Monday, August 8, 2011

Web 2.0 for Educators is Great!

Dear Harrison,

            I really have learned a lot through this course!  I believe exploration is not only the most fun, but the most meaningful way of learning.  My favorite project was the social bookmarking one.  I have been using my SAT site with my students that I tutor this summer and they really appreciate the collected resources!  Usually, I just provide them a list on the syllabus, but the site makes it so much more accessible.  I plan on making more for the upcoming school year.
            I always considered myself to be technologically brave and daring in my teaching, but this course has really made me more so and it has broadened my horizons.  Before, I would look for a pre-made webquest; but now I am confident and capable enough to make my own!  In fact, I already did thanks to this course.  I appreciate that.
            I was really surprised and impressed with the narrative of your online lessons.  The links and informational blurbs you provide really took me on a clear, linear learning process.  When I was done with a module, I never felt overwhelmed or bored at any given time.  They are so wonderfully interactive and succinctly informative.
            I always appreciate constructive feedback in my teaching, but I am struggling to come up with any for you.  I understand that you have your reasons for not doing so, but I think it might be helpful for stimulating our discussions if you do weigh in once in a while on our posts.  Your feedback is valuable to us!
            I would most definitely complete another discovery program like this if given the opportunity.  I did enjoy the work and I learned a lot.  There is a lot from this course that I will take with me and apply to my teaching!  I hope you know that is very much appreciated!  Thank you!

Your student,

Elizabeth Buecher

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Must-read book blogs

Name: 100 Best Book Blogs for Kids

URL Address: http://www.onlineschools.org/2009/10/27/100-best-book-blogs-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/

Summary: These are blogs that discuss awesome books that you should read.


Commentary:  Stay on the up and up about what books are great!  Blogging is the way to go!

Multi-cultural Literature

Name: United States Board on Books for Young People: Outstanding International Books List

URL Address: http://www.usbby.org/outstanding_international_books_list.htm

Summary: This website provides lists of great international books. 

Commentary: If you enjoy reading about different cultures, or your own, this website is right for you!

Non-fiction

Name: Ink Think Tank: Interesting Nonfiction for Kids

URL Address: http://www.inkthinktank.com/

Summary: Find the best, award-winning non-fiction on any topic here.

Commentary: If you enjoy reading non-fiction, this is a great way to find quality literature on any subject!

Poetry!

Name: Poetry 180

URL Address: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/p180-list.html

Summary: Former Poet Laureate Billy Collins selects a poem for each day of the school year that you will enjoy.

Commentary: This is a simple way to bring more poetry into your life!  I promise you won't regret it!

Historical Fiction

Name:  Scott O'Dell Awards for Historical Fiction

URL Address: http://www.scottodell.com/pages/ScottO%27DellAwardforHistoricalFiction.aspx

Summary: The Scott O'Dell Award is for the best historical fiction book of the year.  It provides you with access to the books that have won in the past.

Commentary: This is a great site for the historical fiction fan.  The O'Dell Award does a fine job at highlighting the best of this genre.

Series and Sequels

Name: Juvenile Series and Sequels

URL: http://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/juvenile-series

Summary: This is a comprehensive list of series and sequels for your perusing.

Commentary: Many people love reading books in a series and finding sequels to their favorites.  This website points out series that are worth getting into!

Fight for your right to read! Speak out against Censorship!

Name: KidSPEAK: Where kids speak up for free speech


URL Address: http://www.kidspeakonline.org/


Summary: Censorship determines what we can and cannot read in school.  However, the people who make these decisions aren't kids!  This website provides an outlet to speak your thoughts on banned books.

Commentary: It's so important to provide your informed opinion on the books you care about.  Check it out!

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Name: Golden Duck Awards for Excellent Science Fiction

URL: http://www.goldenduck.org/

Summary: The Golden Duck Awards are for the best Science Fiction/Fantasy books.  This site provides you with the best books of these genres.

Commentary: Science Fiction and Fantasy are vast literary genres.  This website is a fabulous tool for finding the best books!

Graphic Novels, Anyone?!

Name: YALSA: Young Adult Library Association-Great Graphic Novels


URL:http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/gn.cfm

Summary: Lists and lists of spectacular graphic novels to look out for.


Commentary: A great graphic novel can be hard to find.  This is a one-stop shop to find one that matches your tastes!

International Reading Association-Teen Picks!

Name: International Reading Association: Young Adult's Choices

URL Address: http://www.reading.org/Resources/Booklists/YoungAdultsChoices.aspx



Summary: This site provides books selected by teens with descriptions of why they're good!

Commentary:  You don't have to take my word that the book is a good one, you can take the word of your peers.  I promise they're not lying! : )