wordle

http://screencast.com/t/PXt6Sohw

Jing

http://screencast.com/t/bgFW3ZARM

Poll everywhere

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

virtual worlds in social studies

Dear Parents,

I am excited to announce that this year our social studies classroom is going to add a new learning tool to our toolbox. We will begin to use the virtual world Second Life as part of our learning process. This virtual learning tool allows students to create an avatar, a graphic representation of the user, with a unique identity and name who can explore worlds that have already been created. All of our interactions will be limited to the people in our classroom, and all of your children's interactions will be safe.

There are three main reasons that I have decided to add this learning tool to our classroom. First, it is a way to connect with students on a level that they are comfortable with. Many young people are already using video games and virtual realities on a regular basis outside of school. Allowing them to hone this literacy and use it in an educational and productive way will help them to understand its value beyond a simple distraction from reality.

Second, this technology will allow all of us to explore places and ideas in history that we otherwise would not be able to visit. For example, there is a virtual place called Roma that is based on ancient Rome. The Sistine Chapel and ancient Mayan civilizations are just two of the many other examples of places we can go in this virtual reality. Teachers often show videos of these places, which is a decent way to bring history to life. But if students are able to actually be there, then their understanding will be even more expanded, and they are more likely to engage with the material.

Finally, the use of virtual worlds and avatars sets an even playing field for all students, and allows them to build their confidence. Being able to choose another form, personality, and name gives students some control when they might otherwise be struggling their identity. Second Life also allows students who would not normally interact with each other to do so in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

If you'd like to give Second Life a try, you can go to secondlife.com and sign up for free. Of course, we will not be using this program on a regular basis, and it will be an enhancement tool, not the sole tool for teaching. If you have questions or would like to discuss this more, please feel free to email me at Kkondrat@gmail.com.

Best,

Katy Kondrat

8th grade social studies

Useful online grading tool - Engrade

Engrade is a really useful and easy-to-use online grading program that offers access to teachers, students and parents.

engrade.com

Things I've learned

It's hard for me to pinpoint the thing that I've appreciated learning most in this class. I have to say that I've really gotten a lot of these several weeks so far. If I have to pick one thing, it's probably that I now know which resources are available for teachers online. (I know that's not one thing.) Knowing how to find the things you need is a great skill. My better grasp on those programs and websites will allow me to access them at my leisure and be a more self-sufficient teacher.

There are plenty of things that I feel like I don't know much about that I should... I really can't think of a single one though - I already know way more than I thought I could!