I will be moving my blog over to the Discovery Education Network (DEN) .  Be sure to click on the SUBSCRIBE button on my new blog to receive updates in your e-mail or RSS reader.  My new blog address is: http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/stewarj/

I am doing this to connect and share with other DEN members across the country.  Visitors will be able to see what other educators are doing, as well.  If you would like to join, sign up to become a STAR Discovery Education here.   As a STAR member, you will have free access to the following:

• Training toolboxes
• Classroom resources
• Attend special events
• Participate in promos and contests
• Get your own personal blog
• Access to field managers (Michigan DEN Network)

Google Magazine search was mentioned in today’s Tech Talk.  For years, Google has worked to make as much information as possible accessible online, whether that information comes from books, newspapers, or images.

Go to Google Book search to start your magazine search today.

Myths and Legends is a great tool that comes from England. This site is free and has a great storyboarding tool (see below).

You are provided with ready made characters, objects, speech bubbles, settings, sound effects and the ability to upload your own images to create your story. Students can manipulate objects to fit their story by flipping and resizing. Students can write up to ten chapters, too!

Begin by reading the Teacher Resource section. You will need to register your school to add classes. This will allow teachers to review and approve student work. Check out the other resources on the page for lesson ides.

Learn about the videos and other resource materials on Discovery (United) Streaming – http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/ You will learn how to download videos to the network folder, create playlists, as well as using the Quiz Builder, Writing Prompt Builder, Day in History, Lesson Plan Library and finding content with a Thematic Focus.
Reserve a spot for Mondays or Tuesdays here
Reserve a spot for Wednesday here

To make it easier for teachers to track me down, I have created this Request for Media & Tech support link. Click the link to request materials or would like instruction on using available technology tools in your lesson plans. You may also e-mail me at stewarj@charlottnet.org

Click the link to sign up for PD tech training after school from 4:10-5:10 pm . January’s topic will be – “Learn how to create a wiki (online interactive website) to collaborate with your Professional Learning Community.”  You will create a free account on Wikispaces.

The Scholastic Teacher store is offering resource books for $1 while supplies last until the end of January. Check it out.

I am going to share with you several services that normally you have to pay for. More Web 2.0 services are inviting teachers to try out their product by providing it to you for free.

Smilebox is like an online version of Print Shop, but better.

You can create slideshows, ecards, scrapbooks, photo albums, and postcards.

Normally, the premium subscription costs $39.99, but because your a teacher, you get all this for free!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to claim your free account. Once you have been approved, you will be sent a link to download the Smilebox application. You will have to install the program on your home computer, not your school computer.

Want an easier way to check out what is new on my blog? You can subscribe by clicking on the Subscribe icon at the right of the page. It is circled for you on the image to the left.

Once you click it, this  screen will appear.  Click on  Get TeKnowledgey inTechgration delivered by email and enter your email address.  Updates will be delivered to your Inbox automatically.

See me if you need assistance.