Five Tech Things on a Friday v.2

Another week has flown by, and it's time for Five Tech Things on a Friday again!  Here's what I've got for you this week:

• We had a great time at EdCamp Chicago last weekend.  It was great to see several U-46 teachers, coaches, and administrators there. Even if you didn't make it, you can still share in the learning.  Check out the Google drive with notes from a lot of the sessions.
• This is an interesting infographic on the history of classroom technology.  I love that it starts with the chalkboard back in 1890. I think sometimes we forget that technology doesn't mean expensive shiny devices.  Technology is anything that is created to solve a problem or address a need.  While it might seem crazy to us now, a chalkboard was once new educational technology.  There was even a manual for it!

• I just learned about Tab Cloud at EdCamp this past weekend.  It's amazing how such a simple thing can get me so excited.  Tab Cloud is an extension for your browser that allows you to save open tabs for a later date or to use on another computer.  This is great for saving links you need for a presentation or just for bringing what you are working on at home back to school.  Tab Cloud is available on Chrome and Firefox.
• I am a huge believer in the power of social media.  It has changed my world both personally and professionally, and it's already impacting the lives of our students.  We have a responsibility to teach students how to navigate the connected world they are already a part of.  I enjoyed this article, Teaching Toddlers to Tweet?, because the author addresses the need for students to learn to become good digital citizens. 
• Mapping Media to the Common Core is a phenomenal resource.  It starts with the question, "What do you want to CREATE today?"  Teachers can then choose to investigate anything from interactive writing to geomapping to digital storytelling.  Under each category is a wealth of resources including a definition of each creative activity, ideas to get you started, which tools to use, and examples of these tools in action in classrooms.

That's all for this week.  Have a great weekend!