Featured: 1/31/2013 Resources4schools [Resources]

Resources4schools has gathered together free resources from the seemingly infinite number of educational asset websites into a simple portal where you can examine and select the ones you need.



The principal objective of Resources4schools is to make searching for free teaching resources easier for you. The process is in 3 simple steps:

1. Search for your resources using the subject panels or refine your search using the drop downs.
2. Click on the 'Post' or 'Email' button to request your resource via email or post (where available).
3. Indicate where to send your selected free resources.

You will receive an email with links to online downloadable resources you have requested and/or details of when to expect to receive any posted resources.



All the resources that you see featured on Resources4schools are free. You are not expected to pay for the resource, nor any postage or shipping if the resource is physically sent to you. There is no subscription fee to the site and no username or password is required.

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Featured: 1/30/2013 PracTutor [Tutoring]

PracTutor is an adaptive learning platform to help students aged 6-14 master math and English.



PracTutor is  based on Common Core standards allowing students to learn and practice all the core concepts of math and English. Adaptive technology personalizes learning content to each student based on the student's individual skill level.

PracTutor implements a game-based environment to make it fun and exciting. The tools can encourage students to learn in small portions,  thus enhancing their power to grasp ideas and to understand and master each topic.



Not only is the PracTutor curriculum in sync with the Common Core standards, but they have tried to cover each and every standard specified for individual states, adding those that have not been covered in the Common Core. You will find all these state standards specifically shown with a separate code in PracTutor.

Most of the features on PracTutor are free to use.

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Featured: 1/29/2013 EU Universe Awareness [Science]

The vision of EU-UNAWE is to "use the beauty and grandeur of the Universe to inspire young children and encourage them to develop an interest in science and technology."



The idea behind EU-UNAWE is to educate children aged 4-10 years (especially those less privileged) about astronomy, because it encompasses a unique combination of scientific and cultural aspects:

• The universe captures the imagination of children, making it a great stepping-stone to introduce youngsters to science and technology.
• Learning about the vastness of the universe and our place within it provides a perspective that can help broaden the mind and stimulate a sense of global citizenship and tolerance.

Founded just five years ago, UNAWE is already active in 40 countries and with a global network of almost 500 astronomers, teachers, and other educators. This network provides a platform for sharing ideas, best practices, and resources among educators from around the world.



An important goal of EU-UNAWE is to provide teacher training activities, giving teachers the confidence to introduce astronomy and other science topics in the classroom, and to create innovative methods for engaging young children in astronomy.

EU-UNAWE encourages learning through play and hands-on activities, such as the inflatable Earthball, which has been very popular. Other educational materials will include illustrated hands-on games, adventure books, and magazine features. All materials are available for free in the Resources section and you are free to adapt them to your needs.

Visit the UNAWE YouTube channel

EU-UNAWE also hopes to introduce children to the idea of global citizenship and tolerance and help them to see their role in the international community.

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Featured: 1/28/2013 GETideas.org [Community]

Education leaders can develop their professional learning networks at GETideas.org.



The people at GETideas.org see it "as a professional idea generator – a place where education leaders can be inspired to make change happen in their school, district, or university." Their goal is to facilitate the exchange of ideas toward solving education challenges.

Benefits of participation in the GETideas.org community:

• Professional development customized to the needs of education leaders.
• Trusted, timely news about hot topics and events in education aggregated in one place.
• Profiles of exemplar educational institutions.
• Thematically curated collections of information on topics important to education leaders.
• Rich multimedia content provided by respected thought leaders.
• Opportunities to engage with forward-thinking leaders during real-time events focused on best practices in education.

The GETideas.org online community of practice is geared toward system-level education leaders at all levels. They can identify resources that will help them inform professional practices, network with other leaders, and share their ideas for improving education.

Visit the GETideasYouTube channel

GETIdeas.org is a Corporate Social Responsibility project of Cisco.

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Things I Like: MyScript© Calculator

MyScript© Calculator is a free app that performs mathematical calculations using your own handwriting.

I discovered this app last night and I think it’s one of the coolest thing I’ve ever seen on my iPhone. Cool factor aside, I think it can be quite functional and useful, too.



MyScript© Calculator is easy, simple, and intuitive. Just write the mathematical expression on the screen then MyScript technology performs its magic, converting symbols and numbers to digital text and delivering the result in real-time.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES:

• Use your handwriting to write any arithmetic formula.
• Write and calculate mathematical expressions in an intuitive and natural way with no keyboard
• Supported mathematical symbols:
• +, -, x, ÷, +/-, 1/x, ()
• %, √, x!, |x|
• ℯx, xy , x2
• cos, sin, tan
• acos, asin, atan
• ln , log
• π, ℯ,
• Scratch-out gestures to easily delete symbols and numbers

MyScript© Calculator  works on your smartphone and on your tablet, Android OS from 2.1 to 4.1 and above and iOS 6.

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The Rearview Mirror 1/26/2013

For those of you who may have missed an EDge21 featured post or who didn't have the opportunity to look at some of them during this past week, here's a second chance.


Monday

Intel® Teach Elements is a series of courses for K–12 educators providing deeper exploration of 21st century learning concepts. These free professional development courses can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Tuesday

Storyboard That is an innovative tool to help visually communicate ideas and concepts to quickly tell a story.

Wednesday

Counter Challenge is a motivating, practical, fun game which provides a context for players to learn and improve upon their basic numerical skills.

Thursday

NANOYOU is a project funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Program that aims to increase young people’s basic understanding of nanotechnologies (NT) and to engage in the dialogue about its ethical, legal, and social aspects.

Featured: 1/24/2013 NANOYOU [Science]

NANOYOU is a project funded by the European Commission's Seventh Framework Program that aims to increase young people’s basic understanding of nanotechnologies (NT) and to engage in the dialogue about its ethical, legal, and social aspects.



Nanotechnologies are the design, characterization, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems by controlling shape and size at the scale of individual molecules, nanometer scale.  

Through a variety of NANOYOU resources such as videos, presentations, posters, picture galleries, and art projects related to nanoscience and NT, you’ll be able to learn more about nanoscience and nanotechnologies. As well as being able to use the tools developed by NANOYOU, you will also find some nanotechnologies resources available from other websites.

From the web portal students can actively participate in virtual dialogues, experiments and games. In the virtual Nano Lab, users will be able to become a researcher and do experiments online as well as finding resources for hands-on activities. Games such as the nano-memory game and the jigsaw puzzle can enable students to see how solutions to human needs have changed over time, and which solutions NT offer us for the future.



NANOYOU plans to have a very strong school program on nanotechnologies which will be completely adapted to the educational needs of students aged 11-18. The NANOYOU school program focuses on information and communication technology, energy and environment, and medicine.

NANOYOU offers Teacher Training kits for different age groups, as well as for science centers. The modules are available to all teachers interested in organizing educational activities within their schools, and includes background materials, literature, and specific case studies.

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MakeUseOf Explains Fair Use

According to USC Title 17, Section 107, there are four traits to consider when deciding if something is actually under fair use law:

• Purpose And Character Of The Derivative Work.
• Nature Of The Copyrighted Work.
• Amount Of The Copyrighted Work Used.
• Effect On The Potential Market Of The Copyrighted Work.

MakeUseOf writer Joshua Lockhart attempts to explain these determining factors for fair use.

"All four of the above factors are taken into consideration when it comes to fair use, and I’m aware most of them are arbitrary. For the first three, use your gut, and I mean really use your gut. Don’t play the rationalization game. Usually, when you start rationalizing, you end up being wrong. The last one is pretty black and white when you get right down to it."



Read the full article here.

Featured: 1/23/2013 Counter Challenge [Math]

Counter Challenge is a motivating, practical, fun game which provides a context for players to learn and improve upon their basic numerical skills.



Counter Challenge is a game of math and tactics developed around a combination of chess, draughts/checkers, and basic numerical skills. Players already competent with basic skills will also find the game stimulating.

The software covers three different games involving addition, subtraction, and division. Every combination of the standard multiplication tables is a major factor in all three modes.



Counter Challenge's user-friendly features allow players to quickly focus on the math in this one-of-a-kind, engaging game, making it an excellent teaching resource.

Watch a video overview of Counter Challenge.

The original board game version is ₤10.45 (UK), $16.77 (USD). You can download a free trial of the PC software version of Counter Challenge, purchase price is ₤3.50/$5.62. The Android version is ₤1/$1.60.

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Featured: 1/22/2013 Storyboard That [Storytelling]

Storyboard That is an innovative tool to help visually communicate ideas and concepts to quickly tell a story.



Storyboard That was designed to be fun and easy to use, implementing a simple drag-and-drop interface with hundreds of pieces of clip art that can be used.



Storyboard That is a great tool for students to collaborate. Students can discuss what they want their story to say, how to structure it, and what imagery to use.

Watch the Storyboard That Intro

Storytelling by creating a story in Storyboard That can be fun and exciting. The experience of rapidly creating a storyboard that looks good and tells a story from the students' point of view can be stimulating and thought provoking.

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Featured: 1/21/2013 Intel Teach Elements [Resources]

Intel® Teach Elements is a series of courses for K–12 educators providing deeper exploration of 21st century learning concepts. These free professional development courses can be accessed anytime, anywhere.



Intel Teach Elements e-learning courses explore 21st century learning concepts. Teachers of all subjects can learn to engage students with digital learning, including digital content, Web 2.0, social networking, and online tools and resources.

Teachers will find ways to effectively integrate technology into their existing curriculum with a focus on problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.



Intel Teach Elements courses can be taken online as self-study for a personal professional growth experience. Intel also supports integration of the course into online and face-to-face professional development programs, and provides facilitation materials that promote a deeper experience for teachers as they work through the e-learning modules.

Watch a video to learn more about Intel Teach Elements courses

The Intel Teach Elements instructional design includes animated e-learning tutorials, interactive learning exercises, and offline activities to apply concepts.

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Extra: 1/21/2013 EA and GlassLab Announce SimCityEDU

Game developer EA, in collaboration with GlassLab, Friday announced development of SimCityEDU, an online educational community based on the award-winning SimCity™ videogame. SimCityEDU will be a resource for classroom teachers interested in driving student interest in STEM subjects utilizing digital learning tools. SimCityEDU’s curriculum and tools will be correlated to U.S. Common Core standards.

Teachers will be able to create and share digital SimCity-based lesson plans that will encourage students to think critically about the challenges facing modern cities: urban planning, environmental management, and socio-economic development.

To learn more visit www.SimCity.com.

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The Rearview Mirror 1/19/2013

For those of you who may have missed an EDge21 featured post or who didn't have the opportunity to look at some of them during this past week, here's a second chance.

Monday

ThoughtBox provides educational software designed to create learning experiences centered around "Gameful Learning."

Tuesday

The objective ofUnderstanding Science is to provide a free, entertaining, and easily accessible resource that accurately illustrates what science really is and how it works.

Wednesday

mQlicker is a free audience response system (classroom/student response system) using cheap, accessible, and readily available mobile and web technologies. (The broken link has been fixed.)

Thursday

UsebContext to transform static files into engaging content that you can present on your iPad.
A.nnotate is a web tool that lets you attach private or shared notes to documents and images using a web browser.

Extra: 1/18/13 How-Many Guide to Kitchen Conversions

Pints, Cups, Gallons, Quarts - How are all these things related? 

This handy graphic guide from S.B. Lattin Design can help you and your students see these relationships.

Featured: 1/17/2013 bContext/A.nnotate [Tools]

Today's post features two tools that can be used to annotate and share a variety of documents, one is an iPad app, the other is a web tool.



Use bContext to transform static files into engaging content that you can present on your iPad.

bContext users can add hand written notations and narrative to static documents, such as PDF, PPT, or images, without any costly software, equipment, or complex editing skills.



Use bContext to record iPad presentation sessions that express intricate ideas using interesting and attractive multimedia content.

The links to your bContext presentations can be shared for free on social networks. With a pro subscription, share them by email or with private groups. Anyone can view the recorded sessions using their browser, on any computer or mobile device.

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A.nnotate is a web tool that lets you attach private or shared notes to documents and images using a web browser.

There are many applications for A.nnotate, including reviewing draft documents, compiling corrections for future revisions, selecting passages for future reference, and general document management.

You can annotate documents, images, and snapshots of webpages. Documents can be uploaded or emailed as attachments. Accepted document types include PDF, Microsoft Office, and OpenOffice formats.



There are free accounts for individual users that let you upload about 30 new pages a month. You can buy additional pay-as-you-go A.nnotate credits at any time or sign up for a subscription starting at $5.95(USD) per user per month.

A.nnotate runs entirely within your browser so there is nothing to install. The current version supports Firefox, Internet Explorer 6+, Safari, or Chrome. It does not require any plugins such as Adobe Reader or Flash.

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