SD25 Tech Time

 

Teachers never stop learning.

And just because students are no longer filling the classrooms, that doesn’t mean teachers coast through the summer months without a thought of improving teaching and learning with technology.  Even if attending a professional development session wasn’t in the plans during summer, teachers can create their own ways to develop professionally.    
Here are 8 favorite sources and places that provide great food for thought, inspiration, and ideas for making the upcoming school year even better:

1.  Author and educational technologist Adam Bellow delivers the closing keynote of ISTE 2013 with a high-energy presentation reveling in the joys of being a connected educator in these amazing times. Showcasing stories of inspiration from classrooms around the world and anecdotes from Bellow's career, and highlight inspiration from classrooms around the world. Bellow invites you to challenge yourself to make a difference in your school with creativity and kindness.

 

While at YouTube, check out YouTube EDU where learners and educators are brought together.  Check out educational videos, lessons, and more.

2. and 3.  Here is a two-in-one recommendation:  While this is dated by a year, Edudemic is a great source for anything to do with educational technology.  In this link: http://www.edudemic.com/2012/03/25-ted-talks-perfect-for-classrooms/ a list of 25 TED Talks are suggested.  They vary in content, purpose and quality, but there are surely ideas that inspire.

4.  According to Richard Byrne, creator of the Free Technology for Teachers blog, "The purpose of this site is to share information about free resources that teachers can use in their classrooms."  Check it out: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/

5. Pinterest's Education boards are an excellent way to find (and pin!) ideas for the classroom: http://pinterest.com/all/education/

6. and 7.  Here is another two-in-one:  MindShift is a great blog to read, and this July 8, 2013 blog post specifically offers a list of "13 Free Web Tools Students and Teachers Should Know About." This blog, as well as the others listed above, can be a springboard to other resources - so check out links on the pages!

8. Rediscover Discovery Education!  Go through the ISEE portal to access SchoolNet where the Discovery Education link is located. Not only are there material for students, but there is also a Professional Development tab that links to ways to get the most out of Discovery Ed.