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Tuesday 30 June 2015

Math File Folder Games

Math File Folder Games is a terrific company that creates fun, challenging, multiplayer iOS games for Math.  These games cover a wide variety of topics such as: fractions, graphing (plotting points), order of operations, and more.  Also, these games track student progress, allow for email to share results, as well as blue tooth enabled for multiple players to play across separate devices.  This is perfect for Game Based Learning as well as for those classrooms that use "centers".

I highly recommend checking out Math File Folder Games by clicking here!!!

*Math File Folder Games is a advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Level it Books

Level it Books is one of the apps I get asked about most frequently.  This is fantastic mobile app (Android/iOS) for educators, parents, or librarians, looking to track their student's Reading Level as well as keep a digital library of books in a convenient easy way.  All a user has to do is scan a books ISBN# (i.e. bar code) and get a Reading/Lexile level.   A teacher can even create a class roster and track their student's level, create a digital library of class books, and even select/create a "book of the day".

I highly recommend checking out Level it Books by clicking here!!!

*Level it Books is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Math w/ Amigos

Math w/ amigos is quickly becoming one of son's favorite iOS apps (free) for practicing his basic Math skills (ages 4-10).  This is a super fun app ideal for Game Based Learning that allows students to compete against others from around the world as they solve Math problems in areas such as: addition, order of operations, and more.  Best of all, is the ability for a parent or educator to track student progress and see which areas they need improvement in.  The number of levels and ability to unlock hidden features by earning rewards makes this game have high replay value too.

I highly recommend checking out Math w/ Amigos by clicking here!!!

For more excellent educational Yogome games click here.

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

30hands

30hands is one of my all-time favorite free iOS apps for Digital Storytelling.  This is a simple app to use w/ a detailed walk-through that helps any first time user create their own.  Everything is done in a user friendly drag-n-drop interface that allows students to add/take photos, draw, and record narration to each slide.  Once the story is complete it can then be uploaded to the cloud via the free educational community 30hands Learning.  This is a great LMS that lets educators share their student work, assess them, and much much more.

I highly recommend checking out the 30hands app & Learning community by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

*30hands Learning is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

iPractice Math

iPractice Math is a fantastic new (beta) site that is ideal for all things Math related.  This is a great place for educators or students to find: printables, worksheets, problem walk-throughs, definitions, and more, for grades K-12.  The subjects covered are as simple as basic Math to as advanced as Trigonometry or Calculus.  Also, there is an educational portal that allows educators to track students and generate detailed reports.

I highly recommend checking out iPractice Math by clicking here!!!

*iPractice Math is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

The Four C's in STEM: Collaboration with Symphonical

Symphonical is an online tool that allows students to collaborate on projects and keep track of individual tasks. Organized in an easy to use grid containing categories for Not Started, In Progress and Completed, students create notes containing tasks to move around the board, thus showing visual progress. Any task that contains a due date can then be viewed on a calendar as well.

This application does require an account, but the basic service is free. Once one account holder logs in, other team members can be invited from within the app to collaborate.

An additional feature that facilitates collaboration is the ability to invite team members to a Google Hangout from within the app so that students can discuss tasks (which can be imported from Gmail and Google Drive) and priorities.

This simple and free platform can help students get organized, prioritize tasks to achieve success for the project and best of all...collaborate!






Door 24

Door 24 is one of my favorite free iPad apps for Math grades 4th-8th.  This is a super fun app that challenges students critical thinking skills as they use computational Math skills to solve different problems and help a robot put their circuits back together and solve the mystery behind Door 24.  This app is correlated to Common Core Standards and focuses on different Math areas such as: Algebraic thinking, Number Sense, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Door 24 by clicking here!!!

*Door 24 is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Mocomi

Mocomi is a new site that I just found out about for finding educational videos/animations.  However, this is also a place where kids can find different educational activities, games, puzzles, and more.  This is really a nice one-stop shop for students that brings back
memories of Yahooligans in a more organized way.

I highly recommend checking out Mocomi by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board for Digital Videos in the Classroom click here.

Thanks to Free Technology 4 Teachers for the tip.

Booktrack Classroom

Booktrack Classroom is a very simple yet powerful free Web 2.0 tool that can help students boost their test scores, love of reading, and creativity by adding a soundtrack to any text, writing, or digital book.  This is a great website that is being used by educators grades K-12 to help ignite a student's creativity by adding a soundtrack to papers, stories, poems, etc as well as help them w/ their reading and comprehension skills.  Also, Booktrack is aligned to Common Core Standards, ideal for the Reading/Writing curriculum, and proven to engage and increase student test scores.

I highly recommend checking out Booktrack Classroom by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Web 2.0 click here.

*Booktrack Classroom is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.


Water Cycle HD

Water Cycle HD is a fantastic iPad app (that is free today) that is STEM related and ideal for learning about the Water Cycle.  This educational app uses a combination of videos, animations, and photographs, to help students learn about the Water Cycle.  Also, WC HD follows Common Core Standards and has a quiz that students can take to reinforce learning.  The quiz has three different levels of difficulty and follows Bloom's taxonomy.

I highly recommend checking out Water Cycle HD by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Google Forms

Today is a great day to sing the praises of Google Forms.  I'm working with some folks from AIAA, FAA, NASA, AFA, and the Navy to put together a STEM teacher workshop this summer and we needed a good way to collect information regarding their workshop sessions.  Enter Google forms.  By the end of the conference call, I was able to create a basic form, share it with everyone on the call and request for them to complete it.  It's great for organization because everyone is submitting information in the same way.  No faxes, emails, etc to lose. Plus, Google forms drops the information into a spreadsheet saving me a lot of extra work! If you haven't experienced Google forms, you should definitely give it a try!

Otus

Otus is a fantastic new free learning tool for the mobile classroom.  This is a innovative mobile learning environment that lets educators and students interact in a safe and easy way.  There is a free iPad app for educators and one for students that lets teachers: assess, track students, poll, grade, browse the web and more.  While students can do their assignments, take notes in real-time in split screen mode, and view instruction at home for Flipped Learning.  Otus is a all-in-one Mobile Learning solution for the 1:1 to classroom.

I highly recommend checking out Otus by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...



*Otus is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

ZooKazam

ZooKazam is a wonderful free iOS app for Augmented Reality that can be used in the Science classroom.  This is a fun super easy to use app that has users printing out a "target" and then interacting w/ animals, dinosaurs, and safari animals in augmented reality.  What's cool is the ability to not only take a photo or video of the animal in augmented reality, but interact w/ it by changing the  elements (i.e. make it rain or snow) and more.

I highly recommend checking out ZooKazam by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Augmented Reality click here.

Saturday 27 June 2015

How do I implement STEM in my Classroom?

So, how do you implement STEM education in your classroom?  This is often the most perplexing question to teachers.  Implementing STEM education in your classroom isn't difficult.  You might even already be doing it and not know it!

Build Knowledge
To successfully implement STEM education, build you own knowledge.  What makes an engaging STEM lesson? A STEM lesson is one that incorporates the four disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  It allows students to experience these disciplines as they would in the real world, not in segments of 45minutes, which is how they are taught in a traditional classroom.  Allowing students to experience these disciplines in an integrated form engages students in a real-world, meaningful experience.  A good STEM lesson also allows students to collaborate- with others in their own classroom or students around the world.  Providing collaboration helps to strengthen communication skills and aids students in working together to find a possible solution to a problem.


Seek Resources
Search the Internet, talk to colleagues, or consult with someone who specializes in the field of STEM education (like me!).  Be careful to look for the signs of a true STEM lesson.  An exemplary STEM education lesson/project should contain:
  • The integration of each of the four disciplines- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  • A hands-on task - usually one that asks students to find a solution to a problem
  • A real-world connection
  • An opportunity for students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and solve problems
  • A natural tie to your curriculum- STEM projects are incredibly fluid and incorporate so many skills from each of the disciplines that, barring an appropriate grade level, it should fit seamlessly into your curriculum

Implement Challenges
Once you've found some great STEM lessons and projects, it's time to implement!  Keep in mind that students are excited to engage in STEM projects, so setting ground rules, reviewing expectations and using your classroom management skills will be key.  As you work through the project with students, take the opportunity to facilitate and help each team by asking key questions.  Asking questions allows you to probe how deeply students understand the concepts and immediately clarify if any misconceptions arise.

DimensionU

DimensionU is one of the leading companies around for creating innovative educational games in a 3D virtual world.  These games focus on Math & Literacy and are designed for grades 3rd-9th.  These game are designed for Common Core Standards and cover a wide variety of topics for each subject.  Best of all these games have high-replay, track student scores, and ideal for Game Based Learning.

Below are 4 DimensionU games...

Watch the videos below to see all 4 AMAZING DimensionU Games in action:
Meltdown is the DimensionU game
that offers students a second
chance when answering difficult
questions, and rewards creative
strategies to achieve victory.
Swarm is DimensionU's team-based
game that most strongly reinforces
cooperation and collaboration
between students to achieve a
common goal.
Towerstorm is the DimensionU
game that is best for working
through the most curriculum
in the shortest amount of time.
Velocity is DimensionU's
high-speed obstacle course that
ensures players answer questions
correctly in order to continue
progressing through the race.







I highly recommend checking out DimensionU by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

*DimensionU is an advertiser of TechnologyTidbits

Shadow Puppet Edu

I've been in touch w/ the people over at Shadow Puppet and excited to announce their new spinoff free iOS app for education, Shadow Puppet Edu.  This is an excellent easy to use app for Project Based Learning and Digital Storytelling.  Like the former app it has a drag and drop interface but w/ this new educational instance it allows for easier/safer searching and integration of pictures as well as no student email account to use.

Below is a list of their other features...
  • Make videos just like before combining photos, video clips, voice, text and drawing. Use up to 100 images, and make videos up to 30 minutes long. All limits/purchases on the consumer version have been removed and the app will be free for edu use.  
  • Search the Library of Congress, NASA, Creative Commons, or generic web/gif search for awesome content to include in videos. A citation page is automatically added to the end of the video. We're super excited about the potential here in social science and science classes—our search tools make it possible to access and use amazing content from Library of Congress and NASA in a way we haven't seen any other apps do.    
  • Common Core-aligned activity ideas to make it easy to get started using Shadow Puppet Edu in English, social studies, science, math, art and foreign language classes.
  • Controls to disable web image search. Parental gates for sharing and the ability to disable/enable those as well. 
I highly recommend checking out Shadow Puppet Edu by clicking here!!!

To find Shadow Puppet Edu on Edshelf click here.

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

Friday 26 June 2015

BoomWriter

BoomWriter is the free award winning Web 2.0 site for Collaborative Writing.  Educators are using this around the world to integrate technology into their classroom in a easy way, as well as using it for Project Based Learning.  Best of all, BW is housed in an educational portal that allows educators to create/manage student accounts (no student email is required).

The innovative process that BoomWriter uses for their collaborative platform allows educators to choose or create their own story starter.  Once this is done, each student take part in the writing process and types the next chapter.  After that, each student then votes on which chapter they would like included in the finished product, the one w/ the most votes gets included.  On and on this process goes until the story or book is finished.  All of this is done online and in their safe network and once the finished product is done an actual published book can be order
ed.  First time teachers get their very own free class copy.

Also, BoomWriter has lots of educational resources and lessons that other educators can use or look through to see how BoomWriter is being used in other classrooms.  Educators are using it for all sorts of Writing projects such as: poetry, persuasive writing, first person stories, and more.

I highly recommend checking out BoomWriter by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Web 2.0 click here.

Math vs. Dinosaurs

Math vs Dinosaurs is the new free Android (Google Play) app by the creators of Zeus vs. Monsters.  As far as I'm concerned this is Peaksel's most robust app yet and great for Game Based Learning.  The game has dozen's of levels for student's to play through as they solve basic Math (i.e. addition, subtraction, etc) equations.  For those w/ other Peaksel games, they feature excellent graphics, high replay value, and fun game play.  Best of all, are the educator features that allow them to choose which numbers and type of equations that occur in the game.  Also, wrong answers reveal the correct answer as well as tracking student progress.

I highly recommend checking out Math vs. Dinosaurs by clicking here!!!

For more Peaksel games click here.

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.
For my Pinterest board on Android Apps for Education click here.

Thursday 25 June 2015

SpellingCity

SpellingCity is probably the most robust and popular site around for Vocabulary/Spelling.  This is a tool that educators are using in classrooms of all grade levels to help improve student's skills.  Best of all educators can find or create their own word lists and then integrate them into over 26 different games.  This is a great and fun way to help students practice their Spelling & Vocab skills while learning at the same time.  Also, SC has lots of resources for teachers to use as well as a free mobile app (i.e. Kindle, iOS, Amazon) that integrates w/ the site for mobile learning.

I highly recommend checking out SpellingCity by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo of their mobile app...



*SpellingCity is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Digipuzzle

Digipuzzle is a nice site for finding educational games for El Ed.  This is a relatively new site but there are games in subjects such as: Math, LA, Geography, and more.  It's a fun site that's easy to use can be a nice tool for centers or Game Based Learning.

I recommend checking out Digipuzzle by clicking here.

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

EDpuzzle

EDpuzzle is vastly becoming one of the premiere web tools around for learning in the classroom.  This is fantastic free tool for editing a video, cropping, adding quizzes/polls, narration, etc. then embedding into site/blog.  It is being used to flip a classroom or lesson, Project Based Learning, and even for differentiating instruction.  The educational portal allows students to sign-up w/out needing an email account and lets educators track student progress in real-time.

I highly recommend checking out EDpuzzle by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Flipping a Classroom click here.

*EDpuzzle is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Speech Wizard

Speech Wizard is an excellent iPad app that is normally $39.99 but free today.  This app is perfect for ESL, parents, or Speech Therapists looking to help students w/ their articulation skills.  This is done through fun Game Based Learning activities that has students using flashcards, going on sound hunts, and more.  Best of all is the data tracking/report generating as well as the ab
ility to record your voice or pronunciation of words.

I highly recommend checking out Speech Wizard by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Wednesday 24 June 2015

The Difference between "Doing Projects" and Project Based Learning


When I talk to teachers and staff about STEM and what it is or isn't, we often come around to how it is similar and different to Project-Based Learning.  STEM, at its very core, is Project-Based Learning (PBL) and connecting these dots helps to demystify what STEM education is and how to teach it. 

Last week, I ran across this very helpful chart from FriEd Technology that differentiates "doing projects" with students from PBL...and these points hold true for STEM education as well.   Although this is not the full picture of STEM education, it helps to quickly clarify and set expectations for both student and teacher expectations.


Answer Pad

The Answer Pad is one of the best and easy to use free Student Response/Dialogue Systems for mobile devices.  It is fantastic learning tool that is being used by classrooms all around the world that allows educators to assess their students in real-time on their mobile devices.  The way this works is the educator creates from scratch or uses Common Core Aligned templates to create assignments, tests, quizzes, etc and then pushes them out to their student's mobile devices.  The students then complete the assignment and the teacher is able to view/assess their work.  This is a great way to differentiate instruction and even flip a lesson.

Also, there are other beneficial tools such as the ability to draw, annotate, create digital portfolios, important photos, and more to help save teacher's time.  Answer Pad is a great way to turn the classroom paperless as all test taking/reporting can be done on a mobile device.  Best of all, it is safe and CIPA/COPPA compliant where educators can create/import student accounts.

I highly recommend checking out The Answer Pad by clicking here!!!

Super Teacher Worksheets

Simply put, Super Teacher Worksheets is one the best and most affordable educational resources for teachers.  This is a must have for any K-5 educator looking for worksheets, printables, flashcards, and more.  Also, there are 1000's of printables/worksheets on a wide range of subjects such as: Math, Science, Reading, etc, that are aligned to Common Core Standards.  STW even has worksheet generators for puzzles, crosswords, etc, as resources for different holidays and events.

I highly recommend checking out Super Teacher Worksheets by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.

Looking for free Smart Board lessons check out Modern Chalkboard.

*Super Teacher Worksheets is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Tuesday 23 June 2015

GoClass

GoClass is a excellent free all-in-one solution for Mobile Learning or the mobile (1:1) classroom.  This is an innovative way to integrate technology into the classroom by using their free app on their mobile devices.  The way this works is the educator creates their class/students through the web interface and then creates the lesson.  The students then use their mobile devices to complete the assignment and interact w/ the teacher/lesson.  Best of all the teacher can view and assess in real-time what each student is doing on their mobile device.  This is a great way to flip a class and differentiate instruction.

I highly recommend checking out GoClass by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...



If you're attending ISTE be sure to check out GoClass here.

*GoClass is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.


Been for Education

Been for Education is one of my favorite new Web 2.0 sites for Social Learning & Bookmarking.  This is a innovative site that combines the the bookmarking abilities of Diigo w/ a visual interface similar to MentorMob to create a innovative experience to browse the web.  Best of all, this is all done in a protective "bubble" w/ Been's educational portal that allows educators to create/manage student accounts.  Educators are using Been in wide variety of ways such as: guided learning, web scavenger hunts, introducing a topic, research, flipping a lesson, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Been for Education by clicking here!!!

Also, if you're going to be attending ISTE be sure to visit them here.

For a more detailed review on Technology & Learning click here.

*Been is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Superhero Comic Book Maker

Superhero Comic Book Maker is a fun iOS app for creating a digital comic.  This is a great app that can be used for digital storytelling that has tons of different stickers, animations, backgrounds, and sound effects.  A user can even draw/color in their comic and make the stickers move by tapping on it or dragging around the screen.  Best of all, a student can record their own narration to take their storytelling to the next level.

I highly recommend checking out Superhero Comic Book Maker by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

For Graphite's review by clicking here.

The Four C's in STEM: Critical Thinking with Microsoft Kodu

For kids who like to design and play games, Kodu from Microsoft is a high-interest way to help develop critical thinking skills.

Kodu, a free visual programming language, allows students to build, play and optionally share their own video games with other users online.  Since the software is downloaded to each computer (the only negative for our school district friends), there are no accounts or passwords to remember.  Students simply create and explore a world, then program their character or rover.  Students can edit and save changes to make their worlds better over time too.

Not sure where to start?  Microsoft provides five one-hour lessons and even provides support videos on YouTube to help students become familiar with the interface and hit the ground running with their critical thinking skills.  Then, let the coding begin!






Sunday 21 June 2015

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Study in New Zealand to Give Your Education a Whole New Dimension | Education Portal


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Study in New Zealand to Give Your Education a Whole New Dimension | Education Portal


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Study in New Zealand to Give Your Education a Whole New Dimension | Education Portal


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