Mini Lessons

Meg has created several video Mini Lessons on a variety of topics useful for incorporating technology into classrooms and as professional development tools. Grab a bowl of popcorn, click on a link below, learn and enjoy!

Advanced Searching with Google

The Advanced Searching capabilities of Google are powerful tools that will help educators and students to find the information they need more efficiently and effectively.

Audio in the Classroom

This mini lesson describes effective ways to incorporate the use of audio into the classroom. Meg discusses uses for a variety of audio files, including sound clips, music and podcasts.

Backing Up: Part 1

Backing up your computer is one of the most important things you can do to protect your data. Meg walks you through the process of backing up your files to discs, flashdrives and external hard drives.

Backing Up: Part 2

External back up services on the Internet can be a secure way to protect your data.

Conquering Your InfoClutter

An introduction to Meg’s system for organizing your digital files in order to be able to access needed information quickly.

Creating Movies

Using Windows Movie Maker as an example, Meg demonstrates how to create a short movie incorporating images and music.

Google Calendar

Google Calendar allows you to create overlapping, color-coded calendar layers which can be shared with different people or groups.

Google Documents: Part 1

An introduction to Google Documents, which allows you to work with various collaborators over the Internet and across platforms (Mac and PC).

Google Documents: Part 2

Google Documents has four important functions (word processing, presentations, spreadsheets and forms. Meg demonstrates how educators can use these to save time and collaborate and share documents with colleagues and students.

Google Earth

Imagine taking your class deep into the Grand Canyon to learn about erosion or going for a stroll down the Champs Elyssés with your French students, all without ever leaving the building! Google Earth’s satellite images allow you go virtually sightseeing, bringing the world into your classroom.

Google Images

Meg demonstrates how to use Google’s Advanced Image Search feature to help you refine your search for the images you need. She also shows how to use another site, Flickr, to access images and emphasizes the need to respect copyright law.

Google “More”

Go behind the “More” to discover the exciting new applications they’re cooking up at Google. Some examples are Google Talk, Google SketchUp, Google Sites, Blogger, GOOG 411, etc.

Google News

Google News is constantly searching the web for new stories, indexing 4500 news sources. It is a perfect tool for investigating Current Events with your class or just keeping well informed yourself.

Google Sites: Part 1

Google Sites allows you to easily create a free website hosted by Google.

Google Sites: Part 2

Meg demonstates how to customize your Google Sites pages using themes, editing the sidebar and adding gadgets.

Google SketchUp

A brief introduction to this free software which allows you to create 3-D images.

Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators

Technology expert Kathy Schrock has partnered with Discovery Education to bring you this directory of cutting edge resources for educators.

KMZ with Google Earth

Once you’ve downloaded Google Earth, take advantage of these resources created by other educators which include lessons and student generated projects.

Naming Folders

Create a hierarchy of folders to organize your files and clear up your InfoClutter!

NETS for Educational Leaders

Meg demonstrates how the NETS for Educational Leaders advocate visionary leadership and systemic improvement.

NETS: Part 1

This lesson explores the NETS (National Education Technology Standards), published by the International Society for Technology in Education. In this section, Meg walks you through the NETS for Students and for Teachers.

NETS: Part 2

A continuation of the discussion regarding the NETS, including NETS for Teachers and for Adminstrators and a look at ISTE on Wikisaces.

Organizing Email

Paper-Trained Teachers in a Video Game World

A kid-produced video takes a humorous look at the differences between generations and what kids would change about school.

Social Networking Using Ning

Social Networking is the future of collaboration. Meg shows you how to create your own social network using Ning.

Still Images

In this lesson you’ll learn tips for finding and using still images in the classroom, including ways to find images you can use without violating copyright law.

Streaming Media

Nothing grabs a student’s attention like video and Discovery Streaming from Discovery Education is an excellent source of thousands of high quality videos in countless subject areas.

Twitter

Twitter has become Meg’s preferred source for professional development! Join her as she takes you on a tour of Twitter to familiarize you with some of its features.

Wikis: Part 1

Using her own Wiki as an example, Meg shows how easy it is to use Wikis.

Wikis: Part 2

Meg explains what a Wiki is and how it can be a powerful teaching and learning tool.

Wordle

Meg demonstrates how easy it is for you to make graphic representations of a chosen text, known as “tag clouds.”

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