Eclectic Technology

Put together Google+ and Connected Classrooms and the result is great virtual field trips foryour classroom. Today Google+ and Connected Classroom have launched this new iniative. To learn more head over to Connected Classroom as you have to submit an application to join. Your school will have also have to support Google+. With budget cuts in education this is a great opportunity for students to experience trips to locations that they may never be able to visit in person.

Each tool listed is described and there is an explanation that discusses why a 21st century teacher should be able to use the tool. Tools include Evernote, RSS or Social Readers, Google+ Community, YouTube, iTunesU, Cloud-Based Word Processors, DropBox, Evernote, Pocket and Zotero. 

Are there tools you think are necessary for teachers to master?

How many social networks are you a member of? How often do you answer questions that request your date of birth, your school, your hometown...questions that may seem innocuous but may also be answers to security questions on other sites. 

This infographic looks at the following social networks: Facebook, Twitter,  Google+, Mixi, Sina Weibo, Tumblr. Linkedin, and Pinterest. It will allow you  to see how each of these sites falls in the areas of: privacy settings, contact details, connections, birth date, employment, location and name.

It also provides information about the potential backlash of providing personal information including identity theft, social engineering, and damaged reputation as well as some statistical information.

To learn more about the risks of sharing information online check out this post, or go directly to the infographic at:

http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/the-risks-of-posting-in-social-networks/