Have you tired a 'smore' lately?

This summer I was exposed to a new web 2.0 tool called Smore when I attended the ISTE conference in San Diego.  This tool reminds me of blogs in that information can be placed in a linear format.  This tool can be used to announce an activity or event, promote a product, or to just share information through a flyer format.  Sure there are tools out there already that can do the same thing Smore can, but it is a great option for students and teachers who tend to view things linearly and enjoy an easy template.  Smore has the ability to easily embed YouTube video, upload pictures and include text.  It is very easy to change the background and layout as well.  I also like how Smore lets you know how many times someone has viewed your Smore flyer.

I decided to try this tool out in two different ways.  One was for a class that I co-taught with Mary Marotta @mmarotta on Mobile learning pertaining to apps for the iPad.  This Smore can be viewed HERE.  The second was for a beginning of the school year presentation to the staff about our network in the building and their responsibility regarding using the internet.  This Smore can be viewed HERE.  I also worked with Mrs. Cooney @BHSCooney, our Leadership teacher, with providing Smore as a possible web 2.0 tool option for a project on leadership traits.  To view one students' example, click here.

I do recommend at least looking at this tool to see if I might work for you!  As always, let me know if you have any questions regarding this tool!

Bulldog Cafe - Sharing Information

How lucky are the staff at BHS that each week, we are able to walk downstairs to the life skills room, when the Bulldog Cafe is open, to enjoy a delicious treat or hot beverage?  This year, students are making a wide arrangement of food and are doing a great job at that.  I am also impressed with how the students are communicating with the staff on their events that they have participated in as they are using technology.  One particular student is in charged of making a flyer showcasing items such as:

• What they have done over the month
• A recipe of their choice to showcase
• An interesting fact
• A puzzle for the staff to figure out
• Announcement of prize winners
• And much more 

The 'Cafe News' is a great flyer and it is created using a word document.  GREAT JOB and keep up the GOOD WORK!  To view the latest flyer, click HERE.