I have been trying figure out a way to share the websites, blogs and links from twitter that I enjoy reading with the staff at my school. One of the things I enjoy when reading George Couros’ blog, The Principal of Change ( http://georgecouros.ca ), is his “You Should Read” posts. I have stolen George’s idea and come up with my “From Out There Somewhere” list to use as a vehicle to share with my staff. My first two lists were done by email but I now think I will try and move my list to this blog. Below are my lists from September 10th and September 18th.
September 10
Below are a few links from websites or blogs that I have found in the last little while. Some of the links are educational based (theory or resources) and some links may be more for debate/fun. I will try and send “from out there somewhere” on a regular basis – hopefully you can find a good nugget to use now and then. If you want to talk about or need support in trying out one of the ideas you like let me know and I would be more than happy to help out.
1. Top 10 Sites for Connected Educators – from Fractus Learning http://bit.ly/MZJc7T
10 sites with a short description – if you want to check out the site, just click on its name
2. From Management to Engagement – from Edutopia http://bit.ly/QzLYRm
This blog posts discusses 3 of Daniel Pink’s ideas (author of Drive) Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose and how they can relate to student engagement.
3. Thirteen Thoughts on Student Blogging – by John Spencer, Education Rethink Blog http://bit.ly/Pitmpl
This post offers some reasons why and suggestions for using student blogs. The author has been having his students blog for the past 7 years.
4. The age old debate – from the 12 Most.com – a site for lists of 12
12 Most Obvious Reasons Women are Smarter than Men – http://bit.ly/ROcdo2
12 Most Manly Reasons Men are Smarter than Women – http://bit.ly/OBb4g4
From Sept 18
1. Embracing Introversion: Ways to Stimulate Reserved Students in the Classroom – from Edutopia http://bit.ly/P80MVJ
The difference between being and introvert and being shy and some thoughts on strategies to support these students.
2. Turning your classroom into 21st Century Learning Spaces – from The 21st Century Principal blog http://bit.ly/QY543H
Talks more about the organization of room versus the equipment needed.
3. Lesson Plans and Resources for Arts Integration – from Edutopia http://bit.ly/OkMfW8
Provides resources on a variety of ways to use art to teach different subjects. There are further sites to use in the Useful Websites in Arts Integration section – as an example the Kennedy Centre ArtsEdge Lesson plan site has a searchable data base
4. Caine’s Arcade (video) http://vimeo.com/40000072
About a boy creates his own arcade from cardboard and other materials and a community that surprised him one day.
5. Seriously Awesome Kids (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52_TvqYtZ-E&feature=player_embedded
Just to watch kids being great.