Finger Puppets?

This has real potential! Check it out here.

Are Video Games on to Something?...

I've been reading up on some very intriguing ideas about the concept behind video games. The reality is quite simple, or so sources note. Game designers appeal to the difficulty of engaging individuals for longer periods of time. The entertainment factor seems to be more dynamic than simply entertainment.

In essence, individuals must be engaged on many levels. Educators are familiar with the concept - multiple intelligences, learning styles. We know that nobody learns in exactly the same fashion (although some can be very similar), and most do not learn in only one focused fashion. Video games have achieved what educators have struggled with for years: create multiple dimensions of challenge as well as appeal.

Most successful video games involve gamers in a primary plot that is supported by numerous sub-plots. Among these plots and sub-plots are various activities and challenges, most optional. Gamers have the opportunity to challenge themselves to any degree they desire, and most games are capable of challenging the very best while engaging the least savvy among us as well.

Educators everywhere learn the lesson. If we can frame our class after this concept, we can achieve what is often considered impossible by those unwilling to work hard enough to achieve it.

Teaching Credit

Random video lesson about credit - very creative and comical!

Research with Mr. Smith 4

Research with Mr. Smith 3

Video #3: Citation

Using Credible Sources

Video Lesson #2

Research Video 1

This is the first video in a series for 8th grade ELA students preparing for a research project.

Theme Intro

This is a possible option for an introduction to theme. Have students watch video and brainstorm possible themes. On a T-chart, have them write their ideas on left and provide evidence from the source on right (PROVE IT!).

Homophone Review

What a perfect homophone lesson introduction!

Cont...

Influence Unit Intro

Genre Mini-Lesson

Genre Lesson on Prezi

Solid Advice

Came across this advice from my PLN - courtesy of "Free Technology for Teachers" blog by Richard Byrne.

Influences Visual

Teaching an 8th grade ELA unit on "Influence" and was tipped off by Dione Hickok (Riley St. Middle School) on this great representation of the theme!



(Sorry about the sizing... I suggest clicking the video and watching it on youtube to get the full frame.)

Great Wordle Ideas!

Purely Amazing...

I've never seen anything like this. The things that can be accomplished with technology today obliterate what was accomplished yesterday and may yet be forgotten by tomorrow.

ACDC Vs Iron Man 2 - Architectural Projection Mapping on Rochester Castle from seeper on Vimeo.

Very Creative

PIXELS by Patrick Jean from ONE MORE PRODUCTION on Vimeo.

Video Used in Diverse Pop (EDU 363)

This is a video I made for our presentation on Hispanic American students.
The goal is to convey the struggles that many Hispanic American students face in American education. An activity accompanied the video.

Graphic Organizer

This graphic organizer is a custom design I created for the purpose of prewriting aids to a very specific type of writing assignment. It fulfills the GLCE/HSCE W.PR.08.02 which calls for a variety of prewriting aids to be used.

The graphic organizer helps students visualize a perspective assignment. Any writing assignment in which students are asked to provide different perspectives or viewpoints benefit from this type of organizer. However, my assignment is one in which students will be required to develop multiple perspectives on a topic and then present the topic from one specific perspective while including and referencing the other perspectives. The graphic organizer will very clearly outline this relationship for students and makes for an excellent reference tool while working on the project.

"Mother to Son"