It has been said that teachers are the best thieves in the world. Well, I don't know if it is necessarily stealing, but we as teachers are gifted at not having to reinvent the wheel. I don't know about you, but I love when another teacher says, "That activity looks great. Can I have a copy to give to my kids too?" It is just another affirmation that I need in what seems to be a never-ending stressful job. It means that I am good at what I do and someone else is recognizing it.
So...let's "steal" from each other. What is a technology tool that you have used in your classroom that you think every teacher in the world should use because it is just that amazing?
In the online classroom I love to use XtraNormal(see http://www.xtranormal.com/ ), but it appears that they are going away come 31 July. :(
ReplyDeleteI have used this once before in my Government class. Students seemed to like it so it is a shame that they are doing away with it!
DeleteThe tool I love and plan to use more and more next year is KhanAcademy. I know many teachers already know about this site, but it is such a great resource for students! Being a math teacher it allows students to see similar lessons on video, practice skills with help, and allows teachers to follow their students and see what they are doing, where they struggle, and how they can help them once back in the classroom. Our school just got a grant to use KhanAcademy so I know I'll be learning more and more about the benefits of this program in the following year.
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ReplyDeleteI use something called Doceri. It's a free app, but to reap all the benefits you need to buy the computer program as well (which is $30 - unfortunately). BUT, it is so worth it. What Doceri allows you to do is manipulate your desktop computer through your iPad on a projector. It's like having a portable SmartBoard. I use this program everyday. You can show PowerPoints, internet resources, word documents, you can demonstrate how to access something on the computer share drive, etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like to use an app called Reflections. This app allows you to "reflect" or mirror your iPad screen on a projector screen. I use this in combination with Doceri all the time!
These are two apps that I am going to have to look into! I'm starting as the Technology Coach at my school next year so this would be a great resource to use!
DeleteI like Kytephone to remotely administrate parental controls for android devices/tablets.
ReplyDeleteI don't consider sharing ideas among teachers "stealing". It is more a multiplication of intended end users. I like to equate it to a story about hugs. Not sure who or where it came from, but when you give a hug away, you always get one in return.
I used Google Drive apps constantly with my students. We use Chromebooks in our classroom and they are outstanding tools for collaboration. The Google Drive is fantastic for sharing and storing information.
ReplyDeleteThe Chrome Web Store has a wide range of apps that are relevant for education and beyond.
Extreme Collaboration is one I am planning to check out as well.It is supposed to help make SmartBoard lessons more collaborative.