What’s a WebQuest?  That’s easy!  I just learned all about them in the Teacher Learning Community.  
A WebQuest is an inquiry-based activity in which students use the web to get information about a specific topic.   The assignment is student-driven, with no predefined answers.  This constructivist approach allows students to actively seek out information, which makes it more meaningful.
But that’s not enough to get you started.  I know that.  You want REAL, PRACTICAL examples to start using in your classroom today.  So…here you go:

1. Create a “Back in Time” WebQuest
Create your own …

Memorial Day is more than just a three-day weekend… it’s a time to celebrate our country and honor all of the servicemen who have fallen.
Did you know that many veterans commemorate the day by wearing red poppies, which are a traditional symbol of Memorial Day?  The poppy was inspired by a poem written by (World War I-era) John McCrae, the author of “In Flanders Fields.”

So take a moment today to honor those who have fallen. And while you do, get lost
“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.
In Flanders fields the …

So much education and technology reading to do… so little time.
Here’s what got my attention recently:

Five reasons for using technology in lessons
Top 10 web tools for teachers
Defining “technology integration”
Is Maine’s experiment with laptops a success?
Dealing with students who text during class

What else should I be reading?
Please comment below.

To be effective, a classroom must be a safe space where students feel their voices will be respected, supported and heard.  An online classroom is no different – and we’ve got the perfect free PDF to help your online classroom succeed.

Collaboration experts over at Collaborize Classroom have put together this free PDF to help teachers like you establish clear guidelines for online interactions – a critical step in creating an online forum that will be successful long term.
Included in the PDF are 17 strategies for creating and maintaining a safe …

Sure… you know about Google Search.  But are you using it effectively and creatively in your classroom?  I just completed a course called Search with Google inside of the Teacher Learning Community and it gave me some real-life, practical examples of how I might use this in a classroom setting.  
Here are 15 ways to use Google Search in your classroom…
(When you’re done reading, add what #16+ to the list in comments and register for our FREE Google webinar!)
1. Teach Current Events
Looking for a good way to find current events that …

Get ready to have some fun if you’re attending ISTE MeetUP 2011 because this is the one event you do not want to miss: games, prizes, food, and more! Seriously, we’ve outdone ourselves – we’re co-hosting this year’s event with some of the BEST folks around: Promethean, Follett Software, and BrainPOP!
 
What:  ISTE MeetUP 2011
When:  Tuesday, June 28th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where:  Pennsylvania Convention Center
                Level 2 Grand Hall suite 204-A)
                Philadelphia, PA 19107
Cost:  FREE!
Register:  http://ht.ly/51RwC
**The 1st 100 to register will receive a VIP ticket  (includes a bag-o-goodies from …

Fun and easy to use, Wikis are also a great way to get students involved in the curriculum.  Whether you are interested in encouraging participation, collaboration, or interaction, wikis are a great addition to any classroom.
So… how about some ideas to integrate wikis into your classroom? Check these out:
1. Create a Classroom Encyclopedia
The study of any topic can be enhanced if students work together to gather information and then synthesize their learning by writing and posting short articles about the concepts being studied. The wiki can be organized by topic, …