Podcasts
This week, after producing my first Podcast with my partner Catharine, I realized that there is a great amount of techniques out there - just waiting to be utilized in classrooms.

What is a Podcast?
Don't worry! You're not the first to ask. The Podcast is an audio recording, which could be anything from a 10-sec sound to a 30-min radio show, sorted as an MP3 file that anybody can download. The result is a new way of sharing audio via the Internet

How do I listen and subscribe to podcasts?

You' got plenty of options.

Do I need an iPod or other portable device?

No! Here's why...

How do I create a podcast?

It's easy, fun, and FREE with Gcast.

Where can I find more podcasts?

The lists grow longer every day!

Wikis

I have to admit that I had no idea about Wikis until Dr. Dawn mentioned them, in Tools 5: Web 2.0. WHAT? WIKIS? As usual, I Googled and did my homework! However, reading and discussing Richardson's Blog, Wiki, Podcasts was an eye-opening. I love the idea of utilizing Wiki in classrooms. A wiki is a web site that allows students to experience the power of editing and adding content. It brings students together to build a common body of knowledge! a highly effective way to promote communication and collaboration. However, preparing for Wikis requires for educators to address the following queries:

• what are your goals?
• who are your audience?
• what is the focus of your Wikis?
• what types of information will you want on your Wikis?
• who are the contributor?
• how would you describe your Wiki in single sentence?
• is a Wiki the right way to go?

cool sites:

1. http://www.slideshare.net/Andreatej/learning-with-blogs
2. http://blog.wikispaces.com/
3. http://critical.tamucc.edu/wiki/SMurph/LiteracyWritingProject

Cool Link:
Blog, Wikis, Podcast, and more explained in Plain English: A short, fun video
http://www.commoncraft.com/

From " Blogs in Education"

Options for instructors using blogs:

• Content-related blog as professional practice;
• Networking and personal knowledge sharing;
• Instructional tips for students
• course announcements and readings;
• explanatory links and
• knowledge management.

Options for students using blogs in classrooms:

• Reflective or writing journals;
• Knowledge management;
• Assignment submission and review;
• Dialogue for group work;
• Electronic portfolios
• Share course-related resources

welcome to Cool-Teaching Blog

Cool Teaching has been set up to provide an opportunity for teachers, administrators, parents, and others to help promote an understanding of the benefits of integrating technology in classrooms.

Blogger
Creating a personal blog site is easy. Blogger makes it even easier to upload photos and text. New layout allows addition of links, html etc. Another good thing to do with blogger is to set up comment moderation so that comments come to your e-mail before they are published. If you're planning to use blogger in classrooms, be cautious to not let students click on the navigation "next blog" at the top of every page because they might be taken to a porn page or other inappropriate blog.