Michael's+Resources

=Technology Resources=

formatting. ||
 * ==** Tool **== || ==** Description **== ||
 * [|Edmodo] || Educational social media tool to aid with flipping the classroom, creating a virtual classroom. ||
 * [|Google +] || Social media tool similar to Edmodo, that can be closed to a domain within GAFE (Google apps for education). Aids with flipping the classroom, and providing collaboration opportunities for students. ||
 * [|Google Drive] || 15GB cloud storage, various document creation, collaboration, and hosting. ||
 * [|Prezi] || Cloud based presentation tools that allows for simultaneous editing, sharing and presentation. Supports 3D acceleration to create visually pleasing 3D presentations. ||
 * [|Haiku Deck] || Originally an iPad only app that has recently provided a beta web interface, allows for very creative and unique presentations. ||
 * [|Glogster] || Cloud based poster creation tool, and social media tool for collaboration and presentation purposes. ||
 * [|Easel.ly] || Cloud based info-graphic creation, and/or poster creation tool for presentations. ||
 * [|Videonot.es] || Cloud based and Google Drive linked video note taking tool. Allows students to watch videos online, take notes, save notes via Google drive, share notes and collaborate. ||
 * [|PowToon] || Digital storytelling tool, and simple animation presentation tool. ||
 * [|ChronoZoom] || New digital timeline tool. Presents the timeline with a unique zooming lens, similar to what David Christian uses with [|The Big History Project.] ||
 * [|SuliX] || Open source educational OS, based on [|Fedora] ||
 * [|Edubuntu] || Open source educational OS, based on [|debian] and [|ubuntu] . ||
 * [|Google Maps Engine Lite] || Web based mapping tool that links to Google drive, fusion tables, and can link to Google earth with the right file

=Enhanced Lesson=

Here is an example of an assignment for a typical high school Earth Science class that does not use any technology: Students are given a handout about the origin of the moon. Before reading they are asked to write a brief explanation of where they think the moon came from. While reading they are to highlight evidence in the text that supports scientists theories about the origin of the moon. After reading, students are to revise their original statement citing evidence from the article. The goals for this lesson are for students to understand the current theory used to describe the origin of the moon, and use technical text to collect data and draw conclusions.

Here is a similar lesson that could be enhanced with the use of Google +. Requirements: Students need to have a Google + account, students need to be part of the class "community," students also need reliable internet access. //Disclaimer: This is presented as a homework assignment, assuming that all the students have appropriate access to the technology.//

The teacher creates a Google + post in the class "community" that provides a link to a current article describing the origin of Earth's moon. The post directs students to:
 * Navigate to the article, read through it, and post a reply with at least one question you have after reading the content
 * Attempt to answer at least one of your classmates questions.
 * Create a short 1-2 minute digital animation using [|PowToon] that fully explains the current theory used to describe the origin of the Moon. Post the link to your animation in a second reply.
 * View one of your classmates videos and reply to them with one thing you found that was explained very well, and one thing that left you feeling confused.
 * At the end of this lesson you will have at least 4 posts in response to this article. (1 post is a question you have form the reading, 1 post is a response to a question, 1 post is a link to your animation, and the final post is a reply to a classmate with constructive feedback about the animation)
 * In class tomorrow, 5 animations will be selected at random to view and discuss.

This lesson achieves the same goal of using technical text to collect data and draw conclusions, however students are also asked to collaborate and be creative with the way they present their understanding of the content.

This poster highlights five tools presented in this wiki.

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