Keeping Wordle Safe in the Classroom

After sharing Wordle.net with teachers in my preservice courses and at ICE 2010 conference, I've had several primary teachers ask how to make wordle safe and appropriate for their students. Here's a link to the blog of the creator of wordle.net, Jonathan Feinberg, where he answers that question.

Web 2.0 Student Artwork

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

iPad in the Classroom

http://tinyurl.com/yjgl9rk

I'm starting to see the benefits in a classroom. I'd love it alone for all the Apple Apps that can be downloaded. Many of the apps are free. I'm looking forward to how teachers will use them in the classrooms. Lots of possibilities!

Etherpad...brought to you by Google

http://etherpad.com Love it. Google owns it. I will be using it in my classes live and virtually. No account necessary. Similar in nature to Twiddla.com . I observed a spanish class at Caruso Middle School in Deerfield, IL, where students were communicating in spanish on their netbooks to others. They didn't know who they were chatting with, but they had to ask and answer questions, in spanish.

Great Summary of A Whole New Mind!

Interactive Whiteboard Testimony

Beyond Teacher Chalk Talk from Education Week on Vimeo.

Too Young to Tweet?

After reading about kidswirlcom, a social networking site for kids, I am wondering if there is truly a way to know how this early use of social networking affects brain development. I am looking for REAL research. The age limit on other SN sites (facebook, myspace) were initially put in place due to safety/protection reasons. If that weren't an issue, is this idea of "infantilizing the brain" valid? I use social networking sites regularly. I guess the "fit" I threw last night over my children not eating the wonderful dinner I made is connected to my use of FB & twitter. Truthfully though, as an mom and educator, I'm interested in good research in this area.
http://tinyurl.com/ygjnazt