Topic ideas for tomorrow's chat? [Open Thread]

What are some of your ideas for tomorrow's chat?

Here are some of my ideas:

• "Education is a system. Learning is life." What does that mean to you? How does it affect your outlook on school?
• We all enjoy having our summer vacations, but what can do to help kids continue learning during the summer?
• What could we use to show learning progress besides grades?
• How can you document what you're learning outside of school?

What did you learn about poetry today?

We looked at shape poems, free verse poems, and acrostic poems today.

What did you learn?

Weekend Open Thread #7-Christmas Day Bomber

At your leisure please find some articles of The Christmas Day Bomber and hyperlink them in your comment. Thanks!!

Discussion Starter:
What do you think would ever make someone kill hundreds of people and himself?
Who would ever do such a thing?

What does your voice sound like?

Let's talk about writing. You are talented writers. You have shown that in your writing this year. I want us to take the next step now.

What makes one essay different from another? We all had the same rubric, so why didn't they all sound the same?

The reason they didn't all sound the same is because you all have a different voice. We have voices when speak and we also have voices when we write.

Be metacognative with me for a bit. What does your writing voice sound like? What makes your writing different from others'? How do you let our voice be heard in your writing?

Weekend Open Thread #6 - Encyclopedias and Wikipedia

How do you use an encyclopedia?

How do you use Wikipedia?

How is an encyclopedia written? 

What is your understanding of how Wikipedia works?

Weekend Open Thread #5 - CNN Student News

Please watch this video and leave a reaction. The video is ten minutes long.

Lights...camera....action

Today we recorded our debate over the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.  

Do you feel you act differently when the camera is rolling? 

Does having the camcorder going make you think, act, or share any differently from how you normally would?

Why blog?

What do you think?

Why do we blog?

What's in it for you?

Weekend Open Thread #4 - How would you change the schedule?

How would you change the schedule at school?

Which classes are missing?

Weekend Open Thread #3 - Technology for teachers

What digital technology should teachers use in class?

How should they be using digital technology in class?

Weekend Open Thread #2 - Cell Phones in School

Should we allow cell phones in school? (Closed question)

If we allowed them, what would they be used for? (Open question)


Hint: my answer to the first question is "yes." I'll let you in on my ideas after some of you have had the chance to discuss.

-Mr. G

Weekend Open Thread #1

For our first Open Thread, please leave links to and reviews of educational web sites we should put in the sidebar.

For example:

We should put _______ in the sidebar because I've used it to study math facts. The games are interesting and I feel like I'm actually learning.

Remember the commenting guidelines and have fun!