http://flowingdata.com/
FlowingData explores how designers, statisticians, and computer scientists are using data to understand ourselves better – mainly through data visualization. Money spent, reps at the gym, time you waste, and personal information you enter online are all forms of data. How can we understand these data flows? Data visualization lets non-experts make sense of it all.
The election is now open. If you get a chance, please vote for me (Michael George). Remember you must be a member to vote, but membership is free.
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Its been said that the strongest combination is a good tool in the right hands. This is one of the best visualization and storytelling tools I have seen since I have started using Keynote on my Mac. This is worth checking out.
http://www.prezi.com
I’ve been using this site for years and it’s one of the best sites for French teachers I’ve ever seen. There are hot potatoes activities, links to French music videos, links to java games, an interactive novel, webzines, and much more. I highly recommend all French teachers check out this site as I’m sure there’s something you’d find that would work in your class. Happy surfing!
I know, I know, online animation sites have been around for a while now. But I wanted to share this one with you because out of all the ones I’ve used (and I’ve used quite a few) this one is by far my favorite.
Go!Animate is a free online animation creation site. You simply register for your free account and start creating your own custom animations. I like this site because it’s easy to use (students have no problems with it) and it still has enough neat little features to keep the students’ interest. You can make the animated characters move around, put the heads of people you have pictures of and put them on the Go!Animate figures, and use your own backgrounds.
I’ve found that animations work well with TPRS, for those of you who might be fans of that. It’s also fun to let students create their own animations, and their easy to grade because you can access them online at your leisure.
If you’d like to see one of my examples, follow the link below:
GoAnimate.com: Une eleve francaise a MHS by mmesilvestri
Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com.
If you’re even reading this blog you most likely disagree with the title of this book and the information inside. One of the main arguments the author, Mark Bauerlein, makes is that the increased use of technology as a learning tool in school is dumbing down our kids. I think it’s important to read what both sides of the argument, especially since Professor Bauerlein uses data and not just empty diatribes to defend his argument. It’s also important to read what’s out there so you can at least be ready to counter these types of arguments put forth by some technophobes today. So I recommend you take a look at this book and see what the other side is saying. Or at least take a look at this article from USA Today to get the gist of it.
