The KnowledgeFarmer » integration

Google Documents

knowledgefarmer — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:06:57 +0000

Google Documents allows you to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, forms and presentations. The beauty is in the simplicity and ease of use. I can start a project at work on one computer and then complete the presentation, letter, spreadsheet or whatever it happens to be on any other computer that is connected to the internet. All your work is done on your Google Documents web page. You do not have to download a word processor, spreadsheet, or presentation program. Did I mention that all this is free; all you have to do is sign up for a free Google account.

Here is a presentation that I have created and shared at conferences.

Photo Cubes

knowledgefarmer — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:29:23 +0000

Create cool photo cubes with your pictures. Great for all kinds of projects. Simple step by step process to create and print your pictures on a template that even has the dotted lines to fold and solid lines to cut.

Click the picture to go there or weblink here: http://www.tabblo.com/partners/flickr/

Here is a sample of one that I created from our Storybook Character Day at Center:

1. Choose your flickr photos.
2. Put them where you want them on your cube.

3. Select letter or A4 and open as a PDF to print (with cutting instructions on the printout).

And this is what you get when you click “Get Photo Cube”:

Final product:

Very cool tool! If you don’t use flickr just printout a blank cube to use as a template. You can then cut and paste your photos onto the template and create a cube from photos on another website or prints that you have.

Helpful Tech Tools

knowledgefarmer — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:46:00 +0000

I wanted to share an article from Education World that I thought you might find useful. Hopefuly some of the information and resources can be put to use in your classrooms.

Click here to go to the article.

The article mentions ikeepbookmarks which is what we use in the computer lab for easy access to websites for students. I have folders on the top of the page that keep sites organized by subject area and then weblinks at the bottom of the page that are frequently used sites. This makes it easy for students to get where you want them within a few mouse clicks instead of them having to type in a long web address. Feel free to bookmark m y page (Click here ) or you can easily create your own by following some simple steps on the site. If you are at Center Elementary and want help with any of these shortcuts and tips, feel free to come by the computer lab and I will gladly help you out. If you are from some far far away place, I am not opposed to flying or sailing to your location. (No cold weather, sorry.)”What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Ultimate Math Resource

knowledgefarmer — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:12:00 +0000

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives website is one of the best math tools available to teachers. The resources, lessons, and tools are amazing. I highly recommend browsing through the site. The web-based applets (small programs) cover all strands of math and can be used by all grade levels. I have tried just a small percentage of the tools and my students have loved using all of them. We especially enjoyed the lady bug mazes and challenging each other with the geoboard activities.

From their website:

“The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is an NSF supported project that began in 1999 to develop a library of uniquely interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials, mostly in the form of Java applets, for mathematics instruction (K-12 emphasis). The project includes dissemination and extensive internal and external evaluation.”

Visit the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives . (Say that three times fast!)

You also have access to customizable modules and tracking tools to meet the needs of your classes. Check it out and let me know what your class enjoyed working on.