IHMS Tech Tips

The Learning Network is a derivative of the NY Times.  "Every school day since 1998, we have offered fresh classroom resources — from lesson plans and writing prompts to news quizzes, student contests and more — all based on the articles, essays, photos, videos and graphics published on NYTimes.com. All of our features for students are free, and we hear from thousands of teenagers around the world each week. So whether the students you know are interested in politics or pop culture, science or sports, fashion, food or foreign affairs, invite them here to join the conversation." Some of the site's features: articles and questions Use the "Article of the Day" for bell work, as an exit ticket, or for enrichment writing prompts Use the daily student opinion question to spark discussion current events crosswords weekly film club contests lesson plans ( Teachers can access and use up to five lesson plans each month.) There really is way too...

The Global Oneness Project  "was f ounded in 2006, as an initiative of Kalliopeia Foundation, we   bring  the world's cultures alive in the classroom using stories as a pedagogical tool for growing minds. Committed to the exploration of cultural, environmental, and social issues, we offer a rich library of free multimedia stories comprised of award-winning films, photo essays, and articles. Free companion curriculum and discussion guides are also available. All for free." Creating an account is fast and easy.  Each week, a new lesson plan with accompanying media is released on the site, or you can choose to sign up for the newsletter.   When exploring in the site, you can search by media type, those that have lesson plans, subject, or standard.  Most films are twenty minutes or less.  You can also use the search tool to look for something specific or to browse popular topics.  Use the "share to classroom" button to...share to Google Cla...

Storybird is a web-based, free tool that, "uses illustrations to inspire students to write stories."  Whether it's long-form books, picture books, or poetry, students can choose an illustration to prompt their writing or find one that matches what they've already got in mind. Signing up for a Storybird account is easy and free and links to your Google account.  After signing up, you will create a class and be given a code for students to use to enroll.  Creating a class also allows parents to become part of the audience if they choose to sign up as well.  They can then see their student's work.  Below is a brief tutorial on how to sign up your students as well as the parent invite: To create the first story, click on Create and choose an image to use as a writing prompt or use the search feature to find something specific.  Unfortunately, there is not a way to import images so your only options are what is housed within Storybird. I...