Create interactive learning modules with ThingLink (limited free-for-educators offer)

ThingLink is a cool tool that lets you create interactive images for anything you can imagine.  In our touch screen culture, this is a great tool for today’s students to engage with content. Teachers can use ThingLink images as interactive learning modules that activate and inspire students with creative and effective learning experiences. They can also use Thinglink images for professional development and parent outreach.  

Below is a ThingLink image that someone used to translate a blog post I wrote.  Using ThingLink to translate writing is a powerful way to update and transform information. This is something teachers and students can do.  For example, imagine how you might do something like this in social studies class to make an image interactive. Keep in mind that you can embed video and polls write into your creations.

The next ThingLink was created by Dana Lawitt at the Kurt Hahn School.  She has it embedded on the school website (you can see that here) to provide students with an engaging an interactive overview of some important items that students need to know. 

5 reasons cell phones benefit a 1:1 environment

Cross posted at Partners in Learning 1:1 Hot Topics

Go into any office today and you’ll notice that 1:1 does not exist. To operate effectively in today’s workplace, at the very least, a 2:1 environment, with a computer and a phone, is required. It’s likely that there are one or two other devices in use as well. This is the world for which we have to prepare today’s students.

Not only is it beneficial to support students with their success in school environments that look like real-life environments, it is also beneficial to schools.

Here’s why:

The hottest posts everyone's reading

Here’s the roundup of what's been popular on The Innovative Educator blog. Below you’ll see the top posts along with the number of page views. I hope there's something that looks of interest to you.  If it does, check it out. If you’re inspired use one of those icons below the post to share it with others and/or leave a comment.

Entry	Pageviews
Think before you send or post Nov 1, 2013,	2619
Is compulsory education really necessary? Aug 30, 2012,	2234
If you're not preparing your students to use social media... Oct 29, 2013,	2139
Does Twitter have a minimum age requirement? Jun 13, 2013,	1772
What if we let students design their own schools? Nov 8, 2013,	1205
The principalship: 6 ways smartphones have changed... Nov 6, 2013,	1068
When and How Should Kids Learn to Type? Feb 8, 2011,	960
Help for parents who want to keep their children s... Nov 24, 2013,	832

8 Free + Authentic Ways to Get More Twitter Followers

I'm often asked how to get more Twitter followers.  Here are some simple strategies that worked for me when it comes to either getting followers or following others. 

1. Reply to a Tweet someone's Tweet with useful info i.e. a link.
   They will appreciate the time you took and likely follow you as a result.
2. Thoughtfully participate in an education Twitter chat. If you contribute thoughtful content to a Twitter chat participants will notice and it is likely that some of those people will reward you with a follow.
3. Get to know influencers and tag them as it is relevant.
   Follow hashtags of topics you are interested in and see who the people who are top Tweeters are.  If you have information they may find relevant to may be able to help with, tag them. They are likely to follow you afterwards.
4. Put your Twitter handle in your email signature
   Let people know how to find you on Twitter.  Include your handle in your email signature.
5. Put your Twitter handle in your online spaces i.e. website, blog, wiki.
   Don't forget to let people know how they can follow you in your online spaces. Give viewers a link.
6. Suggest folks in a #FF (Follow Friday) or #TT (Teacher Tuesday) and say why.
   Don't just post names of Tweeps to follow.  Draw others in with what they'll learn if they do so.
7. Retweet (RT) Modified Tweet (MT)
   See a Tweet you like?  Share it. The Tweeter may show his/her appreciation with a follow.
8. Favorite the Tweets that interest you
   The Tweeter will know what you did. As your name becomes more familiar, you increase the chances of being followed.

These are some ideas to keep mind. Which have worked for you? What is missing?

How to set tagging permissions on Facebook

When working with innovative educators, I advise them to set tagging permissions that require them to review photos and posts before they accept the tag. This helps avoid having an unprofessional picture/post visible to others and also helps ensure that teachers are putting their best FOOTprint forward.

Here are the four steps required to set your tagging permissions.

10 ways to get more likes and engage members on your Facebook page

So, you’ve started a Facebook page. Congrats! However, Facebook is no fun unless there are others there with you. Here are ten things you can do to drive members to your Facebook page today.

1. Invite people to like your page Go to the top right side of your page where it says “Friends.” Under that it says “Invite your friends to like this page.” Select “See All.” This allows you to invite friends based on “Recent Interaction,” “location,” or a group to which they belong.  Ask others to do the same.
2. Update your username When you update your page username, you give it a clean name free of hyphens and a number string. Do this by visiting https://www.facebook.com/username and giving the page you select the name you’d like.
   You can go from this: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Innovative-Educator/150269418336196
   to this https://www.facebook.com/TheInnovativeEducator