CTAP Siskiyou Web 2.0

Wonder what the Gettysburg Address might look like on Twitter? Check this out! Fun thing for U.S. History teachers and others just as a way of discussing the impact of social media.

Will Richardson explores this idea: "By pairing personalized learning and technology, a teacher can help students learn what they need to learn through the topics that interest them most." How does "personal learning" fit into the structures we have in school learning environments? 

Aimed at high school and college students, "Operation ARIES! is an intelligent tutoring system that using principles from the science of learning and serious learning games. " The game covers 21 scientific concepts shared among psychology, sociology, biology, and chemistry. The storyline of Operation ARIES! involves an epic story of love, revenge, uncertainty, spies, aliens, political intrigue, suspense, surprises, and saving the world. The story elements are presented across the game to maintain engagement. Watch the introduction on the homepage to get a feel for it!

"Connected Teaching and Learning" - how can we encourage a culture where teachers own their own professional learning? Tom Murray shares his insights and how their district is doing just that.

Dean Shareski brings up a vital discussion around the fears we have in "publishing" online and what this space is really for: CONVERSATION. Take the time to read this, as it will impact the way we help students with publishing online.

"Schlechty's Levels of Engagement"

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.

High school math teacher, Brad Robb, has made available his course notes and instructional videos for Algebra 1(which he has posted on YouTube.

"Mr. Robb's Math is a YouTube channel containing 555 videos produced by high school mathematics teacher Bradley Robb. Mr. Robb's videos explain and demonstrate solving problems in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Calculus. Most of the videos are recorded while Mr. Robb is teaching. You can find the videos on the Mr. Robb's Math YouTube channel or visit Mr. Robb's website WowMath to find the videos organized in sequence with accompanying screenshots."

Holly Clark, aka EdTechDiva, provides some great points about how to help improve search skills for students AND teachers. There are other skills, as well, but these are a good start. Google also has resources for building these important skills.

"Coding In The Classroom: 10 Tools Students Can Use To Design Apps & Video Games" gives some of the best sites where students can learn code for design work. This is a must skill for students who have an interest in computer programming and developing games/apps.

Award-winning educational futurist David Thornburg discusses classroom design and four learning models he has written about extensively in his book, "From the Campfire to the Holodeck: Creating Engaging and Powerful 21st Century Learning Environments" Is your classroom designed primarily for the traditional lecture? For using technology to do the same old things better than differently? Give out too much information vs. using more open-ended approaches? Transform the way information is learned and used? This article helped me to reflect on the way I encourage the use of technology and how to make its use an experience more reflective of what is presented in the CCSS and 21st century learning. What is your response to the article? Agree, disagree? What model(s) do you see yourself using? What movement would you like to make in your approach?

"Robotics CEO: 12-Year-Old Whiz As Smart As Ph.Ds" - curiousity fuels this students creativity and passion. Check it out.

Make your password up to 1,500 less likely to be hacked with this simple trick.

I like the reflective process this teacher is using to improve her teaching literacy to her students. The methods she is practicing and refining are in contrast to the "one and done" reading approach she mentions students practicing outside of class. A favorite quote in the reflection: "In my class we explore the why--the story behind history. Pace carefully and read closely, and students will discover the why--especially when they can discuss the questions they've had time to think about." Instead of the teacher "teaching" content, the students explore that content and find meaning for themselves that is relevant and connective to other learning experiences.

I like how the site has a set of short videos demonstrating each "teacher move" to support learning using "Accountable I think these would be helpful in training/professional development, as well. The fact that these "moves" were observed in effective classrooms (i.e. research-based) is good to know.