Footnote

Footnote is a collection of over 68,000,000 historical documents.  The collection can be browsed by topic or searched by keywords.  Users can add annotations, comment, connect documents, or add a spotlight.  Once the annotations or comments have been made, users can then print, download, or share the document with others via email, link, or embedding it into a website or blog.  Footnote is a great way for students to interact with primary source documents.

More with Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging service that allows people to share information with short posts (140 character maximum).  In the classroom, Twitter can be used as a tool for summarizing, sharing information about what is going on in the classroom, or posting announcements. Students can write tweets to summarize what they have learned during a lesson or to take notes. After each section of a video or reading, students could write a tweet to show their understanding of the material. Here is a quick, basic Twitter template I created for students to write their tweets (.pdf file). 



Related posts: Twitter, Ideas to Inspire

GeoGreeting

GeoGreeting finds satelitte images of buildings and objects around the world that look like letters.  Users can type messages or just a single word.  It is a great visual for students to see their words in a different way.  The completed word or message can then be shared with others using a link.

Spin & Spell

Spin and Spell is an interactive, animated spelling game for children ages 4-8.  Users choose words from one of the seven categories- in and around the home, what we wear, what we eat, how we get there, and the animal kingdom.  Then, users click on a picture to hear the word.  They then use their mouse to click on the letters to spell the word.  Users can also click on the "Pick a word for me" button to hear a random word on the page. 

NASA PlanetQuest Historic Timeline

NASA has numerous resources for educators including the PlanetQuest Historic Timeline.  This interactive, multimedia timline begins in 500 BC and traces the search for extrasolar planets from philosophical beliefs to modern discoveries.  The timeline can be autoplayed or users can explore on their own.  Users can also browse through the timeline using three different categories - technology, discoveries, and thought/ culture.

Facebook Statuses for Historical Figures

What if historical figures had Facebook? What would George Washington post after he became president? Who would comment or "like" his post? 

Students could create faux Facebook pages for historical figures with comments and "likes" from relevant people during that time.  They could also make faux profile pages, event pages, or groups to show their understanding of different people, events, or organizations in the past. 

Here is a Facebook template from Tomorrow's Tech in Todays Schools in PowerPoint.

It's a Book!

Microsoft Education Resources

The Microsoft Education website has several free lesson plans, resources, and guides for teachers.  Resources on the site include free software and applications, and templates.

The lesson plans can be used to teach specific content-related concepts as well as introducing or practicing using different Microsoft software programs.  Users can search for lesson plans and how-to articles by title, software program/ Microsoft product, and/or grade level.   Users can also browse the lesson plans and how-to articles by subject area.  Lesson plan ideas and how-to documents include using Microsoft Excel to create a timeline, creating a class newsletter with Microsoft Publisher, and telling a story using Windows Live Movie Maker.