The question was so basic; ask a student how they learn best. The answers were varied, but all aligned to a new curriculum project I am working on. The new project provides workplace situations and guides students through the problem solving process.

On Lesley’s blog some of the answers by students include they like to find out things for themselves, and You Tube is a gold mine of how-to videos. They also addressed the role of the teacher as someone that ignites a passion for learning. Students asked also see value in collaboration to produce more creative solutions to problems.

As Leslie reflects on her own practice she shares “My job is to engage students in activities that teach them how to problem solve; think critically; find, assess and use resources; collaborate; create and express themselves effectively.”

Maybe we need to ask new questions? Thanks Lesley our PLN’s  Webfooted Booklady

I opened up my Smart Notebook software and recorded the activity. People were chatting brainstorming, trying to type over each other and learning together. This is what learning should be exploring with others, learning asking questions, solving real problems and being part of a global community. How can we transform education to align with the reality students will face when they enter the real world?

Once the bookmarklet is added to the favorites bar, visit a site, find an interesting article and click the bookmarklet. Immediately all teh adds and extra information is stripped from the site and teh black and white document is easy to read.

Thanks Ray!

Meg

It is very interesting to think that the Google Earth technology can help with a discovery of bones dating back two million years. Just this morning I downloaded Google Earth on my Droid and the first search was to my location. The image on my phone is so clear, I can even see what we think is my puppy in the front yard. This technology  is so amazing and I have it in my pocket.

Now imagine how this could change a discussion in a classroom? Google Earth in every pocket and it is not slowing down the school network. I look forward to playing with this new app and exploring the possibilities. I think it is time for use to rethink our cell phone policies and get those computers out of the lockers and into rich classroom exploration.

I am spring cleaning my wiki, preparing for another great summer of tech camps and I started by cleaning my image generators. That was hours ago, had far too much fun, checking out the changes on each of the sites. Thanks to Gail Lovely (@glovely) and Lori Abrahams (@fsinfo) for suggestions.

Image Generators

Most of these sites are not appropriate to use with students, but are a great way to generate images for vocabulary work and graphics for websites.

http://photofunia.com/ One PhotoFunia Put your face on Mt. Rushmore and more

http://www.befunky.com/ Be Funky has a whole new look.

http://www.pimptheface.com/ Pimp the Face, change the face.

http://www.photo505.com/ Photo 505 A new effect is added everyday, explore.

http://bighugelabs.com/ Big Huge Labs has some new features

http://myframe.us/ Frame your pictures, for free!

http://funphotobox.com/ This site is similar to PhotoFunia

http://www.magmypic.com/ Fun magazine covers

http://www.loonapix.com/ Put your face on various templates

http://www.addletters.com/ Generate your name on various signs
http://www.imagechef.com/ Generate an image from available templates.
http://spaceyourface.nasa.gov/ Put your face on a dancing astronaut.
http://mymoviemoment.com/ Add an image to a movie clip.
http://sendables.jibjab.com/ Create a Jib Jab
http://www.picartia.com/ Create photo mosaics
http://www.faceinhole.com/us/Select a new body to place your face

http://www.mushygushy.com/ Put your face into various animated scenes

Online Photo Editing

I am a fan of Photoshop Elements, but these free online sites may win me over!

http://www.sumopaint.com/home/ Wow, this is like Photoshop Elements, for free.

http://fotoflexer.com/ Online photo editing

https://www.photoshop.com/ Photoshop to edit images.

http://www.tuxpi.com/ Edit images using a variety of backgrounds and frames.

Web Cam Sites

Bubblejoy Create cards or messages
Cameroid Manipulate pictures or images.

Online Comic Creators

http://plasq.com/comiclife-win Comic Life
http://comiqs.com/editor/ Create your own comics

http://www.toondoo.com/ Create your own comic strips
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com Create your own comics.

Windows Live Movie Maker

But the article did make me think about professional development and how this COULD potentially change everything.

• Imagine if more teachers would create a PLN and netWORK to get better.
• Imagine if each educator and administrator sought out learning opportunities that translate to change in the classroom.
• Imagine if educators would come to professional development excited to learn, grow and stretch instead of reading the newspaper or grading papers.
• Imagine teachers energized by the data, and letting that drive instruction, differentiating as needed.

There needs to be a major shift from the attitude professional development is something my school district does to me a few times a year, to “look what I learned yesterday, let me show you how it will help my students”. Professional development must become a personal mission for every professional educator. I do hope we see sweeping changes!