After watching videos and reading downloads from the online teaching conference (see the previous post), I was inspired to create some products for my upcoming fall classes. The session on interactive tools prompted me to create a voice thread, telling new parents and students about the CA Dept. of Ed.'s suggested reading list. When school starts, I'll encourage students to also leave voice threads, telling us about books they have read recently. The social networking session encouraged me to create a class Wiki. I developed one that I hope to use for an introductory social studies project.

Check out the free online videos and downloads from the Online Teaching Conference and get inspired!

Online PD

With budget cuts, little money remains for teachers' professional development. A few weeks ago I went (for free!) to San Digeo (virtually, from my couch in San Jose, CA!) for an online teaching conference. Although primarily targeting online teachers, many of the sessions gave great tips for regular (face-to-face) classroom teachers as well.

I especially got a lot out of the session on graphic organizers, integrating social networking to foster an engaged community, and a session on MUVE's (session 14 at 2:15pm). I still plan to go back and view some of the ones I missed, such as the live video of the Google Wave session, and to download handouts from the session, Communication Tools for the 21st Century (session 4). Go to any of the links and register as a guest to take advantage of this free professional development training via video and handouts!