Back into the Saddle

I had left this blog for our teachers when we opened our new website through SchoolWires in January of 2008. However, I realize that this is still a great way just to write short articles that my teachers, staff, and families may want to read. So I am going to start it up again. I hope that you all will find the information valuable.

I want to reach out and remind all of you about a great article from the folks at Edutopia on what Google has to offer for teachers. Here's just some quick points and then at the end is the link to the entire article. If you don't subscribe to that newsletter for updates on technology in education and just education ideas in general, you need to add it to the list of must READS!

• Google for Educators -- the place to start looking at what Google has to offer.
• Google Docs -- an online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that allows you to create, store and collaborate online.
• Google Maps, Google Earth -- use these in your mapping curriculum
• Google Images -- find the pictures you and your students need
• Google Book Search -- search for books online; if in public domain, even read them electronically; make and keep a list of all the books you have read or want to read; find them in the closest library; and check out the reviews or read tables of contents.
• Picasa -- try out photo editing online
• Google Sketchup -- create 3D designs
• Google Groups -- create online discussions
• Blogger -- one of my favorite tools
• Google Sites -- so very interesting; have students create research pages

I know that I am going to check out the Book search, Sites, and Groups. Here's the link to the article in Edutopia. Give it a read! Google for Educators: The Best Features for Busy Teachers