Google Shortcuts

Google Shortcuts Extension is a Must for Educators — Tech the Plunge

Google has infused itself within education by offering a ton of web services that make it easy to create and lookup content within your web browser. But, if you are like me, sometimes you discover a great Google service only to forget to use it to its full potential. As great as all the Google services are, navigating about Google is not one of its strongpoints.

SItes I use or will learn

The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness: My Top 10 EdTech Resources of 2010

I present what I consider to be the top 10 Tools/Websites/Resources for teachers and students from 2010. These are in no particular order because I believe they are all great, but for different reasons. They might have been around before 2010, but were an important addition to education this past year.

Finding Images and Clipart

Technology Tidbits: Thoughts of a Cyber Hero: Top 10 Sites for Images and Clip Art

Top 10 Sites for Images and Clip Art

Finding images on the internet for educators to use has been a common problem problem for many alike. This can happen for a number of reason such as: copy right privileges, inappropriateness, etc etc.

Have a new e-reader? How about some free books

Free Kindle Books: A Guide

If Google Trends are anything to go by, a fair number of you were fortunate enough to unwrap a Kindle 3 this Christmas (currently, “free kindle books” is trending at number 9).

As such, we thought we’d alert you to some of the following resources for getting free Kindle books on your new device (as well as your smartphone and desktop). For all but the Kindle Store, you’ll need to transfer the books manually using a computer and USB cable.........

Annotating the Web

Top Web Annotation and Markup Tools

Ever try browsing the web and came across some content that you wanted to save for later reference? Yes you can easily bookmark a site, but wouldn’t it be awesome if you can select and save the specific text in the content that interests you? You are at a page where you want to leave a comment or note but u can’t because the page does not provide a comment system, what do you do about it? Better example, what do you use when you are working on a document or website of your own and wanting to get feedback from users or collaborate with a friend or group?

How can you Publish Online?

Free Technology for Teachers: 7 Visually Appealing Ways to Publish Documents Online

Last week after I and ten others released The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators I received a handful of emails asking either how I built the page-turning effects into the ebook or why I chose to use to use a 3rd party to host the ebook. I figure if a handful of people were curious enough to email me about it, there are probably others who are also curious about the same questions. I choose to use 3rd party services to host the ebooks I publish so that I can track how many times they're viewed and downloaded. The other reason I use 3rd party services to host the ebooks is because I like having the option of displaying the ebooks with page-turning effects. Here are the services I've used to host my ebooks and some others that you might consider using.

Sir Ken Robinson - Hammer Lecture Series

YouTube - Sir Ken Robinson, Hammer Lectures

Ken Robinson has written numerous books, most recently "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything." This talk explores ways to connect peoples' natural aptitudes with their personal passions to achieve at their highest levels in education and business. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his outstanding achievements in education and the arts.

Sir Ken Robinson, Hammer Lectures

Video Games Boost Brain Power, Multitasking Skills : NPR

Video Games Boost Brain Power, Multitasking Skills : NPR Worth taking a look and a listen to - from NPR

Fun ways to make Cards

Digital Tools for Teachers: Word Cloud Christmas Card Ideas

Being the festive season and if you are like me haven’t organised Christmas cards yet. Here is a quick and fun way you can make them. It also gives you the chance to try out a few websites at the same time.

5 Tasks to Teach Yourself to Teach with Technology

From Nik Peachey
Nik's Learning Technology Blog: 5 Tasks to Teach Yourself to Teach with Technology

Some months ago I had a plan to write a book of tasks to get teachers using technology. As with so many of my plans and ideas, time and circumstances over took me and I never got further than the first 15 tasks. When I went back to do some more I noticed that I was taking so long doing these that some had gone out of date, so to try to get some use from the tasks I've decided to revise them and start publishing them here so anyone can download them and use them either to do teacher training or to develop their own ability to use technology........

10 Tips for Starting an Education Blog

Written by Michael Zimmer
The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness: 10 Tips for Starting an Education Blog

It was about a year ago that I really started to get into the idea of blogging. I was hesitant, unsure, and fairly new to the whole idea. I spent most of the initial stages of blogging just learning how to use the site to benefit myself, understanding widgets and embedding, and learning how to write for an audience. Below are tips that I would offer someone based on my own experience.......

Using QR Codes in the classroom

How to Use QR Codes in Student Projects – SimpleK12

Scannable bar codes may be just what you need to spark some student interest in your classroom - read on to learn how to use them to showcase your student work and give some life to your classroom's infographics.

Opt Out of Google

Have you worried about privacy? Here is a solution
Google Opt Out Feature Lets Users Protect Privacy By Moving To Remote Village

The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators

From Free Technology for Teachers by Richard Byrne

Free Technology for Teachers: The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators

There are many teachers who want to start using technology in their classrooms, but just aren't sure where to start. That's why I got together ten prominent ed tech bloggers, teachers, and school administrators to create The Super Book of Web Tools for Educators. In this book there introductions to more than six dozen web tools for K-12 teachers. Additionally, you will find sections devoted to using Skype with students, ESL/ELL, blogging in elementary schools, social media for educators, teaching online, and using technology in alternative education settings.

100 Inspiring Ways to Use Social Media In the Classroom

100 Inspiring Ways to Use Social Media In the Classroom | Online Universities

Social media may have started out as a fun way to connect with friends, but it has evolved to become a powerful tool for education and business. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter and tools such as Skype are connecting students to learning opportunities in new and exciting ways. Whether you teach an elementary class, a traditional college class, or at an online university, you will find inspirational ways to incorporate social media in your classroom with this list......

A great use of HTML5 and a learning source

20 Things I Learned About Browsers and the Web

Learn about Storify

From Tech the Plunge

Storify for Educators–Tell a Story with Social Media! | Tech the Plunge

The Process

I knew I remembered Storify but couldn’t really remember much about it. I went to the site and it looked like you had to have an invite. I checked my old e-mails and found that I had already applied and received an invite so I decided to log in.

Storify in its most basic form is an information curator. As I thought about it, isn’t that exactly what teachers do each and every day? So let’s see if Storify helps me curate information or simply offers another way to curate that doesn’t really save me time.

Special Education - best Technology Blogs

From Special Education Masters

50 Best Education Technology Blogs You Aren’t Reading Yet

Technology and teaching — two words that seem to fit together perfectly today for most teachers and learners. So much so that a slew of new blogs have come on board to talk about education technology — or, edTech. This list of the 50 best education technology blogs are not inclusive, as there are so many new blogs available; however, if you look at links provided by many of these blogs to other edTech blogs, you may learn about even more blog that you aren’t reading yet.

Using SMS in the classroom

From  The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness

The Pursuit of Technology Integration Happiness: 10 Tips for Using SMS in the Classroom

There is an increasing use and ease of access to cellular technology in the classroom. Our students are pros at using text messages to communicate with friends. Why not turn this into a proactive solution to communicating with students in and out of the classroom. Remember to get your students information at the beginning of the year. Do they have an unlimited plan? Can they accept and send MMS messages?

5 Useful Webtools You Don’t Know Exist

Written by Kimberly at I <3 EdTech

5 Useful Webtools You Don’t Know Exist – SimpleK12

Have you ever learned about a new (or new to you) tech tool and thought, "Wow -- how did I not know about this?". Saturday I attended EdCamp Citrus, and experienced this during one of the sessions. Here is a list of my favorite free lesser-known webtools, all mentioned at EdCamp Citrus' Web 2.0 Smackdown.

17 free eBooks for Teachers and Parents

From Richard Byrne on Free Technology for Teachers

Free Technology for Teachers: 17 Free eBooks for Teachers and Parents

Over the last eighteen months I've created and offered seven free ebooks for teachers. In those ebooks I've covered Google tools, web search, video creation, blogging, and other resources of interest to educators. All seven of those ebooks are available in the right hand column of Free Technology for Teachers. This morning I'd like to highlight some other free ebooks created by others for teachers and parents....

Great resource for learning more about Google and education

Google Tutor: Tutorials and Tips for Google Users

Google tips, tricks, and tutorials...

K12 Technology Scope and Sequence

My eCoach Pre-K-12 Technology Scope and Sequence

Generic version developed by My eCoach and aligned to ISTE Standards and Performance Indicators for Students

Basic Computer/ Technology Use	File and Resource Management	Social and Ethical Use	Word Processing	Graphics and Publishing
Presentation Tools	Spreadsheets	Databases	Email	Internet Use
Video	Multimedia	Web Authoring	Electronic Collaboration	Integration and Projects

Google Teracher Academy

Free Technology for Teachers: Google Teacher Academy Sydney

Google recently announced that applications are now being accepted for the next Google Teacher Academy. The next GTA will be held on March 10, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Applications are due by January 27, 2011. As always only 50 applicants will be accepted. You can learn more and apply here. If you're interested in knowing more about the purpose of GTA, watch the video here.

100 Best (and Free) Online Learning Tools

The 100 Best (And Free) Online Learning Tools | Edudemic

We’re always excited to find the next best thing. But how does one actually find this supposed next best thing? Let EduDemic and it’s sister site EduDatum do the work for you! For example, ever wanted to spend zero dollars but have some of the most bleeding edge technologies at your disposal? Fear not!

In the vain of C4LPT, we bring you many other resources that are not as well-known as those featured on their site. (Be sure to check out their list though as it also has some great stuff!) Below you will find a dazzling number of free (open) resources to learn, engage, and just make learning more fun. Enjoy!

Sharing and Collaborating

These sites offer a place for educators to find open educational resources as well as provide a place for those who want to share their ideas or work collaboratively on projects......

More ways to share slideshows

Slideshow Maker, Free Online Slideshows, Edit Photos

Create Amazing Slideshows, Edit Photos, then Share!

Googlios

Googlios

Welcome to "Googlios" where free Google tools meet ePortfolios.
This site is intended to be a collection of resources for those interested in using ePortfolios in Education.

More ways to share slideshows

Slideshow Maker, Free Online Slideshows, Edit Photos

Create Amazing Slideshows, Edit Photos, then Share!

100 Best (and Free) Online Learning Tools

The 100 Best (And Free) Online Learning Tools | Edudemic

We’re always excited to find the next best thing. But how does one actually find this supposed next best thing? Let EduDemic and it’s sister site EduDatum do the work for you! For example, ever wanted to spend zero dollars but have some of the most bleeding edge technologies at your disposal? Fear not!

In the vain of C4LPT, we bring you many other resources that are not as well-known as those featured on their site. (Be sure to check out their list though as it also has some great stuff!) Below you will find a dazzling number of free (open) resources to learn, engage, and just make learning more fun. Enjoy!

Sharing and Collaborating

These sites offer a place for educators to find open educational resources as well as provide a place for those who want to share their ideas or work collaboratively on projects......

Google Teracher Academy

Free Technology for Teachers: Google Teacher Academy Sydney

Google recently announced that applications are now being accepted for the next Google Teacher Academy. The next GTA will be held on March 10, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Applications are due by January 27, 2011. As always only 50 applicants will be accepted. You can learn more and apply here. If you're interested in knowing more about the purpose of GTA, watch the video here.

Mobile Learning Resources

ADL Mobile - home

This site was created and is maintained by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Mobile Learning Team. Additionally we provide a weekly newsletter to the military and government agencies. The archives for the newsletter are publicly available here.

The ADL Mobile Learning Team’s vision is to be the source of information and support for DoD mobile learning initiatives. Effective usage of handheld devices can bring us closer to improved personalized learning—the right learning resources and performance aids, to the right person at the right time and place.

Why Use Google Spreadsheets?

Why Use Google Spreadsheets?

There are lots of reasons that you might use Google Spreadsheets instead of Microsoft’s Excel or SPSS. As a teaser for this week’s Faculty Friday, here are a narrow set of the benefits you’ll find with Spreadsheets.

A great demonstration of Creative Commons by Darren Draper

Drape's Takes: The Educator's Guide to the Creative Commons

As not every teacher understands how to implement the Creative Commons into their curriculum, I thought I'd take a minute to explain how I would use it if I was in their shoes.

Th ebattle between Schools and Web 2.0 tools

Schools still conflicted over Web 2.0 tools | Communication and Collaboration | eSchoolNews.com

Many school systems have discovered that Web 2.0 tools such as blogging, social networking, and collaborative authoring software can help create participatory learning environments—but the gap between schools that have embraced these tools and those that have not is still large.

A new monograph from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) profiles six school districts—Birdville Independent School District in Texas, New Canaan Public Schools in Connecticut, Michigan’s Westwood Cyber High School, Georgia’s Forsyth County Schools, Barrington 220 in Illinois, and White Oak Independent School District in Texas—and examines how those districts are using Web 2.0 tools to align school policies and practices with global education goals.

“Web 2.0 as a Force for School Transformation: A Tale of Six Districts,” part of the 2010 CoSN Compendium, contains profiles of each district, an overview of some of the Web 2.0 tools that each uses, and a librarian’s perspective on the role that school media centers play in adopting Web 2.0 strategies. The profiles also address filtering policies as they relate to Web 2.0 content.

Classroom Management Tools

5 Innovative Classroom Management Tools for Teachers

Few teachers are drawn to the profession for its administrative duties. But the reality of attendance taking, lesson planning, grading and parental communications is that they’re a big part of the job.

These tasks, however, need not take over. With help from the many online services and mobile apps designed for teachers, it can be easy to efficiently organize and complete classroom management responsibilities.

Here are five of our favorite virtual tools for tackling some of the most common classroom chores.

Moving forward with Google Apps

Blogging About The Web 2.0 Connected Classroom: 6 Nifty Ideas For Using Google Apps In The Classroom

Over the past few weeks I have collected some great classroom resources surrounding the use of Google for various classroom activities. Here are a few of my favorites. (In no particular order. I don't want to make anyone jealous or anything...)

Using Twitter for professional development

How Twitter can help teachers connect with students — and each other | SmartBlog on Social Media

Hundreds of educators from international schools around the world came to Nice, France, for the European Council of International Schools annual conference from Nov. 17 to 21. Teachers everywhere are grappling with how to integrate social media into their lesson plans, and many seem skeptical of the appeal of Twitter, let alone how it could be used for educational purposes.