Ideas for Unit Plans...

As we are working together on new Unit Plans, I want to remind you about the SAS Curriculum Pathways site that I introduced in this blog earlier in the year... THIS link will give you all of the instructions for signing up for an account. I continue to be impressed by the new content they are adding and the way that the site is set up. There are 4 types of resources in the SAS library: Interactive Tools, Inquiries, Audio Tutorials, and Web Lessons. They are all independent of each other and can be used as standalone items to supplement many different units. You can search them by subject, or look at printable lists of activities arranged by subject. They are all mapped to the NYS Standards and to the Common Core for ELA and Math. You need an account- but the kids dont- they put their name on the assignment as they do it and a PDF of the assigment is sent to your email with their name on it.  Many of the activities are also perfect for projection on the screen and discussion as a class. Here is a video overview:

If you explore the State Standards/Common Core links, you can find specific lessons tied to specific standards. This may help as you brainstorm and write new units. Consider exploring this site and trying an activity out...let us know your thoughts below?

In 2011: SEARCH, SELECT, SHARE!

And so, we begin the second decade of the 21st Century! The more I look, the more I am amazed at the increasing number of resources available for use in teaching and learning. Our kids are digital natives. They have been raised almost entirely in the new millenium. There is honestly no way that a "professional development" program in the traditional sense could keep up with the demand that the learning styles of these kids requires! In this new world of instant information and innovative resources, we need to help each other by scanning for resources, trying some of them out and then reporting and sharing the ones that work. This is the whole idea of building a Personal Learning Network. There are a few important things to remember as you search, select, and share:

1. Search: The only way to find resources and develop innovative lessons is to look for them. Honestly, in this new paradigm, the best ideas won't come to you... you have to go find them. Commit to blocking out several sessions a week for just browsing education blogs or following links that others suggested you you. I will be blogging ideas here. The Mohonasen IT wiki is filled with ideas placed there by our colleagues that you can add to, look at, or comment on (a WIKI is a place where we all can add to and change the web page- just request membership if not already a member). I have suggested FreeTech4Teachers as a great blog created by a social studies teacher in Maine. There are literally THOUSANDS of educational blogs... there are even blogs ABOUT educational blogs! Each of these has ideas... they can be searched and categorized... Blogs are categorized to organize and narrow them down. iGoogle is a great place to organize your approach to the web. Start an account and make it your homepage. Again, you have to browse to find things. There is no way around it. It should be part of your prep time, part of your professional development, part of your approach to teaching students in the digital age. I suggest setting aside 20 minutes a day for browsing resources and connecting with others specifically about your teaching. That's 100 minutes a week....

2. Select: As you search and browse, you will come across some resources that may merit some investigation... try it out, spend some time with it, download it, etc... this is where people tend to get frustrated... it doesnt work, it gets blocked, it's confusing.... PERSIST! Try it from home. Google a question to read about others who had the same problem. Ask a colleague, or a relative, or one of your teenage kids or students! Watch "how to" videos(for example)...Ask your building TA?... put in a Help Ticket... figure it out. Become the expert yourself. There are very few of us in our district that have specialized technology training. I certainly don't. I have never taken a formal class or workshop specifically on technology. I definitely ask for help, search online for answers, etc... Once you get over the initial frustration it becomes easier and easier...

3. Share: As you come across good resources (or even potentially good resources...), figure out a way to share them with others. Oftentimes its as simple as shooting a link out on email to a particular group or individual. If you use Twitter, shoot it out to all who follow you. Twitter could be a really great informal way to connect with each other. If you come across a good idea, Tweet It! My twitter name is PMcGrathJr. (I didn't use Twitter for the longest time but recently became a convert and started following a bunch of great websites and organizations that I value. I highly recommend that you check it out.) Sometimes you want to do more than just share a link or an idea. Maybe you tried something and it worked well...or you found a fantastic resource that you want to call attention to. Consider posting it on the Mohon IT WIKI with a description. Ask your principal if you can share it at a faculty meeting. Consider starting your own blog and publish it so that others can read about it.

SEARCH, SELECT, SHARE. My New Year Resolution is to encourage more sharing and discussion by all of the educators in our District. Please let me know how I can help you. Hope 2011 is a great year!