Friday, April 13, 2012

4th Anniversary of Real World Math

Real World Math had its Fourth Anniversary the other day.  Not sure if it seems longer than that, or if time has flown by, but I'm certainly glad the site is still reaching new people.  I'm sorry that I haven't been as diligent with adding new activities.  For months, I've been bogged down with a colossal lesson for RWM.  I literally have a crack team of experts from around the world helping me with it, so I am anxious to see its completion.  Beyond that I can certainly promise that you'll see some activity on the site soon.

First, you'll notice some changes in the Tutorial section.  I've added some tutorials for editing Google Earth placemarks with HTML.  I think this is a great addition because I've always wanted to have other teachers contribute lessons to Real World Math.  In the this section you'll find specific examples of HTML formatted placemarks that will help you to create your own Google Earth tours and activities.  All you'll need to do is copy the HTML code, enter the content information you want, and paste it in the placemark's description box.  Designing your own placemarks will be much easier now.  So start creating and share your lessons with all of us!

Otherwise, I've been surprised with a few Google Earth features in the past week.  First, I hadn't noticed the Add Image... button and Add Link... buttons in the placemark editor.  I suppose it came as part of the most recent update of GE, - funny that I didn't notice it.  The other surprise came this evening; it finally dawned on me to view RealWorldMath from within Google Earth's browser.  It turned out to be quite convenient because I found that I could download the RWM files directly into Google Earth without going through any middleman.  Is this how you use the site?  Funny that I never considered that.

Not so funny was viewing some of my older activities.  One of the problems with using web-based resources is that they sometimes disappear.  You may have noticed in my materials some dead-end links or images that won't load.  This is because the sources that I used no longer exist or they've changed their web address.  Very frustrating.  I have a lot of material to go through so it would be helpful if you could send me a kind email if you ever encounter some dead links in RWM lessons.

Finally, I have a lot of work in store for me to prevent Real World Math from becoming a dead link.  Apple is discontinuing their MobileMe web hosting services this summer, so that means I have to find a new hosting solution.  Either I migrate to iCloud or I need to publish with another service (any suggestions?).  Rest assured that all is safe.  I own the domain name so wherever I end up you will still reach me at RealWorldMath.org.  Hopefully the next four years will be as satisfying as these.  Thanks for all your support.
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

SimpleK12's Online Education Conference

Attention Education friends – You’re invited to a one-of-a-kind PD event that’s going to be a lot of fun …
and best of all, it won’t cost you a dime!

Come learn with educators from around the world at the Online Education Conference: An international conference that’s 100% FREE!

This PD event has been sponsored by SimpleK12, one of the leading providers of 21st century teacher professional development. Join the Blue Bunnies as they camp out in the SimpleK12 offices for 24 hours straight, bringing you the best-of-the-best conference sessions with presenters from around the world. (Thanks for organizing such an incredible FREE event, SimpleK12!)

Online Education Conference - Details

  • What: A 24-hour training extravaganza for educators around the world!
  • When: Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 – Thursday, April 26th, 2012
  • Where: Online – Join LIVE from your computer or mobile device
  • Cost: 100% FREE!
  • Register: http://simplek12.com/tlc/webinars/#OEC

What sessions can you attend?
Sessions will be running all day and night … so pick and choose whatever works best with your schedule. There’s something for everyone! 

What can you learn about?
Perhaps the better question is, “What WON’T you learn about?” Conference sessions cover ALL of the latest educational trends and topics, such as:
  • Google Earth
  • iPads for Education
  • Free Web Tools
  • 21st Century Student Projects
  • Blogging
  • Google Maps
  • Podcasting
  • and more!

What are you waiting for?
Registration is free … but space is limited. Don’t wait – Reserve your seat now before it’s too late! Sign Up Here: http://simplek12.com/tlc/webinars/#OEC

What’s not to love?!
No Travel. No Registration Fees. Lots of Fun. A Great Learning Opportunity. Need I say more?!

Help spread the word about this FREE, international online conference. Tell as many educator friends and colleagues as you can! Don’t let anyone miss out on this incredible learning opportunity!

See you there!