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January 25, 2014

The Instagrok iPad App is Here

instaGrok has just released a free iPad app. The app combines the functionality of the web based version with interactivity to support learning on the touch screen. 

instaGrok is an intelligent visual search engine and interactive learning tool that collects content and displays it in the form of a cloud of related words. The tool is very appealing because it offers a variety of multimedia features to meet the unique learning needs of students. 



January 18, 2014

ICE Wednesday Webinar - Teaching Above the Line

Join me and ICE as we explore 
Teaching Above the Line:
Using the SAMR Model for Tech Integration

Are you looking for ways to leverage the power of technology to maximize student learning? Researchers have determined that technology integration typically moves through four specific levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) The higher the level of an activity the greater the educational benefit. 

January 16, 2014

3 Ways to Collect and Curate Genius Hour Content

Genius Hour in the classroom is a movement that allows students to spend 20% of their time exploring and developing their passions, as long as the learning is driven by research and productive. Genius Hour provides educators with an opportunity to engage students in real world learning experiences and encourages them to invest in their own learning The potential for student growth and well-rounded development is abundant. Teachers serve best as facilitators of learning within the Genius Hour environment, guiding them and taking advantage of the teachable moments to encourage them to work harder and dig deeper to develop their ideas.

Read more on GettingSmart.com

January 13, 2014

6 Ways to Use ThingLink Hashtags


ThingLink hashtags provide teachers and students with a way to easily organize ThingLink content within a safe learning environment. ThingLink hashtags are handy searchable smart phrases that can be used to accomplish some important classroom tasks.


Read more on the ThingLink Blog...






January 12, 2014

Webinar: Create Interactive Graphics for Teaching & Learning

Are you looking for a free and user friendly digital tool to help you create engaging, student-centered learning experiences to meet the diverse learning needs of the students in your classroom? In this webinar,we will explore ThingLink, a digital tool that provides users with the ability to turn any image into a multimedia rich interactive graphic. Add video, images, audio, and links to any content on the Web with the click of a button. This amazing tool allows users to pack a lot of content into a small space. 



Webinar 1/14: Improve Writing Skills with Google Docs

Would you like to improve your students' writing skills and help them bridge the gap between writing in school and writing in the real world? Learn how to leverage the power of Google Docs to help students write better and more frequently than with pencil and paper. 

Join me and Infinitec as we explore ways to thoughtfully incorporate digital writing into the curriculum by utilizing the latest Google Docs features and writing supports. 



January 4, 2014

Crowdsourcing Genius Hour

My first post of the new year was published on GettingSmart.com, Embrace Change in the New Year with Genius Hour.  I am collecting ideas from experts and enthusiasts in my PLN about the idea of Genius Hour. Please explore this interactive graphic to learn more and consider contributing your ideas to the Padlet.




January 3, 2014

Create Custom ThingLink Icon Sets in a Couple of Clicks

ThingLink icon sets are useful, visually appealing, and easy to create in a couple of clicks! I've been having fun during winter break engaging in constructive play and exploring creative ways to use them.

I have uploaded 25 icon sets and used them to create an interactive professional development calendar and a set of social media buttons. I'm also working on an interactive map. 


I believe the ability to create and upload custom icon sets is a major improvement for ThingLink and I'm very excited about this new feature!





January 1, 2014

Embrace Change in the New Year with Genius Hour

Genius Hour is a powerful movement popping up in classrooms everywhere. The idea encourages students to explore and develop their own passions and creativity. 
Genius Hour is based on a business practice used by Google’s development team. Google allows their designers to spend 20% of their time on projects that interest them, as long as the work might possibly lead to something that could be developed. Gmail was the result of Genius Hour.
 
Watch this video and read more on GettingSmart.com