Group items tagged

"Calendars can be a great classroom resource and inspiration for research. The Australian Schools Calendar on edna and this one from New Zealand both alert teachers and students to special days that can be "observed" in the classroom. Student activities can be as simple as working out how old the person whose birthday is marked on the calendar "is", or looking for websites that are celebrating the day, the month or the year. Many of those sites have an educational focus and special activities for students."

Raises some interesting and strategies about how to use Google Calendar in the classroom with students.

In spite of disparaging remarks about twitter I hear at school it is my second most favourite application for gaining access to shared teaching resources and inspiration on the web. perhaps some of these links may open the eyes of the naysayers in our college.

"It doesn't seem to matter what age group or demographic that I talk to, kids (and adults) everywhere are fans of Angry Birds. As I was playing around with Angry Birds (yep I'm a fan too), I started thinking about all of the learning that could be happening. I have watched a two year old tell an older sister that "you have to pull down to go up higher". I have watched as kids master this game through trial and error. Being the teacher that I am, I started dreaming up a transdisciplinary lesson with Angry Birds as the base. I happened to be writing an inquiry lesson that has students look at inventions throughout time and thought: the catapult-that is an invention that has technology and concepts that are used even today. This is one of those inspirational moments that comes when you are drifting off to sleep and has you frantically searching for paper and pen to record as fast as the ideas come. So what did I do? I got myself out of bed and went to work sketching out a super awesome plan. Here is the embedded learning that I came up with"

Beautiful blog post re sharing ideas via colleague and via learners inspired read it!

One of the problems facing many teachers is trying to make students aware of the need to respect copyright and fair use of digital content. Even though students can generally appreciate the principles behind the need to pay due regard to the originators of these artefacts too often they are unable to locate anything other than copyright material. Locating suitable Creative Commons licenced content can be a real nightmare for students and teachers alike. To this end SitePoint has gathered up over 30 of the best resources online for audio, video, images and more for finding just the perfect Creative Commons licensed item for use in your next project. So, have a look around and get inspired!

Explore the wickEDly cool things on this site! Quizzes, crosswords, interactives and games in English and te reo Māori, a gallery of student artworks, profiles of inspirational New Zealanders, an information station, and activities and games based around topics - it's all here - on wickED!

A list of online tools inspired by the following question: What Indispensible ICT tools do you use in education?

Powered by the number 1 non-fiction media brand in the world, Discovery Education transforms classrooms and inspires teachers with engaging content and services that measure and improve student achievement.

A site for the scientific users set up by the inspirational E.O. Wilson. The EOL is managed by a partnership of natural history institutions in the United States. The content results from collaboration with a multitude of institutions and individuals from across the world. The website has become more sophisticated in offering anyone, expert or not, the opportunity to contribute.

"ICTEV's 2011 conference aims to put you in touch with educational colleagues who will enthuse and inspire you to integrate technologies in your learning and teaching. The technologies you will hear about and explore on the day will allow you and your students to be in touch with other educational communities (schools and professionals) across the world."

Event for Victorian Educators, Sat 21 May 2011.

Winn has also just been voted San Diego Unified School District's High School Teacher of the Year. Winn has developed a high voltage classroom atmosphere that has done what some would say is impossible: he's inspired high school students to get excited about math.

"Handheld computers are everywhere. From mobile phones to handheld games, it's a very familiar sight to see people of all ages gazing into screens that they can hold. Schools are discovering that handhelds like iPod touch and iPad make great learning tools. In fact, handhelds can play a big part in project based learning. Not only do projects motivate students because they use exciting handheld technology, but they also lend themselves to student voice and choice. Watch or read below to be inspired to bring project based learning into your classroom, learn strategies for creating effective driving questions, and see how an iOS handheld can play a role in the the planning, research/investigation, and presentation of projects."

I DON'T think I am a very good teacher, but I try. Some of my students think I am but I don't trust their small experience. Some adults think I am but they've never been in my classes. Frankly, I'm not absolutely sure what a good teacher is. The descriptors are vague anyway: ''has empathy'', ''knows the subject'', ''inspires'' - the more you think about such things the faster they turn to quicksand.

Ken Shelton presents a workshop on ways to use Google Earth in your curriculum. Ken teaches middle school in Los Angeles Unified School District. This video covers amazing techniques and inspiration for using the Google Earth application to enhance your curriculum and engage students in learning for almost any topic.

Google's "20% Time", inspired by Sergey Brin's and Larry Page's Montessori School experience, is a philosophy and policy that every Google employee spend 20% of their time (the equivalent of a full work day each week) working on ideas and projects that interest that employee. They are encouraged to explore anything other than their normal day-to-day job. As a result 50% of all Google's products by 2009 originated from the 20% free time, including Gmail. Real break-through happens when we are free from others' expectations and driven by individual passion.

There is a great deal that I like about this description of humanity at its best from Ryan & Deci. It is both a goal to be achieved and an indicator of conditions which are required for us to fulfil our potential. While the focus of this statement is on the actions of the individual we can see how society might act to deny individuals the opportunities to lead such an inspired and agentic life. I like to imagine what a school might be like if every individual who plays a part in its functioning strove to extend themselves, master new skills and apply their talents responsibly.  Maybe schools would be like the 'learning organisations' described by Peter Senge.