tool that allows for quickly and easily designing posters, signs, fliers and more, allowing for a variety of customizations with backgrounds, clipart, and text, while also allowing users to upload and use their own pictures. My own high school kids have used it to complete one page posters referred to as visual book reports. Their end products were printed for display purposes in the library, and used for visuals for book-talks done by both the librarians and the students. We even use them in digital frames that loop through pictures at our circulation desk, and students have responded to the "book-reports" created in Poster My Wall by checking out those titles.
The site does not require an account though that is an option, and those opting to use the free version can create professional looking posters and download for printing in minutes. My school secretary was so impressed with the site she has even used it to create fliers for events and activities at school. The site is easy enough for even elementary school students. Like Wordle, my collaborating teachers are finding some very interesting uses for Poster My Wall. Cons? It is not a replacement to Glogster by any means, but a poster app none the less. (Rec by Cathy Jo Nelson)
Interesting tool bar-can download from CyberSmart, and you are guided to several sites they recommend. In some ways, I like to generate my own, but they undoubtedly have many I'd overlook.
Happy Banned Books Week!
Banned Books Week is celebrated during the last week of September. This awareness campaign for protecting and exercising our 1st Amendment rights is sponsored by many professional organizations including the American Library Association.
If you look on the left side navigation bar, and click on Ideas and Resources, you will find many free downloads including brochures, images, PSA's and lesson plan ideas. Take a look at the books that have been banned or challenged over the years. I think you will be surprised!
Have you tried Second Life yet? Are you afraid to do so? This link with a auto vide on the home page may either entice you to try it or scare the heck out of you.
I am revising Second Life for my new role in ISTE. I ceated an avatar about a year ago (I am Maureen Mocha, they give you a list of sur name options and because of my coffee habit, well you get it...). Look me up if you try second life.
I have been lurking around on the ISTE island. You should check that out too. There is a lot of free virtual professional development going on there.
To participate in Second Life, you will need to download the viewer onto your computer. It is free. Go ahead and give it a try. I dare you :-).
This is the page to request the pin numbers for your students. You must be a Title One school. This includes many popular titles that kids like. Students do need to download their app.