There’s just one more week to go and I’ve been struggling to figure out what websites would be the most useful to teachers at this time of year. Like our students, it’s hard not to “check out” mentally a little early. It’s so hard, in fact, that I’ve given up trying. This week’s featured website is just for fun. BeFunky.com is a cool online program that enables you ”turn your photos into incredible artwork with one click.”  

Here’s an example of what you can do:

There are some very good educational uses of this application–in our art classes and with any of your students presentations–but mostly it’s just fun!

I received this from Cathy L. this morning and felt it warranted a “Feel Good Friday – Round 2″!

http://www.imtiredonline.com/smile/

Enjoy the long weekend!

Sad, powerful, poignant….too many words, too many emotions.

Click here for more pictures.

How many hours do you think you’ve spent putting together presentations for you classes? Well, before you start you next one, check out SlideShare.net! They have a huge collection of slide shows. You might be able to find one you can use, or at the very least you can get some great ideas! Please be aware that some of the presentations posted here are going to be more (or less) appropriate for school, so search with caution. In addition, while this is a slide sharing utility, please be sure to always give credit to the original creator. It’s the nice thing to do!

This one from Alexei Kapterev is one of my favorites!

| View | Upload your own

What does it mean to be literate in the 21st century? Is it about giving students books and providing them with time for silent, sustained, reading? Sure. Is it about teaching them the parts of speech and having them diagram sentences? Certainly.

But if that’s where we stop, then we’re missing the boat on what being literate in the 21st century truly encompasses.

David Warlick (blog, wiki) made a presentation on this subject at our PWCS Technology Conference in August. He writes, “Being literate in the future will certainly involve the ability to read, write, and do basic math. However, the concept of literacy in the 21st century will be far richer and more comprehensive than the 3 Rs of the one room school house, a legacy that still strongly influences today’s education environment.”

And he asks the following questions:

• What do you need to know, when most of recorded knowledge is a mouse-click away?
• How do you distinguish between good knowledge and bad knowledge?
• What does it do to the value of information, when everyone is a producer?
• How do we address ethics, when we are empowering our students with such prevailing skills?

His slideshow on the subject:

[slideshare id=31186&doc=literacy-learning-in-the-21st-century-14085&w=425]

And on a final note…
Download Video: Posted by mjohnson at TeacherTube.com.