TechKNOW Tips: Week of 5/18/15
TECHnology that you should KNOW!
Paper...Clickers...Plickers!
Looking for a way to gauge whether your students are "getting it?" Try "Plickers" Plickers are a non-techie way of checking for student understanding. Simple print out the Plickers cards, assign them to your students, post a question, and have your students hold up their Plickers card based on their answer to the question. Using a smartphone or iPad, the teacher scans the answers and they are automatically tallied. It's that simple! Check out this video. Atomic Learning even has a series of tutorial videos here (login with email for username, employee ID# for password).
EdPuzzle
Do you want to get smart with SMART boards and other SMART products? Here's your chance to learn from SMART-trained professionals how to navigate the world of SMART. In this five-class cohort, you'll join other novice teachers on a journey to become expert users of SMART products in your classrooms. Click here for more information and to sign up (sign in with your Google account) for this awesome opportunity!
BrainRush.com
Brainrush.com offers interactive learning games on many topics for all levels. Teachers and students can search for existing OR create one of four types of games: flashcards, bucket sorting, sequencing, and image hotspots. Brainrush games are a great way for students to review or learn. Teachers can set up classes, assign brainrushes to their students, and check their progress. Better yet, have your students create a brainrush to demonstrate their learning or test their classmates. One of my favorites! Check out these examples:
- Water Cycle (hotspots)
- Civil Rights Movement: Key People (flashcards)
- Geometric Cross Sections
Holidays Stressing You Out? Get Calm...
This time of the year can be stressful. Why not take a break and take in the tranquil sights and sounds of calm.com. With Calm, you can select a relaxing theme, set a timer, and even download their iPhone app. Great background music for the classroom!
Need an iPad Stand? Librarians to the Rescue!
Often while using an iPad, there is a need for a stand to hold the device upright. If you are in need of a stand, ask your librarian! The book stands that librarians use are a GREAT option for holding iPads.
Quietube: Safer Way to Watch YouTube Videos
Want to show Youtube videos, but are afraid of what might pop up on the sidebar or as a "related video?" Enter Quietube. Quietube allows you to view Youtube (and Vimeo) videos without the distraction (and sometimes inappropriateness) of additional content.
- Quietube Instructions
- Quietube Tutorial
- Google Chrome user? Use this Chrome Extension
Christmas Fun!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Here are some fun ways you and yours can prepare for Christmas!
Google Santa Tracker
There is a new fun activity that is unlocked every day at Google's Santa Tracker Village! You can watch videos, play games, and--my favorite--receive a customized message from Santa! Warning: you can get lost for hours on this site! Have fun!
Northpole.com
Northpole.com has everything you need to celebrate the season. There are fun activities, recipes, and even a shopping list! There are lots of things for classroom, as well, as this site is geared towards supporting parents and teachers.
Portable North Pole
Portable North Pole is one of our family's favorites! On this site, you can sign up for a FREE personalized video message from the big guy in the red suit! As an added bonus, Santa will send the recipient a customized video message on their birthdays.
Chad Belford-ITS
Do you need assistance OR do you have something you'd like to see showcased on "TechKNOW Tips," please contact me!
Email: cbelfo@neisd.net
Location: San Antonio, TX
Twitter: @chadbelfordITS