Admittedly, it has been quite a while since I had time to research sites (beyond those I discovered while performing research for my job).  As my life has started to be a bit more settled, I have found time to explore once again and am happy to share some of my finds this past week. In no particular order, I have listed my favorite top 10 sites, blog posts, and videos (this week) below. Feel free to share your favorite finds of the week using the comment link found at the bottom of this post. Have a great weekend!

1. 1x.com – this site claims to post some of the best photos on the web.  I don’t know whether the photos are the “best,” but there are certainly some marvelous images to explore.  All images on the site are screened and must meet the approval of the editor.  Please note:  some of the images include “Fine Art Nudes.” Here is a link to one of my favorite photographs:  Deep in Thought.
2. A little tongue-in-cheek YouTube about Twitter…
3. Smashing Apps: 10 Best Websites To Generate Buttons Online – I realize that Apple may be nudging Flash sites and apps out of existence, but for those of you who are still using Dreamweaver and similar web designing products there are some great resources posted on this blog.
4. Calculator Soup - formerly, Free Online Computers.net, free online calculators galore…you can’t be more calculating than that!
5. A New Way to Lecture – a nice online book featuring some great Web 2.0 presentation tools….

   Open publication – Free publishing – More education
6. 1st Webdesigner – Visualize Everything:  32 Free Tools to Create Different Diagrams – As I began research to develop a post about Web 2.0 diagramming I came across this marvelous post and realized the post had already been written! (Tar-nation!)
7. Slodive: 70 PhotoShop Tutorials for Text Decorations from 2010 – the effects shown in this blog post are outstanding!  Click on each image to go to a tutorial that you can use to create similar text and effects.
8. Simon’s Cat “TV Dinner” – anyone who owns a cat can relate…
   
9. Youth for Human Rights – “teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace. YHRI has now grown into a global movement, including hundreds of groups, clubs and chapters around the world.”  The site includes excellent information for educators and students.  Please be aware some of the video material may be too graphic for younger students.  As always, please review material before sharing it with your students.  Educators can order free materials for use in the classroom.
10. Math Warehouse - numerous interactive math activities, worksheets, and links for middle school or secondary students.   Great for reinforcing math literacy skills.

I received the following presentation from a very good friend and thought it would make a great share, especially since my current temporary position is winding down and will end on June 30th this week.  It’s hard to leave the marvelous educators and students I have encountered during my time at ONC BOCES.  Please stay in touch and feel free to continue to use the materials I developed as I worked with you this past year.  I have mirrored all my ONC BOCES material on my blog.  Simply use the Archive link incorporated on the orange bar above this post.  Best wishes for a safe and healthy summer…keep doing the good work that you do. Remember, as en educator you make a difference on a day to day basis.

Presentation created by Sapphire Productions.  If you are the author/designer of this presentation please contact me.
I would love to give you personal credit for your beautiful work.