Technology Resources for the Classroom
Schoology
This platform is AMAZING! I was new to my district and they recently invested in this platform as a way of communication. It is can be used K-12 and has features such as assignment creation, automatic grading, gradebook, discussion forums, direct messaging, topic organization and even badges you can assign to individual students. The most attractive part in my opinion is that it’s set up just like Facebook. So many students (and parents) find it approachable and easy to navigate.
Link: https://www.schoology.com/k-12
Link: https://www.schoology.com/k-12
Affordances:
Easy to use Well organized Many collaboration tools Grading built in Can copy webpage from year to year Has both app and website |
Constraints
Must pay a yearly subscription for the pro version (there is a free version available) Adding a non- student to a course is difficult |
Popplet
I discovered this tool while completing my masters degree and am a big fan. This website is a visual way to create a “brain map.” Great if you are having individuals or small groups trace their thinking.
Link: http://popplet.com/
Link: http://popplet.com/
Affordances:
Collaborative Easy to follow instructions Flexible in design Can include pictures |
Constraints
Some boxes “lock” when collaborating Limit on how many you can create (for free-pro version available) |
Imovie
Only recently did I truly explore this tool. As a first time user, I loved all of the creative power you have with choice in music, transitions, pictures, videos, and text. However, I had to watch several tutorials before feeling like I had enough skill to produce a product.
Link: https://www.apple.com/imovie/
Link: https://www.apple.com/imovie/
Affordances:
Lots of flexibility in design Many graphics to input Easy to upload pictures and videos |
Constraints:
Can only use on Apple products Learning the basics is difficult for beginners Not collaborative |
Green Screen
This is an app I discovered at an Apple Teacher conference last year. Interesting way to overlay images and videos. I have my students use this app to create “newcasts” to demonstrate knowledge. There is a free version, but it’s hard to use because much of the functionality is missing. Worth the investment for grades 5+.
Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131?mt=8
Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/green-screen-by-do-ink/id730091131?mt=8
Affordances:
Lots of adaptability within the app Easily transferable between an app to a computer |
Constraints:
Must pay for pro version Requires large space to hang “green sheet” or create green wall Must have portable recording device (iPod/iPad, video camera) |
Word Art
This online tool is a great way to pull important information or words in a data set. It’s very self explanatory, young kids (second grade plus) could probably use this with little instruction. There are also many uses from reading comprehension to virtual ‘password,” creativity is at your fingertips!
Link: https://wordart.com/
Link: https://wordart.com/
Affordances:
Easy to use Lots of creative control (fonts, color, size, direction) Versatility in use |
Constraints:
Not collaborative Final product not in HD quality |
Info.gram
This creative tool allows you to create an infographic about a topic of your choice. I liked how easy it was to manipulate during creation. However, it didn’t have a lot of built in images or objects. This meant that any graphic had to be found on the internet and uploaded.
Link: https://infogram.com/app/#/library |
Affordances:
Very professional templates Easy to create tables and charts Many font, color and table choices Straight forward instructions |
Constraints:
Not many internal objects or pictures Can’t download or embed final product Many features require pro version |
Discovery Education
This website is heavily relied on in my school district and with good reason! Discovery education gives educators the opportunity to create a profile for each of their students, assign them to a “class” and upload content to them to complete. It even has a place where you can monitor your children’s assignment completion. Content ranges from audio clips to videos to text. All are authentic and engaging.
Link: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
Link: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
Affordances:
Contains Social Studies and Science Content Easy to assign to students Uses authentic materials Engaging text and videos Provides citations |
Constraints
Full version requires subscription Time consuming creating an account for every student |
Autodraw
This website solves the, “I can’t draw,” complaint voiced by students and teachers. Autodraw allows to use your mouse to begin to sketch an image. As soon as you stop, the program will guess what you’re trying to draw and provide suggested illustrations.
Link: https://www.autodraw.com/
Link: https://www.autodraw.com/
Affordances:
Great tutorial Lots of doodle options for each illustration Compatible for computer or tablet Final product downloadable Insertable text |
Constraints:
Sometimes program struggles recognizing attempted drawings May require close monitoring (depending on age of students)- easy to begin “playing” instead of working |
Padlet
This tool was first introduced to me during my first year of teaching and I was really impressed with how collaborative it was. Padlet is an online “wall” that an educator creates (for free). You can add images, wallpaper and text to prompt student thinking. Students than make an individual post and comment on other’s work.
Link: https://padlet.com/
Link: https://padlet.com/
Affordances
Monitor settings Adjustable URL Aesthetically pleasing Collaborative Adjustable privacy settings Many layout options |
Constraints:
Free accounts only allow you to make 11 Padlets Students could “cheat” by viewing other’s posts before creating their own |
Imgflip.com
This website reaches the 21st century digital consumer as it allows to user to create their own Meme. For clarity, a Meme is an ironic or funny picture with text that comments on a chosen topic.
Link: https://imgflip.com/memegenerator |
Affordances:
Extremely easy to use Many built in pictures Options for custom color, size, shadow and position of text Easy to upload your own image |
Constraints:
Download requires paid version Depending on age, images might be inappropriate for students under 8 |
Evernote
I discovered this tool as part of a lesson regarding organization and how to use technology to streamline your life and make yourself more productive. This program has an app and website platform that are streamlined and update in “real time.” It also allows you to several modes of media including, images, videos, and existing documents.
Link: https://evernote.com |
Affordances
Has app and website Updates in real time Allows you to use multi-modes of data in a single note Includes reminders Has a collaborative feature to share work Can create “notebooks” to organize notes |
Constraints
Some, more advanced features are locked for the “free user” Some features (such as drawing) are only available on the app Free user can only sync notes between 2 devices 60 MB data upload per month |
Momentum
During my MAET program at MSU, I was looking for a fun way to represent how I have used passion and curiosity to drive my teaching as an educator. As I scoured the internet for a new tool, I came across this website/ app called momentcam. You take or upload a close up of your face and you can turn your face into a caricature in thousands of environment. I created several pictures and compiled them into a film reel. However, pictures can be used in isolation.
Link: https://web.momentcam.net/#index |
Affordances
Can access your camera to take a photo Easy to manipulate Many options in color and black and white Thousands of free options In the app, pictures save right to your phone/iPad |
Constraints
Not all the scenes are available in the free version Web based options are limited (the app has MANY) more options Can not edit other faces in pictures |
Easel.ly
After I used info.gram, I want to try another digital tool to create an infogram. One of my peers suggested Easel.ly and I must say that this tool is fantastic. They have several templates that are very visually appealing. I also liked how many shapes, cartoons and basic images they had stored. I think this tool would be suited for ages 8+ with no problem.
Link: https://www.easel.ly/ |
Affordances
Easy to use Several templates and shapes to choose from Can be exported or embedded |
Constraints
Free version limits templates and shapes Limited fonts Doesn’t have corresponding app |
SketchUp
As part of MAET program we were told we MUST use this tool to redesign a learning space that is familiar to us. I chose my classroom… I went into the assignment with grand plans of my “perfect classroom” but quickly discovered that this tool is time consuming! I liked the graphics and overall layout, but the web based version is very glitchy and hard to control without a mouse. I would recommend that anyone interested in using this tool, watch all the video tutorials and dedicate a few days to learning how to manipulate objects. I liked the way that my final product turned out, but I found that the constraints FAR outweighed the affordances. I will not be using this tool in the future.
WARNING- do not use with a Macbook Air, will cause repeated system failure. Link: https://www.sketchup.com |
Affordances
Appealing graphics Large 3D warehouse with pre-created objects Allows for easy movement and fluid transitions between views |
Constraints
Very hard to use Requires a computer with lots of memory Must have a external mouse Time consuming Many features are disabled without subscription Glitches are frequent |
Duolingo
In the area that I work, there is a large population of students who speak a second language. A question that I have often wondered is, “how can I ensure that the child is continuing to build their L1 and L2, when I don’t speak a language other than English. Duolingo was a website/app that I found that seemed to answer this question. There is an amazing free version online, where individuals can learn up too 3 languages at a time. There are daily lessons, web forms and real world meetings available where people can practice their new language in a judgement free zone. Therefore, regardless if anyone else knows the language, individuals can get practice, speaking, writing and reading.
Link: https://www.duolingo.com/ |
Affordances
Has reading, writing, and speaking practice available Has daily updated real world events individual may attend for additional practice Question forums in any language Creates “learned word dictionary” as you learn new vocabulary Tracks learning and provides feedback with suggested improvements |
Constraints
Limited to 3 languages with free version Some, more advanced features are locked for the “free user” |