9.24.2012

Using Glogster as a PD Tool




We all know the brackets of time that teachers place themselves in... the before school 20 minutes, the after school several hours, the hour long professional development training, the lunch hour where eating is synonymous with grading, and the evening time after the family is in bed, the dogs, fed, and the late night has arrived. When does professional development happen in the course of a busy teachers day? That was our question when we launched the TIPS glogster for teachers.

We knew teachers wanted professional development that was meaningful and real, and that they could peruse when they had a few minutes. We also knew that each and every teacher has their own way of carving out a few minutes to explore how technology comes into their classroom. Hence the bi-weekly TIPS glogster.

Using Glogster (Glogster) we created a series of glogs that tie technology to other content areas and sometimes we just have fun with it too!

Take a look! Is there room for this type of professional development in your realm?

http://www.glogster.com/hulstrom/december-9-2009/g-6nfkbskqv3r9l9440nh8j6p?old_view=True

http://www.glogster.com/hulstrom/glog-1111/g-6nat8jqpqu4fvneevnioj6p?old_view=True

http://www.glogster.com/hulstrom/glog-881/g-6ni058dvhhhqbrdmqmcgj6p?old_view=True

To access the series of glogs look here:

http://teachertravel.wordpress.com/about/

Tools A-Plenty




After three years the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Gang at the Western Regional Center, and these geeky teachers, have collected a wide variety of tools to help with the effective integration of technology and primary sources into the classroom. Launched in 2010, the TPSI  (Teaching with Primary Sources and Inquiry) wiki houses tools and techniques which can help you engage students in learning. It is an ongoing work in progress but there is enough up there now that YOU can dig around and find something great to use with your students.

TPSI wiki

Why do we like this set-up?
* It's free!
* It's easy to navigate, and easy to learn about the HOW and WHY of the tools you are using in the classroom.
* You can learn about the resource, but also clearly understand how to set it up, manage your tool, and launch it in the classroom for the benefit of student learning.
* You can see the tips and tricks from other teachers which allow you to manage this technology in the classroom in an easier format than other sites
* The wiki is a work in progress so your ideas and contributions are welcome!

Take a look at this site which will allow you to explore the tools that will help you with inquiry in the classroom!