Two Apps for Teaching with an iPad

In my methods semester of student teaching I had a cooperating teacher with an Activeslate for Promethean boards. Let's just say I fell in love with using it for my lessons. Ever since then I have been looking for an app on the iPad with the same capabilities. While these are not quite to the level of the Activeslate software Doceri and Explain Everything are a step in the right direction.  With these apps you can reflect your iPad screen through your projector and teach from it. After your lesson is over you can add audio and upload it to your class website. 

Pink Slip for Homework?

Have you ever heard of a pink slip for homework? Me either, but a teacher friend of mine recently told me about them and I've done a little research on the subject and found an article entitled "Effective Teaching..."  In this article they talk about pink slips.  What are pink slips?  Pink slips are a way to make students take accountability for their actions.  If a students shows up to class with no homework they must complete a pink slip.  On this pink slip students are required to give a reason for not completing the homework.  These slips can be used in parent conferences.  One teacher claimed to have a significant improvement on the amount of homework turned in.  You can see and example of a pink slip here.

Classroom Organization Ideas

I love this blog post I recently read entitled "Classroom Organization Tips".  In the post Elizabeth gives readers a tour of her classroom and how she manages to never lose papers!

First Day of School

I recently read a great article entitled "Twenty-two, First Year, and Legit".  This article talks about Kara Moore and her experience as a first year teacher.  It also includes a first day classroom management plan.  I believe it is important for students to know what you expect from them from day one.  They also need to know that you mean business and that classroom procedures are in place from the beginning.

Good Resources for Technology in the Classroom

Although I consider myself proficient in using technology in the classroom, there is still much I need to learn.  It is always good to have resources on the web where you can find the lastest information on using technology in the classroom.

FreeTech4Teachers

Education World

The Innovative Educator

Kleinspiration