Birds of a Feather

image from EduPic Graphical Resource
(a great place for copyright free images)

Have you ever wanted to get together with other teachers and talk about just ONE technology tool? Taking the time to share and find out what others are doing with said tool? If so, this may be of interest to you --

I'm super excited to facilitate the first "Birds of a Feather" Technology session this year. True (if I pay attention to the calendar), it's likely to be the last session as well. Nevertheless, it's sure to be a fun time to get together, share ideas and enjoy focusing on ONE topic.




This first Birds of a Feather session is called "Appy Hour" and will be about how iPads are being used in the classroom. If you have any interest in learning how other teachers are using these devices, please consider attending. I'll have a few tips and tricks to share too.
Click on the Doodle Sign-Up link below if you're interested in joining this flock. The link will allow you to help decide on the best day to meet. I'll be in touch with all who sign up and we'll go with the majority. Please sign up by Monday (4/29) so I can start making final arrangements.
If this time of year is too crazy to even begin to think of adding this to your plate, no worries. There will be more "Birds of a Feather" sessions offered next year.

Birds of a Feather's "Appy Hour" 

 Doodle Sign-Up

Three Bonus Items:
1. Ed1stop continues to run the SimpleK12 pilot (through June 1). Just log on to ed1stop and you'll find it under Announcements. It is FULL of amazing video tutorials for teachers.
In addition to SimpleK12, ed1stop is also running a new pilot from Infobase of new databases (through June 17). Science online Facts on File, American History Online Facts on File, Writer's Reference Center - all aligned to the common core. These are great resources for middle school. The World Almanac for Kids looks awesome for elementary.
Finally, we have a pilot going on with World Book Online, thanks to the OIS and District Librarian, Linda Odelson.
Go to: World Book Online
           username: americas
           password: clover

If you're cruising around in any of these resources and want to provide feedback, please complete the super short survey below.
Feedback for Resources 

2. For a recent video of a 30 minute conversation with celebrated author, Peter H. Reynolds, click on: Great chat with Peter H. Reynolds.
The video includes Peter reading The Dot as well as answering questions from students in Alabama. This was created on Friday, April 20 so there is some reference to the hard time Boston was experiencing last week.

3. Guerilla Girl - Posted just three days ago, here's a great video about people doing good deeds. This was created by Carol Whittaker, a parent of former OUSD students, Spencer and Olivia Whittaker. Very clever with a powerful message. Enjoy!

Something For Everyone

What I really want to call this post is "My Epic Fail". Instead, I've changed it to something a bit more positive (albiet not as accurate).
The "Epic Fail" title comes to mind when considering my original goal for this blog - keeping posts short and delivering them frequently. To say I've fallen short of my weekly goal is an understatement. I'm left with a couple of choices: drop the whole thing or look for ways to improve - perhaps adjust my goal. I suppose that's the one big drawback of goal setting. Sometimes, you have to accept the fact that you didn't quite meet it.
There are nine more chances (make that seven and counting) and so here's to posting a blog in April. And here's to your own goals, epic fails and all...

Below is a list of 10 very cool items of interest I think are worth sharing. There is something for everyone, I guarantee it!


-Patsy Templeton

1. YouTube - Now that we have access to YouTube.edu, no longer should you experience as many "Access Denied" messages. Continue to send requests to Ed Silvas for any specific videos you still can't access. So far, there hasn't been a single video I can't view. 

Stopping now for a little happy dance.





2. As Autism Awareness Month comes to an end, check out a cool resource FableVision is offering - there's an educator's guide plus a link to the awe-inspiring video (created by Peter H. Reynolds) called I'm Here - FableVision Learning.

3. While we're on the subject of videos, check out these links:

For teachers of Science
Ten Good Video Sources for Science Students and Teachers

For teachers of Social Studies (especially middle school)
Ten Good Video Sources for Social Studies

For teachers of Math
Ten Good Video Sources for Math

      Other Awesome Ideas --

4. Earth Day is April 22. Check out the link below for some great ideas about this important day.
Ten Educational Resources for Earth Day


5. Fun news from ed1stop:
You may recall (during our grade level tech talks) that ed1stop started a new feature this year which allows us to research any CCSS digital standard and find resources to meet that standard. They continue to build this bank of incredible resources and now have ideas available for every standard for Language Arts as well as Math. You don't even need to log into ed1stop - just get to the website and click on the Common Core tab and select Digital Common Core. It's that easy! Keeping collaboration alive and well, each digital standard has an invitation to submit your own ideas for each standard. Ed1stop will give you credit for your hard work which helps to create a bountiful resource for all.

6. There's also a pilot available via ed1stop called SimpleK12. Log on to ed1stop and from there, you can join the SimpleK12 pilot. This looks like a fabulous resource for teachers. So many tutorials in every category imaginable at your disposal with just a simple click. The pilot lasts until June 1 - the next few weeks might be a good time to check this resource out.

7. Interested in developing a cool online quiz? 
Socrative takes online quizzes to another level. One of its best features is the ability to add images to your questions and have short answer quizzes graded for you. A nice description of what this site is all about can be found here:
Socrative Quizzes

8. A shout-out for Common Sense Media -
Common Sense Media continues to impress me. Not only do they continue to add to the bank of curricular ideas, they have a common sense approach to sensitive subjects. For instance, check out this post about the recent news regarding the explosions at the Boston Marathon and how this kind of news affects our students.

9. Looking for something fun to do this summer?
Check out this link; CUE Rock Star Teacher Summer Camp. I've always wanted to attend one of these Rock Star Summer Camps and this year, one is being held in Alameda, specifically on the USS Hornet.  How cool is that??

10. Some of you may remember last year's post about Caine's Arcade, the nine year old with unending charisma and inspiration. Watching this video makes me smile and so I'll close in hopes this give you something to smile about as well.

Caine's Arcade

Doodle 4 Google

Doodle 4 Google 2013 is open for submissions! 

The annual competition invites students K-12 across the country to design their very own Google logo around this year's theme "My Best Day Ever..." The winning artist's doodle will be displayed on the Google homepage for millions to see, and the winner will receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school.

Need inspiration? Check out this incredibly clever video:

Download entry forms and learn more at www.google.com/doodle4google