Participants in this year's institute -- and others -- say they're eager to use technology and social media, but not for their own sake. They want new media tools that deepen their interactions with students and families and enhance the magic of teaching and learning.

So . . . from time to time we'll use this space to share resources that can help accomplish that goal.

A great go-to guide is Edutopia's Top Ten Tips for Teaching with New Media.

Digital Is (National Writing Project) collects ideas, reflections, and stories about teaching writing in our digital, interconnected world. 

"Using Web 2.0 Tools to Enhance Learning and Engagement," Kay Gormley and Peter McDermott's summer institute presentation introduces a range of tools plus how and why to use them. Slide show. Handout.

Two Long Island ESL teachers share tips for using technology to support language learning in this article from NYSUT's Educator's Voice, Vol. 4: Technology Integration. The entire issue is available from NYSUT or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  and ask us to send you a copy.

A high school teacher sugggests creative uses for interactive white boards.

Splicd is an easy tool when you want to edit a YouTube video. All you need is the video's URL and the section you want to view to get a new URL and embed code for just the part of the video you wanted. (Thanks to "Ms. DeSanti's Blog," Discovery Education.)

A middle school teacher who integrates blogging into daily classroom activities describes her standards for student involvement with blogs, ideas for enhancing curriculum, and more. Plus, check out Eileen MacAvery Kane's presentation, Quick Start to Blogging with Word Press, from our summer institute.

A first grade teacher says not to dismiss Facebook -- even if your school currently blocks it -- and suggests eight ways to use it with students and families.

Students can use GPS (global positioning systems) to collect real world data, become involved in their communities, and exercise critical thinking skills. THV's reviewer, Emily Katz, calls this article, "A good beginning for anyone working with K-12 students."