Get Going With Google

Just getting started with Google? Or, are you a seasoned user that would like to pick up a few new tips?

Richard Byrne, the creator of the great tech site, www.freetech4teachers.com, has some AWESOME resources to help you become a master Google user.

Check out his Google Drive for Teachers tutorial for tips on using Google Drive and Google Apps.
Be sure to visit 10 Google Search Tips All Students Can Use for a super Top 10 infographic that also includes a link to Google search lesson plans.

If you're more of a video guy/gal, Anson Alexander has a nice tutorial posted on YouTube that covers the basics of Google Docs.

Blogging about Blogging- Cart Before the Horse?

I read a great post on the langwitches.org blog today. The author makes the case that in order for teachers to effectively use blogs in the classroom, they need to start READING blogs first. Only then, can they get a sense of what makes a good blog stand out. She offers several interesting Ed Tech blogs, broken down by topic to get you started too.

Once your ready to jump in to your own blog adventure, be sure to check out her other posts, such as "We are Blogging... Now What?"

The Whiteboard Blog

I just came across a cool blog that features LOTS of great tips for using Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) in the classroom. The Whiteboard Blog's October 4, 2011 post, Five Funky Flickr Tools for Teachers, allowed me to create the cool graphic in this post.

PBS LearningMedia - It's More Than Just Sesame Street!

PBS LearningMedia offers thousands of free high-quality public media resources specifically for PreK-16 educators.Sign up today and get access to downloads, content, professional development and more!

I Before E... What About Me?

No one can dispute the fact that the web has provided an unparalleled explosion of writing. But, much of it isn't worth the digital bits it's written on. In order to foster better writing skills and a love of good literature, we need to teach our kids the difference between treasure and trash.

Indiana teacher, Carla Beard has created the Web English Teacher website as a resource for teachers of all levels. She describes the site: "At Web English Teacher educators can take advantage of online technology to share ideas and to benefit from the work of others. Beginning teachers can find guidance; experienced teachers can find inspiration. Think of it as the faculty library and faculty workroom on a global scale.
Because the most important part of teaching isn't the technology."

Produce A Podcast With Relative Ease.

Have you ever wanted to create a podcast, but don't know how to setup all of the necessary technology to host it? No worries! Focus on the content production and let podomatic do the rest!

5 Free Online Encyclopedias Suitable For Kid

Makeuseof.com has a nice article about online sites with reference material that uses language a kid can understand.