Global Learning:

This video contains images of learners from around the world, learning under different circumstances.  I chose the music, 'Eyes On Fire' to accompany the video because it says to me that people should face and defeat those obstacles that prevent them from learning.

'Eyes On Fire" song by BLUE FOUNDATION:

Animoto

Animoto was extremely easy and fun to use.  I plan to use this tool on my job for a number of activities.

http://animoto.com/play/ZkGUE74MmnYhpHvD7DqflA

Educational Change Challenge -- Darren Cannell

Viewing this video should be a requirement for all new and current teachers.  Too many of us just don’t get that our educational institutions were developed and maintained for the convenience of teachers, not students.  If a student is not focused, she is sent to the principal’s office.  If a student is not interested in a subject, he is diagnosed with ADHD and is sometimes prescribed drugs.   One powerful quote from the video:  ‘Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way’ -- George Evans, is extremely true.  We all know this quote is accurate but we do nothing positive to address it.  There is nothing wrong with focusing on differences in the classroom.  It’s what makes each of us special. For me, there were no new ideas here.  I’m just glad to know that I am thinking like others in the fields.

The Kids Know It Network

I really enjoy the setup of this site.  Just about every topic is covered and it’s easy for students to locate what they need.  There are interactive learning movies that describe/teach how tornadoes work, or teach concepts like DNA or Absolute Value.  There are also links to games and educational music.  I think this site is valuable for students because,  like School Tube, they can access the site themselves and participate in their own learning.  

School Tube

I know You Tube has everything you can imagine but School Tube more likely contains topics that will not be offensive or inappropriate for students.  Because I don’t teach currently, I didn’t know this site even existed.  It is fantastic.  I performed a number of searches on technology and I was able to view many videos of teachers using technology effectively in their classrooms.  I want to explore the site further and introduce it to my own kids for their use.  

Go Animate Topic:  Diary of a Wimpy Kid

I will be introducing the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid to my students.  This book is about a young middle-school boy who tries to navigate the problems of middle school.  It also focuses on relationships with family and friends.  I think this book is appropriate for its stated age group (8 – 12) because it addresses many of the social issues kids have, and will encounter as they move through life, such as bullying.  What makes this book different from other books on the same topic is that ‘Diary’ readers are able to see their beloved characters come to life on the big screen.   

This lesson will be geared toward 6th graders and the following standards will be addressed:

Conventions of Standard English

1.       Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

2.       Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Students will read ‘Diary’ then write two paragraphs that describes one point in the book to which they can relate.   

http://goanimate.com/videos/0DPuJ5SoVHAI?utm_source=linkshare

VoiceThread Topic:  Video Games in the Classroom

The topic of using video games in the classroom is being discussed by academics around the world.  I decided to use voice thread to get the student’s point of view.  Students will view the voice thread and discuss why they agree or disagree with using video games in the classroom as a learning tool.   

This voice thread is geared toward 7th grade English.  This thread will address the following Indiana Academic English Standards: 

7.7.2      Determine the speaker’s attitude toward the subject

7.7.11    Deliver persuasive presentations that state a clear position in support of an argument or proposal

I think students will be more engaged in the discussion process because I’ve chosen a topic that affects their everyday lives, and one that is fun and engaging.  

https://voicethread.com/?#u3660475.b4369114.i22282600

http://voicethread.com/share/4369114/

How to Write a Check

http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=189539