Heartland just purchased the BookFLIX online database from Scholastic, http://bkflix.grolier.com. There are links on BookFLIX to educator and promotional resources.
BookFLIX will engage primary students and reinforce core reading skills. It pairs fiction with nonfiction books, and classic Weston Woods videos to reinforce reading skills and develop essential real-world knowledge and understanding. Features include read-along narrated text, definitions of key vocabulary words, and educational games and activities. Parents may also use it at home with their early readers. In past years, Heartland supported reading with a big book purchase. BookFLIX takes that nonfiction big book concept and integrates it with fiction and video to enhance the reading experience for beginning readers and ESL students.
BookFLIX was ranked by School Library Journal as one of the 10 Best Digital Resources in 2008. It was the 2008 CODiE Award Winner for the Best Reading/English Instructional Solution, and the 2008 winner of The Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award for Reading and Language Instruction Technology.
FEATURES:
• 80 fiction/nonfiction reading selections that build background knowledge and introduce content-area learning
• Spanish language versions
• Read-along option to develop listening and reading comprehension
• Interactive educational games (Word Match, Fact or Fiction, Which Came First?)
• Narrated definitions and text
• Mouse-over definitions
• Author biographies
• Age-appropriate Web site links
• Lesson plans and activities and other teacher and parent resources
• Book log and assessment forms
BookFLIX Is Now Available, K-3
Statewide Online Database Trials
The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) statewide online database trials will run March 1 through April 15. Teachers are encouraged to build lessons and use these trial resources during this time. Go to http://www.iec-ia.org/vnews/display.v/ART/45a4fa1fd5585. Ask the school teacher librarian for the username/password. Note: Heartland already subscribes to BookFLIX, netTrekker, and Rosen Teen Health and Wellness.
Discover the Music in Poetry, K-12
http://www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/archives_05.aspx
Smithsonian Global Sound in Your Classroom focuses on two poetic forms: the ballad stanza, found throughout British and American literature, and the blues stanzas of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes. The exercises put poetry into terms of movement, physical space, and music. Students can listen to musical ballads and blues from the catalog of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. The ballads include early recordings of Bob Dylan and Suzanne Vega. The blues is heard in regional styles and as an element of early jazz. Students can follow the blues stanza in complete tracks of Langston Hughes readings and classic blues songs. The Music in Poetry section has background information and lesson plans that address the National Language Arts Standards, Grades K-12 and the National Standards for Music Education, Grades 5-8.
Little Explorers Online Picture Dictionary, K-5
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Dictionary.html
Little Explorers, from Enchanted Learning, is an online picture dictionary with links. It includes close to 2,500 entries, with each word used in a meaningful sample sentence. Most entries have links to carefully chosen, child-friendly Web sites from around the world. There are seven different versions of the dictionary, including a version organized by the initial sound of the words in English. To browse through the dictionary, click on a letter in the alphabet at the top of the window to access a page of words that start with that letter. Then click on an underlined word (or its accompanying picture), and link to a related page. Since the pictures are links, even pre-readers can surf with a minimum of help and guidance from their teacher or paraprofessional. Older students can use Little Explorers as a school reference.
TeachingBooks.net Web 2.0 Tools, K-12
TeachingBooks.net has a new section that encourages collaboration and community among teachers who want to learn together about using the multimedia resources on this site. The following Web 2.0 tools are now available:
TeachingBooks Blog
This area has articles with strategies for using featured resources, special tips and advice from the authors, and helpful hints. Teachers have three options to access information:
Teacher Tips
http://www.teachingbooks.net/show.cgi?f=beta_signup
Teachers can exchange strategies for using multimedia book and author resources with other teachers from around the world. Teachers can publish how they use specific resources on TeachingBooks, and learn applications from others for using online materials to enhance their reading and library activities.
Resource Rating
This is an easy tool for teachers to rate every resource on the TeachingBooks site.
http://www.teachingbooks.net/show.cgi?f=beta_signup
Twitter
http://twitter.com/TeachingBooks
Read one-sentence updates written daily by TeachingBooks staff members about authors being interviewing, schools being training, reading lists being made, etc.
Facebook Fan Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madison-WI/TeachingBooksnet/76541240121
Includes one-click access to featured resources, discussion forums, upcoming events, and news.
Operation Military Kids Backpack, 1-12
The Iowa Guard has donated books and DVDs to help kids who have family in the military. The materials help students cope with separation issues, develop problem-solving skills, learn about other cultures and geographical regions, and build pride. Backpacks are age-appropriate for grades 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
Operation Military Kids Backpack, Grades 1-4 (#255984) 7 books
Operation Military Kids Backpack, Grades 5-8 (#255985) 10 books
Operation Military Kids Backpack, Grades 9-12 (#255983) 8 books
Additional Operation Military Kids resources:
Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy (DVD) #255981
Mr. Poe and Friends Discuss Family Reunion after Deployment (DVD) #255980
Operation Military Kids Resource CD-ROM #255982
Talk, Listen, Connect: Helping Families During Military Deployment = Hablen, Escuchen, Conecten (DVD) #255979
Motivate Students to Attend College, 9-12
http://www.college.gov/
The U.S. Department of Education recently launched a Web site about planning, preparing, and paying for post-secondary education.
STEM Careers, 6-8
To help students explore STEM careers, Iowa Public Television is providing a series of free ICN sessions so students can meet various professionals in Iowa. It's designed to help students complete a high school and career development plan.
March 10, 9:00-9:50
Agricultural Scientist
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9424
March 10, 10:00-10:50
Field Biologist/Bald Eagles
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9433
March 11, 9:00-9:50
Environmental Specialist
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9518
March 11, 10:00-10:50
Environmental Protection: Science Program Manager
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9502
March 23, 10:00-10:50
Civil Engineer
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9438
March 25, 9:00-9:50
Prosthetist and Orthotist
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9495
March 26, 10:00-10:50
Health Professions
http://www.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=9500
Auto B Good, K-3
These new DVDs use animation and exciting stories about the value of good character. Click here to reserve online.
Courage, Initiative, Self-Reliance #809418
Courtesy, Fairness, Confidence #809421
Decency, Goodness, Dignity #809422
Helpfulness, Enthusiasm, Selflessness #809426
Independence, Resourcefulness, Cleanliness #809420
Integrity, Bravery, Determination #809423
Joyfulness, Patience, Cooperation #809415
Obedience, Self-Control, Politeness #809412
Patriotism, Citizenship, Loyalty #809417
Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Self-Discipline #809419
Punctuality, Promptness, Ready #809410
Responsibility, Respect, Dependability #809411
Restraint, Willpower, Wisdom #809427
Self-Acceptance, Caring, Hygiene #809428
Sharing, Friendliness, Gratefulness #809425
Thankfulness, Generosity, Goodwill #809414
Tolerance, Consideration, Uniqueness #809416
Truthfulness, Honesty, Kindness #809413
ELLLO: English Language Listening Lab Online, 9-12
http://www.elllo.org/
This is a free online listening resource designed especially for ESL and EFL students and teachers. Most of the 1,000 listening activities include images, an interactive quiz, a transcript of the audio, and a downloadable MP3 file. ELLLO offers a variety of listening activities that each target a specific listening skill, need, or interest. Weekly Updates occur each Monday with at least five new listening activities each week. The activities are numbered for easy reference.
Interviews
Interviews are natural conversations with various speakers of English that offer multiple listening options. Students can listen to a variety of English that is harder to find in more traditionally scripted textbooks. Images help listeners follow the topic of the conversation.
Listening Games
Students can listen to audio about a topic and choose the picture that matches the audio. There is very little reading.
Mixer
This survey features six different speakers answering the same question. Students can easily follow the topic and compare the various responses.
News Center
Each animated newscast has six stories. It can help students learn academic English and develop test-taking skills for standardized listening tests such as TOEFL®, TOEIC® and IELTS®.
STeP
These listening activities will help students prepare for standardized tests in English and become accustomed to exercises used to test listening and reading comprehension on TOEFL®, TOEIC® and IELTS®.
Talking Points
These activities help students with test-taking skills and academic English. Each listening activity is a mini-lecture or presentation divided into six sections.
Situations
These audio activities that present situational English language between two characters.
Podcasts
Interviews, slide shows, audio notes, and original songs help students practice their English.
Songs
As the students listen, the lyrics are displayed on the screen.
English Listening Links
Includes movie clips, current event blogs,and students reading stories.
Whole Child Podcast, K-12
Download ASCD's Whole Child Podcast: Changing the Conversation About Education on the first Thursday of every month and listen to archived episodes. The Whole Child Podcast features educators and policymakers from around the globe who share their insights about sound education policies and practices that ensure that all children are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
To learn more, go to http://www.ascd.org/news_media.aspx
To subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or MyYahoo, enter this URL, http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/XML/wholechild/whole_child_rss.xml
Disney's Animal World, K-3
This series of 13 DVDs features live-action wildlife clips of animals in their natural habitats combines with footage from Disney's animated classics. It discusses the animal's habitat, living conditions, behavior, diet, survival techniques, and life cycle. Each DVD is 32 minutes. Click here to reserve online.
Bears and Deer #808439
Elephants and Rhinos #808436
Foxes and Wolves #808430
Giraffes and Zebras #808437
Hippos and Crocodiles #808434
Kangaroos and Tortoises, Turtles and Terrapins #808440
Meerkats and Warthogs #808435
Monkeys and Chimpanzees #808432
Penguins and Seals and Sea Lions #808438
Snakes and Frogs and Toads #808433
Squirrels and Hyenas #808441
Tigers and Lions #808431
Whales and Sharks #808429
New NOVA DVDs, 7-12
Click here to reserve these new DVDs online.
America and the Holocaust #809368
Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land #809371
Battle Plan Under Fire #809367
Descent Into the Ice #809374
Einstein's Big Idea #808162
Fire Wars #809373
Great Escape #809366
Hitler's Sunken Secret #809365
Hunt for the Supertwister #809377
Mars: Dead or Alive #809387
The Mummy Who Would Be King #809364
Mystery of the Megaflood #809095
Newton's Dark Secrets #809370
A Daring Flight #808424
Secret of the Wild Child #809182
Origins: 14 Billions Years of Cosmic Evolution #809386
Saving the National Treasures #809362
Sugihara: Conspiracy of Kindness #809369
Tsunami: The Wave That Shook the World #809378
Typhoid Mary #809372
Viking Deception #809363
Volcano Above the Clouds #809375
Volcano Under the City #809376
Welcome to Mars #809379
Secret World of Gardens, 3-12
This 13-part DVD series takes a close-up look at the complex backyard garden ecosystem. Each DVD is about 20 minutes. Click here to reserve online.
Appleachia #809300
Fungi #809301
Garden Mimics #809303
Honeybees #809299
Life in a Lawn #809271
Life in the Vegetable Garden #809270
Nightlife #809298
The Old Oak Tree #809308
Sap Sucking Hoppers #809302
Squirrels #809307
Vines: A World of Entanglement #809304
Weevils #809306
Whether the Weather #809305
Environmental Science for Students, 5-12
In this 6-part DVD series, environmental experts address the issues with clear explanations and balanced viewpoints, case studies, and real-world examples. Click here to reserve online.
Air Quality #809434
Global Climate Change #809435
Green Energy #809436
Soil Quality #809437
Sustainability in the 21st Century #809438
Water Quality #809439
National Women's History Month, 4-12
http://www.nwhp.org/
This year’s theme recognizes the pioneering ways that women have taken the lead in the environmental or "green" movement to save the planet. Rachel Carson, the founder of the contemporary environmental movement, is featured as the icon for this year’s Women’s History Month. The other 2009 honorees are scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders, or other women whose lives show vision and leadership to save our planet. Go to http://www.nwhp.org/whm/honorees.php for the honoree list, brief biographies, and Web resources related to the 2009 honorees. Brief biographies for past honorees can be found at http://www.nwhp.org/resourcecenter/biographycenter.php.
For additional Web sites on Women’s History Month, go to netTrekker at http://school.nettrekker.com/subject/. netTrekker is an educational search engine that connects students and teachers to educator-approved Web sites organized by grade level and readability level. Heartland provides this online database for all students and teachers at home and at school at no cost. Contact your teacher librarian for the username and password to access this site.
Connecting Journalism and Technology, 7-12
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/foreducators/story.php?id=6726&package_id=634
PBS’s new online news program, the.News, is a source of current events. Each video story has an annotated transcript and is supported by lesson plans with content-based standards, discussion questions, student activities, vocabulary, and primary references. It is a non-commercial, multi-platform tool designed to help teens acquire the knowledge and skills to become better citizens. There are three “thought starter” questions for each video. The videos are also open-captioned for hearing-impaired and ESL learners. Students can submit their own electronic news stories to the student video competition, YOU.report, to win prizes and a chance to have their work included on the.News Web site. The deadline is March 31, 2009. Go to the following link for further information, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/youreport/
AccuKidz, 3-8
http://www.accuweather.com/kidz/index.asp?partner=accuweather
AccuWeather.com For Kids is an interactive Web site that helps young students learn about weather, photography, video production, science, art, and more. Teachers and students can join to create their own WeatherTeam, so they can share their life and community with others.
Follow these steps to form a weather team:
1. Make up your Team Name (Must Contain The Word "Team")
2. Register on the Photo Gallery using your Team Name
3. Register on the Forums using your Team Name
After uploading photos to the Photo Gallery and talking in the moderated Kidz Forum, your team will appear on the WeatherTeams page. The site includes areas such as Worst Weather, Weather Whys, Behind the Scenes at Accuweather, and Resources. Remember Heartland also offers Accuweather.com Premium. Contact your teacher librarian for the username and password for this site that provides additional information, resources, and support.
New Latin American Studies DVD Series, 9-12
This series of 20 new documentaries offers in-depth studies on the geography, history, culture and people of various countries; and informative perspectives on significant contemporary issues. Click here to reserve the DVDs online.
Argentina: Middle Class Revolt #071034
Argentina: Nation on the Brink #809242
Belize and Guatemala: Legacy of the Maya #809243
Bolivia: Violins of the Forest #809244
Brazil: The True People (Ethnology & Encroachment), Level 1 #071035
The Caribbean: Islands of Eden #809246
Chile: Fighting the Past #809247
Columbia: La Guajira #809248
Costa Rica: Colors, Creatures and Curiosities #809249
Cuba: Viva la Revolucion? #071062
French Guiana: Rockets in the Jungle #809250
Guatemala: 7 Wind, Level 1 #809251
Mexico: Tarahumara 1: Threads of Change #809252
Mexico: Tarahumara 2: Huarache Sandal Maker #809253
Mexico: VW Bug: A Trip to Beetle Paradise #809254
Nicaragua: Reyno #809256
Nicaragua: The Ceasefire #809255
Peru: Tools For Development #809257
Venezuela: Hugo Chavez: No Ordinary President #809258
Venezuela: Juan Felix Sanchez #809259
Academic Earth Video Lecture Resource, K-12
http://www.academicearth.org/
Internet users around the world can easily find, interact with, and learn from full video courses and lectures from the world’s leading scholars. Users can create lists of favorites. Videos can be shared, emailed, and embedded. Some are downloaded for the iPod. All are rated by viewers. For researchers, full citation information pops up instantly. Universities contributing lectures include: Berkeley, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale.
High school students and educators who are looking for supplemental resources will find various lectures in the following subject areas: astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, English, entrepreneurship, history, law, math, medicine, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, and religion.
See the 10 Things Learned from Students article for connections.
Life 5 Series, 9-12
This series of 12 DVDs is about the effect of globalization on individuals and communities around the world.
Back in Business? #809295
Sierra Leone is looking for outside investment to kick start its economy. This program explores whether tourism could be one of the new industries that move the country into the future.
Cash Flow Fever #809294
One out of every ten people on the planet either sends or receives money from abroad. This program travels to El Salvador to uncover this hidden economy and the impact it can have in the fight against poverty.
The Donor Circus #809290
Over 40% of the Zambian government's budget comes from foreign donors. In the past, donors decided what the money was spent on and demanded a say in how the country's economy was run. The Zambian government hopes that way of working may soon be a thing of the past.
For Richer, for Poorer #809291
Almost half of Brazil's wealth is is concentrated in the hands of just 20,000 families. This program assesses the progress made by Lula, the worker President.
India's $4.5 billion pharmaceutical industry is now at a crossroads following a new law introduced in 2005 based on the WTO's TRIPS (Trade-Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)-an agreement to ensure intellectual property rights are respected within international trade.
Killing Poverty #809288
This program is about the progress made in Kenya. Western governments need to face up to their own responsibilities for shoring up President Arap Moi.
Kosovo: A House Still Divided? #809296
This program visits a mixed Albanian Serb village where they're restarting their lives in newly built houses.
Roma Rights #809285
Roma communities in Europe have been subjected to centuries of persecution and racism. This program looks at the hard living conditions but it also examines the richness and energy of Roma culture, especially the music.
School's Out #809286
This program examines why private schools have flourished in Makoko, a shanty town on the lagoon of Lagos, West Africa. Children can go to the free state school. Or they can pay at one of these small, private schools.
The Silent Crisis #809293
The Central African Republic is one of the least developed countries. This program features an interview with President Francois Bozize who has pledged to restore the country's national unity and security.
Srebrenica: Looking for Justice #809287
In 1995 the small town of Srebrenica in Eastern Bosnia was home to the worst massacre in Europe since World War II. International aid is part of a process allowing the town to build a new future.
Trouble in Paradise #809297
This program looks at the long-term social impact of the 2004 tsunami. It explores why people in the Maldives are still waiting for their homes and communities to be rebuilt when tourist facilities are up and running.
Lure of the Labyrinth, 6-8
http://labyrinth.thinkport.org/www/
This is a digital game uses the latest research in game theory and design for pre-algebra students. It uses math-based puzzles embedded in a storyline where students work to find their lost pet by disguising themselves as an avatar and saving the world from monsters. The game builds pre-algebra skills in proportions, fractions, and ratios; variables and equations; and numbers and operations. It can be played individually or in teams. As an online communication device it allows players to exchange ideas and game strategies and encourages collaborative game play. The Web site has a section for teachers and families and a library section to learn more about the many issues surrounding games and learning.
Calculus Tutor Series Learning by Example, 9-12
This series of 17 DVDs teaches concepts through example problems that are worked out step-by-step and line-by-line.
Calculating Volume with Integrals #809337
The Chain Rule #809330
Curve Sketching Using Derivatives #809333
The Derivative Defined as a Limit #809327
Derivatives and Integrals of Exponentials #809329
Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions #809329
Differentiation Formulas #809328
Higher Order Derivatives #809331
Improper Integrals #809342
Integration by Parts #809340
Integration by Substitution #809336
Integration by Trig Substitution #809341
Introduction to Integrals #809334
Related Rates #809332
Solving Integrals #809335
What Is a Derivative? #809326
Top 10 Things Learned From Students About Educational Technology, K-12
http://www.tomorrow.org
Here are some results from the Speak Up 2007 Student Surveys.
1. Digital Divide is Alive and Well
The digital divide between students and adults (including teachers and parents) continues to widen – despite all of the investments and professional development, students are still powering down to go to school and powering up after school to re-enter the digital world. Other digital divides exist as well between segments of the student population including gender, technology skill self-assessment and age.
2. Spectrum of Digital Native-ness
The Speak Up data reveals that there is a spectrum of “digital native-ness” today with younger and older students exhibiting increasingly divergent tech behaviors as well as very different attitudinal views on technology within learning. Case in point – a 5th grader is almost 5X more likely to participate regularly in a virtual world than an 11th grader.
3. Explosion of Access to Mobile Devices
Today’s students are carrying “multiple computers in their pockets and backpacks” everyday. Almost 40% of K-2 students have their own cell phone, about half of 3-5 students have their own MP3 player and almost 24% of middle and high school students are carrying around a smartphone or PDA.
4. New Obstacles to Tech Use @ School
Technology use at school is still a major frustration/disappointment factor for the overwhelming majority of students. #1 obstacle to effective tech use (for the 5th year in a row) is school filters and firewalls. The real surprise was this year’s #2 obstacle – teachers that limit technology use. The students told focus groups that they had better access to technology before their teachers received training on technology use.
5. Let Me Use My Own Devices!
What advice do students have for their schools about improving technology access at school? Across the board, the students say “let me use my own devices at school!” Students want to be able to use their own laptops, cell phones, MP3 players and Smartphones for a variety of applications within instruction. They also want access to the network from anywhere on campus and from home, too.
6. Online Learning – Defying Conventional Wisdom
One-quarter of all high school students have already had experience with an online class – and that experience most likely was self-initiated by the student, not the school or the teacher. Adults say that students want to take an online class for scheduling or convenience reasons or to get college credit. However, the survey found that the students have different motivating reasons. Today’s middle school students tell us that the #1 reason they would like to take an online class is as a supplement to their traditional class, not in place of that class. They want additional help in a subject where they are struggling.
7. 21st Century Skills and Gaming
Students say that the incorporation of gaming technologies within instruction will help them better develop skills in critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork and creativity. Over 2/3 of all K-12 students are regularly interacting with some kind of electronic games, averaging 8-10 hours a week in game play. The devices vary greatly by user profile however. Girls are most likely to enjoy computer based games; younger students thrive in a cell phone game environment.
8. Technology and Student Social Activism
While the majority of social network fans are using their MySpace or Facebook sites for standard communications (email, IM), 10% of students in grades 6-8 stated that they have created a special interest group on their personal Web site about an issue that they were interested in, 15% have participated in an online poll about world issues, and 17% regularly use the Internet to research local or world problems.
9. Wake Up Call for Our Nation’s Schools
The students that perceive themselves as technology advanced compared to their peers (average tech users and beginners) have dramatically different views on technology across the board. This self-assessment divide follows through when students were polled about their own school’s ability to prepare them for the jobs and careers of the 21st century. While less than half of the students in grades 6-12 said that their school was doing a good job preparing them for the future, only 23% of the technology advanced students held that same view.
10. The New Face of Personalized Learning – the Free Agent Learner
The #1 trend seen in 2008 from the Speak Up data analysis work and focus group discussions with students all across the country is the emergence of the “Free Agent Learner.” This Free Agent Learner is untethered to traditional school institutions, is engrossed in developing their own content for learning, regularly creates new communities for knowledge exchanges and social interaction, and is an expert in data aggregation to drive experiential learning. The Free Agent Learners believe they must be responsible for their own learning destiny since their school is not meeting their needs, and are empowered by a wide variety of emerging technologies.
Free Research-Based Anti-Cyberbullying Curriculum, K-12
http://cybersmartcurriculum.org/
The CyberSmart! Student Curriculum empowers students to use the Internet safely, responsibly, and effectively. It is easily integrated, in part or in full, into your current curriculum. A consistent lesson model, including free reproducible student activity sheets, makes planning easy. Standards-based lessons are aligned with national and state technology and information literacy standards. It prepares students to use the Internet for communication, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving—the new basic skills for 21st century learning.
The CyberSmart! curriculum covers the following units:
• Safety and Security Online
• Manners, Cyberbullying and Ethics
• Authentic Learning and Creativity
• Research and Information Fluency
• Twenty-First Century Challenges
The CyberSmart! Educator Toolbar provides direct links to over 90 individual Web 2.0 tools categorized by functionality: blogs, wikis, online surveys, podcasts, photo and video sharing, online productivity tools, and social networking tools. All tools can be downloaded for use at both home and school.
Free TED Talks, K-12
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It began in 1984 as a conference. The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). Speakers have included: President Bill Clinton; Nobel Laureates James D. Watson, Murray Gell-Mann, and Al Gore; Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales; author Elizabeth Gilbert; and Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page. Approximately 370 TED talks are currently provided for free viewing online. As of January 2009, talks had been viewed over 90 million times by more than 15 million people. Users are able to search the TED site for specific presenter names. These videos are released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted. The video podcast talks are also available by RSS subscription.
GoGoFrog: 3D Web Site, K-12
http://www.gogofrog.com/
Gogofrog.com is a unique "3D Web Space" hosting service where navigation is through three-dimensional rooms and doorways using keyboard arrow keys, with conventional point and click menu as support navigation. Teachers and students can build a personal 3D Web site complete with images, color and text within just a few minutes. They can change or update their site every day, every week, or every ten minutes.
Members can design a series of rooms and populate them with the same kind of content available to conventional Web sites. Includes galleries to display photos or artwork on the walls, or a writer's studio in which to publish original works of fiction or nonfiction, news reports or blog-style commentary with links, or a meeting room where like-minded individuals can gather to engage in discussion forums or a current events library with RSS feeds of favorite blog and news headlines. According to one user, "It’s like a virtual tour of your life. You can invite people to visit your 3D room (they don’t have to their own Gogofrog room to do so) and also chat with visitors".
Free Web 2.0 Tool Directory, K-12
http://www.go2web20.net/go2web20.net/
Go2Web2.0.net is a directory of over 800 Web 2.0 companies and applications. Users simply click on a logo icon to access information about the service chosen then click the link to access the site. Users can also read reviews about the application from the blogsphere (technorati) that appear below the URL. Applications can be searched by tags, alphabetically by name, or by function, i.e. blogs, wikis, graphic organizers, etc. This is a good starting point for those educators interested in learning more about Web 2.0 tools or those looking for new and different Web 2.0 applications.
Track and Field DVDs, 6-12
This 6-part DVD series is designed for teaching skill, technique, and training. It features former members of the University of Oregon Men's Track and Field coaching staff.
- Conditioning #809354
- Discus and Hammer #809353
- Javelin and Shot Put #809350
- Long Jump and High Jump #809351
- Middle Distance, Hurdles, and Springs #809349
- Triple Jump and Pole Vault #809352
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