Get+STARTED


 * //A growing body of research demonstrates that students learn more deeply if they have engaged in activities that require applying classroom-gathered knowledge to real-world problems. Like the old adage states, "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand."//**
 * //From: []//**

These are suggested assignments - Pick one or two, depending on your skills, abilities, and role in education. Just like we Differentiate student learning, it is important to recognize that we are all at different places in our learning. Find another person working on a similar project and co-create or collaborate. Use the experts in the room while you have them - Use the backchannel (twitter: #cjzb10 (twitter feed that will relate to what is going on directly in this room) or []

1. Create a STAFF Glogster Poster (you may want to embed this poster into a classroom Wiki - a little more complicated, but easy to do when you've got the steps (and when you have a group of people in the room to help) See example of one I've recently created - PIPEDREAMS

2. Create a Classroom Blog - Here is where you can start with your WELCOME statement for your student, your school, your staff. - Add your flikr account (This may be a widget) - Find at least two or three educators to link to on your blogroll.

3. Create a CLASSROOM Wikispace based on YOUR FIRST science or social studies theme. ADD a wordle to the blog. Add a Wallwisher (inquiry focused); Add a Voicethread (parent involvement?) Example of one I used last year. http://olympic2010.wikispaces.com/

3. Set up TWITTER, DELICOUS, and EVERNOTE. This is especially useful if you have a handheld device that you work on regularly. See this list of Ontario Educators - [] Perhaps you want to create your own "Daily Newspaper". Once you've started to "follow" educators, browse through their profile. See what they do and where they work. Send them a comment. Your network is dependent on participation.

4. Create a classroom WORDLE. Save the picture and copy it to your blog. Words and themes that students will be seeing over the year. This could be a starting platform for your students, WORDLE - a representation of ME. A little less intimidating then an "all about my summer" report.

5. Sign up for an ANIMOTO account. Free Trial at first, but eventually educators are given a complimentary account. Example of a Global project my class did last year using ANIMOTO: []

6. Create your "Welcome" letter. Add a new dimension to your letter. Then - SHARE your letter using the google SHARE, allowing people to give suggestions, feedback and comments (same way you would do with students) For Parents: [] For Students: []

7. PARTICIPATE IN AN ONLINE NETWORK - Start by sharing your voice and wisdom: Comment on these teacher and student blogs: [|discovery.caryacademy.org]

http://kidblog.org/ourgoodnews/

8. Create a classroom PAGEFLAKES (or subject specific) A fun tool that your students can use as well.

9. Set up a YOUTUBE account. Add your favourite videos. Post on twitter - share.