The “iGeneration” in the Classroom and Beyond

Free Hot Technologies

~ Jotform.com . . . Website for creating electronic forms.  Best of all, data can be collected and imported to Excel.  This site allows you to be much more paperless and “green.”

~ Qik.com . . . Website that allows you to share live video.  (Teachers, if you assign your class a project that requires them to interview people, they can use their phones to record and then use qik.com to store and playback the interviews for their project almost immediately.)

~ Wolframalpha.com . . . Computational knowledge engine  [Example given:  3x + 2, enter your birth date, enter your name, Burger King Whopper, AAPL Stock Look-UP.]  Also does data comparison.

~ Xtranormal.com . . . You are able to animate movies by typing text, picking characters and camera angles.

~ Toondoo.com . . . Easily make comic strips about a variety of topics.  Cartoon characters are easy to edit and the gallery has a vast amount of pictures and backgrounds to choose from.

~ Glympse.com . . . Geographic location sharing with your smart phone.  Useful for parents!!!  (New York Times rated it as one of the top 10 must have iPhone applications!)

~ Posterous.com . . . From any email address (Gmail has largest capacity to send attachments), send Posterous PowerPoint attachments, Word docs, music, etc, and it will create a free webpage with all your content.

~ Live.com . . . Can open any version of Word, PowerPoint, etc.  Has a sky drive (25 GB free) to save per account and internet TV useful for showing clips.

See my previous free technology site recommendations here:  Technology Tools to Try

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Resources Every College-Bound Senior Needs

As a teacher of a senior writing course and as a mother of a college freshman on an academic full-ride scholarship at a Top 25 university, I have particular interest and personal experience in college preparation.  Below is a collection of videos, sites and articles that I’ve used personally and in the classroom.  Share these and let me know what you think:

VIDEOS I SHOW MY SENIORS:

1.  William and Mary Admission Prompt:  Many students envision the admissions officers as formal, unapproachable, stuffy old souls.  This illustrates that they are, in fact, normal peeps just like them.

2.  Did You Know? . . . Fabulous video on the progression of technology!!  This is a few years old now but still very powerful message.  Students need to understand why they must keep up – correction – stay ahead.

3.  The 2010 version of “Did You Know?  Not as powerful but the statistics are worth reading:

SITES I SEND MY STUDENTS TO:

1.  7 Prestigious Undergrad Scholarships:  Students should apply for these!!  I’m having my second semester students choose (at least) one.  The essay they create for the scholarship will be a graded assignment!

2.  100 Blogs That Should Be Required Reading in College:  very comprehensive!!!

3.  NY Times – DeMystifying College Admissions and Aid:  The New York Times has a wonderful site devoted especially to college-bound students.  My seniors love exploring this!

~    Going Beyond Cliché – How To Write a Great College Essay:  from that same NY Times site . . . another example of how practical the site is.

4. Beloit College Mindlist List – These lists put it all in perspective, illustrating the cultural milestones that helped shape their lives thus far.

ARTICLES I ASK MY SENIORS TO READ:

1. Five Impractical College Majors That Just Might Make You Rich : Food for thought as students ponder their future majors

2.  The Joys of Attending College Far From Home:  For those wondering if they should attend out-of-state, one student perspective . . .

3.  Which College Ranking Set Should You Use: A helpful debriefing of distinctions between the listings.

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New 2011 Cardio Playlist

Check out the NEW 2012 Cardio Playlist Here:  2012 Cardio Playlist!!!

This is going to be your best year yet!!!  You know how some songs give you that gleeful feeling for no reason at all?!  That’s what each of these will do for you on your way to your best you.  Here’s to your new year’s resolutions – cheers!!!

1.  Maybe by Sick Puppies . . . The new year is full of maybes and it’s definitely time to change – this song’s sound will warm you up for inspiration.  I’ve got a crush on this little song . . .

2.  The Time (Dirty Bit) by Black Eyed Peas . . . This song makes you MOVE!!!!  I take over the treadmill (and dance floor) when this one comes on!

3.  Hello by Martin Solveig . . . I stomp my feet that much harder on the elliptical with this one, beginning with 1:25.  The video is extra fun too!!  It makes me wish I could graduate from the boogie board to surf board.

4.  Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon (Richard Sharkey & Peter Sar remix) . . . the first time I heard this version, I literally stopped dead in my tracks; later, I HAD to find the version for myself!!  Let this fire up your cardio.  I dare you not jump out of your shoes on 1:52!

5.  Get Me Bodied by Beyonce (Timbaland Remix) . . . there is not a more appropriate song for a workout playlist.  Get bodied!

6.  Check it Out by will.I.am and Nicki Minaj (note:  explicit lyrics)  . . . will.I.am has been appearing on playlists a lot these days!  When you’re good, you’re good.

7. Magic by B.O.B. . . . a happy song that will magically bring life to your feet!  Rumor has it this is a hit on college campuses so relive your glory days . . .

8.  The Fixer by Pearl Jam . . . a motivating song as you fight to keep your momentum going.  Also a nice break from the dance songs while still keeping up the pace. (Looks like you have to double click to watch this on YouTube.  This is the best version so I’m still keeping this on here)

9.  Dreams by The Cranberries . . . this is one of those songs that puts me in a good mood every time I hear it.  Make your dreams reality this year!  Don’t regret the losses – look ahead at the possibilities!!!

10. Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine . . . cool down song for the beginning of the new year  – Run fast for your new you!

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“Jump Start the Holidays” Cardio Playlist

A friend asked me if I publish these playlists before or after I try them out myself on the limb-loving treadmill.  My answer is, yes, there’s a method to my madness.  Each month, as soon as I stumble upon a new song or as I get a recommendation from someone, I add it to my queue.  Once I have 8 – 12 songs, I create a playlist on my own IPod and pound the rubber at the gym!  I experiment a little with order and then I finally share it!

Enjoy this month’s collection sure to burn some extra calories to compensate for the coming holiday cheats we all indulge in!

1.  “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay . . .  This is a PERFECT opener from one of my favorite bands.  Walk until about 1:28, then burst into a run just as the song bursts!

2.  “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf . . . A true anthem!  Perfect pace for the first part of your run, and perfect mood for running outside.

3. “Highly Explicit” by Mixhell . . . This song is crazy good for the elliptical or bike.  Tell me those legs don’t start pumping faster when this comes on!

4.  “Firework” by Katy Perry . . . Despite the corny chest-bursting fireworks in this video, Katy Perry deserves extra kudos for the beautiful message.  Kids need to hear more lyrics like this; the uplifting words will inspire your run.

5.  “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool and DCup . . . I canNOT stop dancing to this song.   Sometimes I hit the repeat button for this one!!!  This is perfect at this point in the workout, when your heart is pumping and ready to step up the pace once again.  I recommend this exact version:

6.  “Dynamite” (Stonebridge Remix) by Taio Cruz . . . My students all love this song and you will too.  Keep up with the teens of the world and move to this!  The great thing about remixes is they make Top 40 songs we always hear on the radio sound new again – just the motivation we need to keep the workout going.

7.  “In My Arms” by Plumb . . . I thoroughly ♥ this song!  This will definitely warm your heart as it warms your feet.  It makes me think of those I love.

8.  “Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol . . . I like this quietly successful band.  This pick-me-up song slows down the pace just enough to keep you in your optimal fat-burning zones.  More people need to take a leap of faith and say ‘Yes’ more often!!!

9. “Proper Education” by Eric Prydz VS Pink Floyd . . . Another cool workout version of a classic, to keep your interest as you enter the 7th inning stretch.

10.  “Yellow” (Acoustic Live @ KCRW in Los Angeles) by ColdPlay . . . I heard this when they first recorded it at KCRW about 6 years ago.  This is the very best version of another of my top 3 fave songs of all time.  Beginning at about 2:02 is the part that gives me chills every single time . . . this will provide the zen you need to cooldown, trust me . . .

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Technology Tools to Try

This week, I attended a workshop on practical ways to incorporate my school’s new net books into our Title 1 classes.  Besides training on the net books, my colleagues conducting this shared some great online tools they use in the classroom.  Here are the new tools I’d like to try in all of my classes – Title 1, accelerated, and college-bound.   ⇒

To my followers who are not educators, these sites offer great resources for you as well.  Create a Photostory with your family photos, utilize BrainFlips to help your child memorize terms, turn to Diigo if you’re taking college courses and want to bookmark and organize your online research, peruse TedTalks when you’re looking for videos from credible speakers, etc.

Diigo – a great way for students (and teachers) to organize, store and share research.  This can be a convenient method to move toward paperless research that can be available on-the-go.   I would like to try this with my senior expository writing class.

Photostory – I’ve heard so much about how much the most reluctant reader enjoys this.  I watched some powerful examples from students who normally never turn in homework (I was told).  I’m definitely using this VERY SOON with my reading students!   It’s a user-friendly way for students to create slide shows that go beyond the average PowerPoint with voice narration, fun effects, etc.

Brain Flips – I may try these with both my reading students and my accelerated freshmen.  Another method for internalizing vocabulary is always welcome.

Voice Thread – This could be an interesting motivator as a personable way to comment on blogs, videos, artwork, etc.  Besides the usual typed comments, one can leave voice messages. Perhaps I’ll use this with online book talks.

Ted Talks – Use these video resources here to supplement discussions and units of study.  More organized and less commercial than YouTube, these credible, educational speakers and presentations are categorized by theme.

TeacherTube – I’ve already been using this, but I felt the need to add it here.  You will find videos specifically recorded for classroom use.    (Search for “Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration” for a ‘rocking’ take on the Declaration of Independence.  I never thought I’d see Ben Franklin play the electric guitar! )

Edmodo – this social network for teachers & students looks like Facebook once you log in.  I’m not sure what I’ll use this for.  I’m having my students each create their own blogs (via WordPress) and the discussion threads on those blogs should be sufficient for sharing comments.  We’ll see . . . there’s so much great stuff out there!!

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10/10/10 Cardio Playlist

In honor of this upcoming Red Letter day, GG’s Cardio Playlist has gone visual!!

Get inspired – Top 10 songs for 10/10/10!!

1.  “Radioactive” by Kings of Leon . . . I love when recording artists’ songs that receive less air time have just as much to offer as their Top 40 counterparts.  Perfect “medium tempo” to warm those feet.

2.  “Boogie Body” by Asphalt Jungle . . . As one can see, I have VERY eclectic taste in music.  This will gravitate your feet confidently to the ground . . . one purposeful pound at a time.

3.  “Empire State of Mind” by Glee Cast . . . they can rap – can you?!

4.  “Happiness” by Alexis Jordan . . . my favorite right-now song!!  The hidden message within the subtext is subtly strong.  No matter who you are – this will make your cardio more fun!!

5.  “I Like That” by Static Revenge and Richard Vission . . . Yes!!!

6. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap . . . originally heard this in the 500 Days of Summer movie.  The movie has poignant points about relationships; these lyrics echo them.  I’m in love with this song.  The tempo slows your heartbeat a bit . . . to prepare for the next set!

7.  “Right Here Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . a seriously good song for running – period. (

8.  Jay-Z Super Bowl XLIV Kick Off . . . This will give you power as you pass the 3rd quarter.  And – it will get you thinking about THIS year’s Bowl in a great stadium!!

9.  “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie . . . the perfect pairing to introduce your conclusion.  Bask in your achievement!!!!  Almost there!

10.  “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam – This song quickly graduated to my top 3 fave songs of all time.  1:18 is a very cool part; although, the whole song is just beautiful.  Perfect resolution and a fabulous one to linger in your head long after cardio ceases.  Or do as I do – play this over and over and over.  Just breathe . . . . . . . . . .

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Tubular Videos #5

It’s been a while since I posted my current favorite videos so I have quite a few to share – 14!!

Feel free to check out my previously posted favorites here.  Scroll down for the archives:  GG’s Tubular Videos

Videos to Make You Think

This video reminds us how precious every second, every moment is.  Good, bad, happy, sad, fleeting, lingering . . . we are lucky to be here living this beautiful life. (notice how each clip is somehow related to the next)

This puts everything into a humble perspective . . . .

Studying adverbs?  Here’s a very brief grammar lesson from an unlikely teacher:

Just how observant are you? Have you tried this test yet?!

This one has a surprise in the middle so be sure to watch it at least through then.  This gives new meaning to taking things in context.  I sold DK books to schools for a very short time when my daughter was a baby . . . admired the publishers then and still think they distribute great products.

A very caring person sent this to me prior to my daughter’s graduation.  The thing is, there is no such thing as an ‘ordinary day’ when you are a parent.  Life is beautiful . . . this is beautiful:

I played this on the first day of school to my reading classes.  It made the students smile, and it opened the mood to read.    I tried very hard to get my fellow literacy coaches to do a mini, live version of this with me to open up our faculty preview.  While I couldn’t talk them into it, we played the video in the background as faculty walked in.  They left smiling – music is a great motivator (next to food, of course, but food is not allowed in the auditorium)!!

Videos To Make You Dance & Sing

I absolutely, positively can’t get this out of my head.  I find myself humming the background.  Alexis Jordan is a former America’s Got Talent contestant and the boy is a new-on-the-scene USC student.  I play this song EVERY day.  Extra loving shout out to my baby niece who got excited over this song before I even knew it existed!!

Speaking of happiness, Glee is the musical phenomenon that television so desperately needed for recession recovery.  Dare I say the cast, time and again, covers songs stronger than many of the originals?!  Case in point, this goose-bump generating version makes “Faithfully” looks like it should have been a duet originally.

Check out the older picture of Sting hanging on the wall at the very beginning of this.  This is a very cool insight into the recording of Sting’s latest masterpiece, Symphonicity.  Refer to my complete review of Symphonicity:  Sting Uses Strings.

We need more of this!  Who doesn’t feel like breaking out in dance or song once in a while?! This occurred at the Central Station of Antwerp (Belgium).  The look on the people’s faces who haven’t got a clue what’s going on is priceless.   I would totally run right in and join the group!!!!  Ummm, shhhhh . . . something’s coming . . .!!!!!

Videos to Make You Laugh

This makes me laugh out loud EVERY time.  Many, many surprise appearances in here, up until the very end, so watch it all!!!

This little boy has a great memory!!  My favorite part is when he’s imitating JFK and will not let it go until he gets it right. 

I read The Art of Racing in the Rain (a story of a man and his dog) and cried hysterically by the pool this summer.  I had to put my sunglasses on and jump in the water to pretend the wet on my face was just from swimming – honest.  Anyway, this little clip attests to how adorably loving dogs are.

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Foods I’m Eating and You’re Not (But Should Be)

I recently added these 3 foods into my diet.  Not only are they very surprisingly palatable, they pack quite the healthful punch.  Grading Girl recommends these for EVERYONE!!  Try them once . . . you just may be glad you did.

Chia Seeds

Talk about super food, chia is a high fiber seed that is the richest known vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids.  It has three times the antioxidants of blueberries, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach and is a better protein source than beans or soy!!!!!!  I mix them in fat free cottage cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, and I even sneakily sprinkle them in my baked goodies.  2 tablespoons a day is all it takes.  Buy this – your body will thank you!  I bought my 1lb container at Whole Foods for $19.99.  Check it out!!!

Pitted Prunes

My favorite is Trader Joe’s Dried Fruit Pitted Prunes.  With only 12 grams of sugar per serving, it holds less sugar than most dried fruit . . . and less sugar ultimately means less belly fat.  Don’t underestimate the power of prune – it is a rich source of potassium, Vitamin A and iron.  This will give you energy and boost your immune system.  Pop a couple of these prunes when your sweet tooth is nagging at you.

Baby Beets

Tired of a side of potatoes?!  These are normally messy to prepare but Trader Joe’s Steamed & Peeled Baby Beets are ready to eat hot or cold.  I was hesitant to place these in my cart one day, but they were something new and different . . . and I’m constantly looking for unique food to try or cook.  (ask me about my new chicken burger recipe!!)  B is for beet – they are a good source of Vitamin B, an essential folate that helps our tissue grow and prevent cancerous diseases.

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Rock ‘N Roll Cardio Playlist!

As promised, here is a rock ‘n roll playlist without remixes.  I found it difficult, let me tell you, not to slip in one of my favorite heart-pounding mixes to keep the bpms rolling.  Nevertheless, there will be plenty of rolling going on with these authentic songs beating in your ear.  Grab those sneakers, slap on the wristband and pour the water . . . let’s roll!!! ➔ ➘➙➚➔

**Want to see more of my playlists?  Click on “Favorites” above and scroll to “Cardio Playlists!”

“Take a Picture” by Filter . . . Perfect tempo for warm up.  I”m not sure why, but I’ve always liked this song.  Someone once told me what this song is really about - I choose to keep my own naïve, more positive interpretation in my head.

“Where are We Runnin‘?” by Lenny Kravitz . . . this one was made for a runner’s playlist.

“California Man” by Cheap Trick . . . such a fun, clean song!  A personal favorite of mine!!!!

“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers . . . I just recently heard this song after not hearing it for some time.  This pick-up-the-pace song will keep you from stopping those feet.

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This rough-edged raunch will keep your legs on fire as you pound the pavement or mill.

“Barracuda” by Heart . . . girl-power!!!!  This list needs some rock from the higher-pitched gender!

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen . . . enough said.

“Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 . . . a good one to keep you running until you get to your destination.

“In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel . . . . always loved, loved, loved this song.  The dreamy guitar chords will keep your spirit bounding and your feet light as you jump over the hump of your cardio.

“Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . . . Run, step, or bounce with joy to this!  This will give you one last sprint before starting slow down.  Such a gooooood song!!!! 

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix . . . You’ll be in a haze by the time you hit this portion of your workout so why not begin to slow down with a mellow classic such as this.

“Gettin’ in Tune” by the Who . . .  perfect tempo for closure.  And while we may not need as much closure as we think in real life, we need it in our workouts.  A lesser-known song by this group!  Love the piano in this one!!!!

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Summer Cardio Playlist 2010

As promised and at long last, here is GG’s summer cardio playlist!!!!  Not only are these songs the perfect tempo for cardio but they spark that glorious summer giddiness we crave all year. ~

Summer Cardio Playlist

How about going for a run on this beach?!

“California Gurls” by Katy Perry . . . A celebration of the carefree days of summer!  KP recorded this song during the perfect time – very symbolic for my fam’ right now!

“California Man” by Cheap Trick . . . I can’t leave out the boys!!  This is a Cheap Trick sleeper hit.  If you don’t remember this song, you will wonder why. My high school pom squad won first place with this -I still remember (and can do!) the kick sequence.

“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead . . . the quintessential summer song!!

“Club Can’t Handle Me” (From Step Up 3D) by Flo Rida . . . this is the song that So You Think You Can Dance is using for the national routine for everyone to learn for National Dance Day.  I just learned it!!  It’s a very happy, feel good song – like last year’s “I Gotta Feelin’!”

“Heroes” by David Bowie . . . such a good song to keep you moving to your goal!

“Ecstasy” by Rusted Root . . . a definite summer vibe going on here; plus, it’s the only band that ever excited me enough to dance barefoot at a concert.

“Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel . . . when you get to this song, turn up your mp3 player one more notch – trust me!

“Shine” by The LoveFreekz (Ultra Dance 06) . . . great to blast on the treadmill or in the car on a warm sunny day.

“Right Here, Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . just when you’re starting to feel the steam diminishing, this longer song repeats but it’s the perfect running pace that will keep your eye on the prize.

“Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . . . this was my late father’s very favorite song; it exemplifies his “joie de vive.”  It’s just a tad slower than the rest of the songs; hence, it makes for a perfectly positive seventh-inning-stretch to your hard-earned exercise.

“(They Long to be) Close to You” by The Cranberries . . . from the “If I Were a Carpenter” CD - this version is breathtakingly beautiful.  Cool down with this and walk off with a summer glow.

Next Playlist:  Rockstar Playlist – no dance remixes on this one . . . pure rock & roll . . . not entirely characteristic of a GG playlist.

Click here for a link to GG’s previous popular playlists!!

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