Buncee

Buncee is a innovative new (beta) site for creating interactive presentations/lessons.  This is a fantastically simple site to use to create not only beautiful looking slideshows but e-cards, posters, and more.  I like to think of it as a combination of Glogster, Smore, and Biteslide.  Best of all a user can embed a Buncee (presentation) into their site/blog.  Finally, there are a ton of educational resources to browse through such as: lessons, projects, flyers, etc.

Here are some ways Buncee can be used in the classroom (from their site)...

*A great learning tool for Blended or Project Based Learning, as well as Flipping a Classroom.

• create interactive lessons or projects that flip your classroom in a fun and easy way
• introduce technology w/ Buncee projects and assignments that spark creativity and help support common core standards
• have students of any age easily create multimedia projects
• share engaging school event invites, or class news w/ students, parents, and the community.

Below is a brief demo...

I highly recommend checking out Buncee by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Web 2.0 click here.

For my Edshelf collection on Web 2.0 click here.

Excellent Resources for Project Based Learning

"Project-based learning is considered an alternative to paper-based, rote memorization, teacher-led classrooms. Proponents of project-based learning cite numerous benefits to the implementation of these strategies in the classroom including a greater depth of understanding of concepts, broader knowledge base, improved communication and interpersonal/social skills, enhanced leadership skills, increased creativity, and improved writing skills. (Wikipedia)"  PBL or Project Based Learning is a method of teaching that has been around for a long time that is getting more and more attention due to all the tools technology leads itself to.  Basically, PBL allows for teachers to "ask" a question that allows students to solve in a variety of a ways using many different analytical methods.  Since, Project Based Learning incorporates a lot of different techniques and tools to use I've decided to create a list of resources rather then just one of sites or apps.

Excellent Resources for Project Based Learning

Definitions/Explanations/Introductions

• What is PBL - Great definition from the Buck Institute from Education (BIE) 
• 7 Essentials for PBL - a top notch list from ASCD

Lessons/Projects

• LifePractice PBL - A fantastic resource created by Kevin Honeycutt & Ginger Lewman that is ideal for K-12 that seamlessly fuses PBL w/ technology and a 21st Century learning environment.
• PBL in Hand - a nice site/lesson created by educational app (Stick Around) creator/educator Tony Vincent
• Lesson Plans - a robust collection of lesson plans from Lesson Planet designed around PBL
• Share My Lesson - Share My Lesson is a free website created by the American Federation of Teachers and TES Connect.

Videos

• Introduction to PBL - a great video from Edutopia
• PBL explained - a excellent video by BIE (Buck Institute from Education)
• Introduction to PBL - a nice resource w/ examples of Project Based Learning by Global SchoolNet

Misc

• Checklists/rubrics - a nice collection of resources to ensure success for PBL
• PBL w/ iPads - a excellent resource w/ list of apps for using iPads w/ PBL
• Cybraryman's Internet Catalogue - one of the best all around places for finding resources on not only PBL but anything
• iPad Bootcamp for Teachers - a nice site for explaining how to use iPads for PBL
• An Inside Look on how PBL Actually Works - a terrific article by Edudemic w/ videos on how PBL is being used in school districts
• Project Based Learning - a great resource on PBL w/ videos, tutorials, rubrics, and more by the New Tech Network

BoomWriter

BoomWriter is one of my favorite sites that I've posted about many times before for integrating technology into a classroom.  This innovative site is ideal for grades 3rd-8th for Reading  & Writing.  BoomWriter allows students through a collaborative process create a digital book/story chapter by chapter.

The way this works is a teacher creates a class/students (no student email is required) and then assigns them a story starter (or creates their own).  Each student then types the next chapter.  The students then vote on which chapter should be included in the book/story, and this process goes on and on until the book is completed.  Finally, once this is done their story can then be published and an actual copy of the book can be ordered.  Right now for every first time class they receive 1 free book (shipping included)!!

BoomWriter is ideal for Project Based Learning and excellent for education and abides by CIPA compliance making it a 100% safe in an enclosed environment.

For more information on BoomWriter click here.

I highly recommend checking out BoomWriter by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...