Top 12 Tech Tools
Every Teacher Should Use
What's in your arsenal?
Classroom Devices!
SMART Notebook 11
View the video below to get a sneak peek of the new LightRaise projector in action. Follow my Pinterest and Scoop.it pages for additional resources and tutorials. Additional professional development can be found here, and, of course, join the SMART Exchange to download already created lessons.
Document Camera
Your document camera has so much more to offer than just displaying a worksheet or book on your projector. The Avermedia software offers robust features for use in student created projects. See link to K-12 lesson plans below. Click here for additional training and K-12 resources.
iPad/iTouch
These devices, when used appropriately, are perfect for creation, consumption, and discovery. Try not to fill your iPad with low-level skill and drill apps but more content creation, cross-curricular apps. Click here to download and print Apptivity Task Cards for use in learning centers. Check out www.techchef4U.com for even more meaningful and authentic apptivities.
Create!
Google Docs
If you are proficient with Microsoft Office, then Google Docs will be an easy transition for you. The difference between the two is that Google Docs allows you to work in real time collaboration with others. You can also create forms to collect data for various projects. For more information visit: http://tinyurl.com/ccxl3vw
Google Earth
What can I say about Google Earth? It's just the coolest thing ever invented. Have you ever wanted to take your class to the jungles of Africa to see lions in their natural environment? Try a virtual field trip: https://smore.com/8a4q
Read Write Think
The best thing about Read Write Think, aside from being absolutely free, is that no accounts are needed to use their student interactives. If you are a fan of Dinah Zike foldables, then you will love these digital based interactives.
Communicate and Collaborate!
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” Anthony Robbins
Communication and collaboration are important 21st century skills we need to teach our students. How do you teach these skills? I see communication as expressing thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways while also being able to listen effectively. Where collaboration represents the skills to be able to work efficiently in a group and be aware of what everyone brings to the table. Students today need to be aware of social and ethical etiquette as well when communicating and collaborating.~ http://yourbiggestfan30.wordpress.com/
Edmodo
Edmodo’s mission is to connect all learners with the people and resources they need to reach their full potential. It's commonly thought of as Facebook for education.
Edublogs
Allow your students the opportunity to create their digital footprint while sharing knowledge and experiences with a global audience. If you are a teacher in NEISD, please submit a help desk ticket for an account. Visit Blogging in NEISD for more information.
There is no better way to connect with experts in the field than with Twitter. You can create a PLN (Personal Learning Network) for yourself, communicate with parents, and seek outside expertise to support curriculum concepts.
Curate!
Noted educator Harry K. Wong, writes in his book "The First Days of School", that the teachers who beg, borrow, and steal good techniques are the teachers whose students will achieve. Find thousands of great ideas on Pinterest.
Listly
People love lists mostly because they are very easy to read and at the same time they are full of valuable information. Bloggers love them because they don’t require as much effort to put together and readers love them because they get all the information they need in a matter of minutes. Click here to create your own account.
Scoop.it
As an article in the Silicon Valley Watcher states, “…curation online also has to demonstrate: mastery, passion, knowledge and expertise. Without such additional layers, a curated collection of links is just a collection of links.” Make sure that you curate only the best of the best. Click here to create your account.
One Last Thing...
Laura Moore
Email: lmoore4@neisd.net
Website: www.mooreti.edublogs.com
Location: 8961 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, TX
Phone: 210-407-0574
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.t.moore.127?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter: @learnmoorestuff