You - the Voki Avatar

Okay, it's almost the end of the week and almost the end of the summer semester. I think we need to make time for a little play 'n learn.

Get a Voki now!
(click on the play button in the bottom left)

At this point I honestly don't remember where I learned about this site, but it has been fun. Voki.com is a cool (free) little site where you can create your own speaking avatar. It is fairly intuitive and fast.

I sent the link to several coworkers and the Online Learning Series participants the other day. I didn't have time to play with it just then, but I had to share it! WELL . . . I have been getting some hilarious messages from people. Although I should probably be doing something a bit higher on the "productive" scale this afternoon, I am making time for a little play 'n learn.

Actually, I can see many uses for this - not just play. How cool would this be for an introduction to students taking your online class or going to your blog or wiki?

Take a play 'n learn break. You deserve it.

Just sharin'
Lee Anne

George Mason launches online clearinghouse for teachers of American history

I am inclined to believe that when a "clearinghouse" comes aknocking on your door, you are indeed already a winner!

I am reading ClassroomNews - an online eNewsletter by eSchool News. There are several interesting articles, but one certainly caught my eye. Are you a history teacher (or do you know one) looking for useful online content? Here you go . . . I hope! Below is ClassroomNews' link and discussion.

George Mason launches online clearinghouse for teachers of American history
http://teachinghistory.org/
"George Mason University has received a five-year, $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to build and run an interactive web site that trains the nation’s elementary and high school history teachers in their craft. The new National History Education Clearinghouse is funded by ED’s Teaching American History program, which supports professional development opportunities for teachers in that field. The site will include features such as a searchable database of state history standards, customizable lesson plans, and online discussion forums with education experts on current trends in teaching American history. Kelly Schrum, director of educational projects at George Mason’s Center for History and New Media, said the site is designed to be the most comprehensive resource available for instructors specializing in American history. “There are a lot of clearinghouses and professional training in science and math, but not in history,” Schrum told The Examiner of Washington, D.C. “This is really an outgrowth of our overall mission.”

Check it out and let me know what you think?

Just Sharin'
Lee Anne