Annotated "Hotlist"
I used several TeacherWeb pages as easy internet pages to post requirements
for me as I worked to get a Master's Degree - this is one of them. Someday, I
will take it down, but it's still too new right now!
40 web-based resources, including at least 5 that can be described as Web 2.0,
related to my teaching/professional development interests, with descriptions
of how the resources might/are being used in my teaching.
Can evaluate whether a current lesson I teach meets the indicators of engaged
learning. If not, the lesson can be modified.
Engaged Learning Indicators
Definition of engaged learning and links to Engaged Learning indicators, sites
and examples.
Engaged Learning Definition
Practical information for applying engaged learning successfully in a school
environment.
Maine Center for Meaningful Learning
Where to purchase the components to create an interactive Whiteboard on any
surface using a Wiimote and an infrared pen. Around $80 total, excellent for
any classroom that has a computer and projector.
Wiimote Whiteboard
Children's Website, Kids Games, Free Children's Activities, Children's
Worksheets, Lessons, Educational Websites for preschool, kindergarten,
elementary, middle school
Learn4good
This is a site that I use in class all the time from Kindergarten through
eighth grade. This particular link specifically goes to the fifth grade links.
Links are for Language Arts and Math, for the specific concepts that each
grade level should be focusing on. When the school lost all the software due
to an operating system upgrade, there are enough working links to keep
everyone occupied for the class period.
Internet4classrooms
These are printable files that discuss important facts about the latest
technology on the internet. Very informative, they can be shared in the
classroom to facilitate discussion and "show and tell."
7 Things you should know about...
Published by the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team. A site for
the technically challenged that discusses computer and internet security issues.
Cyber Security Tips
Being a Catholic School, we weave Catholicism into our lessons. This is a
great site that I use in class to have students create a prayer service around
a theme. It gives them readings based on topics.
God's Yellow Pages
Article: Definitions and standard components of a webquest.
Complete definition of webquests
Article: Changing digital learning by customizing it. Discusses and has a link
to the 21st Century skills.
Changing Digital Systems through Customization
Article: Pros and Cons of using digital video conferencing and electronic chat
in education. Helps in deciding how these tools can be used effectively in a
classroom.
Combining Multimedia and Distance Learning
Article with links explaining the concept of Web 2.0.
Web 2.0 definition
Website on creating webquests, with examples. Can find and use previously
created webquests with the class, or design and implement one on a specific topic.
All About Webquests
Important to know the national technology standards that are used as the
reason behind everything taught in the computer laboratory.
NETS-S Technology Standards for Students
An algebra teacher, Dan Meyer, received a projector for his classroom. This
opened up new ways to reach his students. He looked for "high-interest visuals
that would promote classroom conversation about related math concepts." This
article explains what he did, how it worked for him, and how he expanded it to
include other teachers. I found it interesting how collaboration with other
educators increased as well as the interactivity with the students.
Teaching with Digital Images
A website that encourages the use of digital images in education. Accessible
database for educational use.
Digital Images for education
Even though this has to be downloaded to run, it's an excellent site that can
be used in a junior high classroom with parental involvement and permission.
Students can explore ancient Egypt as an archeologist, with plans to expand
the site to include more historical places. Definitely a Web 2.0 - can
interact with others that are online at the same time, as well as 3D.
Heritage Key
A free download must-have for all computers. Zoom in and out of anywhere the
satellites have been. Can also see street level images and upload street level
images to the site.
Google Earth
A 3D design program that students can use to create and view structures.
Google SketchUp
Free download from Google again. Online photo editing software that students
can use to change and save their photos with tags.
Picasa
An online document can be created by a teacher and edited by any student given
access. Collaborative workspace that allows different users to edit each
other's work with a single outcome.
Google Docs
A link to my baseball webquest to teach students the basics of Excel in a
hands-on, real world problem-solving approach.
Mrs. Rowe's Excel Webquest
Students can find tutorials and articles on how to complete tasks using Excel,
and step-by-step instructions on using specific options of Excel.
Official Excel Website
YouTube video of how to set up formulas in Excel that can be viewed during or
after class. Also has links to other related videos.
Video on Using Formulas in Excel
An overview of the basics about spreadsheets, and Excel in particular. Can be
accessed by students in or out of class.
About.com: Spreadsheets
Teaches students how to use formulas in Excel.
About.com: Using Excel formulas
Students can create a visual image using words that describe a theme. See the
website for details. Terrific for brainstorming ideas, creating word maps and
use in Language Arts or Art classes.
Wordle
Free, online media conversion. Used to convert Mp3 to Mp4 format of internet
safety videos used with intermediate and junior high students. Great free
teacher-use site.
Media Conversion
A double-duty site; not only can they donate rice to Africa, but they do it by
clicking the correct definitions to given words. Can also learn words in
different languages. The only site our students are allowed to go to when they
are done with their work in Language Arts class.
Free Rice
At St. Alexander School, we emphasize giving back to the community. One of the
simplest ways is visiting this site. For every click, the sponsors donate
money to the specific cause. Linked to 5 other Click to Give sites to help a
variety of causes from the rainforest to literacy.
Click to give
Club Penguin - social networking site for students. Can create a penguin for
free or purchase a paid subscription. As a penguin, students explore proper
social interaction on the internet, as well as games that earn them tokens to
purchase clothing or items for their igloo. Their penguin can keep pets,
helping to teach responsibility, since the puffle will run away if proper care
is not taken. An important step in learning online etiquette and a genuine Web
2.0 site. Run by Disney, safe chat is also available, as is reporting and
blocking penguins.
Club Penguin
I use this website with the younger students, especially around holidays. A
gaming atmosphere that goes well with days of celebration, and unwinding. I
feel students need a break every now and then, and these games are challenging
without being overly educational. Web 2.0 site.
Funschool.com
Helps teachers teach the basics of chemistry to students. Geared to be easy to
understand and use to visualize chemistry concepts.
Chem4kids
A good jumping-off point to find out basic information about any topic. As a
teacher, I insist on other forms of references. Then they can cross-reference
information to validate it.
Wikipedia Search
Shows latest earthquakes from last week to today in the US. Excellent for
teaching real-time during Science.
Latest Earthquakes
Anyone can use the photos or pictures that have been uploaded to this site.
Students or teachers can also add their pictures to the site for others to
use, without copyright infringement.
Free Use Pictures
Mapping Memory and parts of the brain - very interactive and 3D. Excellent for
biology. One of the Web 2.0 sites.
Parts of the brain
Create mini-movies. Write and type in a script for chosen LEGO-type characters
to repeat back. Can save and show to class. Re-enact scenes from books they
read in class. Web 2.0 site.
Xtranormal - text to movie
Students design and can print or send comic strips. Excellent in Language
Arts. Web 2.0 site.
Make a comic strip
This is the public side of the Archdiocese version of PowerSchool, that
parents can log into and see their student's grades. Please contact me if you
do not have login information for your student. In the 2011-12 school year,
only grades 6 - 8 will have logins to start.
PowerSchool