Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

As digital media increasingly replaces traditional media, students must have the skills to think critically about these new types of texts. Media literacy - the ability to skillfully read and write in a wide range of message forms - allows students to identify themes and issues emerging from popular culture and has related standards that have been incorporated across content areas and grade levels nationwide. Join us to learn more about this information age survival skill. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of teaching media literacy in the classroom; 2. Explore media literacy resources; and 3. Learn to use the five key questions of media literacy when planning lessons. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): media literacy (113), professional development (393)

As educators, we must teach our students how to make sure the resources they are using are reliable. This collection includes information and resources related to checking sources and determining if a source is reliable and credible.

tag(s): evaluating sources (30), media literacy (113), Research (88)

Discover resources in this collection for your students to use to curate resources. Curation means selecting, collecting, organizing, and presenting content. Curating is especially helpful when researching a topic but always useful to help students to keep information systematically arranged. We have included resources for all grades.

tag(s): curation (32), organizational skills (88), Research (88)

Tales from the Griots - Mali Empire is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I lost my media/library specialist collection found here that features topics and resources that focus on integrating research with technology. This resource begins with introducing the Mali Empire that existed in Africa for over 400 years and continues with additional background information. Following the background information is a list of book suggestions and videos that include suggested classroom teaching ideas. The included extension activity suggests comparing and contrasting the Mali Empire with other civilizations.

tag(s): africa (170)

Votes for Women - The 19th Amendment is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I lost my media/library specialist collection found here that features topics and resources that focus on integrating research with technology. Information begins with a short introductory paragraph about the 19th Amendment and extensive background information. The Activities section shares suggested book lists, primary sources, and a WebQuest research project. Continue down the site to find Extension activities that incorporate research skills into additional classroom opportunities such as debates and documentary creation. Ideas found on this resource include correlation to ISTE and AASL National School Library Standards.

tag(s): 1900s (72), constitution (99), women (154), womens suffrage (52)

Nurture critical thinking skills in your classroom using the resources shared in this collection. Critical thinking is a process that includes the ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information. Thinking critically requires students to infer and solve problems with an open mind. Students use critical thinking skills to observe, experience, communicate and reflect while reading and learning content. As contentious public events spill over into the classroom, teachers need to help students learn how to process perspectives that differ from their own. Use this collection as you are planning your lessons and activities.

tag(s): critical thinking (137), media literacy (113), problem solving (233)

Encourage your students to be global citizens with the resources shared in this collection. Global citizenship helps students to understand both world events and their role within the international community. When students begin to become global citizens, they learn to respect universal values such as peace and the human rights of all people. Use this curated list to start your class discussion of global citizenship.

tag(s): collaboration (94), cross cultural understanding (178)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Can your students tell facts from fiction? Do your digital natives suffer from "digital naivety"? They may be fluent enough with technology to create and post their own work but may not be aware that not everyone who posts online is credible. Teaching students to sift through multiple sets of information allows them to learn the difference between propaganda, advertising, and factual reporting. This is a skill that students need in order to be truly digitally literate. Join us to learn strategies to help your students determine if information is reliable. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore tools and strategies for teaching media literacy; 2. Learn strategies that promote critical examination of online resources; and 3. Plan a learning activity that fosters digital literacy. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): evaluating sources (30), media literacy (113), professional development (393)

Social media in education offers students the ability to connect with learning groups and easily find useful information. As educators, it is pivotal to teach students the benefits of using social media, as well as the proper (and safe) way to use these types of tools. This collection provides professional learning for educators using social media in the classroom, tools to organize and share social media, plus some social media favorites (such as Pinterest).

tag(s): social media (50)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from August 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Digital or online reading is different from reading print. Digital reading often includes a research component that is not linear, so when reading online, students need to clarify their purpose and then evaluate and synthesize information. Come learn about the processes involved in digital reading and explore three tools that will help you teach critical strategies to your students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand skills and processes involved in digital reading; 2. Explore tools that help students find, evaluate, and synthesize what they read; and 3. Plan for digital reading instruction in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital reading (18), professional development (393)