SignOnSanDiego.com: “Funds sliced, teacher sells ads on tests“ – I can’t remember who I got this from, but it is so apropos to our school right now.  Teachers have just been budgeted to one case of paper (for how long, I’m not sure) so this could be a creative way to offset costs.  I just don’t think our district would allow this ‘fundraiser.’

Scott McLeod – Teachlearning Blog “Teaching administrators about Wikipedia” – I must admit that when Wikipedia first made my radar I, too, was adament about my students not using it and/or treating it as an unreliable source.  Since learning more about it, especially after watching the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales TEDTalks video, I’ve changed my mind.  While I think students should be allowed to BEGIN their research on Wikipedia, just as with any encyclopedia, they shouldn’t use it as their ONLY source.  Just as with Google, it’s a way of finding out quick information or answers to questions, but students still need to judge for bias and accuracy.

Time for a Story – a Windows Live Messenger service that allows you to share storytime with your child even when you are apart.  Seems an easy enough setup – PC, Internet access, Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, and microphone.  The benefit of this method over say, Skype, is that your screen has the narration and your child’s screen shows the story/animation.  Watch the demo.  Unfortunately, I’m on a Mac and don’t think Windows Live is available for Macs.  Bummer!

Here’s one that is not really an educational or professional tidbit, but in this economic crunch, you may find it useful:  CouponMom.com Registration is free and you can print grocery coupons, resturant coupons, and request free samples.