Resources
Module XIII: Adaptive/Assistive Technology (Apr.10-Apr.16)
1. Newsela: Free resource to help students practice their non-fiction reading skills. Current event news articles are available at different reading levels and some are available in Spanish. Teachers can easily make annotations, prompts, and even quizzes to help keep students engaged.
2. Dragon Dictation App: This app can record a student's voice and transform their words into text. Students with physical difficulties can use the app to write e-mail and take notes.
Module XII: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (Social Studies) (Apr.3-Apr.9)
1. Library of Congress: The Library of Congress (LOC) has a wealth of primary source documents which can be used in a Social Studies classroom.
2. National Archives: This website contains links to help students and educators locate primary sources as well as information to guide research using primary sources.
Module XI: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (ELL/ESL) (Mar.27-Apr.2)
1. Google Translate: Google's popular (and free!) translation service. Translation of many languages are available in text and spoken form.
2. English Online: A wonderful resource for teachers across the curriculum. Klaus Rosmanitz has compiled many easily understandable articles over multiple subject areas for English Language Learners.
Module X: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (English/Language Arts) (Mar.13-Mar.Mar.19)
1. Storyjumper: #1 rated website for creating online storybooks.
2. Boss, S. (2014, January 31). The E-Book's The Thing. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/ebook-is-the-thing-technology-classroom-suzie-boss
Interesting article detailing the merits of eBooks in the English and Social Studies classroom.
Module IX: Game Based Learning (Mar. 6-Mar.12)
1. Farber, M. (2014, February 19). Why Serious Games Are Not Chocolate-Covered Broccoli. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/serious-games-not-chocolate-broccoli-matthew-farber
Matthew Farber recommends using class discussion after playing "serious games" in class. Class discussions can help relate essential content to the game.
2. McCarthy, J. (2016, October 20). Gamifying Your Class to Meet the Needs of All Learners. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/gamifying-your-class-john-mccarthy
Interesting article with great suggestions on how to add incentives for students through "Gamification".
Module VIII: Developing and Using Web-based Learning Activities (Feb. 27-Mar. 5)
1. Davis, V. (2014, February 27). A Guidebook for Social Media in the Classroom. Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/guidebook-social-media-in-classroom-vicki-davis
Interesting Edutopia blog post about the relevance of using social media in the classroom. Vicki provides 12 specific examples of how teachers can use social media in their classrooms.
2. Levy, L. A. (2016, February 04). 14 Ways Students Can Use Pinterest in the Classroom. Retrieved March 4, 2017, from https://rossieronline.usc.edu/blog/pinterest-for-students/
Leah Anne Levy describes 14 unique methods of incorporating Pinterest into the classroom. These techniques range from collaborative brainstorming to using the social media site as a source for research. One area which I believe has a ton of promise is using Pinterest as a medium for digital student portfolios.
Module VII: Developing and Using Web-Based Learning Activities (Feb. 20-Feb. 26)
Common Sense Education: Acceptable Use Policies
Common Sense Education's 1-to-1 Essentials Program provides a clear, easy to understand explanation of Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs). Suggestions of topics and guidelines for writing AUPs are provided which can be extremely beneficial for stakeholders attempting to create or modify an AUP. Examples of AUPs from schools across the country are provided as well.
Discovery Education: Web 2.0 Tools
Discovery Education provides Web 2.0 Tools, Tech tips, and Internet Safety information. Web 2.0 Tools include; Presentation, Video, Mobile, and Community Tools as well as "Related Links".
Module VI: Using Video for 21st Century Teaching (Feb. 13-Feb. 19)
YouTube Channels for Social Studies Instruction
1. Seeker Daily: This channel is my personal favorite. Many of Seeker Daily's videos help make s sense of current events. Topics of videos include, but are not limited to; government and economic systems, past and current conflicts, new policies/laws, and country specific issues. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TestTubeNetwork)
2. TED-Ed: Ideas worth sharing. This channel has answers to all kinds of interesting questions, they even have riddles to solve if you get bored. While TED-Ed can be used for many subject areas, Social Studies teachers will find the "History vs." series particularly useful in class. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation)
3. Crash Course: John Green and his team teach many different subject areas with humor. The Crash Course team organizes their lectures into organized playlists. Crash Course playlists that are particularly helpful for Global Studies include; Economics, World History I, and World History II. (https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse)
4. Keith Hughes (HipHughesHistory): Keith Hughes taught US History and AP Government in the Buffalo Public School System. He currently teaches Education classes in New Literacy and Technology for the Graduate School of Education at the University of Buffalo. HipHughesHistory is a series of upbeat, personable, and educational lectures designed for students and lifelong learners. Videos primarily focus on US History and Politics. (https://www.youtube.com/user/hughesDV)
Module V: The Basic Suite - Docs and Spreadsheets (Feb. 6-Feb. 12)
1. "How to create a truly Interactive Timeline with Google Sheets" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elwQTp0aVpk)
This "Flipped Classroom Tutorial" explains how teachers and students can create beautiful timelines using "TimelineJS" by Northwestern University's "Knight Lab". The ability to create digital timelines can be very useful not only in Social Studies class, but across the curriculum as well. TimelineJS provides users with an easy to use Google Sheet which allows teachers and students to simply "plug in" various types of media to bring their timeline alive. TimelineJS can pull media from a variety of sources including; Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Vine, Google Maps, Wikipedia, SoundCloud, and more!
2. "Google Docs - More Basics - Voice type, Translate, and Research" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GslQqoardtM)
Another "Flipped Classroom Tutorial" explaining how to use powerful features built in to Google Docs. "Voice type" is an extremely useful tool for teachers when creating worksheets from other sources. Students who struggle with typing (or who perhaps cannot type due to an impairment) may also find this feature useful for typing papers. As someone who teaches ELL (English Language Learner) students, the "Translate" feature is a true gift. Teachers and students have the ability to translate an entire document into any of the "Google Translate" languages without having to copy and paste pieces of the worksheet one by one. Finally, teachers and students alike will find the "Research" feature useful, especially with the automatic citation of sources.
On a side note, I highly recommend subscribing to "Flipped Classroom Tutorials" on YouTube. Not only are the videos highly informative and useful, but the user is very good about answering questions under the "Comments" section.
Module IV: The Basic Suite - Presentations (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)
1. Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/)
Students can use Google Docs to write, edit, and collaborate with others from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone for free. Students have the ability to choose from many styling choices, including templates for resumes, reports, notes, etc. Student work automatically saves in Google Drive and can be "shared" with the teacher to allow for editing and constructive feedback. Docs has a powerful translate feature which is invaluable for teachers working with ESL/ELL students.
2. Google Slides (https://docs.google.com/presentation/)
Students can create presentations and have the ability to collaborate with others. Slides allows students to edit presentations on a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet. Students can also use Slides to edit Microsoft PowerPoint files.
Module III: Instructional Software and Technology Tools for 21st Century Learners (Jan. 23-Jan. 29)
1. Kahoot! (https://getkahoot.com)
Create, play, and share fun learning games for any subject area. Personally, I use Kahoot! for review games and "Do Nows" as an active engagement strategy and my students love it!
2. Quizlet Live (https://quizlet.com/features/live)
Quizlet Live is a free game designed by the Quizlet team. Teachers have the ability to play the game using a set which they created, or choose from thousands of others made by teachers around the country! Students work collaboratively as each team member serves an integral role in the team's success. The game can be used in any subject area and it encourages accuracy over speed while building vocabulary.
Module II: Foundations for Effective Technology Integration (Jan. 16-Jan. 22)
1. Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7 ed). Pearson Education, Inc
Required textbook for EDTECH541. This comprehensive textbook includes an immense amount of useful information for a 21st century teacher attempting to use technology for educational purposes. Topics include; history and background of technology integration, technology tools for the 21st century, and technology integration strategies across the curriculum.
2. Blankenship, W. G. (2016). Talking It Out: Online Discussion Forums in the Social Studies Classroom. Social Studies Research & Practice, 11(1).
Article published in Social Studies Research & Practice relating to the implementation of online discussion forums in a social studies classroom. The author brings up valid points about the benefits of including an online discussion component to a social studies class. Blankenship states that discussion forums provide students with opportunities to develop their understanding of historical topics as well as enhance their critical thinking skills through social interaction with their peers and teachers. The concept of online discussion forums relates to the "social constructivist" theory of learning
Module XIII: Adaptive/Assistive Technology (Apr.10-Apr.16)
1. Newsela: Free resource to help students practice their non-fiction reading skills. Current event news articles are available at different reading levels and some are available in Spanish. Teachers can easily make annotations, prompts, and even quizzes to help keep students engaged.
2. Dragon Dictation App: This app can record a student's voice and transform their words into text. Students with physical difficulties can use the app to write e-mail and take notes.
Module XII: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (Social Studies) (Apr.3-Apr.9)
1. Library of Congress: The Library of Congress (LOC) has a wealth of primary source documents which can be used in a Social Studies classroom.
2. National Archives: This website contains links to help students and educators locate primary sources as well as information to guide research using primary sources.
Module XI: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (ELL/ESL) (Mar.27-Apr.2)
1. Google Translate: Google's popular (and free!) translation service. Translation of many languages are available in text and spoken form.
2. English Online: A wonderful resource for teachers across the curriculum. Klaus Rosmanitz has compiled many easily understandable articles over multiple subject areas for English Language Learners.
Module X: Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Content Areas (English/Language Arts) (Mar.13-Mar.Mar.19)
1. Storyjumper: #1 rated website for creating online storybooks.
2. Boss, S. (2014, January 31). The E-Book's The Thing. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/ebook-is-the-thing-technology-classroom-suzie-boss
Interesting article detailing the merits of eBooks in the English and Social Studies classroom.
Module IX: Game Based Learning (Mar. 6-Mar.12)
1. Farber, M. (2014, February 19). Why Serious Games Are Not Chocolate-Covered Broccoli. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/serious-games-not-chocolate-broccoli-matthew-farber
Matthew Farber recommends using class discussion after playing "serious games" in class. Class discussions can help relate essential content to the game.
2. McCarthy, J. (2016, October 20). Gamifying Your Class to Meet the Needs of All Learners. Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/gamifying-your-class-john-mccarthy
Interesting article with great suggestions on how to add incentives for students through "Gamification".
Module VIII: Developing and Using Web-based Learning Activities (Feb. 27-Mar. 5)
1. Davis, V. (2014, February 27). A Guidebook for Social Media in the Classroom. Retrieved March 3, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/guidebook-social-media-in-classroom-vicki-davis
Interesting Edutopia blog post about the relevance of using social media in the classroom. Vicki provides 12 specific examples of how teachers can use social media in their classrooms.
2. Levy, L. A. (2016, February 04). 14 Ways Students Can Use Pinterest in the Classroom. Retrieved March 4, 2017, from https://rossieronline.usc.edu/blog/pinterest-for-students/
Leah Anne Levy describes 14 unique methods of incorporating Pinterest into the classroom. These techniques range from collaborative brainstorming to using the social media site as a source for research. One area which I believe has a ton of promise is using Pinterest as a medium for digital student portfolios.
Module VII: Developing and Using Web-Based Learning Activities (Feb. 20-Feb. 26)
Common Sense Education: Acceptable Use Policies
Common Sense Education's 1-to-1 Essentials Program provides a clear, easy to understand explanation of Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs). Suggestions of topics and guidelines for writing AUPs are provided which can be extremely beneficial for stakeholders attempting to create or modify an AUP. Examples of AUPs from schools across the country are provided as well.
Discovery Education: Web 2.0 Tools
Discovery Education provides Web 2.0 Tools, Tech tips, and Internet Safety information. Web 2.0 Tools include; Presentation, Video, Mobile, and Community Tools as well as "Related Links".
Module VI: Using Video for 21st Century Teaching (Feb. 13-Feb. 19)
YouTube Channels for Social Studies Instruction
1. Seeker Daily: This channel is my personal favorite. Many of Seeker Daily's videos help make s sense of current events. Topics of videos include, but are not limited to; government and economic systems, past and current conflicts, new policies/laws, and country specific issues. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TestTubeNetwork)
2. TED-Ed: Ideas worth sharing. This channel has answers to all kinds of interesting questions, they even have riddles to solve if you get bored. While TED-Ed can be used for many subject areas, Social Studies teachers will find the "History vs." series particularly useful in class. (https://www.youtube.com/user/TEDEducation)
3. Crash Course: John Green and his team teach many different subject areas with humor. The Crash Course team organizes their lectures into organized playlists. Crash Course playlists that are particularly helpful for Global Studies include; Economics, World History I, and World History II. (https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse)
4. Keith Hughes (HipHughesHistory): Keith Hughes taught US History and AP Government in the Buffalo Public School System. He currently teaches Education classes in New Literacy and Technology for the Graduate School of Education at the University of Buffalo. HipHughesHistory is a series of upbeat, personable, and educational lectures designed for students and lifelong learners. Videos primarily focus on US History and Politics. (https://www.youtube.com/user/hughesDV)
Module V: The Basic Suite - Docs and Spreadsheets (Feb. 6-Feb. 12)
1. "How to create a truly Interactive Timeline with Google Sheets" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elwQTp0aVpk)
This "Flipped Classroom Tutorial" explains how teachers and students can create beautiful timelines using "TimelineJS" by Northwestern University's "Knight Lab". The ability to create digital timelines can be very useful not only in Social Studies class, but across the curriculum as well. TimelineJS provides users with an easy to use Google Sheet which allows teachers and students to simply "plug in" various types of media to bring their timeline alive. TimelineJS can pull media from a variety of sources including; Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Vine, Google Maps, Wikipedia, SoundCloud, and more!
2. "Google Docs - More Basics - Voice type, Translate, and Research" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GslQqoardtM)
Another "Flipped Classroom Tutorial" explaining how to use powerful features built in to Google Docs. "Voice type" is an extremely useful tool for teachers when creating worksheets from other sources. Students who struggle with typing (or who perhaps cannot type due to an impairment) may also find this feature useful for typing papers. As someone who teaches ELL (English Language Learner) students, the "Translate" feature is a true gift. Teachers and students have the ability to translate an entire document into any of the "Google Translate" languages without having to copy and paste pieces of the worksheet one by one. Finally, teachers and students alike will find the "Research" feature useful, especially with the automatic citation of sources.
On a side note, I highly recommend subscribing to "Flipped Classroom Tutorials" on YouTube. Not only are the videos highly informative and useful, but the user is very good about answering questions under the "Comments" section.
Module IV: The Basic Suite - Presentations (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)
1. Google Docs (https://docs.google.com/)
Students can use Google Docs to write, edit, and collaborate with others from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone for free. Students have the ability to choose from many styling choices, including templates for resumes, reports, notes, etc. Student work automatically saves in Google Drive and can be "shared" with the teacher to allow for editing and constructive feedback. Docs has a powerful translate feature which is invaluable for teachers working with ESL/ELL students.
2. Google Slides (https://docs.google.com/presentation/)
Students can create presentations and have the ability to collaborate with others. Slides allows students to edit presentations on a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet. Students can also use Slides to edit Microsoft PowerPoint files.
Module III: Instructional Software and Technology Tools for 21st Century Learners (Jan. 23-Jan. 29)
1. Kahoot! (https://getkahoot.com)
Create, play, and share fun learning games for any subject area. Personally, I use Kahoot! for review games and "Do Nows" as an active engagement strategy and my students love it!
2. Quizlet Live (https://quizlet.com/features/live)
Quizlet Live is a free game designed by the Quizlet team. Teachers have the ability to play the game using a set which they created, or choose from thousands of others made by teachers around the country! Students work collaboratively as each team member serves an integral role in the team's success. The game can be used in any subject area and it encourages accuracy over speed while building vocabulary.
Module II: Foundations for Effective Technology Integration (Jan. 16-Jan. 22)
1. Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7 ed). Pearson Education, Inc
Required textbook for EDTECH541. This comprehensive textbook includes an immense amount of useful information for a 21st century teacher attempting to use technology for educational purposes. Topics include; history and background of technology integration, technology tools for the 21st century, and technology integration strategies across the curriculum.
2. Blankenship, W. G. (2016). Talking It Out: Online Discussion Forums in the Social Studies Classroom. Social Studies Research & Practice, 11(1).
Article published in Social Studies Research & Practice relating to the implementation of online discussion forums in a social studies classroom. The author brings up valid points about the benefits of including an online discussion component to a social studies class. Blankenship states that discussion forums provide students with opportunities to develop their understanding of historical topics as well as enhance their critical thinking skills through social interaction with their peers and teachers. The concept of online discussion forums relates to the "social constructivist" theory of learning