Oh how I love Tagxedo, let me count the ways...

www.tagxedo.com

If you haven't used it by now, you are really missing out!  From class lists to literature there are a ton of useful uses for this FREE resource.  Check out more of them here on the tagxedo blog.

http://blog.tagxedo.com/101-ways-to-use-tagxedo-completed

Web Resources 8/18/10

The coolest Kindergarten class in the world:
http://forcuriousteachers.blogspot.com/2010/07/holy-smokes-look-at-this-kindergarten.html

What makes a GREAT teacher:
http://goo.gl/qJhP


One of the BEST sites for scheudleing appointments and getting people to a meeting:
http://www.pleft.com/


Do more with powerpoint:
http://goo.gl/oUif


Facebook resources for parents:
http://www.facebookforparents.org/

Google Fun!

For all of those that know my fascination with Google, here are some very cool resources!

Today's Meet

This looks so cool!




Where will I use this?  I would use it to host review discussions around various topics in preparation for an assessment.  I would use it to interact with students/parents around specific topics.  I see great things here!

Interesting Ways

Just ran across this resource from Tom Barrett called interesting ways.  It is a list of interesting ways to use items/ideas/resources in the classroom.

You HAVE to check these out!

http://goo.gl/EvRv


Here's what's there, I am using a couple from the "get to know your new class list."

• Get to Know Your New Class
• Use a Learning Platform in the Classroom
• Support Spelling in the Classroom
• Teach Reading Comprehension in the Classroom
• Use Web Conferencing in the Classroom
• Make Your Classroom a Sparkly Place to Learn
• Use Audio in Your Classroom
• Use Wallwisher in the Classroom
• Support Writing in the Classroom
• Use Google Wave in the Classroom (although Google has announced WAVE is on thew way out)
• Use an iPod Touch in the Classroom
• Nintendo Wii in the Classroom
• Use a Wiki in the Classroom
• Use a Visualizer in the Classroom
• Use Twitter in the Classroom
• Use Wordle in the Classroom
• Use Your Pocket Video Camera in the Classroom
• Use Google Docs in the Classroom
• Use Google Earth in the Classroom
• Use a Nintendo DS in the Classroom
• Use Search Engines in the Classroom
• Use Your Interactive Whiteboard in the Classroom
• Prezi in the Classroom
• Use Voicethread in the Classroom
• Use the iPad in the Classroom
• Use Google Search in the Classroom
• Use Google Maps in the Classroom

Homework and Deadlines

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52636849@N00/

We have been battling for years on homework.  To assign it, not to assign it, to count it, not to count it, what to assign, how much to assign, etc.

There are many new books and resources about homework practices.  My opinion, right now because it will probably change 20 time sin the next year, is that if it's meaningful and has a purpose, then it needs to be assigned, if not, don't assign it.

Here is a great article on how deadlines can be "fair and unbalanced" when it comes to homework and projects: http://goo.gl/HGWg

What's wrong with education?

I don't know if I'm excited about these movies or scared to see how bad the education system is.  One thing I know, these movie will be the talk of educators around the world.  I'm excited to be a part of the discussion on how to "fix" education to best meet the ever changing needs of our students.  Movie due out in the fall.

For more information: http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/ and http://www.thecartelmovie.com/