Tuesday Tech Tips - Last 3 weeks

From October 21:

TUESDAY TIP:  Every Tuesday, a tech tip and a book recommendation from the Library @ MMRHS

TECH TIP:  Your Life on Earth  http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141016-your-life-on-earth

The BBC has put together a very cool interactive.  You enter your date of birth and a few other facts and an infographic is populated that shows all the things that have happened since you were born.  Good statistical information.  

BOOK RECOMMENDATION:  What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

This was my favorite book of the summer.  Alice is a 40 year old woman who gets amnesia, forgetting the last 10 years of her life.  This includes forgetting having her children.  A look at what is important about life and the choices we make along the way.

From October 15:

TUESDAY TIPS (On Wednesday, due to Jury Duty yesterday):

TECH TIP:  Jeopardy Rocks  http://www.jeopardy.rocks

Jeopardy Rocks is a free online tool for making quick and easy Jeopardy-style review games.  Click on the Build Now box and them add in what you want for your custom URL.  You will need to add in an email and password to create your game.  Then click on each square to add in the question and answers.  You can have up to 6 teams on the board.  

BOOK RECOMMENDATION:  Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

One of my favorite books of all time.  An epic story of twin brothers who come of age during the Ethiopian revolution.   A story of family, courage, and medical miracles.  Beautifully written. 

From October 7:

TUESDAY TIPS:  Every Tuesday, I’ll email out a tech tool tip and a tip on a good book to read. 

TECH TIP:  Random Name Picker  http://www.classtools.net/random-name-picker/

Looking for a fun, random way to get students to participate in class?  Enter your class list and then spin a virtual wheel to have a random name selected.  After a name has been selected, you can remove the name so it is not picked again.  It is free to use and will work on your laptop or iPad.

BOOK TIP:  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I’m recommending this first, as it was the most read book by students who participated in the Summer Reading program.  It is a book that has wide appeal to teens and adults alike.  Hazel and Augustus are two teens who meet at a Cancer Support Group.  But this is not just a story about cancer, it is a story about what it means to be alive and in love.  A heartbreaker. 

Thanks to Steve Estelle:  If you want a good laugh, though, check out this Saturday Night Live spoof on the book and film:http://youtu.be/DopEzgBk4dA