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=Introduction=

Welcome to Mr Vanderkley's Class Wiki!
This site is new, and a constantly evolving work in progress. As the semester progresses I hope to provide links, information and resources that you'll find helpful to come back to regularly and refer to. While **Edmodo** is our primary online class space, this site provides more constant and static content like a normal website.

In my classes I encourage students to become independent learners which includes taking control of your own learning while still having the support you need. I hope you'll take advantage of the resources here as needed to help you in your class work throughout the semester.

We also use a range of technology tools to enhance student learning by making it more **engaging**, **personalised**, **relevant** and **effective**. There is a list of some of the tools we may potentially use at the bottom of this page, or else you can consider my rationale for why using tools like this in our class work is important and beneficial.

On this site you can access a range of material relevant to your subject, for example: video lectures, tutorials and explanations; handouts, links, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, etc. There are also some great resources to support you in generic skill development in the key areas below, and for developing good general study skills too. I encourage you to spend some time to look around, and come back regularly over the semester.

//** Why have a class wiki when we're using Edmodo? **//

[[image:http://blog.rankpay.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/magnifying-glass1.png width="91" height="78" align="left"]]
Choose your subject home from the navigation menu on the right, or else select a specific skill area from the list below.


 * //Can't find what you're looking for?// **
 * //Try using the __search__ function to the right, above the navigation links. Just enter an appropriate keyword or two for what you're after.// **

Generic Study Skill Areas


The links below include resources and tips for different types of generic skills relevant to most subject areas that may give you an extra edge to achieve your best. They include a mix of materials I have produced myself and materials I have found that have been produced by others which I believe will be relevant and useful.

//This section is a work in progress, so some areas may not be active yet.//


 * Tips and resources for Writing
 * Tips and resources for Reading
 * Tips and resources for Speaking/Listening
 * Tips and resources for Note Taking
 * Tips and resources for Revising and Studying
 * Tips and resources for Thinking Skills
 * **//Max your SACs//** - Tips and resources for maximising your performance on English SACs

ICT Learning Tools
In my classes we leverage the power of technology when it can help us achieve our goals and improve learning experiences. We never use a technology tool - or any other tool - simply for the sake of it, but only when it's the best tool for the job. Listed below are links to some of the IT learning tools we'll potentially use from time to time in class, and you'll have all the support you need as we go.



**//For more explanation of why it's beneficial to you to take full advantage of these tools and embrace the use of technology in your learning, click here.//**


 * [[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/Edmodo_logo.png/300px-Edmodo_logo.png width="180" height="60" align="center" link="@http://www.edmodo.com/"]] || * Edmodo: our home for class collaboration and discussion, including some tasks that are set and submitted electronically. **You can visit a page for Edmodo Help and How-Tos here.** ||
 * [[image:http://www.the-digital-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/studyblue_large.jpg width="99" height="42" align="center" link="http://www.studyblue.com"]] || * [|Study Blue]: a study flashcard tool, accessible via both web and iphone/android phone app. Students in Year 10 Psychology will find this tool invaluable to assist with their study of key glossary terms for each topic throughout the semester. ||
 * [[image:http://crenk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube-logo1.jpg width="149" height="72" align="center" link="@http://www.youtube.com/user/ccgvanders?feature=mhee"]] || * My Youtube Channel: for video lectures, demonstrations, tutorials and other helpful and relevant videos to skills and understandings in English and Psychology. ||
 * [[image:http://teknologik.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/netvibes.jpg width="109" height="71" align="center" link="@http://www.netvibes.com/bvanderkley#General"]] || * Our Netvibes page: for collecting resources on relevant topics from a wide range of sources. There's a tab (special page) for each class/subject area. ||
 * [[image:http://images.brighthub.com/b8/0/b80bd6f3ac297e2c942e984bc9a9e2313426843a_small.jpg width="115" height="94" align="center" link="@http://www.stixy.com/"]] || * Stixy: for class brainstorms and other collaborative thinking sessions. When we use this tool, you'll be provided with a specific link to the page we'll work on together. ||
 * [[image:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TkhlSyyP58U/S9dxZ2yDXcI/AAAAAAAAGUs/IkqVUfLnT0E/s400/Picture+11.png width="110" height="34" align="center"]] || * TitanPad: an online site for in-class activities involving working collaboratively on a shared document at the same time (experimental). When we use this tool, you'll be provided with a specific link to the page we'll work on together. ||
 * [[image:http://syneducation.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/tag_galaxy.jpg?w=300&h=276 width="72" height="75" align="center" link="@http://www.taggalaxy.com"]] || * Tag Galaxy: an "image search" tool with a difference. try it out! ||
 * [[image:http://www.dreamstime.com/spelling-bee-with-abc-chalkboard-thumb4758374.jpg width="75" height="67" align="center" link="@http://www.spellingcity.com"]] || * VocabularySpelling City: a site we'll sometimes use for work with glossary terms, spelling and work on vocabulary. ||
 * [[image:http://www.tyrone.k12.pa.us/schools/elem/title1/images/Vocabulary_000.png width="72" height="79" align="center" link="@http://www.vocabulary.com"]] || * Vocabulary.com: a site for testing and working on your vocabulary. ||
 * [[image:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTX2tCyyMVIdprkxv9yuX_3aRbprStK1K5OkXhoKKCtOawqGkb0yg width="272" height="90" align="center" link="@http://bubbl.us"]] || * Bubbl.us: a brainstorming tool in some ways similar, and in some ways different, to Stixy. ||