning is finding the best ways to engage with people with different interests, passions and ways of thinking.”
It’s what good teachers have always known, he added. “That their job is not to teach subjects, but to teach students.”
Taken from the article:
For Robinson, it’s simple: Teach students the way they learn.
“Personalized learning, to me, is the process of contouring learning to the individuals that you’re dealing with, recognizing that we all have different strengths and weaknesses, different interests [and] different ways of learning,” he said in a telephone interview Tuesday from his Los Angeles base.
“It isn’t that everyone has to learn different things, although eventually our interests will take us in different directions,” he continued. “But in terms of the things we want all people to learn ... personalized learning is finding the best ways to engage with people with different interests, passions and ways of thinking.”
It’s what good teachers have always known, he added. “That their job is not to teach subjects, but to teach students.”
The Global Search for Education: More Arts Please
Creating a paradigm of shared ideas that will shift our current path ... funding the arts should increase and not decrease. Funding technology should be guided with this in mind. Just buying hardware is not good enough. H.G. Wells once said, "Civilization is a race between education and catastrophe". Where are we in this? Are we using education to live in the world and make it a better place or are we heading towards catastrophe? Are we trying to fill the vessel or start a fire?
Click the link to read the article.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_9_b_932670.html
(Taken from the article)
"To lose our culture is to lose our memory."
More Leonardo da Vincis, more Martha Grahams, more Ludwig Van Beethovens, more Luciano Pavarottis, more Marlon Brandos, more Antoni Gaudis, more Coco Chanels, more Bob Dylans, more Zhang Xiaogangs, more William Shakespeares, more Julia Margaret Camerons, more Gustav Vigelands, more Andrew Lloyd Webbers, more Francis Ford Coppolas, more Meryl Streeps, more Alice In Wonderlands, more Anna Pavlovas, more Michael Jacksons, more Vincent van Goghs, more Harry Potters, more Phil Knights, more Rabindranath Tagores, more Pablo Picassos, more John Steinbecks... Please Sir - can we have some more?
Sir Ken Robinson, PhD, is one of the internationally recognized leaders in the development of education creativity and innovation. He has received numerous honorary degrees from universities, and many awards from cultural organizations and governments, all over the world. He was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Arts. He has advised governments in Europe, Asia and North America on the Arts. In 2005 he was named one of Time/Fortune/CNN's Principal Voices. His book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, is a New York Times best seller and has been translated into 21 languages. His latest book is the 10th anniversary edition of his classic work on creativity and innovation, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative.
Sir Ken, what do you believe an arts curriculum should look like in primary and secondary school education?
Click the link to read the article.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/the-global-search-for-edu_9_b_932670.html
(Taken from the article)
"To lose our culture is to lose our memory."
More Leonardo da Vincis, more Martha Grahams, more Ludwig Van Beethovens, more Luciano Pavarottis, more Marlon Brandos, more Antoni Gaudis, more Coco Chanels, more Bob Dylans, more Zhang Xiaogangs, more William Shakespeares, more Julia Margaret Camerons, more Gustav Vigelands, more Andrew Lloyd Webbers, more Francis Ford Coppolas, more Meryl Streeps, more Alice In Wonderlands, more Anna Pavlovas, more Michael Jacksons, more Vincent van Goghs, more Harry Potters, more Phil Knights, more Rabindranath Tagores, more Pablo Picassos, more John Steinbecks... Please Sir - can we have some more?
Sir Ken Robinson, PhD, is one of the internationally recognized leaders in the development of education creativity and innovation. He has received numerous honorary degrees from universities, and many awards from cultural organizations and governments, all over the world. He was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the Arts. He has advised governments in Europe, Asia and North America on the Arts. In 2005 he was named one of Time/Fortune/CNN's Principal Voices. His book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, is a New York Times best seller and has been translated into 21 languages. His latest book is the 10th anniversary edition of his classic work on creativity and innovation, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative.
Sir Ken, what do you believe an arts curriculum should look like in primary and secondary school education?
Understanding Creativity ... Ahh, to be creative!
With Sir Ken Robinson ...Understanding creativity in order for us to meet the extra-ordinary challenges of the 21st century. Administrators and teachers need to watch this ... creativity shoudl not be an afterthought - it should be the means to inspire, motivate, and move forward. Creativity is the passion that drives humanity.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Prezi ... The Photostory Experience
This is amazing! Knowing nothing about the product, I registered and watched the how-to videos and then watched again. In all, after about 1 hour of playing and watching, I made a simple presentation that rocks. As an educator, you can get a version of Prezi that is very good and your cost is ... $0.00
Awesome and easy to use. It blows PowerPoint out of the water and adds a twist to your presentations. Visit the website and have fun. Watch and be amazed at this one ...This is it ... The Photostory Prezi ... completed in 2 hours (That includes 45 minutes of watching how-to videos). I can only get better with this stuff.
The first video is a crude and rudimentary effort, but I like it. This prezi was recorded with a screen capture and converted to avi and saved to moviemaker as a wmv ... to show as a video (easiest way to display on blog for fast turn-around) ... crude, but you'll get the point of how Prezi works and how Photostory works.
The second video was done using screen capture software (screencast-o-matic, like above - saved as an avi file) and then using avc (any video converter), converted to wmv format. This is faster and a little better quality. I did both rather fast to get it done and saved in lowest quality ... you could save to highest quality - it just takes longer to download to blog ... but worth it!
Awesome and easy to use. It blows PowerPoint out of the water and adds a twist to your presentations. Visit the website and have fun. Watch and be amazed at this one ...This is it ... The Photostory Prezi ... completed in 2 hours (That includes 45 minutes of watching how-to videos). I can only get better with this stuff.
The first video is a crude and rudimentary effort, but I like it. This prezi was recorded with a screen capture and converted to avi and saved to moviemaker as a wmv ... to show as a video (easiest way to display on blog for fast turn-around) ... crude, but you'll get the point of how Prezi works and how Photostory works.
The second video was done using screen capture software (screencast-o-matic, like above - saved as an avi file) and then using avc (any video converter), converted to wmv format. This is faster and a little better quality. I did both rather fast to get it done and saved in lowest quality ... you could save to highest quality - it just takes longer to download to blog ... but worth it!
Prezi ... Presentation Software
This is amazing! Knowing nothing about the product, I registered and watched the how-to videos and then watched again. In all, after about 1 hour of playing and watching, I made a simple presentation that rocks. As an educator, you can get a version of Prezi that is very good and your cost is ... $0.00
Awesome and easy to use. It blows PowerPoint out of the water and adds a twist to your presentations. Visit the website and have fun. Watch and be amazed at this one ... Later, I will show you mine. Keep pressing PLAY button or ... Press MORE button and select AUTO PLAY
Awesome and easy to use. It blows PowerPoint out of the water and adds a twist to your presentations. Visit the website and have fun. Watch and be amazed at this one ... Later, I will show you mine. Keep pressing PLAY button or ... Press MORE button and select AUTO PLAY
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Top Ten Ways to Inspire Others to Be Their Best
Presented at TCDSB Leadership Strategy (Session 1): 
Thanks to Lori and Gary for bringing this up ... Sometimes we forget that the easiest and most natural thing to do is also the best thing to do. This list is compiled by Michael Angier. We all know people who are inspiring. But just how does one inspire others? Here are ten simple ways you can inspire people to be their best:
1. Be a good example. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Be someone worth emulating.
2. Care about others. People don’t care about how much you know
until they know how much you care. Ask questions. Take a genuine
interest in people.
3. Encouragement. Everyone goes through tough times. When you
support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be
inspiring them to see the best in themselves and in the situation.
4. Be inspired yourself. Look for people, ideas, environments and
knowledge that you find inspiring and motivating.
5. Share from your own experience. You have more to share than you
realize. Mine the rich experiences of your life and share your wisdom
from your unique point of view. You may be the only one who can
touch someone with your inspiring message.
6. Be vulnerable. Be willing to share your failures as well as your
successes. Others will relate to you. They’ll understand that they’re
not the only ones with challenges.
7. Tell stories. Facts tell and stories sell. They inspire, too. We learn
best from parables and we all need to develop our own inspiring
stories.
8. Be a good communicator. Increasing your ability to communicate
effectively is a critical element for you to inspire others. Watch how
you speak and what you say. Invest in your communication skills.
9. Challenge people. Many of us have had teachers who at times
seemed more like tormentors than mentors. They challenged us to do
our best, and we were better for it. Practice "carefrontation"—the
careful and caring confrontation of others.
10. Read. It may not follow that all readers are leaders, but certainly all
leaders are readers. Stay informed. Share what you read with others.
Tell people about books that have inspired you. Share the knowledge.
© Copyright Success Networks International
Thanks to Lori and Gary for bringing this up ... Sometimes we forget that the easiest and most natural thing to do is also the best thing to do. This list is compiled by Michael Angier. We all know people who are inspiring. But just how does one inspire others? Here are ten simple ways you can inspire people to be their best:1. Be a good example. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Be someone worth emulating.
2. Care about others. People don’t care about how much you know
until they know how much you care. Ask questions. Take a genuine
interest in people.
3. Encouragement. Everyone goes through tough times. When you
support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be
inspiring them to see the best in themselves and in the situation.
4. Be inspired yourself. Look for people, ideas, environments and
knowledge that you find inspiring and motivating.
5. Share from your own experience. You have more to share than you
realize. Mine the rich experiences of your life and share your wisdom
from your unique point of view. You may be the only one who can
touch someone with your inspiring message.
6. Be vulnerable. Be willing to share your failures as well as your
successes. Others will relate to you. They’ll understand that they’re
not the only ones with challenges.
7. Tell stories. Facts tell and stories sell. They inspire, too. We learn
best from parables and we all need to develop our own inspiring
stories.
8. Be a good communicator. Increasing your ability to communicate
effectively is a critical element for you to inspire others. Watch how
you speak and what you say. Invest in your communication skills.
9. Challenge people. Many of us have had teachers who at times
seemed more like tormentors than mentors. They challenged us to do
our best, and we were better for it. Practice "carefrontation"—the
careful and caring confrontation of others.
10. Read. It may not follow that all readers are leaders, but certainly all
leaders are readers. Stay informed. Share what you read with others.
Tell people about books that have inspired you. Share the knowledge.
© Copyright Success Networks International
Changing Education Paradigms
This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award. Sir Ken's work is incredibly thought-provoking and makes you think about your role in the world of teaching and learning. I can't say enough about this man's lectures and talks - worth a million bucks. For more information on Sir Ken's work visit: http://www.sirkenrobinson.com/
What Motivates You?
This RSAnimate video, adapted from Dan Pink's talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace. A good watch and makes you think ... uhm!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Yahoo Kids ... Explore
There is a parent link and a study zone link here too. This site is full of fun, interactive, and educational activities. Here are some of the things you can do on this site:Play games
Watch music videos
Check out movies
Learn about science
Read jokes
Send ecards
Learn Internet Safety
Get homework help
Look up words
Ask questions
Explore an encyclopedia
Kidsclick ... The Freedom to Explore
KidsClick! is a web search site designed for kids by librarians - with kid-friendly results! Make your selection using key words or by category and then choose from various sites and choices.
International Society for Technology in Education
Need I say more? - Want the latest info on what's happening out there, check out ISTE.
Link to Learning (Secondary)
Just like the elementary link ... click on our link here and go to places for resources and websites to cater to secondary needs. Thanks to Frank for this link.
ReadPlease - Software that Lets Your Computer Talk
ReadPlease 2003 is a free version that never expires. ReadPlease Plus 2003 has a free trial period of 30-days after which you may purchase a registration code to unlock the software.This download includes both versions of ReadPlease.Free Languages (Lernout & Hauspie Voices), (download here...) ReadPlease 2003 / ReadPlease Plus 2003 Trial (11MB).
This program reads any text you see on your screen - all purpose text-to-speech software.
Link to Learning (JK - 8)
Start here and see where you want to go ... select your subject, strand, concept, whatever ... it will guide you to places all around the world that will be beneficial and suitable to your needs. Enjoy!
A Plus Math
Welcome to Aplusmath.com! This web site was developed to help students improve their math skills interactively. Visit the game room and play exciting games like Matho and Hidden Picture...Test your math skills with the Flashcards! Try out the Math Word Find puzzle. Create and print your own set of flashcards online using the Flashcard Creator! See the Worksheets section, where you can print worksheets to practice offline. Try the Homework Helper to check your homework solutions. Find out What's New! MATHO now available for Android Phones and iPhone/iPod Touch.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Good Ole Hockey Game ... A New Season of Hope Begins
Sing a long if you want ... it's the best game I can name.
Canada Vignettes ... Faces
I couldn't resist this one ... it's soooo neat. This is wonderful. The discussion and art lesson that can come from this short clip is incredible. I'm tempted to post all the vignettes, but then this would be nuts! Enjoy the many faces of Canada.
Canada Vignettes ... NFB on YouTube
Amazing short little videos ... Canadian heritage and good jumping points for greater and more in depth discussions. This is but one example of the many classics available on YouTube!
Gamestar Mechanic
This is a site that provides a total curriculum in game theory including design, authoring, and construction. Gamestar Mechanic will undeniably overwhelm the average educator and even the above-average computer user. Keep in mind that the theory of Game Star Mechanic is to allow the teacher to facilitate - that's right facilitate. It is the students that will become the experts and collaborate with each other while providing one another with needed help. The best way to learn about the site is for the teacher to spend lots of time checking out the various elements to the site, and then take your students there (maybe a select few) and let them check it out. If they're oooowing and wowing all the way, then it's a keeper and worthy of your time. Worth the trip? ... This is no easy-to-use or quickie website. This takes a lot of planning and preparation. It will be HARD WORK the first time you use it, but the results will be worth it. And, it gets easier the next time. The teacher learns the basics and essence of the finished product, but the kids learn a ton getting to the finished product. Highly recommended for older students (High School).
Math Snacks ... You'll Never Go Hungry
Smart and yummy educational animations, mini–games, and interactive tools that help mid-school learners better understand math concepts. This website is absolutely amazing - even the oldest students will enjoy the bits and bites this site gives. A truly fantastic site to watch, play, print out, write, and play some more. I can't say enough about this site. So, if you and your students have the appetite to dive for a deeper understanding of math, your classroom could be ready for a math snack. Learn more about the awesome development team behind Math Snacks and visit the download page for all that is available - FREE. Make sure you check out those great accompanying resources found in the PDF files for students and teachers. Most appropriate for Grades 5 and up. Bon appetit!
PBS ... Between the Lions
Sure we've done this one and not too long ago either - but a good thing needs to be seen twice or in this case 3 times. That's how good this site is. Nicely designed and easily navigated and enjoyed by the youngest of kids on their own. You start with the games that focus on a variety of educational areas, as do the video clips, which are taken from the popular show Between The Lions. Next, the stories—featuring everything from new books to old folktales to original and classics. This website does a splendid job of introducing kids (and reminding teachers) to a wide variety of storytelling methods and subject matter. Accompanying each story is a story-specific game to extend either the vocabulary or phonics found in the story itself. You can connect with Learn360 to download the video episodes to make connections. Exit stage left, stage right even!
LearningPlanet - Tons of Free Resources
Thank you to Michael for this site ... and here's his description, "Another free site with a multitude of resources. If you wish to pay a little you will discover even more resources, and without the banner ads. The site is set up for students to play and learn, and for teachers to discover resources to use in their lessons. There are four categories for students including pre-school through kindergarten, first through third, fourth through fifth, and seventh and up." I particularly liked playing "Word Mayhem" ... just like "Making Words" and fun to see if I could be Judy ... I can't believe she's a kid! I tried my best and still couldn't top her score of 5400!
Coolmath4kids ... Addictively Engaging
I think I owe thanks to Mario (and a couple of others) for this one ... According to Michael Gorman, "The site is an amusement park for math, especially designed for fun, fun, fun! All of those imporatnt math standards are presented in an engaging manner." Take some time to visit the site, but beware you won't leave to soon because the games are somewhat addictive and I know that I had to win or at least finish ... failure was not an option.
StarFall
Do I need to say it again? - Yep, that's right ... this is another blast from the recent past. The Starfall website's method of instruction motivates children in an atmosphere of imagination and enthusiasm, provides opportunities for child-directed instruction, and supports English language learners and struggling readers learning alongside their peers. The website and companion printed materials are clear and effective tools to help the teacher implement proven methods. Still a wonderful site to use in the classroom for all kids and it pays to let them work in partners too!
GameGoo - Educational Games
You will soon find out that this game based site truly involves ”Learning That Sticks”. Once you get away from the urge of moving the mouse around the screen to see all the animations and hear all the sounds, you will begin to note its true value and worthiness. The easy to use interface lets you know what is for beginners, intermediates, and advanced! I am sure you will find some fun at this site from the people at Houghton Mifflin Company! Addictive fun is what's in store!
Funschool Kaboose
This site includes all the core subjects, plus it also includes sports and the fine arts! It provides games and activities for students in kindergarten through the sixth grade. Make sure you visit the teacher page for a complete listing of all this site has to offer. I promise that you will not walk away empty handed. Well worth your time to check out ... Yes, I know we've seen this site before too, but again I have to say it is worth putting up again.
PBS ... Still A Good Place for Kids
Another old time favourite that is worth revisiting ... it provides some even more awesome activities and games for elementary kids. You'll see puzzles, animals, and dinosaurs - all the things a kid would like to see! And what would a trip to PBS be without some of the superhero games featuring a few PBS characters. Very impressive visual and audio reinforcement that young children will enjoy has made these games even better today as compared to 2 years ago (last time we visited PBSKids). Best of all kids will be rewarded with prizes and rewards.
Using Websites ... FREE to learn with!
This website was mentioned a short time ago, but worth mentioning again ... FUNBRAIN ... is just that, Fun for your brain! And these "games" are not just for the little kids. This site includes fun engaging activities that even an eighth grader would like ... okay, I even had some fun on this site! Funbrain offers more than 100 fun, interactive games that develop skills in math, reading, and literacy. As an added attraction, kids can read a variety of popular books and comics on the site, including Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Amelia Writes Again. There's even a link for downloadable games to take with you (i.e., camping) where there is no internet to speak of ... educational? - Yes ... fun?- You bet!
Primary Games - A Fun Place to Learn!
Kids games for Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and more! As the site proclaims… “A fun place to learn”. There are 15 different categories including subject areas, puzzles, downloads, virtual worlds, postcards, and even arcades. Perhaps that will get you to click the link and discover hundreds and hundreds of possibilities! Do you work with mobile devices? Then check out the mobile site for primary games! I know you will find an activity that will take your students beyond primary and into the 21st century of learning!
Educational Computer Games for Children
ABCya.com is the leader in free educational kids computer games and activities for elementary students to learn on the web. All children's educational computer activities were created or approved by certified school teachers. All educational games are free and are modeled from primary grade lessons and enhanced to provide an interactive way for children to learn.Grade level lessons incorporate areas such as math and language arts while introducing basic computer skills. Many of the kindergarten and first grade activities are equipped with sound to enhance understanding. Good for Grades JK-6.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
21st Century Education and Technology Wiki
This wiki devoted to free and inexpensive resources to support 21st century learning. You will find in depth resources and ideas that support this Blog. Visit it and welcome to the future!
Linoit … Digital Collaboration with Online Stickies
Linoit is a digital online tool that can serve educators and students in multiple ways. Imagine an electronic classroom display board. One that could leave the classroom and be visible on any computer screen anywhere. Now, dream about the ability to create it in minutes using multi-color post it notes, pictures, drawings, web links, and even videos. Better yet… kids can contribute by being given a URL… no log in needed! Best of all it is fast, easy to use, and dependable. This is just the beginning, because Linoit can be valuable as you plan and organize for your classroom and school needs.*See more details on Michael Gorman's Blog.
TitanPad ... Digital Collaboration (Google Docs made Easy)
Welcome to a post that will inform you of an amazing collaboration tool for your 21st century classroom. This tool promises ease of use, no student log in, and limited teacher set up, allowing for just in time use. You will soon see that TitanPad is really just a rather simplistic Google Doc… without the fuss! All that is needed to use TitanPad is a visit to http://titanpad.com/… and a press of a button called Create Public Pad. After this quick process, a new public pad is created for the user in TitanPad. The user then shares the URL of the created pad with others. Whatever is typed from wherever, is displayed on the page in real time. Yes… I did say “real time”! There is even a chat window! This is a great tool for those that need to bring up a quick collaboration tool on the fly.*Another tool (and information) borrowed from Michael Gorman's blog. Great site to visit!
TodaysMeet ... Digital Collaboration
Introducing… a Web 2.0 site entitled TodaysMeet. TodaysMeet gives you and your students a somewhat isolated room where you can see only what you need to see. Plus, your audience doesn’t need to learn any new tools like hash tags, log-ins, nor do they need to create accounts. It really is quite easy to use. Once you enter the TodaysMeet site you are asked to submit a room name and the length of time you wish the room to stay active. This can vary between 2 hours and 1 year. It is best to give the room name a code that is not easily remembered. It is quite simple, but you may wish to read these facts from the site. Once the room is open you are given a unique web address which is usually http://www.todaysmeet.com/ followed by the room name you submitted. You then give the room name out to individuals (your students) and have them enter the room. Upon entering it will ask for a name. Remember that students should never give their full names or enter any personal or other revealing information in the chat room.Excerpts from the blog of Michael Gorman . Thank you for this wonderful collaboration tool.
New and Improved
Now, you can share these posts, comment on what you see, and navigate more easily throughout the blog. Use the search tool in the top-left corner to find things you need.If there's a worthy piece of information, website, program, tool or anything (that has to do with Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century) you want to share, send it to jamash07.21stcentury@blogger.com ... Please note your name for proper credit and if it's worthy (and appropriate) it will be on the blog.
Thanks,
Johan
Thanks,
Johan
Sunday, September 25, 2011
They Don't Really Care About Us ... The Michael Jackson Experience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWJYZqlL2UE&feature=related
This stuff is brilliant ... the technology is freaky neat and worthy of being mentioned. Click the title and watch the CGI wii (xbox or kinect, etc.) dancing game - awesome to teach dance! Click the picture.
Then, watch this version ... unbelieveable!
Philippines: "Dancing Inmates" from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison, were treated to a visit by Michael Jacksons long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT.
So, now watch the original video Michael made ...
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nAvTVeR6o&feature=related
Now, the discussion can begin. You'll see that the discussion may begin, but it won't end in your class. This is learning about media and the world around you. Have an opinion ... Have a voice.
You don't always have to be right and you can learn a lot from being wrong.
So, now watch the original video Michael made ...
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nAvTVeR6o&feature=related
Now, the discussion can begin. You'll see that the discussion may begin, but it won't end in your class. This is learning about media and the world around you. Have an opinion ... Have a voice.
You don't always have to be right and you can learn a lot from being wrong.
Americanarama by Hollerado
Check out this video ... AmericanaramaThis is the "Human 8-bit Video". We wanted to make something cheap and awesome. It was directed by our buddy/chief mad scientist Greg Jardin. It was all shot in one take. It took lots and lots and lots of practice to get it right. A guy in one of the cells also played the serial killer on season 5 of "the wire". Please pass this link around to all your friends.....
http://www.hollerado.com/
http://www.facebook.com/hollerado
Friday, September 23, 2011
Michael Jackson - The Experience
Great videos ... use for a video dance party, DPA, phys. ed. The kids love MJ and they are very active. Another fun way to stay active.You'll see The Earth Song ... after that choose from soooo many other MJ songs on the right hand column. Join the Holy Spirit Video Dance Party craze ... fun, wow!
Thanks for this great idea, Jordan - even though you don't even know you gave me the idea!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
You Tube ... Movies and TV Shows
Go to this playlist on YouTube and listen to themes from various movies and shows. Can you name the movie or tv show? Great fun and using Any Video Converter you can have these for your pleasure and use (if you don't have a network link) as a wmv, mp3, or whatever type of file you want.
Television Tunes ... the Originals!
Revisited because we can ... Now you can enjoy the television tunes you know so well ... from today and from when your grandparents were wee little tykes. FREE for you to download too. Check out the latest additions or browse through the alphabetical listings ... There are over 20,000 television tunes to choose from! Wonderful quality too. Enjoy ... use as a party game with friends too.
Monday, August 15, 2011
DPA ... Just Dance Wii GamePlay
On those cold or rainy days that you can't go outside, just dance!You've got to love these ... easy for teachers to use in the classroom and the kids all know the songs. All that's left is for both teachers and students to learn the moves. If I could learn these, so can you. Can you say FUN? Remember you and your students should do DPA, not DPN (Doin' Practically Nothin').DPA ... Just Dance 2
This is another link provided by Anna ... she's a phys. ed. teacher who wants the classroom teacher to get those kids moving. What can be easier? Easy moves, cool songs, good demo videos - it's all there folks. Now, do your Daily Physical Activities in the comfort of your own classroom. Click the picture to go there!DPA ... Just Dance 1
Here is another link to many more dance videos you can use for DPA ... again, easy for teachers and kids alike. Best of all, they're fun. Remember, whether you're young or old(er) and active mind is always a good sign of a growing person. Enjoy and have fun.Thanks Anna for the link to these videos.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Tutorial: Create a Stop-Motion Animation Movie using Digital Camera & MovieMaker
This guy, Amit, provides an easy-to-follow step-by-step way to make a simple stop-motion animation ... and the good part is that he uses a plain digital camera (Canadian Tire special) and MovieMaker. This is fun for all grades ... the young ones love seeing their stuffed toys move (they even get excited when paper clips movie on film). The older ones get their creative juices flowing and go well beyond your expectations. This is not hard to do nor is it taxing - best of all, it's educationally FUN ... check out this site.
Also, while you're on his site, you may want to check out Amit's neat and rather interesting "How-to Guides" (http://www.labnol.org/tag/guide/)
Atomic Learning: Training and Projects Tutorials
Need a helping hand to use a particular program? Check this site out for more online video tutorials ... learn how to use Moodle, PowerPoint, Photoshop Elements, PhotoStory, Acrobat, Blackboard, Delicious, SmartBoard, etc. These are FREE for you to access and utilize. If you sign in you get access to even more videos.
Windows Movie Maker 2 Training
Here is a sample of what this site (Atomic Learning) provides ... In this case, FREE online video tutorial training on how to use Windows Movie Maker ... great for the first time user, but also a wonderful refresher for old hacks. I found the tutorials to move at a good pace and easy to follow. Windows Movie Maker lets you create, edit, and share your movies right on your PC. It's easy to use, yet it allows you to create original movies or mash-up existing videos into new cool movies. Great for students and teachers alike - try it and you'll see that you'll enjoy making movies for you to share with your friends!
Stop Motion Animation with Video StoryBoard Pro
Atomic Learning's FREE "Video StoryBoard Pro" is designed to give teachers, students, and home movie makers a tool to plan ahead when creating video projects. It features the ability to:
Enter shot titles and descriptions, complete with planned lengths and edited order.
Indicate shot types: video, still, audio, music, or titles.
Enter film tips for your camera person when videotaping the shot and editing tips to be used when editing in iMovie, Movie Maker 2, Final Cut Pro, Premeire, or any other editor of your choice.
Import existing video clips, still pictures, and sounds to better illustrate each shot.
Create, save, and import templates for video projects.
Print copies of your storyboard for use while filming or editing.
Print blank storyboard worksheets for brainstorming new ideas.
NEW: Shot tips that link to online Atomic Learning Library sample video clips.
Enter shot titles and descriptions, complete with planned lengths and edited order.
Indicate shot types: video, still, audio, music, or titles.
Enter film tips for your camera person when videotaping the shot and editing tips to be used when editing in iMovie, Movie Maker 2, Final Cut Pro, Premeire, or any other editor of your choice.
Import existing video clips, still pictures, and sounds to better illustrate each shot.
Create, save, and import templates for video projects.
Print copies of your storyboard for use while filming or editing.
Print blank storyboard worksheets for brainstorming new ideas.
NEW: Shot tips that link to online Atomic Learning Library sample video clips.
Stop Motion Animator Program
Do you want to start doing some stop motion animation? This is a pretty good site to get you started. It's not technically challenging and it's relatively easy to start using - start small using paper clips or lego and once you get the hang of it, go big. Intermediate students love this stuff ... Add a little MovieMaker or Photostory and the possibilities are boundless. Enjoy and have fun!
Creating Flash Videos ... Free, Easy, and Fun
VECTORIAN GIOTTO
This is a wonderful site to download a flash program whereby you can create flash animation - FREE download, EASY to use, FUN to watch your creation.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Edgeducation ... A Classroom Wiki
I came across this wiki from a colleague and friend - who knew? She was and remains today a fantastic teacher. Here's something that she does that makes her special.
Eva's classroom wiki ... well organized and worthwhile for kids and parents. Good example of professional growth and a wonderful way to model and live 21st edgeducation. Well done, EDG! Also a good idea as part of a professional portfolio.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
StoryNory ... Free Audio Books
What a wonderful collection of stories ... mp3 files available for downloading. You can get original stories as well as old-time favourites (i.e., Brothers Grimm). Good stuff.http://storynory.com/
Validation
Thanks Mario for this link ... a wonderful video for all to see.
Click on the title or this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao&feature=feedwll&list=WL
Click on the title or this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao&feature=feedwll&list=WL
Friday, May 6, 2011
Literacy ... Not Just about Words
This is a very powerful video ... the discussion that arises from this is incredible - subtle, but very effective. A picture can be worth a thousand words. Watch the video and you'll see why it is such a good piece of art and literacy.
Friday, April 22, 2011
ReadWriteThink
The International Reading Association (IRA) offers new approaches to teaching literacy, easy ways to stay up to date on the latest research, and opportunities to connect with literacies.The mission of the International Reading Association (IRA) is to promote reading by continuously advancing the quality of literacy instruction and research worldwide. The Association provides outstanding professional development and supports excellent teaching, critical research, and promotion of the lifetime reading habit.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Learning Games For Kids
Educational games are a great tool for building foundation math and language skills that today's elementary school curriculum requires. These online learning games and songs for kids are fun, teach important skills for preschool and elementary school kids, and most tantalizing for teachers is ... they're FREE. Want educational games that help build skills in math, language, science, social studies, and more? You've come to the right place!
FunSchool .. Fun and Educational Games and Activities
Do you see a common thread with many of our links on this blog? That's right, FUN!Funschool offers free online educational elementary games for kids (K-8) as well as printable activities, coloring and crafts that will help kids learn and get connected. A worthy site full on interesting things to do and always changing.
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