Smartboards in the Classroom

We've been thinking a lot about new tools for new teachers.  How do we build on their prior technology knowledge, add in standards, plan curriculum, diversify instruction, pack in good engagement techniques and reach diverse learners at the same time?  Through technology, of course!

We're building up our category just for this purpose. We'll be adding new tools, tips, best practices and models for easy use.  

Here's a great new wikispace to start researching:

Cool Tools for Schools:   http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com

Enjoy!

{tags: Web 2.0 Tools]

Our friends at the Whiteboard Blog have passed along an amazing Science resource on Evolution.  It traces the earth's development from the Big Bang through present day.  It's interactive and absolutely fascinating. 

  Technorati Tags: Science; Evolution

Here's an excellent resource of Web 2.0 tools.

Here you go!

VoiceThreads are Web 2.0 tools that allow you to upload a picture or series of pictures, add audio, publish to the web and have visitors leave comments on your VoiceThread. 

Excellent tool!   

Here's a Web 2.0 tool that's proven to be an outstanding tool with our students.  It is called a VOKI and allows you to create an avatar, customize it to look like you or NOT, and then give it a voice.  We've found that since it requires audio, our students have written the script and then practiced recording their voices to their own vokis.  The voki can then be embedded into a blog, as I've done on the first page of this blog. 

Defintely a useful tool!  Free and easy.   

Here's another excellent Web 2.0 tool that allows you to add your own video to discuss a site.  Again, free and easy.  Give it a try!

Dear Teachers,

Have you ever wanted to have your students use specific websites in sequence?  Here's an excellent Web 2.0 tool called "Jog the Web" which allows you to create a track of websites and have your students move through them in the order you designate.  

It's free so be sure to open an account and start creating your own tracks.   

Here's a new tool to use with your SMARTBoard.  It allows you to draw, edit and collaborate interactively. 

 Wonderful!