NEW! EDtech TOOLS LIBRARY
General Ed Tech Tools for teachers and students (9-12th grade)
This new page on my blog is the start to developing a Library of recommended Ed Tech tools in various area's such as blogging, video production, media literacy and much more. Feel free to send me recommendations to add to this list. Tools by subject area coming soon...
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Assistive Technology Tools:
On this page, you will find basic tools that enhance learning and promote independence. Providing students with some basic tools can sometimes help give students the ability to accomplish tasks that were formerly difficult to accomplish. UDL done well, maximizes potential while minimizing barriers to learning.
Tour Builder & Green Screen with Mrs. Barkers Spanish Class
We just completed awesome mini projects in Mrs. Barkers class using Tour Builder combined with Green Screen technology. Students had to create a tour of a National Park in a Spanish speaking country as if they were sending friends and family on their tour. They also had to create a video of themselves promoting one location on their tour by using the green screen to transport themselves to the location (all in Spanish of course). Check out Henry, Chris and Andrew's tour. Scroll through the pictures in each location to find their video (you have to click the link above the video for it to play).
Tools & Equipment used for this project:
Tour Builder to build the tour. Here is a tutorial.
Green Screen and lighting
Students used their own phones to film
Tripod to hold phones
Google Drive to upload and share video with group and upload to iMovie
Youtube to share final video and link in Tour Builder (it is possible to download and upload instead of sharing on youtube)
Empowered Learner
1c. Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
1d. Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.
Knowledge Constructor:
3b. Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
3c. Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
Creative Communicator:
6b. Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
6d. Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
Global Collaborator:
7c: Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.
Check out the Tour Builder Gallery to get some more idea's for your classroom.
Quick Tech Tips
URL Shortener
If you use Google URL Shortener it is going away! For an alternative check out Bitly.
Language on your computer
Google Translate Chrome Extension: Translate any web page into any language.
Mac Language preferences:
How to change your language preferences on your mac and have an easy way to toggle between them.
Tricks to save battery life on your Phone
10 Time Saving Tech Tips - David Pogue
(2013 but still relevant)
