Thursday, September 23, 2010

Book of the Week



This important resource introduces a framework for 21st Century learning that maps out the skills needed to survive and thrive in a complex and connected world. 21st Century content includes the basic core subjects of reading, writing, and arithmetic-but also emphasizes global awareness, financial/economic literacy, and health issues. The skills fall into three categories: learning and innovations skills; digital literacy skills; and life and career skills. This book is filled with vignettes, international examples, and classroom samples that help illustrate the framework and provide an exciting view of what twenty-first century teaching and learning can achieve.

A vital resource that outlines the skills needed for students to excel in the twenty-first century

Explores the three main categories of 21st Century Skills: learning and innovations skills; digital literacy skills; and life and career skills.

Addresses timely issues such as the rapid advance of technology and increased economic competition

Based on a framework developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21)

Includes a DVD with video clips of classroom teaching

Adventures With Skype In the Classroom

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superkimbo
Skype has been one of my favorite tools to talk about because I think it has high impact. It also helps that it is completely free and super easy to sign up for. Not sure what Skype is? Check out an explanation here. I am really drawn to the potential of this tool. Below are resources for setting up Skype in the classroom and also some ideas for uses. Do you have a unique idea for how to use Skype in the classroom?


Education World provides a techtorial
eHow offers a basic step by step guide
Quick Start Tips For New Skype Users
Skype Tips by Chrissy Hellyer
4 Steps to Skyptastic Video Conference by Kim Cofino
Using Skype in the classroom (or just learning how to use it) by Vicki Davis
Skype Other Classrooms! List of educators around the world, looking for and willing to collaborate with other classrooms!

If you are still not convinced of the potential skype holds beyond a “video phone call” watch  Brian Crosby’s class on the following powerful video.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Nintendo DS in the Classroom?

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarah606
Is gaming the answer to engagement? My nephews carry their DS everywhere, they can even access the Internet from the device. In fact my oldest nephew Googles any question that comes up in conversation right from his DS. I can see possibilities here. Check out what K-12 schools are doing to engage students with the tools the like the most- video games!

Nintendo Goes to School: DS Classroom Turns Handheld Console Into Teaching Tool Fast Company Magazine
Article


Bringing the Nintendo DS into the classroom?
Blog by Dan Gross
Blog Post