Grant Wiggins (of Understanding by Design fame) wrote a blog post titled, Ban fiction from the curriculum for ACSD. I took away two main arguments:

1. he thinks that the abundance of fiction serves female students better than male students 
2. he thinks that reading so much fiction ill prepares you for an adult life where non-fiction reading is much more essential

It is worth a read even thought it is largely an opinion piece. It is thought-provoking and could influence our conversations around 21st century libraries but also in a larger reading/writing in the curriculum discussions.

What are the qualities of a teacher who enjoys project-based learning?

Doug Johnson gives a helpful list of 6 teacher descriptors for enjoyable project-based learning.

As someone who works with teachers to design projects this makes total sense. It might be strategic to share these qualities with a teacher before you begin working with them to integrate technology. Allow them to visualize themselves being successful and having fun. Prepare them for the experience.

This powerful slideshow was voted best slideshow in the world, education category, on Slideshare.net.

On a side note: Slideshare is a fantastic way for you to share your slides with a wider audience. I generally use Prezi for presentations, but when I use Powerpoint then I use Slideshare for sharing.

This 90 second video is a must watch. This is such a creative execution using Google Docs. Beyond impressive.

via @pedicini

Wow, what an elegant book! All the questions about the web you want answered from "What is cloud computing?" to "What is a cookie?" All that and an elegantly illustrated web experience. Lovely!

20 Things I Learned About Browsers and the Web

Visit GLSEN's Be an Ally resource page to order a kit for your school or a school you know.

Funny video I came across from @jmclean77 via @mashable about the danger of social media addiction. I wonder if this would appeal/resonate with students.

What is Wikileaks?

Wikileaks is a self-described “not-for-profit media organization,” launched in 2006 for the purposes of disseminating original documents from anonymous sources and leakers.  Its website says: “Wikileaks will accept restricted or censored material of political, ethical, diplomatic or historical significance. We do not accept rumor, opinion, other kinds of first hand accounts or material that is publicly available elsewhere.”

More detailed information about the history of the organization can be found on Wikipedia (with all the caveats that apply to a rapidly-changing Wiki topic).  Wikipedia incidentally has nothing to do with Wikileaks — both share the word “Wiki” in the title, but they’re not affiliated.

An excellent Wikileaks FAQ resource on Jonathan Zittrain's blog

via @abowllan