Multiple Intelligences and Web 2.0

Espoused by Howard Gardner, the eight (8) multiple intelligences can be enhanced in your classroom using Web 2.0 tools. For example, let's say that some of your students seem to learn best through "interpersonal" intelligence, that is learning best through interaction with others-- activities to promote collaboration, discussion and social engagement

Here are some ideas. Your students can write their own blogs, create their own social networks and wikis, share SMART Board files, and collaborate in real time using Google Docs. Video conferencing (like Skype) and video tools (Animoto) are also ideal for learners who like to act interact face-to-face.

One of your goals as a teacher is to encourage exploration and inquiry, promote global citizenship, and deepen knowledge and understanding. Web 2.0 tools provide the technology, and your classroom activities are only limited by your own imagination!

A new school year

School is getting close to starting if it hasn't already. School supplies, school clothes for the kids and for the teachers, it's time to think about this year's lessons, students and all the myriad of details that goes into a school day.

If you haven't already incorporated new technologies into your lessons, now is the time to start. Review my Website at http://sites.google.com/site/bevseducationalwebsite/ and take a look at my book Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K-12 Classroom at the Neal-Schuman Website http://www.neal-schuman.com/bdetail.php?isbn=9781555706531.

Check the blog and Website often for new ideas for using technology in science, social studies, language arts and with second language students.

Good luck in the new school year!

Google Drawing Tools

Have you wanted to add your drawings to a story you are writing? Google drawing editor makes it easy. A handy guide provides information to get you started. Use this tool in your writing classes to have students illustrate stories they write. You can Insert drawings into Google documents, spreadsheets, or presentations using the web clipboard, then edit them inline. You can also get drawing templates from the template gallery, especially when you want to express your ideas using diagrams.

Getting Started with Video

Despite that many Web sites require paid subscriptions, these sites may also have numerous free information to help teachers and librarians set up their own projects. To get started with a video classroom project, Atomic Learning contains a series of very short videos explaining how to set up basic camera shots and visual composition rules. In addition, a free Video Storytelling Guide reviews important concepts to think about when beginning the project like creating a storyboard. You can download the storyboard for free and learn how to add new shots to the storyboard and new links, to name some.

Learn about using video in your classroom so you can start a new project when the new 2010 school year begins!

American Library Association

The American Library Association conference is taking place in Washington, D.C. If you are there (6/23-30), stop by the Neal-Schuman booth 2401 or online at www.neal-schuman.com for a 20% discount! Use coupon code ALA10A. They have copies of my book "Using Web 2.0 Tools in the K-12 Classroom."

Reviews of the book appear on the Neal-Schuman Web site. I'm thrilled that folks are using it and like it.

Training sessions on Web 2.0

CMLEA, California Media and Library Educational Association, has created a number of training tools to teach you more about Web 2.0 tools. Of course, my book Using Web 2.0 in the K-12 Classroom provides many suggestions and ideas for lessons. You can then go to one of the sites below and actually create your own blogs or wikis or use tools described in my book. The combination of the suggestions in the book on how to use these tools in the curriculum and the actual practice of using them is a "Win-Win" combination.

If you are a teacher or librarian--try one of these now!
Classroom Learning 2.0
School Library Learning 2.0

Classroom Learning 2.0

T.H.E. Journal most often focuses on teachers in their monthly articles. However, May is different. Take a look at the article entitled Classroom Learning 2.0 to see how librarians or TLs (Teaching Librarians) are handling the responsibilities of teaching about Web 2.0. The author interviewed a number of teachers and librarians, including me(!) to get our take on what was currently happening in the library and how the library and classroom related and promoted Web 2.0 tools together.

Read this article to learn more.