OZTL_NET

"Keeping Your Academic Integrity in the Copy Paste Culture." Curated by Megan Black.

The post offers information about some engaging presentation tools available for teachers who could start using them in the classroom to better engage students. The teachers are then challenged to find ways for their students to create projects using these tools.

"Mind maps or graphic organizers can be invaluable tools for visual thinkers and visual learners. The process of creating a mind map can help students gain an overview perspective on complex, multifaceted concepts. Mind maps can also help students outline an essay or story they're planning to write. The following list contains nine tools that can be used by students to create mind maps independently or collaboratively."

This crowdsourced resource is meant to help those who are just beginning to start their journey as a "connected educator." It is not exhaustive. In fact, if all goes to plan, it will be a perpetual work in progress - just like the PLNs it will hopefully help build.

"Creativity is all about ideas, not software. The software you use in your classroom should amplify your students' creativity, not inhibit it. Our easy-to-use, yet powerful, scrapbooks will unleash your students' creativity like you couldn't imagine. There are no limits to what they can create on Beeclip EDU. "

"Evidence-based school librarianship uses research-derived evidence to shape and direct what we do. EBP combines professional wisdom, reflective experience, and understanding of students' needs with the judicious use of research-derived evidence to make decisions about how the school library can best meet the instructional goals of the school."

"It's important to understand the distinction between apps and eBooks, as it's something that often confuses both publishers and consumers."

Glean Learning Tools are free information literacy, data literacy and math teaching tools

Watch, Talk, Produce:a starting point for thinking about Twitter in learning.

"Here are resources for reader's theater (or readers theatre)-including the acclaimed series of free scripts Reader's Theater Editions-all from children's author Aaron Shepard. "

"Sites to help build infographics, understand why they are useful, and super cool examples" Curated by Megan Black

"For quick sharing of content, including pictures, text and music, there's no better free tool than Animoto. Students can register for Animoto for free and add their own pictures and videos or those provided by Animoto. They can add music from Animoto's library; then Animoto will mix it all together into a spectacular video. Animoto is excellent for starting a school year. Have students introduce themselves with pictures, words and music. They are sure to love Animoto. "

"Not sure whether this is information literacy, but it is an example of knowledge being extended and disseminated using the internet. It is also an example of the power of browsing and encountering as information behaviour strategies, as the taxonomist came across the new species because he randomly browses pictures of insects on Flickr."

Joyce Seitzingers's diagram of a teacher's PLN, representing a staff room, filing cabinet, newspaper and portfolio.

A PLN is one of the best ways to grow as a learner and teacher because you are exposed to so many new ideas and teaching resources.

"Find the best books and media for teens, as selected by library staff and educators across the United States! The Teen Book Finder, generously funded by a grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, offers easy access to the titles honored each year by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library "

"The "Top 25" Websites foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They are free, Web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover."

"As a school leader who recently sold my community on the importance of moving to a one-to-one environment where every student has access to a web-based device, I believe strongly that our students will be more literate than students in other schools who do not have access to web-enabled devices. A look at the world outside of our schools and the technological resources being accessed in so many professions that allow people to work "smarter" is a clear indication of the track that our students need to be on in order to be able to function in the "real world." The biggest stumbling block in schools even if we can get the devices is the proficiency level of the adults in the building in utilizing the technology resources effectively. This is not meant to be an indictment of educators, but it is a critical question that we all have to look at, assess, and then move forward. Technological tools/resources can assist educators in some of our biggest undertakings (i.e. common core standards integration, teacher evaluation, providing relevant professional development, etc.). However, because so many educators in schools are not comfortable with the most modern literacy skills we are not able to make better progress."