Sunday, August 31, 2014

Booktrack Classroom

Booktrack Classroom is a innovative free site for adding a soundtrack or sound effects to a story/book.  This is a great way to generate and boost student creativity in the classroom as well as help w/ reading comprehension.  Classrooms are using this for project based learning and for gaining student interest in the process of Reading and Writing.  Also, there is a free iOS/Android app for reading published Booktrack "books".

I highly recommend checking out Booktrack Classroom by clicking here!!!

*Booktrack Classroom is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Otus

Otus is a innovative and free Learning Management System for the 1:1 classroom environment.  It is available as a free iPad app for teachers and students and works on any browser based device such as a Chromebook.  Otus allows educators to use a single Google login to hand out/in assignments, track/assess/monitor/grade students, poll and browse the web, annotate, and so much more in a safe mobile environment.  Best of all, Otus is free, can be used in a number of different, and works in real-time for taking attendance, assessing students, and getting instant feedback through polling.

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

*Otus is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

30hands

30hands is a wonderful free or paid (30hands Pro) iOS app for digital storytelling and project based learning.  This is a simple to use yet powerful learning tool that schools everywhere are using to introduce digital storytelling.  Through it's drag-n-drop students are uploading photos and then recording their own narration to create wonderful projects/stories and exporting them to Google Drive or the safe and free 30hands "cloud".  30hands Pro unlocks all the features such as uploading video, exporting options, and hi-res video.

I highly recommend checking out 30hands by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

*30hands Learning is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Science Heroes

Science Heroes: Digestive System for Kids is an excellent free educational Science app by Yogome.  Yogome is a company known for their educational iOS games from subjects from Math and Science to Recycling.  Also, their games feature their popular characters known as the Yogotars in fun filled cartoony world.

Science Heroes is more of the same w/ excellent graphics and high replay value as students try to defeat 5 bosses in over 15 levels/missions of fun, while learning about the different areas of the Digestive System (i.e. Mouth, Esphagus, Stomach, etc.).

I highly recommend checking out Science Heroes by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

Super Teacher Worksheets

Super Teacher Worksheets is one of my favorite places for teachers to find educational resources such as: worksheets, printables, puzzle generators, SMART board files, and more.  Also, this is a great place for educators to find an array of printables and worksheets for Back to School and many other subjects.  The puzzle generators are great for creating your very own custom crossword or word search.

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

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.

*Super Teacher Worksheets is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

SpellingCity

SpellingCity simply put is the best site around for all Vocabulary and Spelling needs.  It even has an educational portal that allows for student tracking and educators to add assignments/word lists to their students.  Also, there is a free mobile (iOS, Android, Kindle) that interacts w/ the web portal to allow mobile learning for students.  SC also has a wide variety of resources and videos, but allows teachers to create their own customized word lists and integrate them into educational games for their students.

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

*SpellingCity is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Comment Bubble

Comment Bubble is a neat little site that I just found out about from Ozge Karaoglu on Technology & Learning.  The way this works is a user uploads a video and then selects what kind of feedback/comments they want to allow.  Once this is done a person can then leave text, audio, or even video comments to any video.  This is a great way to carry on a discussion about a video, as well as generate interactive graphs.  Finally, a teacher can use this to flip their classroom/lesson to assess how well a student understands their topic.

I highly recommend checking out Comment Bubble by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on a Flipped Classroom click here.

iPractice Math

iPractice Math is one of the best all-in-one Math sites out there.  It allows educators to track student performance and generate detailed reports to see their progress in different areas of Math.  Also, a user can find, problem walk-throughs, worksheets, definitions, and more.  iPractice Math is designed for K-12 and covers a wide range of subjects such as: fractions, decimals, algebra, and much much more.

I highly recommend checking out iPractice Math by clicking here!!!

*iPractice Math is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

StoryMap JS

StoryMap JS is a new (beta) site that I just found out about from Richard Byrne's excellent blog.  It reminds me a lot of MeoGraph in that it lets users create digital stories surround by maps.  On these maps a user can add text, video, image, to create a story linked to the map.  StoryMaps is a great learning tool that History/SS teachers could use to have students create historical digital stories or for digital storytelling.

I recommend checking out StoryMap JS by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal

Canada has continually been one amongst the popular education centre for college kids everywhere the globe. Canadian Universities square measure famous for giving quality education, that is accessible to worldwide students on straightforward terms. If you're thinking to review abroad, Canada is that the most suitable choice around. The Association of Universities and schools of Canada have quite eighty nine schools beneath its umbrella, which provide a variety of 'Study Abroad Courses," specifically designed for foreign students. except for this, there square measure nearly a hundred seventy five community schools, that conduct varied coaching programmers supported international Study patterns. Indian students have continually been a target of Canadian universities, as thousands of scholars each year migrate to review abroad. From Scholarships to bank loans, Canadian universities facilitate Indian students in each potential manner to be a neighborhood of Canada Education.
Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal


Paul Davidson, president of Association of Universities and schools of Canada (AUCC) on DEC nineteen, 2010 said, "There is larger interest in Asian nation among our universities. however Asian nation was additionally the foremost sought-after destination by Canadian students this summer for post.'' "Canadian universities square measure shifting focus towards Asian nation when China with that their engagement goes forty years back. Engagement with Asian nation has begun late, however we are going to before long see plenty a lot of Indian students finding out in Canada,'' he value-added.

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal


Some of the benefits of finding out in Canada

There square measure a variety of choices out there for you in Canada. Canadian Universities provide a good form of courses and programmers on graduate, postgraduate level giving impeccable education of worldwide importance. the choices square measure quite the other countries within the world. Canada is thought to produce students with globally recognized educations. A pass out student from any of Canadian universities is most well-liked everywhere the globe. The master's degree programmers offered by Canadian colleges square measure thought of to be the simplest within the world. Special support and a focus to foreign students. schools wouldn't solely offer you scholarships, however additionally assist you get bank loans. Immigration method to the country is additionally problem free. AUCC president aforesaid that AUCC is functioning with immigration authorities and also the Canadian embassy in Indian capital to ease this downside.

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal


Students, as a result of extreme pressure to realize success, simply fall prey to the demon of stress. The anxiety does not disappear even when the exams square measure over, as they start worrying concerning examination Results, or University Results. The article intends to produce students with some tips to avoid supererogatory stress when exams square measure over.

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal

Canada: A Favorite Education Destination | Education Portal

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Level it Books

Level it Books is the excellent mobile app (iOS/Android) that people everywhere are using to scan a book and get a Reading/Lexile Level.  Educators are using it to create a digital library of class books, as well as creating a class roster of students w/ their Read Level.  Also, a user can add a book, select a "book of the day", and manually search for any book as well.  If you're a parent, librarian, or educator this is the perfect app for you to find the appropriate type of reading material for your student/child.

I highly recommend checking out Level it Books by clicking here!!!

*Level it Books is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Conojo Whiteboard

Conojo Whiteboard is a fascinating iPad app for drawing lessons or for brainstorming/mind-mapping ideas.  Conojo Whiteboard allows users to draw their lessons w/ an abundance of tools w/ the ability to invite others via bluetooth to collaborate in real-time.  Best of all, an educator can record their voice to create a flipped lesson, guide instruction, or more.  Also, there are a wide variety of templates which helps a user create the exact kind of presentation they are looking for and the ability to export their finished product via a link, Evernote, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Conojo Whiteboard by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Brainstorming/Mind-Mapping click here.

ClassDojo Voice Notes

ClassDojo recently released a free mobile (iOS/Android) app for sending text messages to parents, Messenger.  However, they just released their first big update for their widely successful app, Voice Notes.  Voice Notes allows educators to send a quick audio note to parents to let them know how their child is doing.

Here is more from their promotional email...

Teachers will now be able to instantly send home voice notes to parents using ClassDojo Messenger. Recording a quick voice note can be even easier than typing a message, and will only help strengthen the relationship between school and home. Voice Notes can be sent either as a broadcast to all parents, or privately to an individual parent.

The biggest reason Voice Notes are important is one that teachers know very well: relationships with students and their parents need a very human touch. When parents hear the empathy, passion and excitement in a teacher's voice, much stronger bonds can form! 

Voice Notes on ClassDojo Messenger is being released for early teacher users today! Teachers can sign up to join the wait list here: http://www.classdojo.com/voicenotes


Learn more about ClassDojo Messenger here: http://www.classdojo.com/messenger

*ClassDojo is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Grid Lines: Ordered Pair Game

Grid Lines: Ordered Pair Game is one of my favorite iOS Math apps from Math File Folder Games.  This game designed for El Ed and Middle School allows players or multiple players on multiple devices (up to 5) via bluetooth to try to shoot alien ships by drawing a laser through them by plotting points on a graph (grid line).  Besides having high replay value the game generates detailed results that can then be emailed to a parent or teacher.

I highly recommend checking out Grid Lines: Ordered Pair Game by clicking here!!!

For more iOS multiplayer Math games click here.

*Math File Folder Games is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.


Zaption

Zaption is a excellent learning tool that can be used by educators for Blended or Flipped Learning, as well as for Project Based Learning.  It allows a user to take a video and edit it by cropping and adding learning elements such as questions to create a "learning tour".  Best of all, educators can then track and assess student learning by tracking how they are doing.  Also, a "learning tour" can be shared via email or embedded into a site or blog.  Finally, a user can browse through any public Zaption and customize it to meet their own needs.

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

For my Pinterest board on a Flipped Classroom click here.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Back to School w/ Tackk

Tackk is a site I've covered before which reminds of a cross between Smore and Pinterest for education.  Their educational portal allows educators to create "class" accounts where students can create their own static page and include all types of media (i.e. images, video, text, etc).  This summer they've updated their project w/ some niece features for educators to help w/ Back to School such as: collaborating w/ a "stream", promoting school events w/ a widget, more lesson plans and templates, and a contest where students can win up to a $1000 for showing off what they did this summer.   Some other ways Tackk is being used is for project based learning, digital portfolios, curating the web, and more.

See on Tackk.com


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


GoClass

GoClass is a beautiful looking LMS that is ideal for mobile learning.  It allows educators to create engaging lessons and then conduct sessions on their mobile device (Android/iOS).  Best of all, teachers can view what each student is doing on their mobile device and assess them in real-time while recording each session.  This is perfect for creating a dynamic digital portfolio, as well as for project based learning and guided/differentiated instruction.

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

*GoClass is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Game Based Learning

Game Based Learning has been rising in popularity over the years and is a great way to integrate technology in the classroom as well as help keep kids motivated for learning.  Also, it is fun way to use computers for Back to School week.

Below is a cross-post from PBS LearningMedia on Gaming in the Classroom.

The Gaming in the Classroom resources include:
 
1)    Star Swiper
Give your young learners some counting practice with this fun, interactive game from the popular PBS KIDS program PEG + CAT. In it, Big Mouth is taking all the stars on Purple Planet. Your students will need to clap their hands while counting until the sky is filled with stars again. For grades PreK-2
Learning about measurements have never been more fun than with “Dunk Tank” from the PBS KIDS math series Cyberchase! In this interactive game, students explore key concepts about liquid volume, including standard units of liquid measure and how to convert between them. For grades 5-6
3)    Dungeons & Dragons  
Dungeons & Dragons, developed in 1974, is considered the originator of the modern role-playing game industry. Watch with your students this segment from PBS Digital Studios’ “Off Book” to learn more about this particular storytelling process and what it means today in the digital era. For grades 6-12
Researchers and educators are exploring how video games can be used in real-world ways, both positive and practical. Watch with your class “What Games Teach” from FRONTLINE’s Digital Nation and explore the power of alternate realities to do more than just entertain. For grades 6-12

Working “indie” is all about small teams working on artistic visions and the freedom to explore “crazy” ideas. In this clip, your class will learn more about how the indie gaming movement provides a creative outlet for game designers outside the mainstream, and how they can be inspired by it to “stay small” and be more creative in their own artistic pursuits. For grades 9-12

  • PBS LearningMedia launched in 2011 in partnership with WBGH and is a free media-on-demand service available to educators nationwide. The service features a robust library of digital assets including videos, games and lesson plans that align with National and Common Core State Standards.

  • More than 1.5 million teachers have registered access to PBS LearningMedia.
  • PBS LearningMedia offers over 87,000 curriculum-aligned digital resources available for free to PreK-12 educators nationwide. Last year, PBS LearningMedia also launched a premium tier with enhanced features and functionality available to states and districts.


For more Gaming in the Classroom, or if you would like additional information about these or any of the resources available from PBS LearningMedia, please contact Meredith Gandy at mgandy@360pr.com or 415.216.3441.


Monday, August 25, 2014

NameCoach

NameCoach is an interesting new site that people are using for learning people's names.  This could be a useful tool for educators needed to learn student's names and the proper way to pronounce them. The way this works is a user creates a name/web page and then has the student's speak their names.  The audio gets embedded into a page and a user can access them all on one page at anytime.  Also, NameCoach makes it very easy to share recordings and keep track of student's name/email.

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

Answerables

Answerables is a wonderful free site/app for Gamifying a lesson or Game Based Learning.  I like to think of it as a Learning Management System meets Game Based Learning.  This takes place in a safe interactive 3D virtual world, where students can collaborate w/ others, go on web quests, complete assignments, browse the web, and much much more.  Also, Answerables offers detailed reports for assessment as well as the ability to interact w/ other educators and even tutor in their innovative environment.

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

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

*Answerables is a advertiser of Technology Tidbits.