Hot Stuff: Media for Educators

Credit: William Duke

Classroom 2.0

Free

The ubiquitous "2.0" label is, ironically, now a cliché that's shorthand for innovation. But don't let that give you pause. Classroom 2.0 is a vibrant online community of educators implementing innovative Web tools into their learning spaces. Even if you're a newbie who's afraid of being embedded in a wiki or sunk in a blog, Classroom 2.0 is the right place to be: The site is notable for its fast support and widespread collaboration among members. Classroom 2.0 is powered by the Ning platform, the self-described "software equivalent of Home Depot," making it a snap to create your own social network. Once your own network is live, don't be surprised if members hail from continents away.

Credit: William Duke

The Third Monday in October

Vanessa Roth's timely documentary will have you on the edge of your seat, sweating over -- are you ready? -- a middle school election. Shot in 2004 as the U.S. presidential election was taking shape, The Third Monday in October follows the class-presidency elections at four schools -- in San Francisco, nearby Marin County, Austin, and Atlanta. The candidates are all engaging, from SAM (Student Action Man) to Beau (a dashing villain with tousled blond hair and a black popped collar) to Kayla, Noelle, and Teekia (three best-friend cheerleaders in Atlanta). The Third Monday is filled with the thrills and chills of any election: There is a disqualification based on semantics, a campaign victory built on promises and negativity, and even a recount of the ballots. Hey -- just like national elections!

Credit: William Duke

You've Been Sentenced

McNeill Designs; $24.95

Here's a sentence-building game that makes you fall in love with the rhymes, rhythms, and absurdities of this crazy beast we call the English language. Players use cards with multiple conjugations of funny words, famous names, and familiar places to create outlandish sentences. The highest points go to those who construct the longest, most grammatically correct, and most sensible sentences. A jury votes on whether the sentence is acceptable. Half the fun is trying to justify a completely ridiculous sentence to the other players. A perfect game for both lovers of language and language arts classes, guaranteed to get your students laughing.

Credit: William Duke

Ruckus Nation

Free

Create a computer game that encourages children to get more active -- are your students up for it? If so, they could win more than $75,000 in prizes. To submit an entry, just describe the idea in writing, in English, and in two pages or less. If you want to get fancy (and they like fancy), you can also submit an illustration or video to show just how cool the product idea is. A caveat to daydreamers: Time machines or jet boots may sound cool, but Ruckus Nation is looking for ideas that actually can be developed in the near future. The contest is sponsored by HopeLab, a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness. The entry deadline is November 20. Get shaking.