Group items tagged

Blog post by Terry Freedman with reference to digital literacy.

"Researchers say text language uses word play and requires an awareness of how sounds relate to written English. This link between texting and literacy has proved a surprise, say researchers. These latest findings of an ongoing study at the University of Coventry contradict any expectation that prolonged exposure to texting will erode a child's ability to spell. "

"How can we teach digital citizenship when the digital landscape is changing so rapidly? How can we teach proper online social interactions when the students are outside our classroom and thus outside our control? Will encouraging students to engage in global collaborative environments land teachers in hot water? These are the questions we hear from our peers around the world who are grappling with such issues in administrative offices and teachers' meetings every day. Digital citizenship is far more than digital literacy, just as 21st-century skills encompass much more than simply "skills." Digital citizenship is not about creating a list of things to do or a stagnant curriculum that you can use for the next 10 years. It's about transforming yourself into a professional who can effectively research technology trends, monitor the uses of technology in your school or district, avoid the fear factor that can easily paralyze you, and empower student-centered learning to create vibrant, exciting learning projects. As you embark on the path to becoming a digital teacher, we offer some advice to consider and pitfalls to avoid."

Global SchoolNet's mission is to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content driven collaboration. We engage teachers and K-12 students in meaningful project learning exchanges worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding.  We prepare youth for full participation as productive and effective citizens in an increasing global economy.

Details of the Pacific Tree Octopus, a rare breed of octopus that lives in trees. Includes detailed sightings, images, and even video. A completely nonsense site of course - but how long will it take students to realise that? Useful for teaching information literacy.

Explains the Google Pigeon Rank system, where flocks of specially trained pigeons gather answers to search queries to provide that Google edge. A completely nonsense site of course (an April Fool's Day joke in fact) - but how long will it take students to realise that? Often a student will consider the site host before considering the value of the actual content. Useful for teaching information literacy.

A site with resources and strategies for using technology in education. Contains a lot of resources related to digital citizenship, especially information literacy. More useful for teachers than students.

Article on digital citizenship by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis. Reviews current Flat Classroom Projects. How can we teach digital citizenship when the digital landscape is changing so rapidly? How can we teach proper online social interactions when the students are outside our classroom and thus outside our control? Will encouraging students to engage in global collaborative environments land teachers in hot water? These are the questions we hear from our peers around the world who are grappling with such issues in administrative offices and teachers' meetings every day. Digital citizenship is far more than digital literacy, just as 21st-century skills encompass much more than simply "skills." Digital citizenship is not about creating a list of things to do or a stagnant curriculum that you can use for the next 10 years. It's about transforming yourself into a professional who can effectively research technology trends, monitor the uses of technology in your school or district, avoid the fear factor that can easily paralyze you, and empower student-centered learning to create vibrant, exciting learning projects. As you embark on the path to becoming a digital teacher, we offer some advice to consider and pitfalls to avoid.

"Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need"