FotoFlexer Rocks The Mic That Rocks The People!

These are two examples of the fun things you can do with FotoFlexer.  The most important part of a free service is the intrusion of the ads.  FF does a great job here.  Small banners that are always there, but no pop ups or through pages.  Very easy to use and all the tools can help you create a fun addition to any lesson.  I like the ease of uploading photos.  It is great that you can upload them from multiple web sources as well as your computer.  I took this one from Facebook.  And yes, that is me.  The one on the left is a color sketch effect.  The one below is a tinted and comic effect.  FotoFlexer is great!







I have been using Google Docs for awhile now.  I love that I can have all of my docs on the web so that I can access them from anywhere.  The major complaint I have is that it is NOT fully compatible with Word. Of course, what is?  (I have used Open Office a lot as well, and although the functionality is very similar, files cannot be sent out and received as word files, so others always have trouble downloading and opening.)  The major complaint that I have is formatting.  It is NOT compatible in this way.  This has been frustrating as I have tried to use Google Docs for cover letters and resumes from Word to no avail:(

Michigan History 101 Website

Here is a link to my class website

I really just followed the template for a class site.  Each of the links in the sidebar work.
I envision this website as an all encompassing website for the class.  General announcements and fun stuff are on the first page.  It is something parents can go to as well.  It seems harder to work with than the wiki or blog.  It certainly has many advantages.  As the teacher, you can control all of the content. 

Hope you like the pick of my Prom.  I am the one back center right.  (just kidding)
I'm not Mr. Noodle from Sesame Street either.

Prior Knowledge Concept Map

I think this is a great concept map to use at the beginning of a new unit.  It serves the teacher in finding out what the students remember about the subject.  I had history events in mind here.  It also serves as a review for the students.  If you use one of the premium sites, you can add icons and other pics as well.  You can use the same map at the end of the unit so the students can compare it with the one they did at the start of the unit.  This can be a powerful reinforcer for learning that doesn't include the pressure of a test for those students who don't test well.

Screencast of Battles in Michigan's History

Watch this video:

C:\Users\krisjohns\Documents\EDT5410\Michigan_Battles_Screencast.swf

C:\Users\krisjohns\Documents\EDT5410\Michigan_Battles_Screencast.swf

This is an awesome tool.  I think I may upgrade to Pro or check out Camtasia.

This lesson is for seventh graders.  I like being silly with them.  Builds trust.
Hmmm... Not working. 

Here we go!
http://screencast.com/t/iA3EGN0c


http://screencast.com/t/iA3EGN0c

Battles in Michigan's History

Google Map of Michigan Battles


View Michigan Battles in a larger map

Student Assignment:  Click on each battle place mark and then on it's correlating hyperlink.  Read each page.  Then write at least a 300 word essay response to this question:  Considering that most wars and their smaller battles are fought over religion, power, or economics, why do you think these battles were fought and why were they isolated to these (Straights of Mackinac and Detroit/Monroe/Toledo) areas?  Post your answer to your personal class wiki by Thursday, 10pm.

In the escape Podcast with R2 and C3PO

 Here is a link to an educational podcast.

Teacher 2.0 Podcast

Mises.org  podcast: Great Economics

http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/audio-mises-daily/id380690247

     I subscribed to Teacher 2.0 and listened to a few episodes.  At first I thought it sounded unrefined and I had low expectations, but I was impressed with how the host discussed many relevant uses of technology and practical how to’s for the teacher.  One episode, the host had a guest who was a band director and he spoke about how he uses a blog.  It was impressive how the kids used this tool for collaborative learning.  The students would encourage one another and admonish each other in a constructive way.  Each episode is only about 12 minutes so it is easy to listen to.  I give it three stars:)

     Like the Teacher 2.0 podcast, it could be used by administrators for a neat way to do interviews and relay pertinent information that the staff could listen to on their commute.  This could save some meeting time.  In the classroom, it could be used for student projects, like a radio theater presentation.  The kids could have fun with it.  The Radio Lab podcast, a science show on NPR, is a great tool that engages the students and could be incorporated in specific lesson plans.

 

AAPL - Daily Candlesticks

AAPL - Daily Candlesticks: "

via StockCharts.com

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