New Resource Added – Web 2.0 Tools in Education

I have published a new resource that I hope you all will want to contribute to. It’s a searchable wiki that focuses on the new Web 2.0 tools and how you can use them to achieve some common goals in the classroom. Here’s how it works..

Under the Site Navigation (to the right –>) click on Web 2.0 Software to Solve your Classroom Problems (wiki). Once at the wiki you can search on keywords that describe some goals you wish your students to achieve.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you were doing a group work project and wanted an easier way to facilitate that groupwork. From the wiki’s main page search on “group_work”. This will deliver a page of tools that can faciitate group work.

This tool is meant to be a jumping off point, not an end-all-be-all. I totally want you to call me with any questions you have or training you want regarding the individual tools. I just thought this may help you get to know what’s out there.

Once you start using some of these tools then let me know and you can be a collaborator on the wiki. As a collaborator, you can add you own ideas for uses in the classroom!

ECTR Classroom Updates

I hope everyone is having a great summer. Before you get back I wanted to let everyone know about some changes occurring in the ECTR classrooms this summer. We have a new equipment controller system that will be installed in ECTR 215, 216 & 217. This Extron controller system should allow you to easily select and control all the equipment in the rooms. No more searching for the right remote or trying to remember which switchbox is which. Now all you need to do is press the right button. For example, if you want to play a VHS tape then you press the VCR button. This will automatically change all the configurations in the desk so that the projector and the audio system now work with the VCR. You can even fast forward and rewind from the desktop. I think it’s going to be a real help in the rooms and I think you’re gonna like it.

The other change will be the SmartBoard installations. You will see SmartBoards in ECTR 214, 215 & 216. These installations aren’t complete yet but I’ll let you know more as I know it.

Don’t fret. We will have training at the beginning of the semester.

Vacation Time

Just wanted to let everyone know that I won’t be in the office from August 5th – 8th. I will be available via email however.