1. Skype, or similar video chat tool
Teaching about global issues through this combination of technology and expert speakers is easier than ever and has great appeal for teenagers. We are no longer hampered by the need to get first-person perspectives from someone who is geographically convenient. Your expert speakers do not have to be adults either. Students can talk to their peers to get to know each other, brainstorm ideas, and solve problems. Skype is available through the "Google Applications for Educators" (GAFE) Web Store! |
3. Padlet
It's like Pinterest for school! Great way for students to share ideas, post pictures, and collect research and information about specific topics. Teachers and students can log into Padlet for free using their MCPS Google accounts. |
4. Glogster
Tired of wasting paper making posters? Can't stand to see students read off another PowerPoint? Want their presentations to be more interactive? Use Glogster! Blair has a teacher subscription to Glogster. See Andrea Lamphier in the Media Center for more information! |
5. Newsela
This is a great tool for helping students read and analyze news media. You can find news stories appropriate for all content areas, adjust the reading level to fit the students in your classroom (most of their articles are also available in Spanish), and collect information about their reading progress using the Newsela teacher accounts that Blair gives us access to. One idea is for students to collect articles about a specific topic over a long term period and track the timeline of events, and develop a plan to take action! |