Alan November & Aviva Dunsinger

Skyping with Alan November

The most valuable information I got out of our Skyping session is related to parent communication. Although more time-consuming for teachers, it is important to communicate with parents in whatever medium they are most comfortable—be it phone, email, blog, or paper.

What was most valuable for you?

Aviva Dunsinger’s Blog

 “When I started teaching, I communicated to parents.” 
In all my grandiose plans for parent communication, this was my mindset. Thank you, Aviva, for enlightening me and inspiring me to engage parents in an entirely new way.

Currently loving the idea of multiple fluencies! Aviva mentions information fluency, collaboration fluency, creative fluency, solution fluency, and media fluency. I believe thinking about these things in terms of fluency will be extremely helpful and valuable.

What were the highlights of Aviva's blog for you?

Ciao!

Love Is...

This is absolutely adorable!  It also allows students to engage in a philosophical discussion...in the first grade!  Great for Valentine's Day and for reminding students to appreciate their families, and technology allows them to share it all with their parents.  It's also a terrific way to get students to write and a perfect opportunity to practice fluency.

Animoto

To use in a healthy eating unit with kindergartners learning the alphabetic code:

Penny for Your Thoughts?

Fremd High School Ning

Students can learn outside the classroom, beyond simply e-mailing their professor.  It’s collaborative.  However, do you think this could harm the quality of in-class discussions?  I mean, take this blog for example.  I personally would be much more engaged if we discussed some of these topics in a grand conversation.  The conversation would be less linear and the places class discussions go are unpredictable and wonderful!  Plus (and perhaps ironically) I feel more heard.  In a class discussion, 15 or so people would be listening.  Although there is a potential for me to reach MANY, MANY more people online, is that plausible?

 

Mark Twain Mock Trial

Obsessed.  This is perfect for secondary students.  It makes learning relevant and brings the 19^th century into their world.  Not only is it extremely motivating and fun, it’s hysterical!  Check out some of my other favorites:

Hamlet Facebook

History of the World Facebook

Twitter

I’m starting to see the professional opportunities Twitter offers, but I’m still having trouble subscribing to it entirely.  I am way too picky to follow people willy-nilly, and I feel funny following random people I’ve never met.  Although most of my friends have Twitter, few of them use it to Tweet (it’s more popular with the generation below me), and I personally don’t even follow them.  I use it personally as entertainment, to hear funny jokes from some of my favorites (Chelsea Handler, Michael Ian Black, and CollegeHumor).  If I do start following people professionally, I’d want the information they Tweet to be of value to me.  Suggestions?

Ciao!