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SqoolTube is video resource designed for K-8 teachers and students. I originally looked at SqoolTube a few months back and at the time it did not have nearly as many video choices as it does now. SqoolTube offers ten categories of videos and dozens of sub-categories of videos. Visitors to SqoolTube can find videos for everything from learning to count to Algebra lessons and from basic spelling lessons to Spanish lessons. The only problem that teachers might encounter in trying to use SqoolTube is built upon videos hosted on YouTube so if your school blocks YouTube you will have to download the videos away from school to use them. You can read more about what to do when YouTube is blocked by clicking here.

Applications for Education
SqoolTube could be used in the classroom by students working independently or as part of a group lesson. A more effective way to use the videos might be to post them on your class blog so that parents can also watch them and discuss them with their children. Posting the videos on your class blog where parents can view them with their children is one way to keep parents involved and informed with what their children are learning in your classroom.

One of my cohorts at Google Academy was Kathy Schrock. Yes, THE Kathy Schrock who we have followed from "back in the day" and who authors Guide for Educators, at Discovery Education's site. Kathy submitted the same application as other attendees, but she was featured as a presenter of Inspiring Idea #2. Kathy HAS inspired me for years. I recommend you read her blog and sign up for her S.O.S- Sites of the School Days feed. Today I received her S.O.S mail where she recommended Vimeo http://vimeo.com/. I also like this website for 2 reasons: free and easy! You can post videos you have made or those of others (like for when YouTube is blocked). Kathy says "(if you sign-up, search for my group "K-12 Education" and request to be a member). " Thanks, Kathy for the invite! She has posted several there. Let's collaborate on some good videos concerning K-12 education.

Throwing in the Towel_VHS

Curious Reads reported today that "the last major VHS supplier in the US ditching the format at the end of this year, the sound of the death knell has forced us to reminisce on VHS and other formats we wish would die with it." I remember when my family was caught up between the debate with Sony's Beta format. Yes, we had a Betamax and was able to "sell" it to a Arkansas friend who needed to record programs from his satellite. Oh, how things have changed. I found a Blockbuster gift card in a Christmas sack that I was "repurposing." Remember all the mom & pop neighborhood video stores. My family hasn't been a video store in a while. If we rent, we frugally use the $1 machines at our local grocery store. I guess videos will be like those LP's and 8 tracks that my husband has on his side of the walk-in closet. I must take the time to convert all of our treasured tapes to DVD.

Aha! I guess I need to see if someone needs a large, seldom-used vintage video camera circa 1985.

Rebel or NOT

In November I attended Google Academy. I was reminded of the “Think Different” campaign ad years ago from Apple Computer. “ I had those posters hung around my fifth grade classroom. What that to influence my fifth graders to Think different or was I a Rebel?? Here’s to the rebels… “


I was working on my CCT- Action Plan (Google Certified Teacher) one night this week while watching TLC's "John & Kate +8." I heard a voice that I recognized. Now, I knew they had filmed the epsisode in at St. Jude Research Hospital here in Memphis, TN. I wasn't really paying attention. I looked up and saw one of my former students. Jennifer was one of those special students that you really got to know and loved to keep up with as she moved though middle school, high school and her university years. She wasn't a rebel! She loved to please and excelled at school. She is certainly making a difference in the world! What did she think about those Think Different posters? As a teacher, I wonder if she feels that her year in my class was stellar. I hope so. She turned out successful in life. I think WE Succeeded! I think we both have changed the world in our own quiet way!

Today is our last day before Christmas break. Our day will be shortened, so I will not get to meet my three afternoon classes. They are going to miss 2 great gingerbread sites.

Gingerbread man http://sprintsweets.com/

Gingerbread house http://tinyurl.com/63sguk

I can almost smell the excitement. Not of the gingerbread house and cookies that will be shared (of the teachers' car exhaust leaving the parking lot.)