MathDisk

MathDisk is an innovative new site/app (Android/iOS) that can be used for many different aspects of Math (i.e. Algebra, Geometry, graphing calculator, Calculus, and more).  The this works is by creating worksheets on the easy to use graphic designer that resembles a draw program w/ lots of tools.  However, it's even easier to use on a mobile device w/ a touch screen interface.  A finished project can then be embedded into a site or blog and shared w/ others via email or social networks.

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

Below is an example of a MathDisk worksheet...

SpellingCity

SpellingCity w/out a doubt is my favorite site for Spelling and Vocabulary.  This is a great site w/ educational portal that allows educators to create word lists that can be incorporated into educational games.  These games are not only fun but highly engaging and help students learn their "words".  Also, an educator can track students, find an abundance of resources/videos, and even use it for mobile learning w/ a free mobile app  (iOS/Android).

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

Below is a brief demo of the free mobile app...



*SpellingCity is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

ForAllRubrics

ForAllRubrics is a wonderful site/app (iOS/Android) for educators looking to create rubrics and even badges for their class.  This site interacts seamless w/ their free mobile app as well as lets educators create/manage student accounts while creating rubrics that are aligned to Common Core Standards.  Also, educators can browse through existing rubrics created by other users assess students and generate detailed reports.

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

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.
For more information check out Edshelf.

Below is a brief demo video...

GoClass

GoClass is a fantastic learning tool for the mobile classroom.  This is a free site/web app that allows educators to conduct lessons on student's mobile devices (iOS/Android), track their learning and progress, and so much more.  The way this works is an educator creates an account through the GoClass web portal and then starts creating their multimedia digital lessons that get shared w/ students when they join a session.  Best of all, GoClass records all lessons that are being conducted and educators can assess students in real-time to differentiate instruction as well share an interactive whiteboard for learning.

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

*GoClass is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

iPracticeMath

iPracticeMath is a wonderful all-in-one site for al things Math related w/ an educational portal.  A educator/student can find problem walk-throughs, definitions, worksheets, games, and more.  Also, the educational portal allows students to track student progress as they work through online Math activities, as well as generate detail reports.  The topics covered range anywhere from basic Math skills to more advanced categories such as Algebra and Calculous.

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

*iPracticeMath is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

STEM Essentials- Creating Rubrics

When developing a STEM unit, it's important to put a lot of time into the planning of the unit so that students will have the structure (although sometimes it is unseen) to be successful and so that you can spend your time working with students and facilitating student progress.

Now that you have a plan and have thought about the different kinds of assessments that will take place throughout the unit, it is time to consider how you will evaluate the product that students will produce (keeping in mind that your product could take the form of a presentation, portfolio, an actual product, etc.).  The rubric will help you, as the teacher, identify what skills, knowledge and outcome you are looking for and will also outline for students how to be successful.

There are many different ways to write a rubric.  The simplest is to establish a list of target statements that address key facets of the product and relevant curriculum standards.  This rubric can also include criteria like teamwork and performance (aka time on task). 

Next, determine your scale. For younger students, sometimes the scale is in words rather than numbers.  For example: Superior, Accomplished Capable, Developing.  For older students, a scale of 1-4 or 1-5 is generally used with the highest number representing the most accomplished. 

(If you would like your rubric to be more specific, select your criteria and write descriptors for each one. Descriptors should each be one "step" apart and should represent gradations of quality for each criteria.  Be thoughtful when writing your rubric to make sure that it represents a successful project and reflects your selected standards.)

Once you have created your rubric, you will want to present it to your students after you introduce the challenge.  If possible, show both good and bad examples to model for students how to assess these examples using the rubric.  This will teach students how to use a rubric and also how to self-assess their projects in different stages.

STEM Essentials Handout: STEM Project Rubric

Bahria University - Admissions Open in Earth,Environmental and Media Sciences

Admissions Open in Earth,Environmental and Media Sciences for Fall 2012 Session.
Last date of form submission : 3rd August 2012.

The Four C's in STEM: Collaboration with Wikispaces

Another one of my favorite tools, Wikispaces does not disappoint. Wikispaces Classroom is an ideal tool for both teachers to create a virtual space for team work.  In minutes, students can sign up for a free account and begin collaborating.  Perfect for school projects or even eportfolios, Wikispaces provides a lot of flexibility.

Using Wikispaces, students can create attractive "web pages" containing files, pictures, videos, links and other content to support their projects or eportfolios. Students can create as many supporting pages and upload as many supporting documents as needed as long as they don't go over 20MB per file limit or 2GB capacity limit.

Students can leave comments and discuss topics in a discussion thread and teachers can easily monitor since Wikispaces saves all edits and revisions.  Wikispaces Classroom pages will even allow the teacher to organize students into groups, each with their own pages and permissions...perfect for collaboration!

Answerables

Answerables is one of the most unique sites to come around in awhile.  It is a cross between a Learning Management System and Game Based Learning environment to deliver a innovative and fun learning experience for students.  All of this takes place in a 3D virtual world (i.e. think Second Life but geared towards education) that allows educators to create lessons, scavenger hunts, collaborate w/ other educators, and much much more.  Best of all, all of this takes place in Answerables safe interactive environment.  Also, Answerables can be used by any curriculum to teach any subject using Project Based Learning, "gamifying"a lesson, and differentiating instruction.

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

Below is a brief demo video...



*Answerables is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Help Save Edshelf

Edshelf is one of the most popular curating tools on the web for educators.  Also, it is in dire need of your help to keep it going.  Recently, Mike Lee the CEO launched a kickstarter campaign to save his wonderful website and I wanted to pass that info along.

Click here to see what you can do.

Below is a brief demo...

Door 24

Door 24 is one of my favorite free iPad apps for Math.  This is a super fun game that has students trying to fix a robot's circuits while solving the mystery behind Door 24.  This game focuses on Math for grades 4th-8th aligned to Common Core Standards and has students working on computational fluency, number sense, and algebraic thinking.

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

*Curriculum Associates is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Elevated Math

Elevated Math is an excellent free iOS app for finding animated Math lessons on a wide variety of topics.  These lessons are aligned to Common Core Standard and focus on grades 4th-8th.  Also, a user can purchase other apps or lessons that allow students/teachers to print out worksheets, notes, tests, and more.  Best of all there, is a built in whiteboard that allows users to work out problems while watching the videos.

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

For more information on Elevated Math check out EDshelf.
For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Tangram Chess

Tangram Chess is one of the coolest iOS apps for Math to come around in a long time.  This game uses translations, rotations, and reflections, to move shapes across a chess board.  As w/ all Math File Folder games, it can be played on multiple devices via bluetooth, generate and email detailed reports to teachers/parents, and are multi-player.  This is an ideal app for Game Based Learning, centers, and much much more.

I highly recommend checking out Tangram Chess by clicking here!!!

For more Math File Folder Games click here.

*MathFileFolderGames is a advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Level it Books

Level it Books is the popular educational app (Android/iOS) for scanning a book's ISBN and getting a Reading Lexile/Level.  It's being used by educators, parents, and librarians around the world to keep a virtual library of books, manage students Reading Levels, and more.  Also, a teacher can use it not only to create class rosters and book libraries, but a "book of the day" as well.

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

*Level it Books is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Sight Words Space

Sight Words Space is a (free today) iPad app designed for KDG/1st graders learning how to read and working on Science vocabulary words.  The app is an interactive workbook that has students tracing words, listening to words, and playing fun interactive activities to help reinforce reading and word recognition.  Also, students will be learning about Space, counting stars, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Sight Words Space by clicking here!!!

For more info on Sight Words Space check out EDshelf.
For my Pinterest board on Educational Apps click here.

Government Colleges Admissions Announced!

Director Colleges announced the Admissions 2012 in Government Colleges of Karachi today.

Students can buy and submit the Admission Form from 27th July to 10th August at designated branches of Meezan Bank at Rs.60.

You can get the Admission forms from following branches of Meezan Bank.



Last year Government colleges were closed at these percentages.

Creative Online Teaching Portfolios

It occurred to me the other day that there is  probably a better way to present myself to possible clients/employers than to lug my presentation binders with me.  After all, I specialize in Instructional Technology, so why not take advantage of that?

Like the current battle between Kindle and books, I still like the paper aspect.  I like holding the product in my hands and I think others appreciate its simplicity.  Just whip out the portfolio and turn to the correct page.  Prospective clients/employers can pass it around and flip through it to their heart's content.  With that said though, I don't feel comfortable letting my portfolio out of my sight.  It contains originals of many artifacts and its loss would be detrimental.  So, I decided to see what online portfolios have to offer.  Here are two of my favorite ones:

I've sung the praises of Prezi before.  It's not really what you would identify as a portfolio, but I like the way that it allows me to go to any page in any order and I can include images, videos, and even PowerPoint presentations in addition to text.  I also like that the templates allow me to put some graphic design (not my strong suit) into the Prezi giving it that added touch of professionalism.  Plus, I can have an educator account that allows me to have 500 MB (in comparison to the regular free account with 100 MB), a way to make my Prezis private and I can even hold an online meeting.


I also like Wikispaces as a unique solution.  I can use a free account (with additional benefits for educators) and if I get a little creative, I can password protect it giving access to only people who I want to see my personal information.  I have all of the usual bells and whistles at my fingertips like links, images, videos,  and even code.  Plus, I can create unlimited pages up to 2GB of content to make it a one-of-a-kind way to show off my skills.

DimensionU

DimensionU is one of my favorite companies for Game Based Learning.  These games take place in an interactive 3D virtual world where students strengthen their Math & Literacy skills.  The games are designed for kids grades 3rd-9th and are aligned to Common Core Standards.

Here are a list of 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.

Click to view the MATHEMATICS or LITERACY content included in

DimensionU Games.

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

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

*DimensionU is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Otus

Otus the wonderful mobile learning environment available for students and teachers for the iPad, is now available to be used via the web on any browser based device (i.e. Chromebooks).  This is the perfect learning tool for the 1:1 environment and gives teachers an all-in-one place to manage, assign, and assess their students.  As w/ any Learning Management System educators can take attendance, grade work, poll, and much much more.  Best of all, Otus integrates w/ Google Drive and has lots of video tutorials on how to implement Otus into the classroom.

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

Below is a brief demo...

*Otus is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Marvel Origins

Marvel Origins is a excellent free new iOS app that combines Game Based Learning w/ interactive stories to help develop student Reading skills.  The way this works is a person reads along w/ the story (narrated by Stan Lee) as they play interactive games, unlock other stories (i.e. Hulk, Spiderman, etc.) and collect items.  This app has high replay value and should help enhance students love of learning reading their favorite comic book heroes.

I highly recommend checking out Marvel Origins by clicking here!!!

For more info check out Marvel Origins on EDshelf.
For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

ClassDojo School-Wide

The news has been making its away around the internet as the wonderful behavior management/positive reinforcement site/app ClassDojo, has announced that it is now school-wide.  What does this mean?  It means that educators will be able to connect w/ other teachers in their school so that they can teach together.  Also, it means that they will be able to share student rosters, track students behavior/progress, and more, across their mutual classes.  This is great for collaborative teaching or for those teachers that are new to using ClassDojo and can have a "mentor" help them out.

For more information on ClassDojo's latest school-wide feature click here.

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

*ClassDojo is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Book Writer

Book Writer is a fantastic iOS app for digital storytelling that lets users create interactive digital books, PDFs, and more.  Educators are using this to Flip their classroom, create tutorials, photo books, presentations, and Project Based Learning.  It's a simple app to use that has a drag-n-drop interface and lets users upload images, videos, audio, text, etc.

I highly recommend checking out Book Writer by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...

For more info on Book Writer check out EDshelf.

For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

Booktrack Classroom

Booktrack Classroom is a innovative tool for education that allows educators and students to add layers of sound effects/tracks/music to text.  A simple way to put it is a soundtrack for books, but it is so much more.  It is a great way to generate students creativity as well as liven up their writing and increase comprehension.  It is all done through a simple to use web interface as well as a free mobile app (iOS/Android).  Also, Booktrack Classroom has a wonderful list of free lesson plans aligned to Common Core Standards that can be viewed by clicking here.

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

Below is a brief demo...



*Booktrack Classroom is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

30hands Pro

30hands Pro is the new paid iOS app from 30hands Learning.  This is a great purchase as it unlocks all the features in the free 30hands app such as: importing video clips, Dropbox/Google Drive integration, and Hi-Res video exporting.

30hands is the amazingly simple to use app w/ drag-n-drop interface that allows users to sync up photos w/ audio recordings to create stunning presentations.  This can be used for digital storytelling, Project Based Learning, or even to "Flip" a lesson.  Also, the exporting features allows the video to be saved to the mobile device's camera roll or uploaded to the free 30hand online educational community.

I highly recommend checking out 30hands Pro by clicking here!!!

For more info on 30hands Pro visit Edshelf.
For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

*30hands Learning is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Clarisketch

Clarisketch is a new (beta) free Android app that I had the pleasure of learning about from Richard Byrne's amazing blog.  This is a simple app to use that allows a user to upload/take a photo and then edit it by drawing on it (similar to the iPad app Explain Everything).  Best of all, a user can then record their own voice to create their own narrations, tutorials, or even be used for digital storytelling.

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

For my Pinterest board on Android Apps click here.
For my Pinterest board on Digital Storytelling click here.

WordWriter

WordWriter is a fantastic new learning tool brought to you by the award winning Web 2.0 Collaborative Writing site, BoomWriter.  WordWriter is a amazingly simple tool to use that uses BoomWriter's innovative collaborative process to help students learn, develop, and enhance their writing/reading and vocabulary skills.

The way this works is a teacher signs in (using the free BoomWriter portal for creating/managing student accounts) and selects the WordWriter tab.  The educator then creates a WW project and selects which students to assign the project to.  After that, a word bank is developed (batch upload feature still to come) by typing in a word that a teacher wants to reinforce and develop for those students.  From there, teachers can type instructions to help guide students on their learning.  Students then login and using the very friendly user-interface create short stories or sentences that best use those words.

That's it!!

The innovative BoomWriter technology highlights the words used so a student doesn't have to keep track of the ones they use.  Also, teachers through the educational portal can assess students and see which projects are waiting to be approved or revised w/ the ability to leave comments.

Finally, students through using assigned vocab words and completing the assignment as well as through BoomWriter's collaborative voting process can earn "Boomer Bucks" to modify their avatar/Boomer. This makes it highly motivating for students as they can develop their character and track how many times their projects have been voted on.

WordWriter is an ideal tool for helping w/ vocabulary, developing reading and writing skills, as well as easy to integrate into any subject or curriculum.

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

For more on WordWriter check out their press release here.

STEM Teacher Workshop in Seattle on August 7

UPDATE: We're excited to announce that this project has been adopted as a trial event for Science Olympiad!

If you haven't signed up yet, you're missing out!  On August 7, The Pacific Northwest AIAA is hosting a teacher workshop to share one of their STEM curriculum modules with teachers.  This standards-based, hands-on curriculum is designed for students in grades 6-12.

 During this workshop,  teachers will learn how to design, build and fly their own electric airplanes that will carry the most cargo.  Then take your airplanes and curriculum back to your classrooms to inspire and engage students. Teach the curriculum to your students, then join us for our capstone event in the spring at the Museum of Flight to compete with students from other schools and districts.

If you are a formal or informal teacher, administrator, or outreach professional in the Seattle area, join us for a fun day of engineering and aerospace!   Registration includes the workshop for one adult participant, a printed copy of the curriculum, lunch and materials to build  one airplane.  For more information, visit the PNW AIAA information page.  Or, register here.

 Hope to see you there!

STEM Essentials- The Assessments

After you have thought about your STEM unit and have developed a plan that contains your idea, related curriculum standards, challenge, and end product, it's time to figure out how to assess successful completion of the challenge/project.

Although we haven't touched on "guts" of the project yet, it's important to know where you want to end up before you fill in the blanks.  This backward mapping will help to ensure that all of the pieces tie together cleanly at the end and remains focused and organized.  Enter: The Assessments.

 On a daily basis, you will want to use different types of formative assessments.  Formative Assessments are designed to give the teacher a qualitative (rather than quantitative) measure of student understanding. Using these strategies daily will give you a good read on student understanding and help you to plan upcoming lessons accordingly.  Most formative assessment strategies are no prep (Thumbs Up/Down) or low-prep (Exit Tickets) which makes them easy to gather useful data.

At the end of the project, you will want to conduct a Summative Assessment that shows what students have learned throughout the duration of the project.  This will most likely take the form of assessing the completion of student products through the use of a rubric.  Teachers can also add a more traditional test for the unit, but STEM units are generally use a rubric so that students may be assessed on a number of different elements.  As you develop this rubric, you will want to choose carefully what criteria to assess.  No matter what kind of summative assessment you choose to implement, students should be made aware of how they will be assessed at the beginning of the project.  When using a rubric, be sure to review the criteria and scale with students focusing on what students should be doing to be successful.

Aside from your daily informal formative assessments and your end-of-unit summative assessments, I also like to set up checkpoints at certain key places in the unit.  This may be as easy as the teacher reviewing the progress of the team and signing off on their progress or it might look as formal a quiz.  Choose the most appropriate method for your students that ensures forward progress.

Now that you have learned about the different types of assessments that take place throughout a typical STEM unit, you can begin to put these in place for your specific unit. Stay tuned for next week's post on creating rubrics.

STEM Essentials Handout: Formative Assessment Strategies , Summative Assessment Strategies

Geo with Amigos

Geo w/ Amigos is the new free iOS game by the wonderful company Yogome who are famous for their educational mobile games.  Geo w/ Amigos is a super fun multi-player game that has students learning Geography by answering questions and doing battle w/ different enemies.  Best of all is the high replay value as users are able to earn rewards and points to unlock more boards and items to customize their Yogotar.  There are over 400 Geography questions in 5 battle arenas in areas such as: solar system, earth, capitals, and more.  Finally, a educator can track how their student is doing as it records their progress w/ detailed reporting.

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

For more Yogome games click here.

To find Geo w/ Amigos on Edshelf click here.
For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Buncee

Buncee is one of my all-time favorite Web 2.0 tools for school.  This is a fantastic simple to use site (w/ a drag-n-drop interface) for creating stunning presentations, projects, animations, eCards, and more.  Best of all, is the educational portal which allows educators to create and manage student accounts, while assessing their work in real-time.  Teachers around the world are using this for Project Based Learning, Blended Learning, and even Flipping a Lesson.  There is even a free iOS app for those that want to create Buncees on the go.

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

For my Pinterest board on Web 2.0 for schools click here.

Below is brief demo of Buncee for education...



*Buncee is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

The Four C's in STEM: Collaboration with Conceptboard

Collaborate visually with Conceptboard by creating an account and inviting your team mates to join.  No need for anyone else to even have an account.  Simply invite others through email or just share the link.

With the basic (free) account, students can chat with their teams and upload documents, screenshots and content from the web so that all project materials can be kept in one place. And Conceptboard automatically saves any work, so that progress won't be lost.  

This virtual whiteboard even allows students to comment and reply to anything displayed in their board to help the project move forward or just brainstorm ideas.

Flashcard Monkey

Learning Vocabulary with Cartoons

Flashcard Monkey lets students who are taking the SAT and GRE tests to memorize vocabulary using pictures. Before, students would spend hours pouring over boring word lists. With Flashcard Monkey, students can memorize with visual cues. The cartoons stimulate visual learning and higher retention rate.

You can use the website to look at 507 most common SAT words for free. 800 GRE vocabulary pictures will be put up by september 2014.

Free, Royalty-Free Images

It seems like no matter what topic I'm presenting, teachers are always interested in free images for web sites.  You can search them yourself through a search engine like Google.  Just type "free royalty-free images".d The first "free" indicates that you don't want to pay anything for the images.  The second, "royalty-free", indicates that you don't want to pay a fee for the image each time you use it.  So, by combining the two, you're not paying for the image upfront, nor are you paying a fee each time you use it. No matter what your search generates, you'll want to read each site's Terms of Use.  This is the section that will spell out exactly what you can and can't do with the images.  Here's are a few that rank among my favorites:

The Icon Search Engine contains over 300,000 free icons that you can use and enjoy.  Each icon comes in different sizes as well as different formats.

 

Veezzle is another great source and lets you keyword your way through free stock photos.  Veezzle crawls through other known providers of free stock photos and aggregates all of them into one place.

Discovery Education  provides a great clip art gallery for elementary school teachers.  Their clip art is can be searched by category and easily downloaded.

SquirrelThat

SquirrelThat is a free iPad app that is excellent for note taking.  This is a great tool that students can use when researching a project or taking notes during a lecture.  Best of all, it's simple to use and lets students share their notes w/ others.  Also, the abundance of features for makes SquirrelThat a nice learning tool as students can annotate on their notes, draw, add media, and more.

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

To find SquirrelThat on Edshelf click here.

Below is a brief demo...

Infographics: A 21st Century Tool for STEM

I have to admit, I've been rather intrigued by infographics lately.  They are so sleek and shiny and share pertinent data and statistics in an aesthetic fashion.  Not to mention, they seem to be everywhere.  They seem so simple, but try putting one together.  They are complex little animals that force you to think about your audience, your relevant information... and your communication skills.  As a result, they are the perfect tool for use in a STEM education classroom.

By requiring students to create an infographic, students are required to use those higher level thinking skills of Bloom's Taxonomy.  Students must consider which data to use and summarize it in a succinct way that will communicate effectively (Evaluation).  They must plan and organize the content (Synthesis) and prioritize and categorize it, allowing the user to make visual connections to the content (Analysis).

Infographics are a creative way to teach 21st century skills through STEM education by seamlessly integrating them into your curriculum.  There are many infographics creators to pick from, but my favorite right now is Picktochart.  It's easy to use, allows for student creativity, provides a decent selection of themes, images and icons and best of all it's free.  Students can also export their infographics to a standard format (PNG or JPG) for use in another program or medium. And, for creative minds or first timers, there are video tutorials that walk through the entire process as well as a comprehensive resource section.




Starfish Education is not affiliated with Picktochart (other than being happy users of their service) and is not compensated in any way for posting about their company or online tools.

Write to Read

Writer to Read is an amazing iPad app designed for kids 3-10 yrs to help w/ their Reading & Writing skills by creating a book.  W/ that in mind it also makes it an ideal app for introducing digital storytelling to students that is aligned to Common Core Standards.  The way this works is a child/student write's a sentence to the best of their ability and then an adult/teacher translates the sentence into proper text.  This helps students learn visually as they see their sentenc
e next to the correct one while learning to read, write, and spell.  Another nice feature is the unique keyboard that separates consonants and vowels by color and being able to record audio to help further their learning.

I highly recommend checking out Write to Read by clicking here!!!

To find Write to Read on Edshelf click here.
For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

The Four C's in STEM: Collaboration with LiveBinders

If you are researching a specific topic, LiveBinders is an ideal place to collect all of the information you find including web sites, files, pictures and videos.

Users can create a free account, then assemble a virtual binder that can then be shared with others.  Students can invite collaborators to collect and organize their materials within their binder and even create different binders for different topics or collect binders from others using the "Add to Shelf" function.

Binders set up under a free account are limited to ten binders with a storage capacity of 100 MB, but paid accounts have higher capacities. Either way, students have plenty of space to research, collect, organize and collaborate!

News-O-Matic

News-O-Matic is a fantastic new free iOS app that I just found out about through a promotional email.  This is an app designed for kids 7-11 yrs old to bring them 5 daily news stories containing articles, videos, and photos.  These stories are on a number of different subjects such as: sports, science, world news, and more.  Also, these stories are aligned to 3rd/4th grade Common Core Standards, has a variety of fun activities for students to complete, as well as full audio support for challenged readers.  Best of all, there is a free daily teacher guide which helps educators assess students learning and comprehension of the articles.

I highly recommend checking out News-O-Matic by clicking here!!!

To find News-O-Matic on Edshelf click here.

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Below is a brief video...

thesaurus.land

thesaurus.land is a interesting new site that lets a person type in a word and then generate a list of synonyms for that word.  By clicking on the words generate will list a bunch of synonyms for that, and on and on.

I recommend checking out thesaurus.land by clicking here.

Thanks to Larry Ferlazzo's excellent blog for the tip.

Care Bears Love to Learn

Care Bears Love to Learn is a free iPad app I downloaded the other day for my 3 yr old girl.  This is a fun app that has young kids engaging in educational activities such as: matching, puzzles, shapes, counting, and more.  Also, it has high replay value as the farther along one plays the more Care Bear stickers a person unlocks.  It's a simple and fun game that should provide hours of play for young learners.

I recommend checking out Care Bears Love to Learn by clicking here!!!