The inspiring Clay Shirky is an advisor to the people who have developed the interesting tool, Corkboard. The website states that ‘Corkboard makes it easy to keep track of, recommend and discover the things you love.’
To discover exactly how Corkboard works, click on the image below:
Corkboard’s ability to convert ISBNs and barcodes to full text information about products is potentially useful for libraries; the book buying wish list is just one example.
The BBC have done it again with a fabulous website for learning and teaching.
BBC teachers has a raft of information for teachers and students including:
Although obviously primarily aimed at the UK and Ireland, BBC teachers has some useful content for teachers in Australia and beyond.
If you are in need of a free database, then Grubba might be your answer. It bills itself as ‘similar to MS Access and FileMaker Pro’, both which cost $$.
The Grubba website says, “Choose a template or create your own forms and database to fit your individual needs. Suitable for beginner and advanced users.” Looks like Grubba is worth investigating if you are in need of a database.
Arcadamic Skill Builders (no typo – just a mashup or arcade (games) and academic I guess) bills itself as “The place for educational games.”
From the website comes the following information:
Arcademic Skill Builders are research-based and standards-aligned educational games that offer an innovative approach to teaching basic academic skills. We incorporate features of arcade games and educational practices into fun online games that will engage, motivate, and teach your students.
Play games for free right here on our site! We have multi-player and single player games.
With numerous games to select from and educational standards and research based evidence provided, this site is a must see for teachers.
Ever need to draw student names from a hat but never have a hat? Well, The Hat is here to help. A quick download onto your computer from the free site and you can randomly select entered names as often as you wish!
The website explains more:
Just like drawing names from a hat to determine a random order for a group of people or to choose individual random names or pairs of names, complete with cool animation and optional sound effects. Great for selecting winners of raffles or sweepstakes or for parents or teachers to determine a random, arbitrary order in which to allow kids to do various things.
Another useful tool for busy teachers.
Mr Picassohead is such a fun website. It allows users to create their own ‘Picasso’ by selecting different types of faces and facial features, colours and so on and dragging them onto a canvas. It is a great way to begin a unit of work on Picasso, Cubism or abstract art with students.
Have a look at the gallery of creations that have already been saved by other users:
Fun for students and teachers alike!
Wanting to make contact with other Australian educators through Google Wave? Fill out details here:
For list of other educators click here.
If your students can’t wait for Twilight: New Moon to be released, some of these quizzes and activities might help:
How well do you know Twilight? quiz
Hopefully they’re not blocked in your school. Enjoy!
A fun quiz for students (and teachers) in the lead up to the release of Twilight: New Moon next week.
Take this quiz and find out which Twilight: New Moon character you are. Please be aware that you do need a Twitter account for this one (maybe a good excuse to sign up if you haven’t yet?)
BTW, I got Bella!
Learn.Genetics™ is a site by the University of Utah. It provides comprehensive student and teacher information on learning and teaching genetics and heredity.
There are lots of presentations on topics such as:
Although designed for tertiary level, some presentations and topics could easily be used by upper secondary students and teachers in biology or science. An appealing and well designed site that is sure to be of use.
