In September 2010, the NBLA will open inside NBHS. On that first day of class, and in that first week and month, students must know that their instruction will be different than the rest of the school – but different how? One aspect of our curriculum redesign will focus on technology integration in innovative ways. Students may potentially use cellphones, interactive websites, collaborative writing sites, picture and video projects, and more in a 21st century classroom – with the resources to support them. Much planning will have to be done, but teaching in an out-dated, poorly equipped classroom with teachers who have not been given tech training will not help our students become leaders in the 21st century. This post focuses on the work of other teacher-leaders and their suggestions for classroom use of tech resources. I’ll add more thoughts under each suggestion as I test the apps and sites over time. Thanks!
#1: Visit the History 2.0 Classroom webblog of Greg Kulowiec, history teacher at Plymouth South High School, MA.
Mr. Kulowiec has been a great inspiration to me ever since I heard about his classroom use and continual experimentation with different technology based tools from Clark Boyd, journalist and podcaster for the PRI radio show, The World on their Technology Podcast, a while ago. Every now and then, I go back to his website for updates on how and why he is using different forms of internet, cellphone, and computer based applications to help students learn more about history. I have not had the opportunity to meet him yet, but I greatly look forward to the experience. Mr. Kulowiec holds professional development workshops around the state, and I look forward to hopefully bringing him to New Bedford at some point in the future.
#2: Weebly [free websites and blogs for students]
#3:Animoto [Picture, Music & Video Integration Projects]
#4: Triptico [web-based, interactive classroom learning tools and resources]
#5: SCVNGR [Interactive mobile scavenger hunts on classroom content]
#6: Edmodo [Secure, social networking site for teacher and student collaboration]
#7: Writeboard [Write, compare, revise and share web-based text documents]
#8: Etherpad [Web-based word processor that allows people to work together in real-time]
#9: Epals [Secure, global connection of internet-connected classrooms]
#10: PBWiki [Wikis for teachers]
#11: Polleverywhere [Mobile-based (texting) classroom response system]
#12: Google Voice [Web-based phone number for students to TXT or leave transcribed voicemail]
About Administrator
Nate,
Thanks for the extremely kind words. I remember that we tried to meet up earlier in the year, and like most things I begin, I get distracted with something new and forget to finish up what I started. I would still like to get together sometime to share ideas and talk.
Greg