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This site has quick videos (around three minutes or less) that explain things in very simple terms. They use paper cut outs as they explain about technology, money, etc. I know that Barb has used these in our class. I didn't realize there were so many. When I looked at some of them, I thought about the 21st Century learner and how teachers might use these videos with students to help them learn about finances. They can be used personally for free or professionally for a fee. Teachers would have to be careful not to infringe on copyright issues, but this would be a nice way to introduce many concepts to students.

I love the Common Craft products, too! Every time I watch one of the videos, I'm amazed at the clarity of the explanation! They are able to take very complex tools, and make them seem simple. I think one of the best things about this is that they provide a "conceptual" look at the tool, rather than simply a "how to use it" video. For me, I often find myself experimenting with how to use a tool, before I really even understand conceptually what the tool is and what it can do! (A clear example of the many times when I don't know what I don't know!) This Common Craft site is one that I will bookmark, and return to often.

Some schools hold advisories first thing in the morning. Other schools might schedule a 20-minute advisory time between the second and third periods of the day. In one school, where the lunch hour comprises three 20-minute lunch periods (one lunch period for each grade 6 through 8), advisories meet for the 40 minutes of the hour when students aren't eating

A great resource when preparing for an AP course. You can find changes to exams, begin a course audit, find workshops and conference information and much more.

EtherPad is a web-based word processor that is an alternative to GoogleDocs when you don't need the complexity of having accounts, permissions, etc. A free public etherpad is shared with others by sending out the URL. Any one can access, edit, etc. just from the URL. I have found this tool very useful in collaborative meetings/planning sessions as a way to quickly draft and edit work collaboratively.

here's a list of Ancient Egypt websites that I used with my son when he studied Ancient Egypt. Hope you history people find it interesting.

This tool can help you keep track of what you need to do with a free to-do list and task manager. When you have several projects you're working on at the same time, it allows you to have check-offs to keep track of your progress. It can also be used with students, assigning them specific tasks within group work. It combines Web, email, and other Web utilities and can be accessed from cell phones, too. Has a tutorial to help you learn it.

This is a site that provides step-by-step guidance on creating project-based learning units. It not only gives the rationale behind PBL as a unit design model, but also guides the user through each step of the creation process. It appears to be very easy to use, and provides information at each step that ensures a quality product. In addition to the very clear steps to take, as well as the 'theory' behind each step, there are numerous examples of completed PBL projects to view. I will use this site myself, as I really like the idea of redesigning portions of my instruction using this model. I will also direct teachers to it when we are discussing teaching strategies and instructional design models that are compatible with how the brain learns. The "briefs" and the literature reviews for each of the Characteristics of Effective Instruction (within the Iowa Core) contain numerous references to project/problem- based learning as an instructional design model that matches the vision of the Iowa Core.

Useful Portable Applications

Bullying Article - can be used to help define the issues with bullying and how schools can deal with it.

This is a good place for parents to look for information when searching for quality child care. You can access a child care options calculator which will help families examine their financial situation both with and without child care. Families can get an idea of their monthly budget and how child care will impact that budget. Find Alex the Bear on this website, who will help your child with the transition to child care. This website also explains what Child Care Resource and Referral can do for you and will help with finding a local CCR&R. This website is also a great resource for anyone interested in becoming a child care provider. I would use this website in my research for a parent or provider.

A webiste designed for students, parents, teachers and others who work with students with special needs. The website is designed to provide a road map for transition planning from MS to HS, HS to college, work and or living on their own. The site includes on link to college planning tools, financial aid applications, career exploration including interest inventories, information on disability disclosure, Iowa Department of Special Education, Iowa Compass (a statewide information source for referral services). There are actitivities geared for students as well as adults. I use this site often in my work when working with students ages 13 and up and also, their parents. It provides a foundational understanding about transition and the reasons why we need to plan early and often in preparation for life after the educational services end.

This site has MANY tutorial videos for math and science. They are geared toward the secondary crowd. It can be helpful for students who need help when at home or for teachers who are trying to help students in study hall. :)