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October 12, 2015

Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers®

Homecoming brings back alumni students. What memories do those students have of school, their teachers, technology that they used, and more? Make your classroom an environment of purposeful memories, full of great ideas, new technologies, and a caring teaching environment. They WILL remember, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Blog Fog
Until you have spent some time with wikis and blogs, the differences between them (and reasons for them) can be pretty foggy. Visit TeachersFirst’s Blog Basics for the Classroom to understand the what, why, and how of blogs. Find and share all the answers you need about blogs, including ways to get started and ideas to make blogging part of your class routine. Remember, blogs are not just for English teachers or “good” writers!


Columbus Sails On
Does Columbus sail on in your classroom? Do you or your school acknowledge this holiday? Possibly you have a long weekend? This week’s Teacher Poll asks: Will you do anything to acknowledge Columbus Day? Place your vote on the teacher poll on the TeachersFirst home page.

 

FREE Online PD
Registration is OPEN for all fall OK2Ask sessions. We have several NEW sessions! Read our FAQ for general information about certificates, etc. Please be sure to read the detailed descriptions and suggested technology comfort levels BEFORE you register for the best match for your learning needs. Coming up soon:

 

The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship in Your Classroom
Tuesday October 13, 2015 7pm Eastern

Google Search Tips and Tricks
Thursday October 15, 2015 4pm Eastern

Google Productivity Tools for the Classroom
Tuesday October 20, 2015 7pm Eastern

 

What’s a... Wiki?
One of the frequently asked questions in our OK2Ask sessions is, ”What’s a wiki?” If you have been wondering but were embarrassed to ask, try the TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through to understand the what, why, and how of wikis. Teachers who know and use wikis know how great they are as a tool for teaching and for students to create and share. If you are already a wiki-user, why not share the Wiki Walk-Through with your colleagues who are wiki-wary?

 

Bully No More
Did you know that TeachersFirst has a special collection of resources to use with your classroom about Bullying and Cyber bullying Prevention? Check out the collection and find new ways to make your classroom a more respectful, kind, and “bully free” zone!

 

Featured Sites
This week in our Featured Sites find:

  • Mysteries of the Brain
  • Excel made EASY
  • Shape America
  • Lightning Maps
  • Quick and Easy Resume Maker
  • Ecosystem Explorer
  • Odyssey
  • And more

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are reading this October 18 or later, the link above will take you to the Featured Sites for the current week. Find the archived October 11th Features here, and don’t miss our many other recent additions from the link at the bottom of the Featured Sites page.

 

May your classroom evoke memories of pride, collaboration, respect, and learning.

The TeachersFirst Team