Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Just because you can record a person's voice doesn't mean you can publish it on the web. Here's a site that outlines the basics of U.S. laws regarding copyright and publicity as they relate to user-created podcasts. You'll learn about which Issues are OK, which require permission, and other pointers to consider when creating podcasts for school or educational uses. There is a PDF version of this site available at the top of the page.

tag(s): air (101), copyright (44), podcasts (108)

Help students to become savvy Internet users with this nicely structured lesson plan, complete with print-friendly handouts. Students are asked to brainstorm characteristics that make a Web page useful, use a critical evaluation tool to analyze an actual site, determine if the information is real or bogus, and reflect on the importance of carefully evaluating information found on a Web site. Aligned to standards.

tag(s): brainstorming (18)

Help students navigate more efficiently in the library with this multimedia tutorial about the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Visitors can learn about the history and logic behind the DDC, and how it is used to organize information of every kind. Project the site to accompany a teacher-prepared introduction to the library, then test student knowledge with the site's interactive quiz.

tag(s): classification (22)

Avoid the frustration of sending students to a site populated by dead links. Just enter a URL into this handy online and let it check to see if there are any broken text or image links on the page. Dr. Watson will also spell check a site, generate Word counts, and compute download speeds.

This handy tool helps clear up the search engine confusion. It clearly and simply matches research needs with appropriate online resources. Point your students to this site before starting them on a research project.

tag(s): search engines (48)

Improve your students' online research skills with this helpful guide to using Google. Features of the search engines are explained (did you know that the search box can be used as a calculator or that you can receive email Google news alerts when a phrase you wish to track shows up in the news?), and searching tips are provided. You'll have fun with this one.

tag(s): search strategies (22)

Kids can learn the basics of HTML and create their own websites with this user-friendly resource. A tutorial clearly explains things like code, graphics, and layout, and examples are provided in the "playground" and "gallery" sections. Throughout the site, links for parents and teachers offer planning tips and suggestions for using HTML as a learning tool. While the goal of this resource is to create an actual website, caution should be observed! Check your school's policy on student Internet use before beginning a website project.

tag(s): design (79)

This report on the Children's Internet Privacy Act from the National Telecommunications Information Agency focuses on practical ideas that can have a meaningful impact in managing children's access to the web while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on others. School technology staffs will find its "lessons learned" and "best practices" sections particularly interesting. Text based info but current.

The recent rashes of e-mail borne viruses and worms make a visit to this Microsoft page almost a necessity. Surprisingly usable, the site offers tips, patches, and suggestions for maintaining computer security in home, office, and school environments. This is a useful resource whether you're already infected or simply want to avoid becoming infected.

tag(s): internet safety (114), Microsoft (80), worms (5)

If you're looking to stay connected while studying or on the road, this site allows users to search for wireless internet (Wi-Fi) connections by state, city, and country. Whether you're looking for a bookstore, coffee shop, or hotel with wireless capabilities, this is a good place to start your search.

This study has helpful information for educators and other professionals concerned with the quality of internet accessibility in out public schools. The study examines the educational and societal implications of placing internet filtering software on school computers. The study is specifically aimed at determining whether such software actually impedes the pursuit of curriculum goals by inappropriately blocking educational resources. The study's use of state mandated curriculum standards as a basis for internet searches places the study in a context that continues the current dialogue over the most effective way to filter internet use in schools.

This site offers a broad collection of ideas, resources, and best practice discussions regarding the uses of assistive technology in schools. While the precise applicability of these resources will depend on local circumstances and student populations, this site could be a live-saver for teachers suddenly faced with a special education technology need.

tag(s): resources (83), Special Needs (53)

Intel's tour of the inside of your computer has reappeared in the Web world. Use it for an interactive, highly visual look at what goes on inside the typical computer. There are 35 interactive lessons and six sections: Introduction to Computers, Circuits, and Switches, Digital Information, Microprocessors, The Internet, and Technology and Society. Detailed instructional strategies written for the teacher extend the lessons and key concepts in the classroom.

tag(s): computers (109)

Read about how Microsoft products are designed for people of all abilities.

tag(s): Microsoft (80)

This is a collection of science and math lessons and web resources ranging from how the Internet works to nanoscience, engineering, biology, and principles of physics and chemistry. The content is predictably detailed, "real science" based on topics and phenomena that will interest students. These are the best of the best lessons and resources with applicability to lots of settings.

tag(s): antarctica (30), arctic (40), biomes (110), chemicals (39), computers (109), cultures (180), earth (184), engineering (129), environment (252), fractions (160), geometric shapes (134), numbers (120), origami (14), planets (113), robotics (24), space (222), symmetry (26)

This is a chronological history of the World Wide Web intended primarily for programmers, marketers, and people who earn their living working with the web. Parts of the history may be useful in explaining web behaviors, or they might be helpful to a student researching the web for a class project.

tag(s): internet safety (114)

This site offers a compilation of tips, resources, ideas, and add-ons for popular software. The site offers a range of basic computing tips, as well as soft-ware specific advice. It provides a good starting point for stumped software users.

tag(s): computers (109), professional development (385)

Not all search engines are the same, and using the right search tool is critical to finding what you want on the web. This site offers both quick comparisons and in-depth reviews of the major search engines, to help you find a search tool that will work best for you. If you're into web research, this is a great starting point.

tag(s): computers (109), search engines (48)

This plain-vanilla site explains the importance of good ergonomics in setting up computers for students. The information is presented clearly with a focus on creating a cost-effective method of constructing a computer setup that won't contort your students without. If you're responsible for any student's use of a computer, this is information you should know.

tag(s): engineering (129)

This simple but comprehensive site is one of the most complete on-line guides to the Internet, its history, its capabilities, and some of its more famous, and infamous, personalities. The site is very plain-vanilla, but does a great job at presenting a comprehensive treatment of the internet.

tag(s): resources (83)