"Voki for Education" Launches!

The moment has arrived, and the new Voki for Education is finally here!  As one of their "Voki Ambassadors," I helped give the site valuable input for their relaunch.  Last summer I created a Voki avatar give a tour of my class web page.

Here are some of the new features detailed in an email sent to me today:

• Sharing. We’ve added many sharing/publishing options, as well as a “Voki link” which will enable users to share a simple URL to a Voki page, where we will host the scene for them. This means that users no longer need access to a website or blog to share their Voki. We will also include custom links for educational partners, such as SymbalooEdu.
• Voki for Education Welcome page. This is an introduction page to Voki for Education, which includes links to other relevant pages. This page will soon be updated to include a Voki scene and social media feeds.
• Lesson Plan Database.
• Teacher’s Corner. Here, teachers and experienced users will be able to discuss anything related to Voki. One area within the Teacher’s Corner will be the Newbie’s Corner.
•  New FAQ. This is simply an updated FAQ section.
• Voki is remaining Free for everyone. Currently, Voki is also remaining Ad-Free. 

Here is the link: http://www.voki.com/Voki_for_education.php

Fun With Google Maps

Here is a little something to make you laugh (especially for Google Map lovers):

1. Go to Google Maps and click on "Get Directions": Google Maps
2. Write USA as your start point.
3. Write Japan as your destination. 
4. Go to the 31st point on your route and laugh and laugh and laugh...

I Won A Classroom Grant Today!

I won a grant today to purchase a class set of 30 "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" books, plus a teacher's edition! The text comprises 6 units with 29 lessons that use critical thinking exercises, cooperative learning practices and a culminating authentic performance assessment to teach the history and principles of constitutional democracy.

Here's a description from the Center for Civic Education's website:

The We the People curriculum not only enhances students' understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy, it also helps them to identify the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Critical thinking exercises, problem-solving activities, and cooperative learning techniques help develop participatory skills necessary for students to become active, responsible citizens.

First Holiday Season With Spencer

Another snow day! I spent the day home with Spencer. While he napped, I created a photo book about Spencer's first holiday season. Hope everyone had a safe day!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Spencer's New Years Message