Tech Tools for Every Classroom

Hello,

As educators in classrooms today we need to stay up to date with the technology available to us as teachers. If used properly, these tools can allow us to provide an interesting way for our students to learn. Teachers need to stay up to date with the newest tools and apps available to their students.

Studies show that students who use their smartphones as study devices study more often and more efficiently. They are three times likely to track their studying progress! We should use the tools students are bringing to schools to improve skills such as studying. Every teacher should develop different tech tools to make their job and connecting with students a little bit easier. There are a few websites that teachers need to be aware of. These include:

Khan Academy: a website that has an excellent collection of math, science, and finance lectures and quizzes to supplement their classroom materials.

Google earth: a great site for students to use when learning geography. Googledocs is a great way to upload documents for students to see. Artciles and journals can be found using google scholar.

LiveBinders: This site replicates a real-life three ring binder, this tech tool allows you to collect and organize resources. Much better than a binder, however, the site also comes with tools to connect and collaborate and a virtual whiteboard.

Youtube: Every teacher should be implementing this website into their classroom. Teachers can find a variety of videos that will assist them with any classroom subject. Youtube videos are a great way to introduce a topic. BBC is a great channel to follow.

Prezi: Every teacher should also be aware of this site in order to wow their students‼ It adds a creative dimension to traditional PowerPoint presentations.

In many classrooms today, schools are using funding to provide students with Ipads. There are a variety of ipad apps useful for both students and teachers. Some of these apps include:

·         Evernote: allows you to create and organize notes, outlines, lesson plans, etc. in one place

·         Drop Box: an easy and effective tool to share and synch files from your mobile device

·         Mobile Mouse Pro: turns your mobile device into a remote control for your interactive whiteboard and computer

·         Eduteacher:  puts the best online tools and reviews of educational websites right on your mobile device

·         Attendance: choose a class, add a new date, and check off which students are present, absent, or late.

·         Gradepad: allows users to evaluate students on the go

·         iScheduleFinder: provides access to student information without having to call the front office

·         Hot seat for Teachers: makes learning students' names easier at the beginning of the school year by matching pictures with names

·         Skype: What better way for you and your students to communicate with colleagues from around the world, free-of-charge?

·         How Stuff Works: student stump you with a question? Look up the answer at your convenience with this app.

·         Quick Graph: a free graphing calculator that allows you to plot up to three equations simultaneously

·         TeacherKit: upload all of your classrooms and students. Keep track of  attendance, grades, and behaviour. Plan your class desk arrangement by moving desks around.

Smartboards are also great interactive tools for the class! In order to incorporate computer use in the classroom, teachers should also encourage students to create interactive posters, create digital stories, and design podcasts. A forum is a great way to allow communication within the class.

Teachers should share their technology tools with each other in order to discover new ways for student learning. This link provides many ways in which to incorporate the tools above. Take a look!

http://www.slideshare.net/sandrapintopires/12-essential-techy-tools