GoClass

GoClass is a wonderful educational tool that allows educators to create to student accounts and then create courses/lessons that they can assign to students on mobile devices (iOS/Android).  This allows for educators to flip their classroom and assess student's learning in real-time.  Also, the GoClass interface is highly intuitive and easy to use and allows teachers lots of options to to adjust for different learning styles.

I highly recommend checking out GoClass by clicking here!!!

*GoClass is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

The Answer Pad

The Answer Pad is one of my favorite all-in-one mobile learning solutions for a classroom.  Not only does it allow a teacher to become paperless by doing all testing/assessing on a iPad (or mobile device), it can turn a iPad into a student response clicker system.  A educator can use Answer Pad in a number of different ways and push out assignments that they can grade and assess in real-time, which allows them to differentiate instruction, guide instruction, and even flip their classroom.

I highly recommend checking out Answer Pad by clicking here!!!

*The Answer Pad is a advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

American History Timeline

American History Timeline is a wonderful free iPad app that focuses on American History from 1770 to Current Events.  This interactive has 100s of images and tons of information that can be sorted through.  Best of all their are educational games such as Scramble and Matching to help reinforce learning.

I highly recommend checking out American History Timeline by clicking here!!!

Book Writer

Book Writer is a fantastic iPad app I've covered before that is ideal for digital storytelling.  This app allows students to create a stunning digital story by dragging-dropping images and video.  Combine that w/ the ability to add any text or links and even record their own audio, and it makes for the creation of the perfect digital story.  A finished story can then be shared w/ others via link, published to iBooks, or exported into a PDF.

I highly recommend checking out Book Writer by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.
For my Edshelf collection on Digital Storytelling click here.

Xnote

Xnote is an innovative iOS app for geocaching that takes going on a scavenger hunt to a whole new level.  For educators that are used to doing QR Code scavenger hunt this will be very familiar as this app allows educators to create virtual messages (that includes text/image) that will only open when a user goes to the "correct" spot/location.  Talk about a fun way to integrate technology and outdoor activities!!!!

Here is more info from their promotional email...  "Teachers, parents and students can use Xnote to create and hide virtual messages outdoors at any GPS-location. Students can be sent on treasure hunts close to school or home to find hidden assignments with images, texts, links etc. A way for parents to use technology to take kids from indoor screen time to fun, healthy activities outdoors. It is as easy as sending an SMS/email.

Xnote teaches children to understand maps, navigation and spatial relations. Finding hidden assignments can teach communication, cooperation and the value of an active outdoor life. It is possible to link messages into tours and send treasure hunts to others using social media or by posting them on blogs or websites."

I highly recommend checking out Xnote by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

For my Edshelf collection on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Super Teacher Worksheets

Super Teacher Worksheets is one of the best sites around for finding educational resources such as worksheets, printables, puzzles, and more.  This is a great place where educators can browse by subject and even find generators to create their very own worksheets, puzzles, crosswords, etc.  Also, many of STW resources are aligned to Common Core Standards.

I highly recommend checking out Super Teacher Worksheets by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.
For my Edshelf collection on Educational Resources click here.

*Super Teacher Worksheets is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

DegreeStory

DegreeStory is an interesting site that helps people make informed decisions about what career or degree to go into.  The way this works is they get people in the profession or educators to submit stories about their experiences in their field so that people searching will get idea of what it is REALLY like "behind the scenes".

Right now they are offering a contest for educators to submit interesting student stories where they can win a $700, $300, or $100 Amazon certificate.

I highly recommend checking out DegreeStory by clicking here!!!

Student Portals: Why It Works And How It Works

One way for educational institutions to reach their target enrollees is to go online. They usually hire web developers to create an eye-candy of a website representing their school. The more interesting it is, the more online users will know about them.

And because schools want to keep people engrossed, links to other school services have been added to each website. Links to resources as well as to the student's own personal educational information or the so-called student portals. Gateways, this is what portals are all about. Many tertiary level educational institutions have made it a point to create an online student portal mainly for convenience - for the students and the school as well.

Methodology: How It Works

Almost all these portals require the student to enter their username and then a password. It is just like accessing your own e-mail account except it leads you to the school database instead. Log in details can either be the student's own email address, student ID number or their complete name. All of these, including the password are unique to the student and only the individual should know about it. Schools have reserved the privilege of the utilization of student portals only to their enrolled students. With it, students can get resources from the library, learn how to enroll for a prerequisite subject and even inquire about why they got such grade. With student portals, all the concerns of the students are met and quickly answered.

The Importance Of Student Portals

It has tremendously decreased the need to make face-to-face appointments especially when a student only need to ask about how to get into a course and what to do about it. Not that it is creating a gap because of the diminished interaction but rather it is solidifying the dedication of the school to the needs of its students.

In this world when time is of the essence and when people are always almost online, student portals become the easiest way to get answers. Real time updates can keep students in the know whether they would be abroad or just at their dormitories. Educational institutions use student portals to allow their scholars' access to their own grades, curriculum, class schedule as well as other pertinent links dedicated to better their stay with the institution.

Other Advantages Of The These Portals That Benefits The School

One great thing about student portals is that it is able to direct the students to a single direction of information released by the school. Students, once logged in, are given only one specific kind of information which lessens the need o explain or even giving out the wrong information. Furthermore, schools need not always have to print out their brochures. It lessens expenditure on paper advertising. Student portals are not just windows that enable virtual access but rather a means for both students and schools to engage in more productive ways of communication.