Online Maps for Classroom Use

I have found that using online maps while teaching can be a great tool.  Maps can be created for various subjects.  Many times I used online maps as end of the semester projects in social studies for my junior high students.  My project required students to not only map out where different countries/civilations/states were (depending on the class), the places had to expand to show relevant information about it.  With an online map project, my students were able to collaborate, review, expand their knowledge, be creative and work on 21st century skills.

These are the 2 mapping websites I used in my classroom, but there are many others out there for you to research what works best for you – just google “create map online.”

www.zeemaps.com

www.click2map.com

Timelines For Your Classroom

When I was teaching social studies, I used several different websites to have my students create timelines about the different topics we were studying.  I have found that timelines are a great tool to help reinforce or assess leaning that we have done.  One of my favorite timeline websites to use was www.dipity.com, but the following website provides a list of several different timeline resources.  Find what works best for you!


http://www.teacherstechworkshop.com/2013/10/8-educational-timeline-tools-for.html

Newspaper Templates

Several times in my classroom I have created lessons that required students to create newspaper articles (when reading The Outsiders, students created a headline about one of the main events).  Each time I assigned a newspaper article, I stuggled to find an appropriate template to provide students some sort of structure when they left my room and began writing.  Lately I have stumbled upon this great site which lists several newspaper article templates in to be used in different programs - Word, Powerpoint, Adobe.  Check out the various templates & let me know what you think.

http://www.teacherstechworkshop.com/2013/08/awesome-free-templates-to-create.html

http://www.teacherstechworkshop.com/2013/07/10-free-tools-to-create-digital-e.html

Using Smartboard Lessons Without A Smartboard!

At the previous school where I taught, I had a smartboard - and the kids loved using it!  Now in my new school district, I no longer have a smartboard in my classroom, but still have the desire for the fun and engaging lessons.  I have found that you don't have to have a smartboard or pay for smartboard software to use smartboard lessons.  At http://exchange.smarttech.com/ you can sign up for a free account and then search their many topics and resources.  Many of the lessons on the Smart Exchange can be opened in Smart Notebook Express - which is basically opening them on your computer.  If you have a projector attached to your computer, you can present the smartboard lesson to you class.  The only difference between using Notebook Express is that you and your students will interact through your computer (mouse) rather than touching a smartboard.  They don't seem to mind!  They still love coming to your computer to do the activities!  Notebook Express wasn't great enough already, but they have added a new feature.  Now you can even edit lessons in Notebook Express!!!!  I love this feature - I always have a few different ideas I want to add to resources that I find or have access to.  Give the Smart Notebook Express - it is a great tool & very motivational for students!

Using Webquests In The Classroom

Webquests can be a great resource for teachers who have access to technology in their classrooms.  Webquests can be used to introduce a topic, provide deeper understanding, or evaluate students' understanding.  For anyone who finds value in project-based learning, webquests can be a great tool.  There are plenty of webquests currently available for an array of different subjects and concepts.  A basic Google search using the subject area and "webquest" will provide many resources.  I have provided links below for websites that list many currently available webquests.  Many times as a teacher, I have found webquests that I like, but felt I could make better by altering.  Sometimes I already had a great interactive lesson, but felt students would become more engaged if it was in the form of a webquest.  In both of these cases I found that creating a new webquest using the information I had was the answer.  This wasn't a problem, because webquests are easy to create!  There are many sites that will host your webquest and provide templates to help you create it with ease.  Hopefully you will find these resources for webquests as valuable as I do!

Webquest Sites

http://www.thematzats.com/webquests/collections.html

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/using_quest.htm#resources

http://webquest.org/index.php

http://zunal.com/     (great site to create and host your website)

http://questgarden.com/search/

http://www.nelliemuller.com/Junior_High_WebQuests.htm  (webquests by age)

http://www.eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/

http://www.teacherweb.com/wqsearch/search.stm

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/adapting/   (information on adapting a current webquest)

Global Education

Technology provides us a way to connect with the world, not just the world around us.  Many of the students I see, use technology (their phones, internet) to mindlessly connect with their social circle.  The following websites I have listed can be a great way for students to interact globally and learn about different cultures and traditions.  These websites provide global projects where students collaborate with other students around the world.  There are projects that would work for about any subject area.  I can't wait to give a project a try!


http://www.iearn.org/

http://www.globalschoolnet.org/

http://www.globaled.org/database/BrowseResources.php

https://www.facingthefuture.org/

http://www.globalization101.org/

About Me

Hi there!
I have been teaching middle school & high school students for 9 years now and have gone through 1:1 computer initiatives and transitions twice in my career.  While learning to be an effective teacher in a 1:1 school, I have come across many different resources and tools to use for instruction... some very valuable and some not so much!  I have been frustrated in the past with the limited help available for teachers looking for good interactive lessons and activities involving technology.  Many times professional development and workshops I have attended consist of teaching basic programs to computer novices.  As a teacher who is comfortable with technology, I was ready to move on to learning about all of the resources and tools that could help me present different concepts in my classroom.  That professional development never came :(
The purpose of my blog is to address this need that was never fulfilled in workshops attended.  My intention is to create a place where teachers can find great interactive lessons, websites, interactive videos and other tools that can be used easily with their curriculum to make the technology they have available more useful.  As I continue to search for tools and resources, I will post them here for others to have access to what I find useful.  Hopefully this helps all you teachers and parents who are do