Weekly Tech Tip: Using Social Networks in the Classroom

In last week's tech tip I showed you how many teachers are using social networks for professional development. This week I will show you how some teachers are utilizing social networks with students and how to set up a similar project yourself:

Weekly Tech Tip:

Social Networking in the Classroom from Carl Anderson on Vimeo.

Link Stew:

• New additions to the Digital Backpack
• 3 Types of Web-based Instructional Activites (w/examples) - from Learning Today
• Writing, Technology and Teens - Interesting research how texting and social networking is improving teen writing - Pew Research Center Publications
• Texting 'improves language skill' - Interesting study done at Coventry University and reported here on BBC News that shows positive effects of SMS texting on student spelling and writing skills.
• 12 Free Online Quiz Makers to Create Online Quizzes
• Google to build ultra-fast broadband networks
• Technology changing how we work, play, shop - great article on emerging technologies from The Wichita Eagle
• How to Teach with Tech Tools - Fantastic examples of successful tech integration in this article
• A Thought Experiment: Why grade? Why test? What if? by Cathy Davidson on DML central: digital media and learning.the power of participation
• Free Moodle Accounts for Teachers - provided by
• Ninja Hunter - Learn to type by killing ninjas
• LOTR prequel made by fan using her life savings scores 500K views on the internet. http://j.mp/aiJN5g
• QRstuff - kind of like YouTube for Augmented Reality QR codes
  

Blog Carnival:

• Google Docs Does Not Violate CIPA (or COPPA*) by Mark Wagner, Ph.D. on Educational Technology and Life
• The Importance of Managing Your Online Reputation by Vanessa Miemis on emergent by design
• I wouldn't do it if it weren't for credit from Scott McLeod on Mind Dump
• Schools that are serious have someone at the top who is willing to focus on the learning from Scott McLeod on Mind Dump
• Blogging Alliance-Essential Educational Blogs by Kelly Tenkely on iLearn Technology
• The Teacher Salary Project: Changing the Way We See Teachers By Sara Bernard on Change.org
• "Just tell me what to do" by Scott McLeod on Dangerously Irrelevant
• running to stand still by Scott Schwister on Higher Edison
• SMART Boards lacking intelligence? by Bill Feriter on Plethora of Technology
• Educon: Harnessing Chaos By Rodd Lucier on The Clever Sheep
  

Technology Integrationist In Chief

Yesterday afternoon I read this article from the Associated Press that gave me goosebumps. I can't begin to articulate how exciting this prospect is. It seems that just as Obama utilized the power of social media to build a fantastic campaign his administration is going to continue the use of similar technologies to communicate with the public and give citizens a voice to affect policy. Imagine, a White House blog where people can comment on proposed legislation bypassing old channels to get their message to the president. Imagine a weekly YouTube message from the president (the new fireside chat?). Imagine a govergnment social network that allows people to be grouped by geographic location or interest group that could be called upon to effect change locally. If nothing else this is likely to lead to a much more informed electorate.

We still have 67 days before Obama takes office though. In the meantime they have set up a site where you can submit your vision for the country and send letters to the president-elect. The policy window is open and now is the time to voice your ideas. Go to http://www.change.gov.