Cactus Canyon

Want resources and connect with passionate & innovative educators?

a prezi-like tool. Easy to use. Free.

Sheryl, I used spicynodes on my project for "Teach Like a Champion" and found it real easy. Thanks!

I used Spicynodes for a project for "Metaphors and Analogies." It was very user-friendly. I think it will be a great program to have the students use to summarize math concepts.

A site rich in resources for middle school teachers

Let's you make a timeline that includes pictures, videos, etc.

Great incorportation of 21st Century thinking right into something we already do!

Like Wordle, but with tad bit more pizazz!

Directly from the website: "This Google Site has been set up by Dr. Helen Barrett to focus on the use of Google Apps to create ePortfolios. On this site, there are instructions on how to use the different elements of Google Apps to maintain e-portfolios." There is a TON of information here to filter through.

Article of how 2 teachers transformed their traditional classrooms into "flipped' classrooms with the use of technology. This link is the first in a 3 part series; be sure to read the other 2 articles.

Directly from the website: "Bring your class assignments, student projects, and course materials alive with 21st century approaches to communication. Produce graphic novels, illuminated term papers, visual science reports, photo essays, and other engaging alternatives to traditional reports and student products. These concrete products reflect student understanding and provide an alternative to traditional forms of assessment."

Just what the title says...

This is a must read for how to have your tweets heard by a larger audience and for connecting with a larger audience.

This article links to a chart that describes when a blog, wiki, or document might be your best option.

I dig this guy and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. I would recommend that you do the same!

Direactly from the website: "The NWP Digital Is website is a collection of ideas, reflections, and stories about what it means to teach writing in our digital, interconnected world. Read, discuss, and share ideas about teaching writing today."

Ideas on how to organize project menus with several examples.

This website demonstrates how one Canadian high school science teacher has organized her website (thanks to her IT husband...) as a functioning platform for her students to complete DI assignments and interact with one another.

While this particular teacher's website makes my head spin, it does provide an idea of how I can make my own School World site more interactive as well as design my own site as a platform for students to refer to throughout a unit.

A list of links that might prove to be helpful in your planning a 21st Century lesson/unit.

"Word Generation is a middle school academic language program". A word/concept is introduced each week and is practiced in each of the core content areas throughout the week.

Those of us who attended the Anita Archer summer workshop have tossed around the merits and challenges that this might have if we implemented this concept school-wide or even if individual teams incorporated it. It's worth a look to begin a discussion...

This website introduces the educators who have developed the concept of a "flipped classroom", where direct instruction takes place at home and work that would traditionally be assigned to do at home is now completed at school.

Since I am new to twitter I found this very interesting

A place to share what you're reading.