This week I have got some "EXCITING" new tools/resources for all of you. Please check out all of these goodies. If you see something you want to try, but would like some assistance, please contact me. I would love to come out and work with you.
In addition to some cool and easy to use assessment tools, I have also shared one more Discovery Education resource. This one relates to STEM. Also there is a new and exciting classroom resource coming from Google. It is called Google Expeditions. I would love to see 6 teachers in one of our buildings sign up for this. Google will come out and work with your students on this. Do we have 6 of you from one building who would love to take your students on an amazing virtual fieldtrip unlike any you have been on before? Last but not least, Google+ is now open to all staff so check out the tutorial and the article about Google+.
Something exciting and new (although I have been keeping an eye on this product for the last 3 years) is a free product called Classflow and it partners with Promethean so it will work on your Promethean boards with your active pens. I love this product. It works with a computer or any mobile device, tablets or smartphones. It allows students to become truly engaged in the lesson. Check out the link below there is a quick video that previews it for you.
In addition to some cool and easy to use assessment tools, I have also shared one more Discovery Education resource. This one relates to STEM. Also there is a new and exciting classroom resource coming from Google. It is called Google Expeditions. I would love to see 6 teachers in one of our buildings sign up for this. Google will come out and work with your students on this. Do we have 6 of you from one building who would love to take your students on an amazing virtual fieldtrip unlike any you have been on before? Last but not least, Google+ is now open to all staff so check out the tutorial and the article about Google+.
Something exciting and new (although I have been keeping an eye on this product for the last 3 years) is a free product called Classflow and it partners with Promethean so it will work on your Promethean boards with your active pens. I love this product. It works with a computer or any mobile device, tablets or smartphones. It allows students to become truly engaged in the lesson. Check out the link below there is a quick video that previews it for you.
Socrative
Check out this tutorial. Socrative is a simple to use assessment tool. Students can use mobile devices as well as desktop computers to participate in Socrative activities. There are apps that can be loaded onto tablets and phones.
InfuseLearning - iPad/Tablet Learner Response Solution
Check out this tutorial. The infuse learning site shares that Infuse Learning provides a platform by which teachers can seamlessly engage every student on any device. Make informed decisions at the point of instruction with real-time, student feedback. I checked it out, it appears to look like it would be easy to use. It would be a great tool to do those ongoing checks for understanding.
Today's Meet
Today's Meet is a great Webtool that can create your own Back Channel room for conversation with students, teachers, or the world. Students can join from home or even from other schools to make the classroom community even bigger. This tool is a great way to involved all students. Check out this quick easy to follow tutorial.
Discovery Education STEM
Discovery Education presents a unique collection of career video clips, learning activities, and related content for grades K-12. Organized by discipline, the resources found here highlight the connections among science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM Connect is designed to help educators take their first steps toward blending STEM disciplines in their instructional approach.
To get to this resource follow the following steps.
Log into DE>click on "teacher center" tab>click on Stem connect>click on your grade level band>click on the tab associated to the component of STEM that you wish to work on >science, technology, engineering, or math.
Each tab directs you to the various resources compiled for that particular STEM component.
To get to this resource follow the following steps.
Log into DE>click on "teacher center" tab>click on Stem connect>click on your grade level band>click on the tab associated to the component of STEM that you wish to work on >science, technology, engineering, or math.
Each tab directs you to the various resources compiled for that particular STEM component.
Google Expeditions
Just when you think Google offers so many cool tools here's a new one. Google Expeditions Check out the link to Google Expeditions. Google is looking for schools with at least 6 teachers willing to give this a try. I saw a sample of it at a Google workshop in November and December and it was so cool. Click here to sign up - get 6 others in your building who would like to pilot this.
I have added this additional information about Expeditions due to the interest I have already had after this mornings pose. Click here for more details about Expeditions.
I have added this additional information about Expeditions due to the interest I have already had after this mornings pose. Click here for more details about Expeditions.
Google Plus
Google Plus has been opened up for all staff. Some graduate courses are now utilizing Google+ as a means of communicating. Basically, for those not familiar with Google+, it is a social networking tool. It allows users to create circles based on interests that people have in common. I have my circles organized by family, friends, tech contacts, tennis, etc. It allows the users within those circles to share information back and forth. It's fairly easy to use. Here is an article with more specific information. "What is Google+ and Why Should I Use it?" Here is a really good, brief video, that also shows you all about Google+ and how easy it is to use. Google+ is sort of like Facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc. all in one. So get those circles going. What a great way for departments, grade levels or buildings to share information, articles, ideas, etc. We have not opened Google+ up for students yet, but I do see this as an option for our high school students as we move forward to the 1-1 environment, but until then all teachers now have the opportunity to become acquainted Google+ is a tool that has an age requirement per the COPPA guidelines. Click here for a very comprehensive tutorial of Google+, which will tell you everything you need to to about Google+.
Classflow - This is amazing and best of all it's FREE and is partnered with Promethean.
Click here to see more about classflow. I think this tool is very exciting. The plus is that it works with the Promethean boards and software. It allows students to be fully engaged and participating in a lesson. It lets the teacher move about the room because this tool can be app based and works on any mobile device. I would love to work with someone on this tool. I have been following this for the last 3 years as the company worked through the beta development and the interactivity this allows for in the classroom is amazing. If you are interested in giving this a try, let me know I will gladly come out and work with you to get it up and running in your classroom.
Currently am working with Joy Weikert to see if we can get this going. Both Joy and I have been following this product for the last few years as it went through various bugs. I will keep you all posted as to whether we can get it going this time. I also have put in a request for some assistance so hopefully Classflow will get back to me.
Currently am working with Joy Weikert to see if we can get this going. Both Joy and I have been following this product for the last few years as it went through various bugs. I will keep you all posted as to whether we can get it going this time. I also have put in a request for some assistance so hopefully Classflow will get back to me.
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