SlideShare

This past year, I was faced with the challenge of teaching 4th and 5th graders how to use computers. A great majority of them had never really used one, and even the few who did were unfamiliar with the terms and use - we spent a long time talking about how to select choices with radio buttons, how to use the trackpad, and how to save files. But there were never complaints, and anytime I asked my kids to do any task that would have usually been met with groans, I told them we would do it on the computers and they did everything I asked so as to get on the laptops ASAP. They were so excited to use Power Point, and were really positive on their feedback of other student's presentations. They asked if I could share the presentations on my Science Class blog, but I soon tired of embedding.

SlideShare is a great alternative. You can create an account, add tags, and even mark if you don't want others to download the presentations. It works for documents as well, and you can search other people's documents to see if there is anything you need! I shared my jeopardy power points, so that I can just email other teachers a link and they can use it directly from the site, or download to their computer. Also, I feel like I always email attachments and then the next day improve the file somehow. This way, I can improve the file and the changes will keep updating the original file. Click the link above to see what I mean, and you can leave a link to your page in the comments as well!

Google Gadgets For Vocab

Google Docs' official blog just announced Gadgets that are perfect for classroom use. You can read all about it on the blog, but here is a quick rundown:

• Flash Cards: Put your vocab words into the spreadsheet, add the gadget, and voila! You can play a little game to check out your vocab skills.

• Word Study: Play vocab games, and you can type in your own clues or have them fetched from the internet!

• Interactive Word Search: Great way to help with spelling, and you can play in the browser.

What a great way to get kids excited about vocabulary. I can see some of my students even working on these outside of school!