Thinking about the right tool for the job at hand

There are so many great technology tools...wikis, blogs, Google docs, podcasts, Moodle sites, VoiceThread, and on and on. Sometimes it's difficult to know which tool to use for a given project or activity.

The best way to approach this problem is to always start with the question "What are the instructional goals?" and then to think about how to accomplish those goals. Sometimes the answer will be technology; other times it may be paper-and-pencil, f2f group discussion, or something else.

Here is a grid that outlines the main differences between things like wikis, blogs, document sharing, etc. with some thoughts on which are best suited to different classroom activities.

If you have your own tips to share about how you choose which tool to use for different activities, post your thoughts here to share with others.

No more "Pimp your web site" - Ad-free Wikispaces for free

Wikispaces is now offering complimentary upgrades to ad-free spaces for K-12 educators!

If you're starting a new space, use this link to start as an ad free K-12 space. If you want to upgrade an existing site, go to Manage Spaces and and click Subscription. Then scroll to the bottom and request a complimentary upgrade.

I love Wikispaces, and this forward-thinking policy is one more plus. Their wikis are very easy for beginners to use. I'm using them as a basis for many of my workshops so that people have the information to access later and so that those who can't attend can participate virtually.

Thank you, Wikispaces!

(Thanks to Becky Hart for this info.)

The first kids open dictionary

For months, I have been writing about our project to create the first kids open dictionary.

I am very excited to unveil the first piece of this: a collaborative, wiki-based dictionary builder. If you have a second, check out the site and add a quick definition (or click on recent changes to edit one someone else has done). Whatever you do doesn't have to be perfect. Others can add to it and edit it later.

This project grew out of the need we have seen in classrooms and other informal learning environments for a dictionary that is kid-appropriate (both in terms of language level and content) and open for everyone to use in any context.

Down the road, we'll be publishing this as a completely open, public domain dictionary that can be used on the web or offline on desktops, laptops, handhelds, ipods, phones, etc. Teachers will also be able to export custom glossary lists to incorporate into their own lessons, ebooks, web sites, etc.

We are excited about this project and hope many of you will join in and contribute. It only takes a couple minutes and is a great way to share and become a part of the Open Educational Resources movement.