Tell us about a cool tool! Add your entry as a comment below. Please include the following information in your response.
- name of the tool
- platform(s) on which it works (web-based, iOS, Android, etc.)
- what it does
- one way it could be used in your situation (classroom, PD, etc.): Be specific with your ideas!
- optional: screen shots of the tool in action
- optional: "testimonials" from users (i.e. students or staff)
http://sciencisfun.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWeebly -
ReplyDeletehttp://sellerstech.blogspot.com/
www.flashcardmachine.com
ReplyDeletehttp://icingisbetterthancake.com
Diana, I think your blog address is http://icingisbetterthancake.blogspot.com
Deletewww.Edmodo.com
ReplyDeleteryanlauber.blogspot.com
*Google Docs
ReplyDelete*Web Based
*Allows for the creation of cloud based documents that can be accessed anywhere an internet connection is available. Documents can be shared, edited, and commented upon by other users.
*We are adopting the Google Chromebook next year. Google Docs will be used in place of Microsoft Word for many of our teacher's assignments. Teachers can share a document with a student, who can then edit it, and re-share it with the teacher.
*We are beginning to share this with our staff and many of them really find it easy to navigate and understand.
aka: Cheryl Verkamp
ReplyDeleteTool: iPad "Book Creator"
Platform: Apple (4.99)
It creates books, with text, but can also add photos, audio, and video.
We used it to create an "English" book as review of concepts we have been talking about all year. They had a checklist of topics, and then were free to create. They had to include their concept, show examples in the form of photos or videos. Some created "audio" books, speaking on each page; some did not. The variety of creativity was amazing. It allowed the artsy types to go at it, but those that aren't, to still be creative in their own way. They worked in groups of 3-4 (2 is ideal, 3 okay, 4 too many but I only have so many iPads) and collaboration was key to getting it done on time. It was engaging for everyone and they reviewed English! We then used the AirServer to connect it to my computer/projector and they all presented. Some topics that are less common, and it has been awhile since we covered had to be researched :).
We also then "saved" it in the iPads iBook shelf, so they are still there as a handy reference.
"Do we get to work on our English books now?"
I have just learned about this tool-it looks very exciting! I can't wait to learn more.
DeleteEver wonder how you are supposed to use student data to drive instruction daily? One thing to consider is the fact that not all data has to be gathered from a formal assessment. Too often though, we are mislead during informal assessments such as class discussions, and often think our whole class understands a concept that really only a few have mastered. That's where Socratic can come in handy. Fashioned after student response systems, Socratic can turn any device into a "clicker."
ReplyDeleteWhen teachers log in to the Socratic iPad app, they are given several choices. They can begin a quiz that was precreated, ask an exit slip question, or choose to ask questions verbally and have kids answer in multiple choice, true /false, or short answer formats. The teacher is then given a classroom number.
Students go to www.socratic.com and use the teacher's classroom number to sign in and answer questions.
The best part about the whole system is that you can get immediate feedback on short answer responses, which questions your students are getting right, the number of kids who picked each answer choice, etc. depending on which type of quiz you choose to give.
I personally can't wait until next year when all of my students are 1:1 and I can truly put this tool to the test. It will provide an easy solution to that ongoing problem of gathering data to drive my instruction.
This sounds like a great tool as well! I have not heard of it before so thank you for posting it. It is now on my list to explore.
DeleteWe'll... I should get an "epic fail" for this one... I posted my blog entry but didn't follow directions very well since I didn't post it here!
ReplyDeletehttp://rachelsibotblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/my-big-campus-for-pd.html
Sorry!
My tool that I use in my classroom is Mangahigh.com. We are not 1:1 nor do we have an apple platform or I would use our iPods to work with in the classroom. This is an interactive math website that is accessible from any web platform. I am not sure if they have apps for it as I have not needed it. What this website provides is a free way for my students to practice concepts and math skills outside of the classroom. I can assign certain activities or games and the students can take the "lesson" then "play" the game. I can set goals for them in the form of medals: bronze, silver, and of course, gold. The students earn points towards their medals for each skill assigned. The points are based upon their correct answers and the quickness of their answers. While they may achieve the medal on the first time, they are allowed to continue practicing until their reach their goal. I use it in the classroom to reinforce or review skills we have learned. It is free to sign up but in order for students have individual learning or be assigned activities based upon individual needs, a teacher would need to subscribe. I like that it offers math concepts from 2nd grade to high school. I have used it to also enrich for students who need that extra challenge. It is not a tool that really has the students produce anything for sharing but it is a great way for them to show me what they know without pages of homework. I do get the reports and can look at how many tries they take on each assignment. I can also put in a deadline. I like this program and the kids enjoy the playing of the math games. I have used a few activities to "pre teach" what we would be learning next and it does seem to have positive results.
ReplyDeleteI use Educreations. It is a multi-platform lesson tool that you can use to customize mini lessons. It can be used on PCs, tablets, and smartphones and then the lessons can be shared by email or even Twitter. Teachers can use it for flipped instruction and students can create presentations or lessons for their classmates. The lessons can be viewed on multiple platforms too. You can draw, cut and paste images and voice record or add animations to your mini lesson.
ReplyDeleteI have used educreations as well. The kids love it. We created "poems" about Jane Goodall, adding extra relevant content.
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ReplyDeleteMy sixth-grade media class students use Storybird at storybird.com to create online books. I can give assignments and they can share their books with each other. Each student has a unique log in and he or she can access Storybird from any location with internet access. Storybird is easy to use (with mostly click and drag features) and sparks imagination, creativity and collaboration.
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for ways to create books. I look forward to researching this!
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