Skype for Teachers: "Skype in the Classroom"

Skype is that free voice and video site purchased by eBay several years ago.  It is my preferred way to have a live discussion while sitting at my computer.  With or without the video, the audio is fine when you have a good computer, broadband, and a quiet office.  Even if the room is noisy and somewhat chaotic (like a classroom of antsy students), the audio with video is powerful.  Given most school libraries have wireless Internet, thanks to annual Federal E-Rate funding, Skype is an ideal way to bring authors, scientists, college admissions officers, and other guests to the schools.

Skype's special site for teachers is worth checking out, even if it is mis-named.  Skype in the Classroom should be "Skype in the School Library".

CUE 2011 Opening Keynote - Michael Horn on Disrupting Class

Here is a fascinating presentation by Michael Horn at the 2011 Computer-Using Educators conference in Palm Springs. It is well-worth viewing, taking notes, and sharing.

Think especially about high school libraries and how they could be positioned to provide the space and the instructors/guides-on-side for online resources (online tutorials). CSLA members who have already taken the CSLA online courses and have been teaching/coaching colleagues and teens are well-positioned to introduce Michael Horn's presentation and book. [Those who have not yet gotten their feet wet with social media tools and other CSLA online tutorials... now is the time to hurry and catch up.]

Tech "Care Package" for Kids to Send Parents and Grandparents

Google has created more than 50 short (2-minute) videos with step-by-step instructions on all sorts of technology topics, ranging from how to "cut and paste" to how to create a blog.  


The site is set up so children can e-mail a specific tech "care package" to their parents or grandparents. See TeachParentsTech.org