Learn how to tap Google’s free online toolset and knock down the walls of your classroom, engage students and make connections in new and exciting ways. During this pre-conference session you will build robust learning solutions that you can immediately apply in your classroom. Develop a custom search engine based on your particular subject area or unit of study. Create an interactive map for your literature, history, math or science class. With these and other open-ended tools, the options are endless.
Internet Safety is an essential part of working with children and the Web, and yet many of us know very little about it. In this session you will learn many myths and conflicting messages we hear about online safety. You will also discuss the issues involved with building a code of ethics for your school and your students.
In today's globally connected society, geography is more important thn ever. Google Maps is a free tool that is easy enough to use with all ages. Even elementary grade students can dive in. You will learn to build a tour within Google Maps - complete with descriptions, links and images. Great for ANY subject area.
Today, the Internet offers us a wide variety of tools that can be used to enhance your current curriculum. From mapping software and communication tools to wikis and online photo management, your students can find ways of learning and presenting new information in fun and motivating ways. It may sound overwhelming, but in this session, learn how to effectively channel all of these resources together.
Have you been on Twitter for a while? Do you feel like something is missing? There's a good chance that you are not maximizing your experience. Signing up for and learning the basics of using social tools are generally pretty easy. But to really gain value, you need to understand the more advanced features of what these tools have to offer. This workshop will provide you with several examples of how to tweak your usage to gain the most value out of your time online.
Too many students are not sure how to separate fact from fiction on the Internet. Students need to learn the “grammar” of the Internet and how to apply strategies to validate information on a website. This session provides step-by-step teaching tips that help students and teachers think critically about Internet information.
Alan November describes the "Digital Learning Farm" as a place where students come together to make valuable contributions to their classrooms for the benefit of their classmates and the world beyond their school's walls. This session will focus on the ideas behind these contributions and will introduce participants to a toolset that will get their students moving in the direction of empowered, purposeful learning. Examples include tutorial creators, student scribes, curriculum reviewers and more.
