The Resource Cafe
Resources, Tools, and Ideas for Teachers
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
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.
Blendspace
Blendspace is a tool that allows the user to insert video, documents, images, and audio for others to view. It is a great way to put multiple resources in one spot. The example below is one lesson for students.
SoundCloud
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.
Delicious
Delicious is a website that allows the user to collect and organize bookmarks. Users can include a description and tags to make the tool easier to find.
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 & 2013 Teacher of the Year finalist. I have enjoyed growing with Georgia Virtual School and look forward to what lies ahead.