technology tools for the classroom
DESCRIPTION
A list, with descriptions, of some online resources and tools for teachers to consider for use in their classrooms and planning.TRANSCRIPT
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Technology Tools For the Classroom
Compiled and Shared by
Kurtis Hewson
Dropbox is a free online file sharing system where you can store files, documents, photos and videos which can be shared with anyone you wish to invite. Larger storage capacity can be purchased. Files can be accessed anywhere with internet access and synced with your desktop, smartphone and tablet. www.dropbox.com
YouTube not only has an incredible treasury of videos related to teacher professional development and classroom instruction, but also can allow teachers to post screencasts, webcasts and other videos for students. Teachers can create libraries of videos, created video feedback for students and instructive screencasts for learning. www.youtube.com
Surveymonkey is a free online tool that is can be used to quickly develop surveys with multiple formats (text responses, rating scales, multiple choice, etc.). Can be distributed easily via email, posted on a website or embedded. Results are collected and compiled as surveys are completed. www.surveymonkey.com
Polleverywhere allows you to ask a question and participants respond using a text message, Twitter or an email. Questions can be open-‐ended or multiple-‐choice and responses are posted as they are submitted. Text responses can also be compiled in a Word Cloud to determine themes. www.polleverywhere.com
Twitter is an outstanding social media tool for microblogging and building your professional learning network (PLN). A great way to connect and learn with educators worldwide and use as a formative response tool in class. www.twitter.com
Remind101 is a communication webtool that allows for communication from the instructor to parents, students or colleagues, determined by a created list. Others can subscribe to a list to receive either texts or emails, without having to share personal information with the instructor. www.remind101.com
Wiffitti allows instructors to use a Twitter hashtag to visually display tweets using that hashtag. A great formative tool to visually display tweets in an attractive format in the classroom or embedded in a website. www.wiffitti.com
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Wordpress is a free service (or available with subscription for enhanced features) for creating websites and blogs. Easy to track comments, posts and other viewing stats and make revisions to websites and blogs. Allows users to create multiple websites, each with a unique url. www.wordpress.com
Screencast-o-matic is a free service that allows users to create screencasts up to 15 minutes long and publish in a variety of ways (including YouTube). The program does require a java script, that is downloaded the first time the program is used. www.screencast-‐o-‐matic.com
Scoop-it allows teachers to create theme-‐based pages with collections of videos, pdfs, websites and other online resources. Allows for specific comments, images and order to be manipulated to create a visual page of online resources related to a topic. www.scoop-‐it
Tagul is a free service that creates visual word clouds based on text that is copied and placed in the program. Increasing frequency of words results in varying font sizes. Users are able to manipulate the cloud shape, appearance and other features. Can be used in conjunction with other programs (such as polleverywhere.com) www.tagulcom
Wallwisher allows teachers to create boards for students to place digital “post-‐it notes” without students needing a username or password. Teacher can set an option to approve all notes prior to being displayed on the board. www.wallwisher.com
Google has a myriad of free tools available, including Google Drive (to save and share files), Google forms (create easy surveys and response forms – data collected in a spreadsheet), Google Calendar (to coordinate team events and activities) and other collaborative tools that are constantly evolving. www.google.com
Kidblog allows teachers to create student blogs. Students are able to publish posts and participate in discussions within a secure classroom blogging community. Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs, including approving blog postings, comments and other features. No student email addresses are required.
www.kidblog.com
A number of other online collaborative tools (along with explanations) can be found at Cool Tools for Schools.