Using Google in Education

Have you heard about all of the great ways to use Google in your classroom?  I keep hearing more and more of it, and I'm so excited to explore these new ways.

If you're interested in learning more, check out this document from Google that lists (and links) all kinds of things to use in your classroom.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16pGWXaoxC6CtVV1kZ0I9PgtSntZP80_2gWmaxKSLB18/edit?pli=1

Become a Google Certified Teacher

Interested in using Technology in your instruction, but you want to know more.  Check out the Google Teacher Academy (GTA).  Google provides 2 day hand's on workshops and presentations on using Google Tools in the classroom.  It really looks like an amazing opportunity.  What's the draw back?  You have to pay your own way unfortunately. :(

Right now, the applications are open for London and Stockholm in December.  Consider it.   I will definitely be applying if they come back to the states anywhere closer to the East Coast.

http://www.google.com/edu/programs/google-teacher-academy/

Integrating Content and Technology to Differentiate Instruction Webinar

Just got an email about a free webinar from Education Week Thursday October 3rd from 2-3.

Here's the description of the webinar:

"The key is individualizing instruction and education for every student," says Dennis Stockdale, superintendent of Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District, in Indiana. With the plethora of resources available to teachers and students, creating customized learning paths is an increasing reality happening today in classrooms across the country. This webinar will highlight the experiences of two expert educators that have successfully led the integration of free resources into classrooms to personalize instruction, motivate students, and achieve success.

Participants will learn how to easily integrate free resources to differentiate instruction. They will learn from a recognized leader of a 1-to-1 school district that has successfully integrated iPads into classrooms and directly engaged application developers. Participants will also hear from a master teacher that has engaged 7th grade English students in the latest educational technologies for writing. The resulting personalization of learning and student empowerment has led to improvements in student motivation and achievement.

https://vts.inxpo.com/scripts/Server.nxp?LASCmd=AI:4;F:QS!10100&ShowKey=16409&partnerref=eblast&Referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fus-mg6.mail.yahoo.com%2Fneo%2Flaunch%3F.rand%3D1723507333%26action%3DshowLetter%26umid%3D2_0_0_1_8415141_AHrmjkQAAAQWUkMmOgAAAFkDSkk%26box%3DInbox%26src%3Dhp%26referer%3Dwww.yahoo.com

Thinking about 21st Century skills in a more low-tech setting

Found a great article today about a teachers' experiences incorporating 21st century skills in her access lacking school.  Great ideas, and it allows those "anti-tech" people out there to realize that it's not all about the technology.

BUT- I will also say that while her ideas are great, I hope that she (and the readers) wouldn't write off technology in instruction all together.  Technology is only a tool- absolutely- but it's a tool that allows for so much more then just single dimensional paper and pencil teaching. Something to think about.

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/09/10/fp_barclay_skills.html

Back to school wikispaces

Check out this wikispaces Back to School Wiki.  There's lots of ideas, tutorials, and handouts for communication.

http://wikisbacktoschool.wikispaces.com

"Teach"

Looking forward to a documentary on being a teacher on CBS at 8:00 (EST).  I'm trying to not be a skeptic by hoping it's realistic, but I think it's worth a watch.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-207_162-57599775/queen-latifah-heads-to-the-classroom-in-teach/ 

Digital Learning webinars

Here's another great option.  Again it's tomorrow August 22nd, but you can always access old one's for later viewing. 

This one is run the Alliance for Excellent Education and is entitled: Back to School:
Diving Into Digital Learning. 


It's free and I'm sure it's worth exploring.

 http://media.all4ed.org/webinar-aug-22-2013