1. Encylopedia Virginia
This is a free resource is a project of Virginia Humanities in partnership with the Library of Virginia. The site publishes topical and biographical entries written by scholars, edited to be accessible to a general audience, and vigorously fact-checked. Accompanying, entries are primary documents and media objects, including images, audio and visual clips, and interactive maps of historic sites throughout the state, as well as virtual tours.
2. Twitter Advanced Search
Tessa Davis posted that one of the most powerful features Twitter has is the advanced search and I couldn’t agree more! This isn’t necessarily a new find for me, just a great reminder and one you should be aware of too!
I focus on this feature in my Remaining Aloft in the Twitterverse professional development session. The advanced search feature in Twitter allows you to search by keyword, hashtag, and date, or search for people near you or outside your group of followers. It is a very powerful tool!
3. QR Code Vocabulary
This seems like an interesting twist to learning vocabulary words! It’s like a mini breakout that combines collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking with content. The basic idea here is to create a Frayer model, cut up the graphic organizer and scramble the pieces. Once students have it put back together again, they scan the QR code which gives them a number. They have to have the cards in the right order so the numbers are correct to open the lock box.
I thought of several ways to use this. Of course, being a coach, my first thought was to use this with teachers as an activity to one, show them how to do this, but also talk about technology integration or using Canvas. Or use this as a more introductory activity when I work with new teachers next year and scramble the different pieces among themselves, not just in small groups, and they have to work together to put the pieces back in place.
Upon reading the description in Weber’s blog post, I then thought this would be perfect for ELL students as it can teach them about concepts but also help with understanding words and definitions.
4. Civil Rights Unit Summative Assessment
I love this idea from Denny Conklin (inspired by Amanda Sandoval)! The dinner party scenario was one of my favorites to write about as a student and I think this example takes it to the next level.
A few years ago, we moved away from more traditional final exams and I would like to come up with/gather some new alternative assessment ideas for teachers in my building. This will be added to the list!
What’s your favorite weekly find this week? Do you have a great find to share? Leave a comment below!
You can see all Weekly Finds in this Wakelet collection.
Ms Priester EDU 