Google Search Stories

Be warned - Search Stories is highly addictive! You use the various types of Google Searches to create a short story complete with soundtrack. At first I didn't quite 'get it' but after watching the videos and giving it a tentative try, I realised that not only is it extremely easy to use, but can be used in the classroom as a creative tool. Watch this Search Story video to get the idea.

When you've got the gist of it, click here to get started.

Integration:

• Learners use Search Stories to summarise the main points of a narrative, historical event or any other period of time
• Create your own 'teaser trailers' to a topic or theme
• Learners create Search Stories as if they were a character from history, politics, literature, science etc and their classmates have to identify who it is
• Use as part of a multimedia project to add an extra dimension to presenting information

Add your ideas in the comments below!

StorySomething

StorySomething is a really nice site for younger learners. Browse through the stories and then personalise them by entering a name. The chosen name then becomes the star of the story.

Integration:

• Allow readers to choose their own story to star in
• Use the stories to engage reluctant readers
• Use them on birthdays and make the birthday boy/girl the star of the story to read to the rest of the class
• Encourage parents to access the site and use the stories for bedtime reads
• Use the beautiful illustrations for predictions before reading the stories
• Sign up for weekly delivery at a certain time to build expectation and excitement about what story will appear next

Feel free to add any other ideas in the comments box below.

Historypin

Historypin is a site where anyone can add a picture and submit the accompanying story. Have a look at the intro below:

Integration:

1. When doing a topic on a particular area of the world, use Historypin to see how it has changed over time or how it was at a particular time
2. Choose a time period / place related to the literature you are studying and use the pictures as inspiration for creative fiction to tie in with the theme
3. Use for project work where learners gather pictures from parents, grandparents etc and produce the accompanying anecdotes before uploading them to the site

Project Based Learning (PBL)

If you've ever wondered what PBL is, how you go about getting started or are looking for resources to support what you've already done, this site from BIE is full of really useful stuff. From forums to ready-to-go projects, advice for creating 'driving questions' and a 'Tubric' to help you develop them, there's something on here for anyone who's thinking of developing their skills in this type of teaching.
It's so full of resources that it really does inspire even a tired mind dry of all creativity. A really great site to visit to spark ideas for a new school year and one that you may well visit regularly for fresh projects.

SugarSync

SugarSync is similar to Dropbox in that it synchronises folders on your computer with online storage, meaning they are backed up wherever you go. SugarSync is not to be missed as you get 5GB free (as opposed to Dropbox's 2GB) and there is an extra 500MB for every referral you make. The best part? There is no limit on the number of referrals you can get the free space from so get sharing!

Integration:
See Dropbox 

Blockposters

Blockposters allows you to blow up any image and then print it out and whatever size paper you have available to create a 'jigsaw' of a massive poster. There's no need to worry about your picture file being too small as they actually encourage you to make it as pixelated as possible as they reckon it looks even better when on the wall. Download the files as pdfs, print them out and stick them wherever you like! A4 is fine but you can choose your paper size from the options available. This literally takes less than 2 minutes to do so very quick and easy.

Integration:

• Enlarge a class photo to stick on one wall; learners can jot notes in between or stick post-its with targets for learning on the poster.
• Create fantastic classroom displays - life-size cut outs of characters from a book, or historical figures. (Think eco - don't laminate, use cardboard backing instead! You can always print more next year.)
• Use to make sets and scenes from books or topics that you're studying.

Add any more ideas to the notes below!

Mathtrain.TV

Mathtrain.tv is a truly inspiring site for any educator. Basically, one teacher realised that his kids were great at teaching each other and decided to harness this by creating a site full of their video tutorials on maths. You can watch the story below. Not only were they able to really push themselves in terms of their understanding, but now they receive requests from learners all around the world asking for their help in understanding this subject. What a fantastic idea. To access the videos, visit the site, but why not start one for your own subject?

Jeopardy Flash Template (& other games)

Use this page to create a Jeopardy-like game. It can accommodate up to 10 teams and has the choice of a timer. Very simple to use. Can be customised and played online or downloaded to Window or Mac OS. Go to the homepage of the site for many more templates including Millionaire, Hangman, Speed Match etc. They even have tools to help you work out seating plans and create groups. Lots of useful stuff!

Integration:

• Use it at the end of a topic to review learning.
• Use it at the start of a topic to assess learners' starting points.
• Use it as a tool to direct research; learners work in groups to find out answers to the questions.
• Learners can create their own versions; for example, one group can create a set of questions for another.
• The range of games means different groups can create different ways of testing learning.

Manga High Maths

MangaHigh.com offers a range of flash games for learners aged 10-16 to practise their math skills. What perhaps makes this a bit different is that the games are genuinely challenging. I had a quick trial and did 'OK' but the fun of playing creates a genuine desire to return and improve.

Register for a free basic account and create classes, enabling your learners to gain virtual awards for their progress.

Integration:

• Use the site to set engaging homework tasks
• Keep learners motivated throughout lessons by playing these games
• Set up on your website for independent revision and reinforcement

Tal.ki

Tal.ki offers free embeddable forums which are very simple to set up and manage. With each forum, you can have up to 5 topics but you can sign up for more forums - you will just need a different log in for each one.

Integration:

• Create and embed a forum on your VLE if your system (like ours) does not offer an 'on-page' discussion facility
• Set up a forum for regular discussions e.g. related to homework tasks
• Forums can be good for PBL (Project-Based Learning). As they are free, learners can set one up for each group to collaborate on their project.
• If using Google Sites, just go to Insert > More Gadgets > type 'tal.ki' and the gadget will appear. Customise it and add it to your page - easy!