District Wide Information

Tech Integration at MPS
This week a teacher suggested that I highlight Tech Integration information available.  In addition to links found on the Digital Learning Day Site that Vera and I have worked on this year.  http://www.marshall.k12.mn.us/Page/2570  Consider checking out Vera's Technology Integration pages found under the Staff Information Page. http://www.marshall.k12.mn.us/Page/2425

ELM - Electronic Library for Minnesota
I use ELM databases to teach students what this wonderful resource is and how/why to use it.  If you are not familiar with ELM, it provides Minnesota residents online access to magazine, journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles, eBooks (online books), and other information resources.  It offers information on a vast array of topics, including consumer information, arts and humanities, current events, health, science, social science, politics, business, and more.  Why use ELM?

• Convenient - ELM is your source for information, at your fingertips.
• Thorough - ELM resources are loaded with thousands of encyclopedia, magazine, journal, and newspaper articles, plus multimedia, primary sources and more.
• Accurate - Pinpoint information you want.  No more wading through thousands of internet search engine results hoping what you are finding is what you want.
• Accessible - ELM is available online 24/7.
• Reliable - Information is from reputable and respected sources.  You no longer need to wonder if what you are looking at is quality information. 

If you are interested in learning more about ELM resources you may attend upcoming face-to-face trainings or check out the Ongoing Webinar Series as mentioned below.  As always, I am available to meet with you individually to show you how you can use ELM resources for your classes K-12. 

SAMMIE is pleased to announce four separate ELM trainings will be coming to our region in May.  Mark your calendars for these dates:

Ortonville – Th., May 16 – 1p

Willmar – F., May 17 – 9a

Slayton – W., May 22 – 1p

Marshall – Th., May 23 – 9:30a

Registration will open at a later date and in order for an event to take place we must have 11 people registered for that locale.  So make sure to tell your friends!

Ongoing Webinar Series: Intro to ELM for Teachers

School librarians, invite your teachers to one or more of these introductory webinars to ELM. Have your teachers attend on their own, or host a viewing party where you can follow up the webinar with discussion and planning about using library resources in the classroom.

Sessions will be held on Tuesdays from February 12 to March 12, at 3:30-4:00 PM.

If these times don't work for you or your teachers, contact Minitex Reference Outreach & Instruction to schedule a webinar at a time that does.

Sign up for the entire series or sign up for individual sessions!

Individual Sessions

Intro to ELM for Teachers: Elementary School [Session 1]
Tuesday, February 12, 3:30-4:00 PM | View the Recording
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways elementary school educators from across the state use ELM in the classroom. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for trustworthy online content to support classroom preparation, lesson plan building, and student projects.

Intro to ELM for Teachers: Social Studies [Session 2]
Tuesday, February 19, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways social studies teachers from across the state use ELM in the classroom. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for trustworthy online content to support classroom preparation, lesson plan building, and student projects.

Intro to ELM for Teachers: Science [Session 3]
Tuesday, February 26, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways science teachers from across the state use ELM in the classroom. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for trustworthy online content to support classroom preparation, lesson plan building, and student projects.

Intro to ELM for Teachers: English Language Arts [Session 4]
Tuesday, March 5, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways English language arts teachers from across the state use ELM in the classroom. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for trustworthy online content to support classroom preparation, lesson plan building, and student projects.

Intro to ELM for Teachers: Education Professional Development [Session 5]
Tuesday, March 12, 3:30-4:00 PM
This 30-minute webinar will introduce the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) and discuss ways educators from across the state use ELM to stay current in their field. The session is geared toward classroom teachers looking for education-related news, research, and best practices.

District Wide Information

I Love to Read Month/Read Across America/Dr. Seuss

http://edtechideas.com/2013/02/06/10-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-dr-seuss-books/

As you know, I am a big Dr. Seuss fan and post information about him every year.  Thank you to Vera Weber for sharing the information with the link above about Dr. Seuss.  As we celebrate I Love to Read Month, encourage students to not only read his books or any books, but also learn the impact his stories had and continue to have on our lives.

District Wide Information

How Mainstream Video Games are Being Used as Teaching Tools
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/01/08/how-mainstream-video-games-are-being-used-as-teaching-tools/?

I have not posted much this year about game-based education, but the link above for the titled article above continues to illustrate how game-based learning engages students in learning.  I think one of the points in the article that stands out for me is how grades can be meaningless for students whereas being challenged to reach "the next level" in a video game is what keeps students in the game.  Students interviewed across the district in the Digital Learning Day video commented how playing games can make learning fun.  The format of game-based education is not just using video games in the classroom, but also using the format that video games use to teach in your classroom.  The idea of reaching the "next level" in learning will keep students engaged in projects and activities.  Challenge yourself to try games in your classroom.  If you are interested in more information just send me an email.

District Wide Information

As we approach Digital Learning Day on Wednesday and look beyond in ways to integrate technology into our teaching, consider these terrific web 2.0 tools and education technology alternatives to tradtional classroom activities as a starting point.

10 of the Best Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers 
http://www.fractuslearning.com/2013/02/01/web-2-0-tools-for-teachers/

Poll Everywhere, Animoto, Twitter, and Prezi are excellent tools that I've tried or use.  If you are interested in help with any of these, be in touch with me.  If you are interested in any of the other tools, I am happy to explore them together.  

EdTech Alternatives to Traditional Classroom Activities
http://www.fractuslearning.com/2012/12/21/edtech-alternatives-classroom-activities/

This EdTech article not only provides websites to try as alternatives to traditional classroom activities, but also explains how the ed tech version of the activities makes the activity more engaging for students and more dynamic for teachers.