Machinima, video created using 3D virtual environments, was originally developed by gamers but is emerging as a promising classroom tool for developing the NETS.
This screencast was created by Lisa Thumannn for a group of educators who do not have the administrative rights on their computers in school to install the Diigo toolbar or even the Diigolet. When you first join Diigo, it's not obvious how to add a bookmark and they were blocked by the district's filter from the Diigo Help menu. This short tutorial explains how to get to a screen where they can easily add a bookmark.
SecretBuilders is a virtual world for children 5 to 14 years old powered by a web 2.0 community of children, parents, educators, writers, artists and game developers. On SecretBuilders, children will explore virtual lands, undertake quests, play games, maintain a home, nurture a pet, and interact with their friends. Three features which form the backdrop for SecretBuilders distinguish it from other online worlds:
* Children learn through immersing themselves in the stories, themes, and concepts from the best in literature, arts and humanities. They will interact with famous historical and fictional figures and be introduced to content and characters from world civilization and the great thoughts and ideas of human creativity.
* Children will create this site, not just consume it. They are directly involved in creating this world with their ideas, critiques and contributions on virtually every aspect of the site and many of their ideas will be implemented!
* Children publish their works - writings, art, videos - making SecretBuilders their own personal store of creativity. They can invite friends and family to view their works, and comment upon them. Seeing their works published and enjoyed by others instills tremendous for self-confidence as well as motivation to do more.
Best practices for Internet literacy and critical thinking with students. David Warlick's notes on Howard Rheingold's session. Also visit Howard Rheingold's Critical Thinking wiki to view his video on "Crap Detection" and digital literacies at http://critical-thinking.iste.wikispaces.net/