Resources
TOOLS THAT TEACH
Tools for Creativity/Innovation:
Instructables. As the name implies, it instructs readers, but not on how to know stuff, but on how to make stuff. In the virtual age we have adapted to, actually doing something sticks out like a flashing neon sign.
What can you make? Thousands of things. What kinds of things? You name it. Cool clocks, cheap robots, plastic from scratch—even brain controlled wheelchairs. And before you say to yourself, “these people have too much time on their hands,” check it out. I see dozens if not hundreds of cool, low cost school projects here. This is a genuinely user-driven site aimed at educating and empowering the innovator within on a limited budget.
I love the instructions for silencing an annoying toy by installing a switch (could be handy around Christmas time). But that can’t compare with “earfingers,” a gadget you can build that allows you to hear with your hands.
Instructables—My kind of encyclopedia.
~By Jason Ohler, 21st Century Fluency Project
How To Be More Creative
How To Be More Creative
Click the link above to read an article that describes three steps to increase your creativity.
Story Cubes
Story Cube Examples
story cube template
The links above give examples of using a story cube to encourage student creatvity.
Tools for Collaboration:
PBWorks is a free web 2.0 tool that allows you or your group to create a collaborate workspace or wiki. A wiki is a “quick website” and allows for several members to edit the same workspace. PBWorks can be used in education for class websites, collaborative projects, student portfolios, distance learning or to host staff professional development; just to name a few ideas. Below you will find a link to a doucment with wiki tips to get you started using PBWorks.
Edmodo is a free social learning network where students and educators can connect and collborate in a safe environment. It has the look and feel of the popular social networking site Facebook, making it appealing and familiar to students. Edmondo creates a perfect platform for teachers who are flipping their classroom or those providing professional development within their school or division. Take a look at the Intro to Edmodo Webinar below to learn more about how you can implement Edmodo in your classroom or school.
Tools for Communication:
Prezi is a zooming presentation tool. Unlike PowerPoint’s slide by slide presentation, Prezi uses a single, zoomable canvas for it’s presentation. Users can zoom between images, video, audio, and text. A path can be created between artifacts to create a more linear presentation. Click the link below and Zoey will help you get you plugged in on creating a Prezi.
Academy: Prezi Workflow in 15 minutes
Skype is a free service that allows you to communicate and connect with others from around the world through voice and video calls and instant messaging. The free Skype service also includes screen sharing and sending files. With screen sharing you can share your computer screen with the person you are talking to. You can share a presentation, pictures, or video through screen sharing or you can send them through the sending file feature while chatting or on a or video call. Skype is also a great way to open your classroom up to the world. Check out the list below to get some ideas on how to plug Skype into your classroom.
GENERAL
Tech Ponds for Teachers is a bank of resources for elementary teachers who are looking for pre-made activities that incorporate technology. Resources are organized by subject, grade level, and specific topic. Come fish in our ponds and feel free to use and edit whatever you like! In addition, if you have created any of your own resources that you would like to contribute, contact your ITRT and let them know.
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the 3Rs and 4Cs (Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity and innovation).
“The 21st Century Fluency Project is a collaborative initiative that was created to develop exceptional educational resources to assist in transforming learning to be relevant to life in the 21st century. Our mission is simple – to instill awareness of the importance of the change that is happening today, to help educators understand the need to “catch up” to today’s students by re-evaluating current instructional and assessment methods, and to provide guidance in how to make change a beneficial thing for both student and teacher.” You can subscribe to the Committed Sardine blog by clicking on “Commit Me” at the bottom of the page. You will receive an email subscription filled with articles and infographics on some interesting and cutting-edge information. You won’t be disappointed!
ITRTS ~ Plugged In 