3 for Thursday
November 19, 2015
1. Spell Up
Spell Up is a fun spelling game from Google that will understand what you say and use it to control the game action. There are three levels of play: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert. To build a word tower, you must listen for the words and spell them aloud, pronounce them correctly, or solve world jumbles. You can even guess mystery words by filling in the missing letters. The higher the tower gets, the more difficult the words get. There is nothing to download, but you will need to attach and authorize a microphone if using on a desktop computer.
Spell Up: A Chrome Experiment
2. Pixlr
Pixlr is an amazing online photo editor. You can use Pixlr without an account for a short time before the program times-out. So, if you know what you want to do and can work quickly, an account is not necessary. However, Pixlr can also be added to your Google Drive as an app, which will allow you to login through Google-for more information about this, see my previous 3 for Thursday. My favorite feature is Pixlr Express, which is a Beta version right now. It allows you to quickly add cool effects and text to your images. Pixlr offers an app in both the iTunes and Google Play store that is free but does include in-app purchases. Let me know if you'd like to learn more!
3. Using Google Slides for Storytelling
Now that every student has a Google Drive account, digital books are easy to create and share. Using Google Slides, students can work individually or in small groups to plan the distribution of the text and add photo illustrations with the built-in image search. Of course, they could also illustrate with paper/pencil and take pictures of their artwork. Google Slides can be embedded into itslearning assignments, discussion threads, notes, etc... the same way you embed YouTube and other videos. To find the embed code for your Google Slides presentation, choose File/Publish to the Web, click on Embed, and copy the code. The Discussion Thread would be a great itslearning tool for allowing students to comment on others' stories.
About 3 for Thursday
Tech tips and timely topics presented for the teachers of Mashburn Elementary (and anyone they'd like to share with.) At Mashburn Elementary, Our Mission is developing deep levels of Relationships, Engagement, and Rigor.
Email: klochbaum@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Phone: 770-889-1630
Twitter: @KimLochbaum