The Chic & Trendy Classroom
Ideas to Spruce Up Your Teaching
Trendy Thoughts:
* Make your classroom lively.
* Draw in the interest of students (and parents).
* Do more than is required.
* Keep stakeholders informed.
* Have fun.
Resources & Examples
Using SoundCloud
General Web Searches
Animation Factory
On this site, instructors can find clipart, animated clipart, PowerPoint backgrounds, PowerPoint templates, and more. This is a PowerPoint template, used to create an announcement, then saved as a picture.
PowerPoint
Smore
Example Smores:
FlipSnack
Fodey
This website can be used to create a variety of images. Below are some samples:
ToonDoo
Word Clouds
Taxegdo: http://www.tagxedo.com/
Image Chef: http://www.imagechef.com/
These sites allow you to take a compilation of words and create an image. Here are some samples:
PowToon
This is said to be an alternative to PowerPoint. It can create cartoon videos to convey information in a creative way. Take a look at the demo video below.
Glogster
Glogster is an interactive poster program. It can be used to display images, files, sound clips, video, etc. This is a great tool to present a large amount of information in a creative way. Click the link below to see a sample:
Animoto
Animoto is a video creator program. Use images and text to create a video set to music. Ideas for using this program could include almost anything. Videos 30 seconds or less are free, but a subscription will allow more time and template choices. Below are some samples:
Welcome Reminders:
http://animoto.com/play/ttAnVWYlOiM7vUYP0YO1cw
The Giver - A Novel Overview:
http://animoto.com/play/23mMUboV0mbFQ3edYX7B7g
Teacher Bio Video:
Imagechef
Imagechef is a free program that allows text to be inserted into template pictures. Take a look at the ideas below.
Vocaroo
This website is a free tool used to record audio. The audio can be used in feedback, announcements, and more.
Visual.ly
This site can be used to create informative infographics! Take a look at these examples:
Polluted Soil:
http://visual.ly/polluted-soil
A Kitchen Remodel
http://visual.ly/remodeling-your-kitchen-budget
Blood Pressure Basics:
Infogr.am
This can be used to create charts, graphs, and other graphic organizers. It is free and easy to use! This might be used to show information to students, or to have students present material.
Toys in My House (One I Created)
http://infogr.am/Toys-in-My-Household/
Homerun Leaders by Season Since 1901
http://infogr.am/Home-Run-Leaders-by-Season-Since-1901
Popular Female Cat Names
Voki
Use Voki to create talking avatars. These can be used in presentations, announcements, etc. Vokis can be linked or embedded, and can incorporate typed text or voice messages.
Zapping Wizard
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=6663363&height=267&width=200
Sample for Students
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=5067768&height=267&width=200
Chic & Trendy Demo
http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8290852&height=267&width=200
Jing/Snagit
http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html
Jing is a free program, which can be used to take screen captures and annotate images, or to record videos under 5 minutes in length. These videos can be used to give tutorials, respond to questions, explain assignments, or show process on a desktop. Watch the demo video below for more ideas.
Embedding YouTube
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Contact Us for More Help
Mrs. Kelly Gardner
I have been working with GaVS since 2007. I am an English/Language Arts Instructor, but I have also been a part of several other areas including: developing courses, mentoring teachers, reviewing courses, grading credit recovery, and blogging. I received the GaVS Master Teacher certification and was a 2012 Teacher of the Year finalist. I have enjoyed growing with Georgia Virtual School and look forward to what lies ahead.
Mrs. Victoria Barbour
I have 6 years of teaching mathematics in education. I have worked in online education since 2011 as a Math Teacher, Department Chairperson and venturing into the world of a Content Developer. I am currently Department Chair for the Math Department. I also have mentored new teachers, reviewed courses, and collaborated with other instructors for 2012 - 2013 professional development series opportunities.
Mrs. Stephanie Arrington
I attended the State University at Potsdam for two years before transferring to the State University College at Buffalo where I earned my Bachelors in Math. I later attended the University of Phoenix earning a Masters in Education. After graduation, I taught eighth grade math for 4 years. Then I transferred to a nearby high school and taught math for 4 years and computer science for 3 years. I have been working for Georgia Virtual for 3 years and have been the math department chair for 1 year.