Topic and Resource Links

Web Services

• Google Docs (word proc, spreadsheet, presentation)
• SumoPaint graphics editor (a bit like PhotoShop)
• Zamar file format converter
• Letterpop newsletter editor
• Collaborate online with Elluminate (free 3-site vRoom) or Skype
• WiZiQ & DimDim free online conferencing system
• Google Scholar & Wikipedia comprehensive references
• Flickr photo publishing & sharing service
• Publish video online with YouTube
• Creative Commons intellectual property management
• uStream & Justin.tv webcasting service
• Your own library blog (and many other providers)
• You own library RSS news feed aggregator from NetVibes, iGoogle or iGoogle

Library-Specific Resources

• Library Automation Systems (open source): Koha || Evergreen || OPALS
• Library automation survey (with open source)
• System Librarian on automation & the economy

Open-Source Software

• Abiword word processing (3-12)
• OpenOffice word processor, spreadsheet, presentation (6-12)
• Scribus desktop publishing (3-12)
• KompoZer web page authoring (like DreamWeaver) (6-12)
• PHeT Simulations (6-12)
• Molecular Workbench (8-12)
• Phun Physics Simulation (3-12)
• GeoGebra mathematics system
• Google Sketchup geometric construction system
• POV-Ray programmable 3D geometry system
• NetLogo Simulation System (science & social science) (4-12)
• Gapminder social science data analysis & presentation
• Organize and plan with CmapTools
• Podcast online with iTunes or Audacity
• Elementary-Specific Software
• Tuxpaint drawing program (ages 3-12)
• eToys/Squeak programmable project environment
• Scratch programmable project environment
• The BIG library tech cost saver: Linux Terminal Server & here's an Elementary Library Case Study

Open-Content Resources

• FreeReading.net K-3 reading program: Florida Board approved
• Elementary Resources for reading, writing, & mathematics
• 21st Century Physics - a Virginia K-12 flexbook
• Internet Archive (free text, images, music, video)
• Read (or write) a Wikibook: an open-content textbook
• Publish video online with YouTube
• EveryStockPhoto free sharing service
• Curriki: Open-content K-12 course content
• MIT OpenCourseWare: all 1800 MIT courses online
• OpenCulture education & culture site (videos, too)
• Community college open textbooks (by discipline)

Language Arts: Publishing & Collaboration

• Use the links above to publish through blogging, podcasting, or video. Write a wikibook textbook for next year's class or for younger children. Collaborate and communicate online with video web conferencing or video phone (Skype).

Social Learning: Immersive Social Environments (caveat emptor)

• Second Life (teen grid and SL Library)
• Croquet / Cobalt peer-to-peer immersion
• Qwaq immersion (free trial)
• Elementary/Middle/High School 3D Learning Academy Case Study

 

We're confronted by insurmountable opportunity!
-- Pogo (Walt Kelly)