Educational Technology Tools and Resources Applications for the Classroom Created by Tamara Westberg

Presentation Objectives Identify technological tools and resources that can be used in the classroom. Gain knowledge about how these tools and resources can be used during instruction. Determine how each tool or resource might fit the needs of students.

Types of Tools and Resources Basic Software Software Support Tools Social Learning Resources

Basic Software Word Processing Spreadsheet Presentation

Word Processing Microsoft Word Produce typed documents on a computer screen Create documents consisting of pages of text and graphics Student compositions, poetry, reports, flyers simple newsletters, letters, etc.

Word Processing Saves time; make changes easily Enhances document appearance Allows sharing of documents Better quality & greater quantity of writing Fewer mechanical errors Better attitude toward writing Supports learning of the writing process

Spreadsheet Microsoft Excel Organize displays of information and manipulate numerical data Visualize changes in numbers Store and analyze data Create visual teaching demonstrations Create timelines, charts, and graphs

Spreadsheet Supports math problem solving Use to ask “what if” questions Saves time; allows quick calculations Increase motivation to work with math Encourages logical thinking Supports organizational skills

Presentation Microsoft PowerPoint Display information including text, images, audio, and video Organizes thinking about a topic Enhances impact of spoken information Present summaries, demonstration of materials, tutorials, book reports, project presentations, etc. Allows collaboration on presentations

Software Support Tools Materials generators Data collection and analysis tools Graphics tools Planning and organizing tools Research and reference tools Content area tools

Material Generators Produce materials on paper and online Desktop publishing, web design, whiteboard activities, tests, rubrics, worksheets, puzzles, IEPs, graphic documents, PDFs,and forms

Desktop Publishing Microsoft Publisher, Adobe Pagemaker Create documents as separate pages that are then linked together Produce flyers, reports, posters, brochures, newsletters, handouts, magazines and books Students can publish their own work Increase student interest in writing Use in small group collaboration

Interactive Whiteboards Electronic version of a regular whiteboard ActivBoard® and SMART Board® Teacher led presentations, activities and demonstrations Student practice and demonstrations Assessments Polling

Data Collection and Analysis Tools Organize information that indicates student progress Database software, electronic gradebooks, statistical packages, online survey tools, student information systems, computer based testing systems, and students response systems or clickers

Graphics Tools Allows manipulation of images to illustrate documents and web pages Draw/Paint Programs  Create graphics to insert into documents or web pages; Kid Pix, Adobe Illustrator Image Editing  Enhance and format photos that are then imported into desktop publishing systems or web pages; Adobe Photoshop, Motivator, ImageChef, Image Blender

Graphics Tools Charting/Graphing  Draw and print charts or graphs; SmartDraw Media Collections  Clip Art, Photo, Animation, Sound, Video, and Font Collections found on the Internet  Use to enhance presentations or written documents

Planning and Organizing Tools Help teachers and students conceptualize, organize, and communicate their ideas. Outlining Tools and Concept Mapping Software; Kidspiration, Inspiration Lesson Planning Software Scheduling, Calendar, and Time Management Tools

Research and Reference Tools Let students look up information in electronic versions Encyclopedias Atlases and Mapping Tools Dictionaries and Thesauruses Digital Public Library

Content Area Tools Supports teaching and learning in various content areas

Reading Determine student reading level (Calculate word count, average word length, number of sentences, etc.) Cloze Software Interactive/electronic Storybooks  English & Spanish Track student reading skills; Accelerated Reader

Reading Raz Kids offers a full curriculum of reading lessons presented as mini online books for a wide range of ages and teachers can monitor student progress Starfall teaches young children to read with phonics via online games and interactive books

Spelling, Grammar & Vocabulary Spelling City offers vocabulary, spelling, writing, parts of speech, handwriting, and alphabetical order games Membean individualized vocabulary program NoRedlnk customizable grammar practice VocabAhead with lots of options & quizzes (web-based & app) Tap to Learn grammar practice game app

Writing ReadWriteThink provides many interactive tools to help students learn about language, organize thoughts, show creativity, practice critical thinking, and much more Stationary Studio used to practice handwriting and write letters

Keyboarding Type to Learn for 3 rd grade Typing Web for practice and tracking Dance Mat for all ages Fix the Keyboard for learning key location Key Hero has no log in and can save Typing Test from simple to hard E-learning for Kids had fun games

Math Khan Academy provides a collection of lectures and quizes DigitWhiz is a program for ages 8+ aligned to CCSS Numberphile provides video collections on numbers, math laws, and other number related concepts. Cool Math provides a collection of games First in Math teaches kids basic skills through games CarrotSticks has a wide range of learning games

Multiuse FunBrain has a great collection of educational games for math and reading BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. creates animated circular content in several subject areas that engages students and supports teachers. It also has an educational game portal for the classroom.

Multiuse YouTube – Some excellent content can be found here including educational videos Alternatives to YouTube:  School Tube  Teacher Tube  Teachers tv  Next Vista  Academic Earth  Snag Films

Social Learning These tools use social media to help students learn and teachers connect. Edmodo offers a Facebook type environment where classes can connect online EduBlogs offers a safe place for teachers and students to connect and share work twiducate allows teachers and students to communicate

Social Learning Schoology is a site where teachers can manage lesson, engage students, share content and connect with other educators Quora can be used to engage students after class OpenStudy encourages students to work together to learn class material ePals is able to connect students anywhere to help them learn languages and understand different cultures

References Byrne, R. (n.d.). Free Technology for Teachers: Alternatives to YouTube. Retrieved from Common Core & Ed Tech Tools/Resources. Retrieved from Education World. (n.d.). Hardware and Software Essentials. Retrieved from Graphite by Common Sense Media. (2014). 3 Social Network Alternatives for Schools. Retrieved from The Journal. Guest Writer. (2012). 50 Educational Technology Tools Ever Teacher Should Know About. Retrieved from Johnson, D. (n.d.). Fun Image Generators on the Web. Retrieved from Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. USA: Pearson. Steinberg, S. (2013). 20 Must-use Educational Technology Tools. Retrieved from