The general population is an eclectic mix of individuals. No two people are the same, and the challenges of one person will ultimately be outweighed by the challenges of another person. For those who fall outside the 'norms' of society, the challenges of everyday life are even more profound, unable to access the daily privileges that most people take for granted...
We all remember science lessons from our school days. Whether the lessons were with the more 'characteristic' teachers in the school, or whether you all released the gas taps when the teacher foolishly left the room, we all seemed to miss the link that science is life! And what an opportunity science teachers have in releasing the magic of life to their pupils, answering BIG questions like "Why am I like my parents?", or "What will my life be like in 2050?", or "Why is Pripyat a deserted town?"
My Friend Anne Truger recommended this site as a place to go for movie reviews for kids. You have to be careful not to read too much of it or you'll hit spoilers. I like this - it hits the different areas: sex and nudity, violence and gore, and profanity. I've had a couple of movies that I've felt were over the top on profanity and trash talk lately and am going to be checking out websites like this one from now on. This is one to share with parents.
iBooks Author is a Mac only app that lets you create interactive textbooks for iBook 2. Here is the first review I have seen by someone who has actually used it.
If you're looking for apps, here is another review site from a dad who wants to find "the best educational apps for his kids." I like that it has the ages. My biggest issue is that we need to start asking what kind of feedback can be given to parents and teachers out of these apps so we can reinforce out-of-app learning on the topic. Apps and teachers and parents should be partners in learning.
Nice assignment from teachers Helen Chang and Susan Oxnevad. I like how they use graphics to make the assignment easier to follow. It is to write an article review of a current event relating to drugs.
Just to review, the idea behind the Twitter Writing Contest was simple… compose a story in exactly 140 characters and post it on Twitter. I want to thank everyone who participated, because there are a ton of talented writers out there (even at 140 characters)!
Just to review, the idea behind the Twitter Writing Contest was simple… compose a story in exactly 140 characters and post it on Twitter. I want to thank everyone who participated, because there are a ton of talented writers out there (even at 140 characters)!
Here a student simply highlights the information she needs to review later in her document (wiki, MS Word, presentation, etc.) in order to analyze the information for her needs.
By gathering the information needed, the student is able to synthesize the ideas into his/her own connections
In addition, after students write online (Google Docs, Wikis), the teacher can “Diigo” feedback. What was well done in the writing? What still needs improvement? This fifth grade student read the first annotation about the need to add examples.
Through individual or collaborative Diigo annotations, students connect to facts in ways that allow comprehension and connections that deepen their understanding. Through Diigo annotations for feedback, students easily understand what aspects of their writing need improvement. Diigo is our friend in the writing classroom.
Here a student simply highlights the information she needs to review later in her document (wiki, MS Word, presentation, etc.) in order to analyze the information for her needs.
...Through individual or collaborative Diigo annotations, students connect to facts in ways that allow comprehension and connections that deepen their understanding. Through Diigo annotations for feedback, students easily understand what aspects of their writing need improvement. Diigo is our friend in the writing classroom.