Week 7: Top 10 Tech Tools I Can't Live Without

With this class I have discovered so many new programs. I have really enjoyed ED 505 and I am excited about using some of the new tech tools  in my class. Listed below are my top ten tech tools:

1. Social Media- Social Media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are all great ways to keep in touch with family, friends and co-workers. Twitter is a great tool for keeping in touch and communicating with other educators.

2. Smartphones (iphone and Android) Allows you to have technology right at your fingers tips. With a smartphone you are able to access online websites, apps, social media sites etc.

3. Ipad  This is a must have for all educators. It has really come in handy for me while on the go. I have been able to post to my blog and twitter, check my email and so much more. I have also become familiar with educational apps that I can use on the ipad in the class. My school recently applied for a grant and if approved will allow us to have ipads for students. I plan to used some of the educational apps that I discovered this summer such as the NASA app and World Book.

4. Glogster-  This was my first time using glogster and I absolutely loved it! With glogster you can create an interactive poster which may include videos, hyperlinks etc. I plan on using glogster in my class. More and more students are tech savy now a days and I think that my students will be excited to use glogster vs. presenting a poster board.

5.Rubistar A great way to create a rubric.  There are many different subjects and categories to choose from. Makes creating a rubric very simple,

6.Diigolet  Allow you to bookmark and categorize your favorite websites.

7.Wiki Great way for a teacher  to create a interactive unit where students can complete assignments online.

8.Blog-  I plan to create a class blog this upcoming year. Blogs are a great way for me to communicate with students and parents. I plan to include newsletters, homework assignments and other other important information related to my class.

9.Khan Academy ( https://www.khanacademy.org)This is a great website that can be used for students in grades K-12th. It included practice work for various subjects. I have used this site this summer with my daughter this summer and I am supper excited about using it in the class.

10. Pinterest I had heard of pinterest but I had never taken the time to check it out prior to taking this class. Pinterest is a great site for people to share their creative ideas. I have already ready pinned many things that I plan to use in the class. Great way to share ideas between educators.

Week 6: Mobile Apps for Education

As an elementary education teacher(K-6th) I am required to teacher the following score subjects: Math, Science, Language Arts/ English  and Social Studies/History. Below I will provide information for some mobile apps that can be used in an elementary classroom.

Subject: English/ Language Arts  

APP Name: ABC Writing Zoo Animals Game HD by: Brian Counts
Description:Learn ABC reading, writing and listening skills with zoo animals. This game reinforces associative learning, which may aid in early brain development in young kids and may help children get a head start in reading and writing.
Device: iPad 

Image from appadvice.com

Subject: Science

APP Name: NASA App HD from NASA.gov

Description:Thousands of images from NASA IOTD, APOD, and NASAImages.org; on demand NASA videos from around the agency; live streaming of NASA TV; current NASA mission information; launch information and countdown clocks; current visible passes for the International Space Station (ISS) and Earth Orbiting Satellite Tracker plus so much more.

Device: iPad

 Image from guides.temple.edu

Subject: Math

APP Name: Math Drills by Instant Interactive

Description: Graphically rich and fun environment allows up to 50 students to learn basic math skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Allows students to have their own personalized settings, scores and test history. Smart Drills places emphasis on problems answered incorrectly and/or slowly. The app visually tracks student progress with accuracy and speed graphs.

Device: iPad

 Image from myjoyfilledlife.com

Subject: Social Studies/ History

APP Name: World Book

Description: This Day in History is an interactive multimedia calendar that displays historical events for the current day or any selected day, along with related media such as photos, illustrations, music and speeches. Students can listen to national anthems from various countries, listen to president’s speeches and play sound clips from famous artist.

Device: iPad

 Image from itunes.apple.com