Please Read 2003

Do you have struggling readers? Do you reluctant readers? If you are a teacher you can probably answer yes to both of these questions. Read Please 2003 is a free software application which enables the user to paste any text into a window and the software will read it to the user. The user can change the text size, speed and the voice of the audio. More sophisticated paid versions have more options. If you would like this free application please contact your CFF Coach or a member of the Technology Department.

Social Studies and your Google Account.

For those of you that have signed up for a Google Account you can now try out one great resource from Google. This is an experimental feature that Google is trying out on you. It is called Google Time-Lines. I found it to be a Social Studies teacher's dream come true. See if you agree. http://www.google.com/views?q=civil+rights+movement%20view%3Atimeline

When you arrive you may need to sign in with your Google Account. Then simply change civil rights movement to any subject of your choice.

RSS - An amazing tool!

RSS is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. Think of the possibilities of RSS in your classroom! With thanks to: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Science - Problem Solving.

Exciting science stuff to promote higher order thinking.

http://www.smogcity.com/ - Students set parameters for variable and test the effect on a virtual city.

www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig - A simulation activity for physics students. Students solve problems related to a city's needs for various structures such as bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, tunnels, etc.

http://whyfiles.larc.nasa.gov/treehouse.html - At first it looks like an elementary site - it is not.
Students search resources and solve a mystery while using critical thinking and problem solving skills. Your students will not want to put this one down. Incredibly rich in its complexity.

Rubrics

Are you spending hours creating just that perfect rubric?
Here is a link to "The Rubric Machine."
Guaranteed to make the task easier.
http://landmark-project.com/rubric_builder/index.php

Fun Sites with Great Results

Getting the attention of your audience is sometimes a challenge. Here is a list of links that will help you to get your point across.

Flickr - Wow - what you can do with this one.
Slide - A type of Flickr mashup.
StainedGlassCollage - You can create a collage of your student's pictures.
SplashCast - Makes great online presentations.
Spell with Google Maps - You can spell words using Google Maps!

Online Office Tools

How often do you hear, "Teacher, I would like to finish my assignment but I don't have PowerPoint at home." " I started my assignment in 'Word' but I don't have it on my computer at home." Sound familiar?

These are a few of the online "Office" tools.
1. Zoho - One of the most popular. Check out the Notebook
2. ThinkFree - Online office, complete with collaboration.
3. Google Docs - More good stuff from Google.
4. Scribe - See what you can do.
5. AjaxWrite - Ajax-based office suite.