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Ottobib - Jonathan Otto
Grades
3 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Make a free, easy, "ottomatic" bibliography with Ottobib.com. Type in the ISBN number of any book (without the dashes), choose the style, MLA, APA, Chicago, or Bibtex, and create your...more
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Make a free, easy, "ottomatic" bibliography with Ottobib.com. Type in the ISBN number of any book (without the dashes), choose the style, MLA, APA, Chicago, or Bibtex, and create your perfect book citation. You can also enter multiple books by inserting a comma between the ISBN numbers. Select from linking to the bibliography, having a printed page, or finding at your library through a link to Worldcat, an online library catalog.
tag(s): book reports (36), citations (37)
In the Classroom
Use Ottobib.com as a lesson on citing sources and bibliography on your interactive whiteboard. Include Ottobib.com as a saved favorite on all student computers as well as a link on your webpage. Use as a springboard to discuss styles of documentation including MLA, APA, Chicago, and Bibtex. Be sure to use in writing your own professional articles, books, or classes, as well as a reference for your students.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Privacy Pirates: An Interactive Unit on Online Privacy - Media Smarts
Grades
2 to 4
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn about online privacy and how to distinguish between information that is appropriate to give out and information that is not. You are required to collect map pieces that will ...more
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Learn about online privacy and how to distinguish between information that is appropriate to give out and information that is not. You are required to collect map pieces that will lead you to the pirate's treasure! The site is broken down into two sections. A tutorial offers a step by step guide and a free play area where you can explore on your own.
tag(s): cyberbullying (48), internet safety (118)
In the Classroom
This site would be perfect to use during an Internet safety unit. Using an interactive whiteboard (or projector) have your students work their way through the tutorial. Allow groups of students to discuss the answers before submitting them on the game. Once the tutorial is complete put the link to the game on your classroom computers and let the students try the interactive during center time. Have students create their own Internet treasure hunt using the information learned on the site. Use one of the multimedia tools reviewed here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Dib Dab Doo and Dilly too... A smarter safer way to search the Internet - Dibdabdoo.com
Grades
K to 7
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Here you will find a "kid-appropriate" search tool featuring countless general topics: Facts & Reference, Computers/The Internet, The Arts, Strange & Mysterious, Hot Topics, The World,...more
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Here you will find a "kid-appropriate" search tool featuring countless general topics: Facts & Reference, Computers/The Internet, The Arts, Strange & Mysterious, Hot Topics, The World, Science & Math, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Nature, and several others. Within each of the main topics are subtopics. For example, in the Classroom section you will find English, Foreign Langauges, Math, History, Reference Tools, Shapes, Woodwork, Colors, Art, Religion, Philosophy, Social Studies, and Homework Help. There is a ton here to explore! The information includes articles and images/photos.
tag(s): alphabet (86), animals (322), animation (61), clip art (9), colors (77), comics and cartoons (64), cooking (33), crafts (39), creative writing (165), cross cultural understanding (124), cultures (109), dance (28), dinosaurs (54), disabilities (20), diseases (72), drawing (75), fitness (49), flags (22), folktales (55), geometric shapes (173), grammar (210), homework (41), insects (72), journalism (54), measurement (178), museums (49), mysteries (22), numbers (197), nutrition (158), oceans (165), operations (123), origami (16), painting (65), photography (155), poetry (221), psychology (66), rainforests (21), religions (67), search engines (61), seasons (36), sign language (8), social networking (113), spelling (168), sports (100), trivia (19), vocabulary (320), weather (202)
In the Classroom
Help students learn about narrowing and refining research by demonstrating this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard. As you start a project, take the time to SHOW how to use this tool to save time and find appropriate resources. Allow students to explore this site on their own finding relevant information from the various topics. If time permits, have students research a specific topic and create a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Duck Duck Go - ddg.gg
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Try Duck Duck Go, an open source search engine that protects your privacy by not tracking your search habits. Without tracking, you get true search results not tied to your ...more
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Try Duck Duck Go, an open source search engine that protects your privacy by not tracking your search habits. Without tracking, you get true search results not tied to your personality or search habits. Duck Duck Go shows search results in a unique way. The site is very clean and uncluttered. Results of your search term can provide a definition or other general information, labels on links that are an official site, and more. On the right side, find additional search ideas. Clicking on terms will add that term to your original search term and generate new results. Go to the settings page to change privacy settings. Change result settings, color settings, look and feel of the search results page, and interface settings also. Search for calculations, dates and events, and more. Be sure to click on Goodies under the search box to find an easy way to enter search terms. Instead of copying and pasting these search strings, change the information you need to alter in the box and press Go! An unbelievably easy way to search!
tag(s): search engines (61), search strategies (27)
In the Classroom
Provide a link to Duck Duck Go on your class website or as a start page on a classroom computer. Use Duck Duck Go to teach about search strategies and help students think of search terms. When discussing searching in class, compare Duck Duck Go to other search engines, noticing the differences between the search experience and results between the various search engines. Be sure to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and reliability of the search results with each of the various search engines. Be sure to point out the additional search terms and how these terms can provide more targeted search results. Try a game where students predict what other terms might show up from a given starting search. This will teach the mental flexibility to realize what else the search engine might "think" you mean. For example, if we enter "apple," what other terms might we see?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Copyright Q and A - Game Classroom
Grades
2 to 6
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Looking for simple answers to copyright questions? This resource provides common questions and easy to understand answers for elementary age students. Hover over a student in the game...more
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Looking for simple answers to copyright questions? This resource provides common questions and easy to understand answers for elementary age students. Hover over a student in the game to read a question and then click on the student to read the answer. You must click "Play the Game" to be redirected to the question/answer portion. The main page will appear as a brief activity description.
tag(s): copyright (51)
In the Classroom
As you use digital media, be sure to discuss copyright with students. Allow time for students to look at the questions and answers to discuss as a class how to use and reuse digital media in the classroom and in their lives. Be sure to include this link on your class website for quick reference. Share these questions/answers on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Create a set of rules or reminders as a class to post in the classroom or on a class website or blog. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Pen.io, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration. If you are teaching younger students and looking for an easy way to integrate technology and check for understanding, challenge your students to create a blog using EasyBlog, reviewed here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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Embracing Research - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers a step by step approach to a research unit, written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist....more
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This installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers a step by step approach to a research unit, written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist. Although nothing can replace the specialized knowledge of a teacher-librarian, this plan includes everything from pre-planning to sharing an assessing products. There are different resources and ideas for primary, upper elementary, and middle school grades. It is almost like having your helpful library/media specialist working along with you!
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your Favorites for use when planning your next major research project. The resources and ideas will help every student be successful. Adapt for weaker readers by using resources or ideas from lower grades.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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YouTube Copyright School - YouTube
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
1 Comments
This short animated YouTube clip shares specific copyright issues, focusing on reusing previously developed materials available on the Internet by uploading and presenting them on YouTube....more
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This short animated YouTube clip shares specific copyright issues, focusing on reusing previously developed materials available on the Internet by uploading and presenting them on YouTube. It begins with a written quiz on the right side of the page to assess prior knowledge and also to get viewers thinking about copyright issues. It presents the message that uploading copyrighted material onto YouTube can have serious consequences. It also explores the fact that, in addition to written and broadcast media, performances and other public presentations may also be copyrighted. It explains the concept of Fair Use in easy-to-understand terms and examples. It also points out that you may watch for people who misuse material and report any such items so they will be removed from YouTube. Note that this video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the video may not be viewable. You could always view the video at home and bring it to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the video from YouTube.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): copyright (51), multimedia (63), plagiarism (37)
In the Classroom
Use this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard to discuss and informally assess prior knowledge as you start your study of plagiarism on writing projects or copyright in general. Use it in art or music classes when discussing the use of "derivative works" or performance rights on music. Include this site on your class webpage for students and parents to access as a reference. To show what they have learned from this site, challenge students to create an online graphic about copyright to share using Gravit, reviewed here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
Comments
Jessica, , Grades: 0 - 5
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Yippy - Yippy, Inc.
Grades
2 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Use Yippy to pull search results from other search engines and avoid being "tracked" by your own searches. Yippy groups topics together and breaks it up by clusters or "clouds." ...more
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Use Yippy to pull search results from other search engines and avoid being "tracked" by your own searches. Yippy groups topics together and breaks it up by clusters or "clouds." Yippy self-filters against many topics that students shouldn't be exposed to, such as gambling, pornography, political propaganda, or other inappropriate sites. As always, keep a close eye on students working independently and talk about what to do when something inappropriate comes up. While Yippy is safer than a general search engine, students still need to learn about safe and ethical behavior online, since nothing is foolproof. Enter your search term. View the definition at the top. Different clusters appear along the left navigation side to help refine your search and help beginning searchers learn how to add more specific terms.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): search engines (61), search strategies (27)
In the Classroom
Use for any topic in any subject area. For example, a search for evolution revealed the following clusters: Texas Board, Biology, Human, and Theory. View more options by clicking on all clouds at the bottom of the list. Discuss with your class what kind of information about the topic that you are looking for before choosing a cloud. Have a broad concept to discuss in class? Assign a specific cloud to each group of students and have them report their findings back to the class. Have a class discussion about how all of the pieces of information fit together. Create a class concept map that ties all the information together. Use a tool such as bubbl.us (reviewed here) to create and share the concept maps.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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KidRex - Kid Safe Search Engine - KidRex.org
Grades
K to 7
4 Favorites
1 Comments
KidRex is an engaging, safe search engine for students that is powered by Google Custom Search and Google SafeSearch technology. In addition to typical filters applied to searches,...more
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KidRex is an engaging, safe search engine for students that is powered by Google Custom Search and Google SafeSearch technology. In addition to typical filters applied to searches, the site maintains its own database of inappropriate websites and keywords to further reduce the possibility of inappropriate search returns. The search engine is easy to use and similar to a typical Google search. You simply enter the search term and a list of sites is returned. Inappropriate search terms are returned with an "Oops, try again!" message. Before using the site, be sure to click on the Parents link for a quick overview of how the site works.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): internet safety (118), search engines (61)
In the Classroom
Create a link to KidRex on classroom computers for students to use as a default search engine. Use this site on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to demonstrate how to search for items or when searching with your students.Comments
A similar site that uses Google SafeSearch, but may be more appropriate for older kids is http://www.KidzSearch.comDaniel, CA, Grades: 0 - 12
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Research Building Blocks - Read, Write, Think - International Reading Association
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This site offers a complete lesson plan to use with students prior to beginning a first research project. The lesson takes students through the process of analyzing book titles to ...more
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This site offers a complete lesson plan to use with students prior to beginning a first research project. The lesson takes students through the process of analyzing book titles to determine ones that would be helpful in their research. It then builds on class discussion to enable students to make informed decisions on appropriate research material. One especially useful part of the lesson is the Hints About Print interactive link included in the lesson plan. This would be a wonderful site to use on your interactive whiteboard to lead the class through basics of choosing materials for research. Other useful items on the site are the nonfiction book reviews and nonfiction book evaluation forms that are available in pdf form for easy classroom use. Find all resources and print material by choosing the Resources and Preparation tab near the top of the page.
tag(s): book reports (36), interactive stories (29)
In the Classroom
View the Hints About Print interactive with your class on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to demonstrate different concepts on choosing appropriate resources for research. If you don't have an interactive whiteboard, create a link on your classroom computers for students to view as a center. This site is perfect to use with older students who may have already done research projects as a review for choosing materials. ESL and Special Education teachers may want to use materials included in this lesson as an aid for students who have been assigned research projects.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Tin Eye - Idee Inc.
Grades
K to 12
8 Favorites
0 Comments
Use Tineye as a reverse image search engine. Tineye's unique image search engine looks for the same actual image -- not the description. This is a great way to ...more
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Use Tineye as a reverse image search engine. Tineye's unique image search engine looks for the same actual image -- not the description. This is a great way to find out where else an image is in use on the Internet. To use this simple and free service: upload or enter the link to an image on the Internet. Tineye will search the Internet to find the same image even if it has been rotated, altered or cropped by using image recognition technology. What a terrific way to discover the origin of an image or find those using it without permission. Note that the maximum upload size is 1 MB. Use this free service without registering. Create an account to use other features such as saving your searches. Registration does require email verification. Download the applet for Firefox or Chrome for ability to instantly use the service. You must have the ability to install browser add-ons to use the add-on version of the tool.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): images (279), photography (155), plagiarism (37), search engines (61)
In the Classroom
This tool is best used by a teacher to determine whether class pictures have been used elsewhere or determine the origin of pictures students have used in projects. Check the origin of student-used pictures to determine source. Determine whether pictures (yours or others) have been used without permission. Easily determine whether pictures have also been altered.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be shared by URL
Requires download/installation of software
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Plagium - Septet Systems
Grades
4 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Identify plagiarized work quickly and easily with this free site. Simply copy and paste your text into the text box. Click the checkboxes to search over the web or the ...more
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Identify plagiarized work quickly and easily with this free site. Simply copy and paste your text into the text box. Click the checkboxes to search over the web or the news as well as advanced search options in different languages and other features. View results in a timeline form as well as summaries of where the passages are on the web. Click the links in the summary to go directly to the pages. Click "Check URL" along the top left. Enter a URL instead of copying and pasting text if your document is on a specific web page. Create an alert to enter your text found on the web. Plagium checks the web and alerts you when it has been used. This feature requires registration.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): copyright (51), plagiarism (37)
In the Classroom
Use Plagium for free without login unless you need advanced features such as ongoing alerts for plagiarism of your material by others. Use this service to check for student plagiarism in assigned work. Have students demonstrate it on interactive whiteboard or projector as you teach about plagiarism and/or evaluating web sources. This is a powerful way to show how difficult it is to determine original content on the web. Students will also find this tool useful in checking whether their sources are legitimate. Students may find this a useful service to be sure their own work is not plagiarized.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
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CyberWise - CyberWise
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
1 Comments
CyberWise provides tools for parents, educators, and kids to help them understand and use new media tools safely at home and in the classroom. The site provides an extensive collection...more
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CyberWise provides tools for parents, educators, and kids to help them understand and use new media tools safely at home and in the classroom. The site provides an extensive collection of videos and resources that explain current media tools and ways to use them. Guides include Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Blogger, Prezi, Glogster, Facebook, Snapchat, Vine, and many others. Enter any tool name into the search box to see if there is a guide. Find information about media literacy, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, sexting, and more. The CyberCivics blog has the latest issues, trends, and tools to keep you an informed digital citizen. Sign up for the free newsletter and subscribe to the blog to stay current with information included on the site. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable. You could always view them at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid, reviewed here, to download the videos from YouTube.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cyberbullying (48), digital citizenship (68), internet safety (118), media literacy (65), tutorials (49)
In the Classroom
Share videos on your interactive whiteboard or projector with students to discuss media tools and how they are using them, or show before assigning projects using current media tools. Challenge students to create an online "scrapbook" on cyber safety using Smilebox, reviewed here, or ask them to create a simple infographic using Piktochart, reviewed here. Share videos with parents to help them understand current media tools and how to use them.
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Comments
Great tool- always need all we can find to help teach this with students.Charlotte, AL, Grades: 0 - 12
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What Browser - Google
Grades
3 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The tagline, says it all: "World, meet your browser." Use this site to identify the browser you are using, learn specific features and how it works, and identify useful tweaks. ...more
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The tagline, says it all: "World, meet your browser." Use this site to identify the browser you are using, learn specific features and how it works, and identify useful tweaks. Click on "Try a new browser" to view other browser options to identify the differences, understand the uses of browsers, and learn what exactly a web browser is.
tag(s): browser (5), search engines (61)
In the Classroom
Students can use different browsers when starting class, visit this site, and learn specifics of their browsers. Consider a group of students each looking at a different browser and reporting back to the group about their specific browser. Alternatively, use a jigsaw approach by having student number off in their groups. Have each number 1 meet and work on a specific browser (and the same with the other members.) Students in the group work together to understand the browser and then report bac to their group about their specific browser.
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Get Creative - Creative Commons
Grades
4 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Find a great explanation of what Creative Commons is, including the ethical use of electronic information. This site offers highly interactive explanations that are simple to use, exciting...more
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Find a great explanation of what Creative Commons is, including the ethical use of electronic information. This site offers highly interactive explanations that are simple to use, exciting to share, and extremely informative. Share with others in your district, with your students, and where parents can also see and discuss with their students.
tag(s): copyright (51), creative commons (24)
In the Classroom
Be sure to place this link in a prominent location on a wiki, site, or blog for discussion and review by students. Allow students to remix the video (really, you are allowed!) to show specific examples of copyright and the use of creative commons in your class. As you teach about ethical use of electronic media, compare and contrast what users are permitted to do under Copyright vs. Creative Commons. Conduct a mock debate where students play the roles of writers, artists, publishers, and end users. Even if you are teaching computer literacy skills, the understanding of "rights" is essential in knowing what is possible vs what is ethical (and legal). Start with this video.
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Springfield Library-Google Options - Joyce Valenza
Grades
4 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Find a collection of Google search tools all in one place! For those trying to figure out all of the wonderful options for searching on Google, this is the site. ...more
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Find a collection of Google search tools all in one place! For those trying to figure out all of the wonderful options for searching on Google, this is the site. Just click on the type of Google search you want to learn about, and you will be there! Whether you need to search for books online, scholarly articles, or want to search the New York Times or the Washington Post, this is the place to start. Whether your search is professional, for research, or personal, make it easy on yourself and start with this site.
tag(s): search engines (61)
In the Classroom
Share on your projector or interactive whiteboard to give kids an overview--or explore yourself to learn all the options! This is a great resource for searching through different tools. Students could each take one of the sites for video and dissect it to look for things like intended audience, subject matter it's best for, and advantages and disadvantages of the site as a source. This is a great link to share on your class website for students (and parents) to use at home.TV and Yearbook Classes: The links under "Copyright-friendly" would be a great starting point for a dialogue on what is fair or unfair to use, and would be a wealth of resources for students as they work to complete projects and pages. TV: The student video portion as a go-to for high-quality student-produced content is a must for any class in production. Have students share news from around the world posting on your class Wiki. Not familiar with wikis? Check out the TeachersFirst's Wiki Walk-Through. Have student groups "Advertise" different Google tools by doing a live demo on projector or interactive whiteboard for the class. Then use a poll such as Votesy, reviewed here, to find out which tool students vote as "most useful."
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Taking the Mystery Out of Copyright - Library of Congress
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
The Library of Congress created this animated series of quick, short videos explaining what copyright is all about and why it is important for your students to protect their creations....more
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The Library of Congress created this animated series of quick, short videos explaining what copyright is all about and why it is important for your students to protect their creations. There is a timeline of some of the milestone copyright laws, frequently asked pertinent questions such as, "Is it okay to use someone else's work or for anyone to use my work?" and everything you need for actually registering a copyright electronically. For those of you who may choose to use a printed version of these materials, you can click on the link to view a plain text version of all the activities. Students are never too young or too old to learn about and be reminded about copyright responsibilities.
tag(s): copyright (51), plagiarism (37)
In the Classroom
Students have become "copy and paste" fanatics, but do they know the answer to, "If the material is on the Internet can I use it?" Even though they might not see a copyright notice on a website, that doesn't mean they're free to copy whatever they see or hear. Project these no-nonsense, impressionable videos on your classroom whiteboard or projector to set the tone for expectations when doing research and other projects, or use the printable versions, (these may be more adaptable and appropriate for older students), to emphasize your position on plagerism. Be sure to provide this link on your class website.You may want to take it full circle by having the class compose and submit a song, poem, or other work to the Library of Congress to register a copyright. Be aware that there is a fee to submit the application, so you might want to consider doing a whole class project to send as one registration.
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Sweet Search - Dulcinea Media, Inc.
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Use Sweet Search to search the web for student friendly and informative sites for students of all ages to use. Simply enter your search term in the box. Use "Get ...more
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Use Sweet Search to search the web for student friendly and informative sites for students of all ages to use. Simply enter your search term in the box. Use "Get Widget" to place on a wiki, site, or blog for easy access by students. Use resources listed on the search page for more effective searching and specific lists for various subjects such as Social Studies. Although the search tool does not include TeachersFirst's teacher-friendly review and classroom use suggestions, the sites they find are solid.
tag(s): search engines (61), search strategies (27)
In the Classroom
Provide Sweet Search for your students to find some of the best student friendly material on the web. For older students, evaluate Sweet Search with other search engines to determine which provides the best information.
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Symbaloo EDU - Symbaloo BV
Grades
K to 12
17 Favorites
0 Comments
Create, find, and share visually appealing Webmixes (web based screens of link "tiles") to share web resources. Choose EDU Teachers then find the "Tour" (a blue tile) to learn more...more
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Create, find, and share visually appealing Webmixes (web based screens of link "tiles") to share web resources. Choose EDU Teachers then find the "Tour" (a blue tile) to learn more about Symbaloo EDU or begin exploring color-coded links on your own. Choose the EDU Tools WebMix to find links to classroom resources for social networking, video and image tools, and much more. Other WebMixes designed specifically for educators include widgets for classroom use, educational headlines, and much more. Tailor web resources to your individual need by creating your own WebMixes. Add tiles to instantly connect students with the resources you choose. Accounts are free but require a password (and email verification). Click "Edit WebMix" to change the background, rename the webmix, and edit the tiles. Link tiles to website URL's or RSS feed links. Hover over a tile to bring up a simple menu. Click "edit" to paste the URL of the resource, enter a title, and change icons and colors. Select any name to be displayed on the tile. Be sure to click "Done editing" when finished, and then "Share" to choose publicly or privately with friends. Use the embed code to embed directly into your class website or blog. Download the free iPhone or Android apps for use on mobile phones or use Symbaloo in your tablet browser as it has been maximized for use on these devices.
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tag(s): bookmarks (67), DAT device agnostic tool (180), gamification (88)
In the Classroom
Be sure to know the URL's of the resources you are planning to share or have them open in other tabs to copy/paste. To share you must be able to copy/paste URLs (web addresses). Have older students create their own webmixes, but this resource is best used as a teacher sharing tool for sharing links, RSS feeds, and other resources for students to use in specific projects or as general course links. If shared with the world, the webmix can be viewed by others and is public.Create a webmix of the most used sites for your class and first demonstrate how the webmix works on a projector or interactive whiteboard if you have special instructions or color coding for its use. Some examples include links to copyright free images, online textbooks, or online tools such as Google Docs, ThingLink, Prezi, and more. Link to teacher web pages, webquests, resource sites for your subject, and any other resource that is helpful for students. Consider creating a login for the whole class to update with suggestions from class members. Use this AS your class website. Color code the tiles on a webmix for younger, non-reader, or ESL/ELL students. For example, color each subject differently from the others. Differentiate by color coding varying levels of skills practice at a classroom computer center or to distinguish homework practice sites from in-class sites. Differentiate difficulty levels using the various colors enabling you to list resources for both your learning support students and gifted students and all in between. Use color to organize tools for different projects or individual students. You may want to share Symbaloo EDU with parents at Back to School Night and the color-coding system for differentiation. This will help parents (and students) find what sites are ideal for their levels. Be sure to link or embed your webmix on a computer center in your room for easy access. Share a review site webmix for parents and students to access at home before tests, as well. Team up with other teachers in your subject/grade to create chapter by chapter webmixes for all your students. If you are just starting with Symbaloo, this is a simple way to differentiate, however, Symbaloo now has a Lesson Plans tool (also called Learning Paths), reviewed here, to help you differentiate for individual or groups of students.
Challenge your gifted students to curate and collaborate on their own webmixes as a curriculum extension activity on topics such as climate change or pros and cons of genetically engineered food. They can use color coding to sort sites by bias (or neutrality) as well as to group subtopics under the overall theme. Use the student-made webmixes with other students to raise the overall level of discussion in your class or as an extra credit challenge. If you embed the webmix in a class wiki, all students can respond with questions and comments for the gifted students to moderate and reply, creating a student-led community of learners.
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YoLink - TigerLogic Corp.
Grades
4 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Go beyond a normal search with YoLink. YoLink looks into pages and documents for context based searching. One click tools seamlessly edit and use the content in a new document. ...more
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Go beyond a normal search with YoLink. YoLink looks into pages and documents for context based searching. One click tools seamlessly edit and use the content in a new document. Use the desktop application or the browser plug in. Add a search widget to your blog or site. The desktop application requires Windows. Browser plug-ins can be used with Firefox, Chrome, or Internet Explorer on Windows or Mac. Use the search bar in the upper right hand corner of the YoLink site to search your term. View the search results not only by a title and link, but also excerpts of paragraphs with the search term highlighted. Click on the excerpt to be taken to the exact spot on the website where it is found! No more scanning page(s.) Click to check the box next to the excerpt, and choose from options in the upper left to star, share (with a social network,) or save (to Google Docs.) Others can use the search tool right from the box at top right to "see into" their search results with new tools.
tag(s): note taking (40), search engines (61), search strategies (27)
In the Classroom
Familiarize yourself with the specifics of YoLink by viewing the information on the front page.Be sure to teach copyright (for material instantly copied to a Google doc) and how to use good keywords to search when using this tool. Students may find comparing results of YoLink with those of Google, Wolfram Alpha, Yahoo, and other popular search engines very productive. Compare the findings on an interactive whiteboard or projector to discuss not only the usefulness of the search results but also how different words in the search query can bring different results.
Use this site as you discuss how to search and use materials on the web. Practice showing different searches and aspects of the searches that are useful. Challenge students to use these sites for individual research projects. Use YoLink to find specific information about a curriculum topic and use the search results to begin discussion of the concepts.
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