CTAP Siskiyou Web 2.0

Whether or not you realize it, you probably have philosophical discussions with your students. But if you use the term "Philosophy", it would probably be met with blank stares. This website, developed by a college philosophy professor, provides an easy to understand, engaging introduction to philosophy for middle schoolers using FILM. I think it could also be used with high school students and used as a tool for how students could engage each other in a variety of discussions across the curriculum.

Cool music video that presents the Five Elements of Story - check it out

Nice guide to leaving comments on blogging and why commenting is a good idea.

High school math teacher, Brad Robb, has made available his course notes and instructional videos for AP Calculus (which he has posted on YouTube.

High school math teacher, Brad Robb, has made available his course notes and instructional videos for Algebra 2(which he has posted on YouTube.

"The news reports say that the test scores of American students on the latest PISA test are "stagnant," "lagging," "flat," etc. The U.S. Department of Education would have us believe-yet again-that we are in an unprecedented crisis and that we must double down on the test-and-punish strategies of the past dozen years. The myth persists that once our nation led the world on international tests, but we have fallen from that exalted position in recent years." BUT....is what we're being told really the whole story? This blog post will help you see that our nation's creativity and innovation has NOTHING to do with our place nationally & internationally with test scores. So...how should that influence our approach to education?

Thomas Guskey, noted researcher/writer on grading/grade reporting, uploaded his presentation and some of his writing for a conference. Great topic for us to review as we look at the role of grading/grade reporting in teaching/learning and the CCSS.

Especially with the CCSS, teachers/admin. need to take a look at how grading reflects assessment practices. What do the grades you give really REFLECT about what students CAN DO and know? The table comes from the work of Tom Guskey, a college professor who has done extensive research and writing on grading. (see http://goo.gl/DAHyH)

Great video on the importance of our online digital presence and it's possible impact on our present/future

"From One Second to the Next," the rather unlikely film below, came together when AT&T approached the legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog and asked if he would direct a series of short films warning people about the dangers of texting while driving. The result is four stories. This film might be one to open the eyes of young people in our high schools.

How to set up Anchor Links in Google Sites. These links will send to user to a specific place on the webpage. Good for FAQa, etc.

The post really points to the possible pitfalls of online courses. It also suggests the importance of examining & evaluating the effectiveness of online courses - including the teacher's pedagogy and instructional methods - and student receptiveness, level of engagement, and success in courses. The comments after the post provide a lively discussion. Blended learning seems to get high marks.

This a search engine for free photos. These come from many sources and are license-specific. You can view a photo's license by clicking on the license icon, below and left of photos. Membership is free and allows you to rate, tag, collect and comment on photos.

"Create and play your own free educational quiz show templates!" Built by a high school junior, create jeopardy style quizzes or use one of over 2186 already created. No registration or PPT needed. 

Lots of resources on Bloom's taxonomy and apps/links that relate to each part of the taxonomy. 

Bloom's Taxonomy meets the iPad - great visual "wheel" and includes the SAMR Model and links to videos on how the wheel works.

There's one request for advice that I receive more than any other from coaches: How can I coach a resistant teacher? This article explores that by helping those who coach teachers to look at themselves as much as they do those they coach. Good read for instructional leaders.

Some great points at how to view engaging teachers who may be hesitant learners/implementers of technology. It may help you get into their thought processes and understand their unique needs in a respectful way. 

This video demonstrates how our digital footprint/presence can be quite revealing and the need to pay attention to what information we put on the web.

Excellent introduction to the practice of Curation for Professional Learning. Engage in curation by using the steps of aggregation, evaluation, and organization. Use these resources to support all aspects of your teaching practice.