Cambridge Days, edizione dedicata al Centenario di Cambridge English Assessment

Segnaliamo che Cambridge English Assessment ha organizzato una nuova edizione dei Cambridge Days, una giornata informativa per gli insegnanti di inglese di ogni ordine e grado, con relatori di altissimo livello. Un’eccellente opportunità per scoprire da vicino il mondo delle certificazioni Cambridge English Assessment.

I Cambridge Days novembre 2013 si terranno a: 

Napoli: Lunedì 4 Novembre presso il Teatro Mediterraneo – Mostra D’Oltremare

Roma: Martedì 5 Novembre presso l’Auditorium Antonianum

Bologna: Mercoledì 6 Novembre  presso il Royal Hotel Carlton

Milano: Venerdì 8 Novembre presso l’Atahotel Quark

Vedi il Programma

Mappe Mentali, i 5 migliori strumenti per Insegnanti

Organizzare i pensieri è un compito difficile, sia per gli insegnanti che gli studenti. La mancanza di un mezzo per organizzare tutti questi pensieri può portare a stress, confusione e mancanza di successo per quanto riguarda te e ituoi studenti.

 Utilizzare questi 5 strumenti Mind Mapping gratis, per essere i migliori educatori possibili e garantire agli studenti di poter raggiungere il loro pieno potenziale.

1. Coggle 
   About Coggle Coggle is a completely-free, web-based mind-mapping software. It allows users to create sprawling documents organized around hierarchical thoughts. In addition to that, it allows users to share documents with each other in real time.
   How to Use Coggle
   Coggle requires new users to sign up through Google, so first, create a Google account if you do not already have one. Next, visit the link above to get started. Click the green button that reads “Sign Up using Google.” On the next page, either type in or select the Google account you will be using for Coggle.
   Once you select your email address, you will be directed to your home page. Click the green “Create” button in order to get to work!
   To get started, click the gray “New Coggle” button in the middle of your screen. The is where the main subject of your mind map will go. Now, click one of the “+” buttons on the right or left of the “New Coggle” button. Type a subcategory here. Now drag your subcategory wherever you would like it to appear and drop it. Alternatively, leave it where you found it. Repeat this exact same process with your subcategory in order to add more categories, notes, or content.
   Utilize the sidebar at the left of the screen to remove items, or undo/redo actions.  In addition to that, use the sidebar to figure out Coggle’s shortcuts.  And that’s essentially it!  Play around with the location of your categories so that your Coggle is organized in a way that makes concepts easy to understand and connect.
   Once you’re done, use the icons at the top right of your screen to share your Coggle, download it, view the history, or chat with whoever you’re collaborating with.
   
   
2. MindMup 
   About MindMup 
   MindMup is an easy-to-use, web-based mind-mapping software that requires no sign-up for users. It enables users to save files online, share them with others, or export them to other mediums.
   How to Use MindMup
   To begin using MindMup, click the link above and you will be taken directly to the software’s website.  You will be greeted with a StartUp menu. However, if you are not, simply click the MindMup logo in the top left of the screen and you will be taken there. Click the “Create a New Map” icon.  You can go back later and click the “Learn how to…” icon if you would like to learn the intricacies of the program.
   After you click the “Create a New Map” icon you will be taken to a menu that asks what type of map you’d like to create.  Make your selection here based on your planned use of the map.  You will now be taken to your brand-new mind map!
   Click the blue button in the middle of your screen that reads “Press space or double-click to edit” to get started. Type in the main topic of your mind map here. In order to add a subcategory, locate the toolbox to the right of the screen, find the icon in the first column of the third row that reads “Add Child.” Type in your notes, content, or another subcategory. Hold “shift” while dragging and dropping the “child” in order to place it in a location that you are satisfied with.
   Repeat this process until you have a mind map that contributes to your mental clarity, then click the “File” button in the top left of the screen and choose to save, export, or share your brand-new mind map!
   
   
3. Bubbl.us 
   About Bubbl.us 
   Bubbl.us is a simple web-based mind mapping software that requires minimal effort on the part of the user and contributes to a more organized set of ideas.
   How to Use Bubbl.us
   Get started using bubbl.us by clicking the link above. Once you arrive at the site, you will be greeted with an icon that reads “Start Brainstorming,” click it. After that, look to the right of your screen and find the button that reads “Create Account.” Click it and fill in the information in order to complete creation of your account. After that, you are free to get to work on your mind map!
   Click the button the middle of your screen that reads “Start here” and type in the subject of your mind map. Click the small icon on the right of the yellow button in order to create a new parent category. Alternatively, click the small icon at the bottom of the yellow button to create a new child category.
   Note that you are able to change aspects of the appearance of these icons by changing their color and font size. You are also able to drag and drop parent and child categories to create a more organized format. Get creative, add parent and child categories, drag and drop, and personalize your icons to create a mind map that you’re happy with.
   When you’re done, click the save button on the top right of the screen. In addition to this, you are also able to share your mind map with other bubbl.us users, and now is the time to do that if you choose. You are now free to print or export your mind map to fully enjoy the feeling of a completely organized set of thoughts!
   
   
4. Mindomo 
   About Mindomo 
   Mindomo is a web-based mind map creation application that is free at its most basic level. Mindomo’s high level of sophistication allows users to completely customize their mind maps.
   How to Use Mindomo
   First, click on the link above in order to visit Mindomo’s website. Once you are there, locate the “Mind Mapping for Education” section and click the green “Sign Up” button. You will now be taken to a page that lays out Mindomo’s pricing options. Locate the “Mindomo Free” icon to the left of the screen and click on the “Sign Up” button.
   Next, sign up through your favorite social media site or with an email. Now check your email, find the email from Mindomo, click the activation link, and you’re ready to get started! Indicate whether you are a teacher or a student and click “Submit.”
   You will now be taken to your Mindomo home page, click the “Create” button in the top left of your screen to get to work! First, enter a title for your new map. Mouse over the pink map title in the middle of your screen until a small arrow appears in the right corner of it. Click on this arrow to add a new topic or subtopic to your map. Utilize the toolbar at the top of the screen to alter the appearance of your map, and the toolbar to the left of the screen to change the content of your map by adding images, icons, or multimedia.
   Add topics, subtopics, and change the appearance of your map until you are satisfied.  Then move your mouse to the top right of the screen and either close your map, or share it with a friend!
   
   
5. Wise Mapping 
   About Wise Mapping 
   Wise Mapping is a simple and quick-operating mind map creation program that is based entirely in the web. It’s ease-of-use and plethora of publishing and sharing options make it a great choice for anyone looking to show their work to the world.
   How to Use Wise Mapping
   Click on the link above and go to wisemapping.com. Locate the green “Sign Up for Free” button to the left of the screen and click it. Fill in the required information to create your Wise Mapping account. Next, you will be taken to a “Thanks for Signing Up” page, click the hyperlinked “here,” sign in, and get to work!
   Click the blue “New” icon to the left of your screen. Type in a name and description to begin working on your map. To add categories and subcategories to your map, simply press the tab key on your keyboard. Include the information you would like to in your categories and subcategories until you have a mind map you are satisfied with. Utilize the toolbar at the top of your screen to add links, notes, or change the appearance of your mind map.
   Once you’re done, you are free to save, print, share, export, or otherwise publish your mind map for the world to see!

fonte: http://elearningindustry.com

Umberto Eco: Quaranta regole per scrivere bene

1. Evita le allitterazioni, anche se allettano gli allocchi.
2. Non è che il congiuntivo va evitato, anzi, che lo si usa quando
necessario.
3. Evita le frasi fatte: è minestra riscaldata.
4. Esprimiti siccome ti nutri.
5. Non usare sigle commerciali & abbreviazioni etc.
6. Ricorda (sempre) che la parentesi (anche quando pare indispensabile)
interrompe il filo del discorso.
7. Stai attento a non fare... indigestione di puntini di sospensione.
8. Usa meno virgolette possibili: non è “fine”.
9. Non generalizzare mai.
10. Le parole straniere non fanno affatto bon ton.
11. Sii avaro di citazioni. Diceva giustamente Emerson: “Odio le
citazioni. Dimmi solo quello che sai tu.”
12. I paragoni sono come le frasi fatte.
13. Non essere ridondante; non ripetere due volte la stessa cosa;
ripetere è superfluo (per ridondanza s’intende la spiegazione inutile di
qualcosa che il lettore ha già capito).
14. Solo gli stronzi usano parole volgari.
15. Sii sempre più o meno specifico.
16. La litote è la più straordinaria delle tecniche espressive.
17. Non fare frasi di una sola parola. Eliminale.
18. Guardati dalle metafore troppo ardite: sono piume sulle scaglie di
un serpente.
19. Metti, le virgole, al posto giusto.
20. Distingui tra la funzione del punto e virgola e quella dei due
punti: anche se non è facile.
21. Se non trovi l’espressione italiana adatta non ricorrere mai
all’espressione dialettale: peso el tacòn del buso.
22. Non usare metafore incongruenti anche se ti paiono “cantare”: sono
come un cigno che deraglia.
23. C’è davvero bisogno di domande retoriche?
24. Sii conciso, cerca di condensare i tuoi pensieri nel minor numero di
parole possibile, evitando frasi lunghe — o spezzate da incisi che
inevitabilmente confondono il lettore poco attento — affinché il tuo
discorso non contribuisca a quell’inquinamento dell’informazione che è
certamente (specie quando inutilmente farcito di precisazioni inutili, o
almeno non indispensabili) una delle tragedie di questo nostro tempo
dominato dal potere dei media.
25. Gli accenti non debbono essere nè scorretti nè inutili, perchè chi
lo fà sbaglia.
26. Non si apostrofa un'articolo indeterminativo prima del sostantivo
maschile.
27. Non essere enfatico! Sii parco con gli esclamativi!
28. Neppure i peggiori fans dei barbarismi pluralizzano i termini stranieri.
29. Scrivi in modo esatto i nomi stranieri, come Beaudelaire, Roosewelt,
Niezsche, e simili.
30. Nomina direttamente autori e personaggi di cui parli, senza
perifrasi. Così faceva il maggior scrittore lombardo del XIX secolo,
l’autore del 5 maggio.
31. All’inizio del discorso usa la captatio benevolentiae, per
ingraziarti il lettore (ma forse siete così stupidi da non capire
neppure quello che vi sto dicendo).
32. Cura puntiliosamente l’ortograffia.
33. Inutile dirti quanto sono stucchevoli le preterizioni.
34. Non andare troppo sovente a capo. Almeno, non quando non serve.
35. Non usare mai il plurale majestatis. Siamo convinti che faccia una
pessima impressione.
36. Non confondere la causa con l’effetto: saresti in errore e dunque
avresti sbagliato.
37. Non costruire frasi in cui la conclusione non segua logicamente
dalle premesse: se tutti facessero così, allora le premesse
conseguirebbero dalle conclusioni.
38. Non indulgere ad arcaismi, apax legomena o altri lessemi inusitati,
nonché deep structures rizomatiche che, per quanto ti appaiano come
altrettante epifanie della differanza grammatologica e inviti alla
deriva decostruttiva – ma peggio ancora sarebbe se risultassero
eccepibili allo scrutinio di chi legga con acribia ecdotica – eccedano
comunque le competente cognitive del destinatario.
39. Non devi essere prolisso, ma neppure devi dire meno di quello che.
40. Una frase compiuta deve avere.

(U. Eco, La bustina di Minerva, Bompiani, 2000)

VALUTAZIONE E OSSERVAZIONI NELLA SCUOLA DELL’INFANZIA

VALUTAZIONE E OSSERVAZIONI NELLA SCUOLA DELL’INFANZIA

Di Vincenzo Riccio

Osservare il bambino per programmare gli interventi educativo-didattici nella scuola dell’infanzia.

Percorso programmato per i Docenti

GUARDA LE SCHEDE in pdf

10 siti per gli Insegnanti di Scienze

Sappiamo tutti che il web è pieno di eccellenti risorse web per insegnanti di scienze e studenti. Tuttavia, a meno che non si vive sul web, trovare i migliori siti web può diventare una vera sfida. Questo non è un "Top Ten" lista -, invece, si tratta di un elenco di siti web che ho usato regolarmente o semplicemente che trovo interessanti. Dalle risorse didattiche sulla natura e la scienza a autentici diari con video stravaganti sui numeri, sono sicuro che troverete qualcosa nel seguente elenco per i vostri lavori!
Eric Brunsell

1) Understanding Science

UC Berkeley's Understanding Science website is a "must use" for all science teachers. It is a great resource for learning more about the process of science. The resource goes much deeper than the standard "PHEOC" model of the scientific method by emphasizing peer review, the testing of ideas, a science flowchart and "what is science?" checklist. Understanding Science also provides a variety of teaching resources including case studies of scientific discoveries and lesson plans for every grade level.

2) Field Research Journals

The Field Book Project from the National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution Archives intends to create a "one stop" archive for field research journals and other documentation. You can find plenty of examples from actual field research journals for your classes.

3) Evolution

Berkeley's Understanding Evolution website is the precursor to their Understanding Science efforts. The Understanding Evolution website provides a plethora of resources, news items and lessons for teaching about evolution.Lessons provide appropriate "building blocks" to help students at any grade level work towards a deeper understanding of evolution. The Evo 101 tutorial provides a great overview of the science behind evolution and the multiple lines of evidence that support the theory.

4) PhET Simulations

PhET from the University of Colorado provides dozens of fantastic simulations for physics, chemistry and biology. The website also includes a collection of teacher contributed activities, lab experiences, homework assignments and conceptual questions that can be used with the simulations.

5) Earth Exploration

The Earth Exploration Toolbook provides a series of activities, tools and case studies for using data sets with your students.

6) EdHead Interactives

Edheads is an organization that provides engaging web simulations and activities for kids. Current activities focus on simulated surgical procedures, cell phone design (with market research), simple and compound machines, and weather prediction.

7) Plant Mentors

Do you teach about plants? Check out http://www.plantingscience.org/ to connect your middle or high school students to science mentors and a collaborative inquiry project. From the project:

Planting Science is a learning and research resource, bringing together students, plant scientists, and teachers from across the nation. Students engage in hands-on plant investigations, working with peers and scientist mentors to build collaborations and to improve their understanding of science.

8) Periodic Table of Videos

Check out The Periodic Table of Videos for a wide array of videos about the elements and other chemistry topics.

9) More Videos!

Students can read and watch video about 21 Smithsonian scientists including a volcano watcher, fossil hunter, art scientist, germinator and zoo vet.

10) Even More Videos!

How many videos were watched on YouTube last year? If you said 22 BILLION, you are sort of correct... Those 22 billion views only represent the number of times education videos were watched! Last October, YouTube announced a project to create new video channels for education. The first channels released focused on science and math. Here are a few to start with.

Continua su Edutopia

Dixit 23: 10 Foto Aforismi su Scuola, Educazione e Cultura di Personaggi famosi

Tutte le Classifiche dei libri più venduti su HOEPLI.it!

BES: VALUTARE GLI ALUNNI, GUIDA GRATUITA

Autore: Anna La Prova, psicologa psicoterapeuta formatrice e consulente scolastico.

Questa Guida Gratuita propone una riflessione pratica su cosa significa “valutare gli alunni con Bisogni Educativi Sepciali“, suggerendo anche una modalità pratica di identificazione dei livelli minimi attesi.

Guarda e scarica la guida

40 siti e apps per creare Presentazioni

Creare presentazioni è un prodotto che qualsiasi educatore dovrebbe proporre e ogni alunno dovrebbe imparare in una classe del 21° secolo. Si è sempre usato Power Point per raggiungere questo obiettivo ma ora esistono anche molti altri strumenti, più efficienti e facili da usare, per creare presentazioni mozzafiato.
Qui di seguito è la mia lista di programmi preferiti per la creazione di presentazioni e slideshow.
Questo elenco è in ordine alfabetico.  
David Kapuler

9Slides - A wonderful site and app for adding video/audio narration to a presentation.  Ideal for professional development or teaching a lesson.

Animoto - One of the most popular sites/apps for creating beautiful-looking slideshows with an educational portal.

AuthorStream - A great way to upload PPT presentations and share them with others, similar to Slideshare.

Aximedia Slideshow Creator - A wonderful Android app for creating stunning-looking slideshows.

Biteslide - A fantastic site for creating interactive presentations that contain all types of media with educational portal, where teachers create student accounts.

Electric Slide - A nice iOS app that allows users to present all styles of presentations (PPT, Keynote, etc) wirelessly.

eMaze - A nice site that is a cross between Prezi and PP that allows users to zoom around their presentation.  Best of all, a finished presentation can be embedded into a site.

Flixtime - A cool site for mixing photos, videos, and music to create a stunning presentation.

Haiku Deck - A amazing iPad app for creating beautiful looking presentations with the ability to upload Creative Commons licensed photos as well as creating charts and graphs.

HelloSlide - A innovative site that allows a user to add narration to their presentations simply by typing in text.

Kizoa - A fun site for creating slideshows or collages with a built-in photo editor.

Knovio - A nice site for adding video or audio to a PowerPoint presentation.  Ideal for Pecha Kucha style presentations.

Magisto - A cool way to create a presentation with this video mash-up site/app.

Muvee Cloud - Another nice video mash-up site that creates fun looking movies/presentations by mixing and matching video and music.

Narrable - An innovative site for adding audio to photos to create an engaging slideshow.

Netclick - While Netclick is more of a "student response system," it is a great way to engage an audience through the use of an interactive slideshow.

One True Media - A fantastic video mash-up site for mixing video, audio, and images to creating stunning presentations.

PhotoPeach - One of my favorite sites/apps for creating an interactive slideshow with an  educational portal.  A user can also create a quiz embedded into a slideshow as well.

Photoshow (Roxio) - A nice site for creating slideshows with photos, videos, and music, and sharing publicly or privately.

PhotoSnack - A fun site for creating slideshows for blogs, FB, or Twitter.

Popcorn Maker - One of the easiest video mash-ups sites around to creating stunning presentations.

PowToon - Is a new (beta) and wonderful site for creating amazing animated slideshows/presentations.

Present.me - A great site for "flipping" your classroom by adding a video narration side by side to a slideshow.

Reel - A simple site for uploading presentations to garner feedback and self assessment.

Slide.ly - Create a beautiful looking presentation with images and music.

Slideful - A fun site for creating beautiful looking slideshows.

Sliderocket - A easy-to-use site for creating visually engaging slideshows, recently purchased by ClearSlide.

Slideroll - A nice site/app to create slideshows and publish them on the web.

Slideshare - One of the most popular sites around for uploading and sharing presentations in a secure environment.

SlideShark - A nice iOS app for view and editing PPT on the iPhone or iPad.

Slideshow Creator - SSC on Google+ is probably one of the most popular way to create slideshows in a safe environment for students.

Smilebox - A very popular site for creating beautiful-looking slideshows, collages, presentations and more.

Soo Meta - A wonderful site for "flipping" a classroom and creating excellent looking presentations that can be embedded into a blog or site.  Also, there are nice features such as: the ability to embed a poll into a presentation, track usages statistics, and more.

Speaker Deck - A great site for uploading a PDF then turning it into a slideshow that can be embedded into a site or blog.

Swipe - A new (private beta) site for creating beautiful-looking slideshows that can be used on any device.

TotSplash - An innovative presentation and brainstorming tool for creating engaging presentations that can be embedded into a site/blog.

Vivapitch - A nice plugin for PPT and Android to engage audiences on mobile devices.

Vizlingo - A cool site for making a slideshow out of text.

Vuvox - A great site for creating stunning presentations and slideshows.

WebSlides - A neat way to turn Diigo bookmarks into interactive slideshows.

fonte: digitallearning.com