Make Things Do Stuff aims to mobilise the next generation of digital makers. The world is becoming increasingly digitised and filled with products that change the way we connect and interact with each other. It is more important than ever to help people use this technology creatively and harness the power of the web for their own means. http://makethingsdostuff.co.uk/ The TimeMap of World History is a comprehensive look at world history. It contains over 650 maps and 1,000 pages of supporting text. It is designed to be easy to navigate, through both time and space. The TimeMap pays attention to the byways as well as to the highways of history. It is structured around a template which makes the complex mesh of history accessible and comprehensible. www.timemaps.com Click to set custom HTML Animated Science, Health, Technology, Math, Social Studies, Arts & Music and English movies, quizzes, activity pages and school homework help for K-12 kids. www.brainpop.com/gameup Zondle enables teachers to create games to match exactly their teaching aims and their students’ learning needs – to consolidate classroom learning, for formative or summative assessment, or to prepare for high-stakes tests and examinations. www.zondle.com The Sixteen Steps is a flipped-classroom learning resource that empowers teachers to teach HTML/CSS. The app walks a user through the core technologies and techniques needed to build a website. It has been used by hundreds of teachers and thousands of students up and down the country. Try it yourself here, or visit o2learn.decoded.co Click to set custom HTML Construct 2 is a powerful ground breaking HTML5 game creator designed specifically for 2D games. It allows anyone to build games — no coding required! https://www.scirra.com/construct2 AppShed allows people to become creators of technology, not just consumers. AppShed is a free online app-creation tool where users design, create and publish mobile apps. Everyone gains a huge sense of achievement, having been able to produce something tangible they can share with others. The app-building environment is intuitive and adaptable to your needs. Apps can be tested in real-time either on a mobile device or in a browser. www.appshed.com 5 Tips: Back 2 SchoolGetting ready for the New Academic Year? You must be thinking about your top priorities. Well let me give some practical advice and resources to get you started! 1. The Big Clean UpThe big clean up is the most important part of the new academic year and setting the foundation for innovative & creative class environments. The first part of the big clean up is getting rid of any old resources (i.e. books, worksheets & out dated equipment) in your classroom. The aim is to create a learning environment that is new and current. The second part of the big clean up is your Home Drive & Shared Area on your computer. If you're like me, randomly saving things and putting documents all over the place, it might be a good idea to create a folder from the previous year and dump all your resources as an archive. Top Advice: The Aim is to make sure your resources are current, up to date & relevant for the new year ahead. 2. The Mini TrackersTracking students' coursework, homework, behaviour or progress is an important part of your practice. Over the years I have wasted countless hours going over the top, data capturing student's information and storing it effectively. My recommendation is to keep it simple at the start and build as you go along. Top Advice: If you're finding it hard to maintain your tracking system then you are doing something wrong. Make sure it's simple and easy to populate. Click on the link below for a Free Tracking System to get you started. Free Tracking System (Homework, Assessments, Interventions & Behaviour) 3. Keep Your Resources Current!Keeping your practices current is one of the best ways of keeping on top of your teaching and becoming an awesome teacher! It is important you keep your Homework, Worksheets & Schemes Of Work up to date so students are engaged, inspired and prepared. Click on the link below for a Free Welcome back presentation to get you started Free Welcome Back Powerpoint Presentation Top Advice: Sometimes recycling PPT slides, Worksheets, Internet Resources can hinder your practice. Keep your resources up to date! 4. Develop Yourself or Get Left BehindIn order to grow, you need to increase your skill sets & willingness to learn new things! Then exciting things will happen in your teaching. One question I ask myself everyday is what can I do to enhance my teaching or make my teaching job easier. Since I have embedded this philosophy into my practice, I have been more open to learning new things and sharing my resources with others. As a result this has helped my teaching and relationships to become more stronger and relevant to others. Another great way of learning new things is visiting other departments in your school, joining twitter (follow #ukedchat #edchat #sltchat Hashtags) or going to your local teachmeet.com Top Advice: "You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan 5. Time to Get Passionate!When was the last time you were passionate about something in teaching. You couldn't wait to get into the classroom to teach? Well it's time to embrace passion and your enthusiasm about your subject! This is because passion is contagious & can spread rapidly through your students and colleagues. The hidden secret to excellent teaching is to care more and taking more risks. As a result it will enhance your relationships and teaching output. So my advice is to keep calm and show some passion for your subject. Top Advice: "Work hard and cultivate relationships. New opportunities will present themselves to you." - Unknown |