Teacher Tools
Need Screenshots Using an Old Version of Word?
2010 Office makes it very easy to press a button and save screenshots as images. This is sadly not so for older versions of Word. If you need a screen shot for a handout or other print or digital tool, this is the tutorial for you.
Quizlet
Quizlet is an awesome resource that I have shared with many teachers! This tutorial will get you started!
Tagxedo
I am definitely a lover of all things related to the written word. Literature, word clouds, fonts, graphics…I devour any form of these! That adoration delivers me right to the front door of a new application…Tagxedo. Tagxedo creates word clouds in different shapes. The creators define their tool as “word clouds with style”.
Persuasive Writing
Humor in Persuasive Media
This is always a great way to help students understand how media persuades us. Watch each video and determine the techniques that the commercials use to persuade viewers to buy their products and/ or services. While this is great for a laugh, it gets you engaged and interested in how media persuades.
Test Prep Materials
Attached are the Persuasive Writing Materials for any one teaching students how to pass a Persuasive Writing test. Please contact me if you need more assistance or would like materials from previous workshops. Writing Bookmarks elementary) Writing Bookmarks (middle-high school) Hook Powerpoint Opposite Side PowerPoint Opinion and Thesis Powerpoint FASTPEN handout HOOT handout (middle and [...]
Journalism
Make Your Own QR Code
I have posted about QR Codes in the past. There are numerous possibilities for how they can be used in the classroom. This semester, I want to explore a bit more about not only how to integrate this technology into my Tech Toolbox, but how to create them for myself. An easy way for beginners to [...]
What are QR codes?
My husband interupted my exciting night of grading papers to call me over to peer at his Entertainment Weekly. He wanted me to take a picture of one of the pages with my iPhone. I reluctantly did. Instantly my phone began playing a movie trailer. WHAT? I looked at the magazine to undertsand what just [...]
Archetypes
The Hero
Superman is one of the most well recognized hero archetypes. The hero archetype tends to follow a similar format with predictable characteristics. One of the key skills when discussing archetypes is being able to predict the qualities that commonly occur. The most common hero archetype characteristics include: 1. Extraordinary strength or abilities 2. A noble [...]
The Maiden
The Maiden is a character archetype. The most common is found in the Cinderella storyline. There are many motifs that characterize this figure. This character is often tormented in some manner by an authority figure. She adheres to the cultural norms of beauty and vulnerability. Here is a GREAT article that examines this archetypal character [...]
Other Recent Posts
Camtasia
Camtasia Studio Software or Camtasia screen recorder by TechSmith is a new easy to use video editing software that will help you create professional looking presentations or screencast. Create blogs, videos and presentations that will look like it was created by professionals to impress your boss, clients or even other students. For those wanting to [...]