If You Like WORDLE...

...you'll love some of these new websites.  They are like a WORDLE (words individually sized appropriately to highlight the frequencies of occurrence within the body of text), but inside a shape!  This is a simple tool that automatically fills a shape with any words you like. Enter some words separated by commas in the text box and press the 'Enter' key. You can also choose fonts or change the colors.

            Here's one for Valentine's Day: 

http://www.neoformix.com/Projects/WordHearts/

And another one in the shape of a snowflake:

http://www.neoformix.com/Projects/TextFlake/index.html

Another great Wordle-like website that uses shapes is 

http://www.tagxedo.com/

Tagxedo turns words into a visually stunning word cloud, and is great for projects, themed activities or making gifts.

Check them out, and let us know how you might use one of these websites in your classroom.  PLEASE comment below - we'd love to hear from you!

Apps for You, the Teacher

APPitic is like an "App Store" for teachers.  Created by teacher and technology specialist Alline Sada, it is an online guide to apps for learning, including great categories (see below) for browsing like "Bloom's Taxonomy" and "Multiple Intelligences".  ADES are "Apple Distinguished Educators" who review and comment on apps.  Many of the apps cost only a few dollars and lots of FREE apps are listed as well.  Check it out, and share YOUR favorite apps or websites for apps aggregators!

Click here: appitic.com

Student Response Systems

At the Christa McAuliffe Tech Conference, I had the opportunity to demo a Smart Student Response System (SRS).  I've been considering a purchase of such a system for our Underhill Library, and it was great to have the chance to play around with one.  

Many of us are using BrainPop Jr. more than ever, and the built-in quizzes that are tied to state standards make it easy to assess student comprehension.  Although our students love to go up to the SmartBoard to chose an answer from the multiple choices, think about how much fun it would be if each student had a response clicker!  More than just the fun factor, using a Student Response System would:

~ eliminate that "getting up and sitting down" transition time

~ enable every student to participate at the same time

~ give the teacher an overview of each student's answer; it is clear at a glance who "gets it" and who doesn't

~ require participation by all, especially those quiet students who rarely raise their hands

~ stimulate class discussion based upon the immediate results 

~ encourage students to reflect on their own answers by giving immediate feedback

~ also allow teachers to create their own quizzes, or share from the Smart Community

Look at the screenshots below, check out the links, and give me your feedback....should we purchase a Student Response System for Underhill School or is it just another "gadget"?

Smart Response Features

Videos to learn how Smart Response works

Website with Links to Articles on SRS

All You Need for a Snowman

Although we haven't had too much snow so far this season (not counting the Halloween Blizzard of 2011), we can't help but think about making SnowPeople.  They are so cheerful, so easy to get along with, so much fun to create.  If you need inspiration or just a really good story to read to your students, we've created a Resource List in our Underhill Library Catalog just for you! 

Simply click here:  Underhill Library Catalog Online

and you will see "Destiny Quest" (screenshot below) - a feature where we can create lists of resources for your convenience.  Go to the RESOURCE LIST, and click on the one titled "Snowman" and browse away!

While you are here in DESTINY QUEST, look to see what 
THE TOP 10 BOOKS are, and check out some of 
our NEW ARRIVALS!

Different Ways to Learn

I spent a day at the Christa McAuliffe Tech Conference this week.  As usual, I was both overwhelmed and exhilarated by the wealth of resources available to infuse both teaching and learning with engaging, exciting and educational activities.  The keynote speaker, Dr. David Rose, spoke eloquently on "Meeting the Challenge of Individual Differences in the Digital Age:  Universal Design for Learning."
One example he used to illustrate a point was a music composition by J.S. Bach.  Here are three ways to present Bach's "Little" Fugue in G minor.  Your objective?  Understanding that a fugue has a theme that repeats in different ways.  Post a response on which way worked best for you!

Do you understand fugues best by looking at the sheet music?

Do you understand fugues best by listening to the music being played? 

Click here to listen to the audio file:

Bach's "Little" Fugue in G Minor

NOTE: This will open in a new window.

Do you understand fugues best by listening to the music being played 

AND 

watching a visual representation?

Click here to see a dynamic combination of visual and auditory representation:

Visual Representation of Bach's "Little Fugue in G Minor"

NOTE: This will open in a new window.

NOW - Post your response!

Thinkfinity Resources

Thinkfinity is a free, comprehensive digital learning platform designed to improve learning in traditional settings and beyond the classroom by providing high-caliber content and professional development needed to improve student achievement – anytime, anywhere, at no cost. The resources are phenomenal and you should definitely check it out:  www.thinkfinity.org

QR Code

Did you get to this Library Link by scanning a QR Code?  If so, good for you!  You are officially part of the Digital Connection!  QR Codes ("Quick Response") are popping up everywhere, from museums and businesses to restaurants and shops.  Scan a QR code and get a coupon!  Scan a QR code and learn more about an exhibit!  Scan a QR code and read a menu!

Now...create your OWN QR code at one of the following websites:
Kaywa.com
Mobile-barcodes.com
Keremerkan.net

and let me know how it goes!