Flickr (images) in the Classroom

Flickr can be used in the classroom for several reasons. You could use it to demonstrate how something was in history in a certain time period, to take a virtual field trip, or  show who someone is that you may be talking about that week, for example. It can also be used to encourage teamwork by having students do a group project and comparing pictures/explaining why they thought they were relevant to the topic. Copyright doesn't have to be an issue because there is the option to search only within creative commons licensed content, whuich means it can be used anywhere legally. It also gives you the option to find content to modify, adapt, or build upon which allows you to edit the photos if needed. Teachers can even create a specific group on Flickr for a classroom, which allows students to share their pictures with their classmates and allows their teachers and classmates to comment on them. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Copyright and Presentations

It is important for teachers to use appropriate citations and to seek permission when using copyrighted work because we have to set an example for our students. If we don't use proper citations and give credit where credit is due, we can't expect the same of our students. Also, if teachers cite their work students can use those sources for further learning.

I learned that when designing a presentation, it should actually be a tool for persuasion and not just decoration. I also never thought of what wasn't on a slide, makes what IS on it stronger. Put simply, less is more. A big mistake I have seen many of my teachers make is to use a boring or incredibly bright background with a ton of bullets and only words. Using only words makes it difficult to concentrate because it doesn't catch your attention and make you want to know what information is being presented. Pictures are easier to remember than words. It helps to have a picture with just a few words that explain the main point. Using examples of differences (before and after, for example), repitition, alignment (so things don't look randomly placed), and proximity (to make things look more organized) are greatly helpful in creating presentations like PowerPoint or Prezi. I will strive to use these techniques, and show my students how to use these techniques, in my classroom so that my students get the most out of their education.

I made my first Prezi! Here it is...I hope you enjoy it! :)

Web 2.0

Instead of the regular, boring PowerPoint that most of us know from Microsoft, prezi is a website that allows you to create a PowerPoint presentation that is interactive. Your concepts and ideas can be put into a format that lets you tell stories in a fun and exciting way. Prezi is easy to use, even if you've never used it before. For new users, all you have to do is create a (free) account at prezi and watch the short video under the learn tab. This would be a great tool for teachers to use, or for teachers to have their students use. Teachers of any grade could use this tool, but I think it would be better suited for students from sixth grade and up because they would be more familiar with computers and how they work.

Weebly is an easy (and free) way for anyone to create their own website. The website even has a how-to video on the main page. I have never used weebly, but it uses a simple drag-and-drop format. You can add/edit pictures, videos, and essentially anything you want that would make your website look like a professional created it. Teachers could use weebly in the same way they would use a blog - to post assignments, videos, and other resources for their students. College students could also benefit from the use of weebly, but don't think it would be a good idea for students who aren't at least in high school. 

This is a fantastic (and free) website for teachers. It has thousands of worksheets, coloring pages, (customizable) mini books, and much more for any activity! Since teachers use worksheets daily, this website is helpful, especially because it is organized by categories. There are categories such as letters, numbers, colors, sports, holidays, etc. It is also easy-to-use; all you have to do is click on the worksheet(s) you want and click print! There's no way to make a mistake. :) I would say TwistyNoodle is a fantastic tool for teachers in elementary education to utilize in their classrooms. Twisty noodle can help children learn developments of everyday skills such as writing and math. If you ask me, that's pretty important! :)