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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Apps-A-Plenty

You want to use an iPhone in the classroom? Well a lot of kids already have one, so it might be advantageous to get them using it for school work instead of texting!
  1. Try to use apps that are free.
  2. Make sure the apps are age appropriate
  3. Make sure the apps don't have inappropriate ads on them
  4. Show the kids exactly how to use the app.
  5. Make sure you have a way to assess the work they have done!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Do you want to feel car sick? 4 Tips on Prezi's



  1. Don't use Prezi.


  2. Keep it simple.


  3. Don't make the transitions to crazy or everyone who watches it will toss their cookies!


  4. Just like PowerPoint, don't use Prezi to script your lecture. Just use it as a supplement.


Monday, July 18, 2011

Chicken Little had it right. The sky is falling!

5 Tips on WebQuest'ing


  1. Check the core curriculum and keep it on topic.

  2. Make sure the links you use directs to actual webpages.

  3. Include directions needed to navigate the webpages.

  4. Give the kids some higher order thinking questions, and a few easy ones, so they have to think, but they also have some quick success.

  5. Don't give the kids the answer key!
Thanks to Mrs. Abney for her help in using SlideShare!!


5 Tips on using a PowerPoint Presentation
  1. Keep it simple, too much fluff is distracting.
  2. Have a predetermined outline that makes sense.
  3. Don't read from the slides, use them as reinforcements and note taking aids.
  4. Throw in some pics, graphics, and animations to make it interesting.
  5. Try to keep it to 8x8, no more than 8 words across or 8 words down (thanks for that tip Mr. Kammerman!).

Literature - Chuck Norris style!


5 tips for making and using video's in your classroom
  1. Make sure the content is fun and interesting.
  2. Vary the shots so you have close-ups, medium, and wide shots.
  3. Try your best to make the sound smooth, as proven in this video you can tell when it's not!
  4. Keep it short, it's easier and more fun when you are successful.
  5. Videos are a great way to get a concise assessment of knowledge.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Bloggers not Boogers in the Classroom! 5 Tips on blogs..

Blogs can be a lot of fun for a lot of reasons. How & why blogs enhance the classroom experience.


  1. Blogs are a great way to disseminate information. Use that as a resource for parents and students that have missed class.

  2. Blogs accesses many different intelligences: Visual, Written, Reading, Musical, Techy, etc.. Take advantage of that for the kids that struggle otherwise.

  3. Blogs give kids a little bit of fame, something everyone loves these days! Tap into that desire.

  4. Blogs are a great way for parents to peek in on what their kids are doing. Let them participate and comment. It's an easy way to tap into families entire "Funds of Knowledge".

  5. If parents don't have easy computer access or skills, perhaps set up a time to do a little seminar with them and help them find access to computers in the community.