top ten tech tools for elementary teachers laurie conzemius media specialist pine meadow elementary,...
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Top Ten Tech
Tools for
Elementary
Teachers
Laurie Conzemius
Media Specialist
Pine Meadow Elementary, Sartell
Who a
m I?
Media
specialist
Teacher
Reader
Techie
ISTE Board
Member
Volunteer
Cri
teri
a
FreeEasy to useWork on multiple formats, devices
No filter issuesNo specific apps
needed
Tool #
1:
Fuel t
he B
rain
http://www.fuelthebrain.comWhat it is: A huge resource
of online games, ebooks,
teacher guides, articles
and more!
Usage in the Classroom:
This site includes a wealth
of instant activities that
you will be able to use in
every subject area.
Tool #
1:
Fuel th
e B
rain
Pros:
Blog introduces
even more great
resources!
You can play
without
registering, but if
you do register
your scores are
tracked.
Root of the
Week!
Cons:
You have to
scroll up and
down to
center the
activity
Activities are
geared for
grades K-3
There are
ads
Tool #
2:
Thin
kfinit
y
http://www.thinkfinity.org
What it is: Resources from
NCTM, ArtsEdge, Smithsonian, Wonderopolis,
National Geographic,
EconEdge, etc. organized by
standards and grade levels.
Includes a teacher community and much more!
Usage in the Classroom: Can’t
be missed for finding lesson
plan to tie into standards in
all curricular areas. The
connections between the
sponsors is excellent!
Tool #
2:
Thin
kfinity
Pros:
Easy to search
– limiters for
grade, subject
& more
Fits into every
subject you
teach!
Allows for
cross-
curricular
activities
Cons:
Can be
difficult to
locate find
what you’re
searching
for.
Resources
are for all
grade levels.
Tool #
3:
Webto
ols
4U
2 U
se
http://webtools4u2use.wikispac
es.com/
What it is: Complete listing
of web 2.0 tools of all
types, with examples of
how they can be used in
your school.Usage in the Classroom:
Gives you many options
when looking for a webtool.
Tool #
3:
Webto
ols 4
U2
Use
/Wikis
Pros:
Wide range
of tools
Great tips
for use!
5 to try –
shows top 5
Cons:
A bit
overwhelmin
g
Too many
choices!
Tool #
4:
Cla
ssro
om
2.0
http://www.classroom20.org
What it is: A learning community showcasing
webinars that are archived
and supported with tons
of resources. This is your
PLN 24/365!Usage in the Classroom:
Anything you want to
learn you can find on this
resource – and the best of
the best is already located
for you!
Tool #
4:
Cla
ssroom
2.0
Pros:
Archived
webinars
Supporting
resources
Cons:
Too much
content
Tool #
5:
Cla
ss D
OJO
http://www.classdojo.com
What it is: A behavior management website that
allows you to keep running
records of positive behaviors.
It includes student and parent
logins and provides reports
with multiple options.
Usage in the Classroom: A great
tool for keeping track of
behaviors in the classroom.
For more info: Student information video http://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=KaeNSYJvrn0
Tool #
5:
Cla
ss DO
JOPros:
Motivating
to use
technology
with
behavior
Easy to
setup
Parent
connect
Cons:
Could be too
negative
Students
may get
bored with
this
approach
Tool #
6:
Pinte
rest
http://www.pinterest.com
What it is: The Pinterest
community – with pins
related to everything
you teach, and more!
Usage in the Classroom:
Need a quick idea? Your
fellow teachers will be
asking you where you
found such great ideas!
Tool #
6:
Pinte
rest
Pros:
Great
community
connections!
Easy access
to tons of
resources
Cons:
Can be
addicting!
Can get off-
track easily
Tool #
6:
Live
bin
ders
http://www.livebinders.c
omWhat it is: An online file
cabinet for all your resources – or a way
to access other teachers’ resources.
Usage in the Classroom:
Great way to share links with students. Access to others’ Livebinders!
Tool #
6:
LiveB
inders
Pros:
Websites are
visible to the
viewer
The
Livebinder
can be
changed/add
ed to on the
fly
Cons:
Websites
open in
frames,
which can be
difficult
The site is
sometimes
glitchy
Tool #
7:
Kid
blo
g
http://kidblog.org/home/
What it is: A resource that allows a teacher
to create a class set of
blogs, individual for each student. Usage in the Classroom:
Students can learn to
comment, discuss and
collaborate in a safe
environment.
Tool #
7:
Kid
blo
gPros:
This site is
safe and
secure.
Students
learn to use
social
networking
tools.
Cons:
There is
some
advance
setup.
Students
may have
difficulty on
portable
devices.
Tool #
8:
Readin
g R
ock
ets
http://www.readingrockets.org
What it is: The definitive
source on teaching students to read! Includes instructional
videos, author videos,
posters, tips, strategy
info, and so much more!
Usage in the Classroom:
Every teacher is a reading teacher – and
with this resource you will
have what you need!
Tool #
8:
Readin
g
Rocke
tsPros:
Inlcudes
EVERYTHING
related to
reading!
Instructional
videos are
excellent!
Cons:
Navigation
can be a
little
challenging.
Tool #
9:
Diig
o
http://www.diigo.com/What it is: Social
bookmarking at its finest. You can bookmark and view your bookmarks on any computer.Usage in the Classroom:
Your bookmarks are always available to you. You can view the
favs of others with similar interests.
Tool #
9:
Diig
oPros:
Bookmarks
are available
everywhere!
You can see
what other
people are
bookmarking
and find
additional
resources.
Cons:
You need to
keep it
updated.
Tool #
10:
Edute
cher
http://www.edutecher.net/
What it is: A website that
organizes educational
websites, provides a
Pinterest-like tool, and
much more!Usage in the Classroom: If
you’re looking for a tool,
Edutecher will help you
find it!For more info: http://www.edutecher.net
/video_tutorial.php (Tutorials)
Tool #
10:
Edute
cher
Pros:
Many
useful tools
Convenient
ways to
collaborate
Educlipper
tool
Cons:
Similar to
other tools
Some links
are
outdated,
and the best
aren’t
always
visible
Bonus
Tool:
Math
landin
g http://www.mathlanding.or
g/
What it is: A website that
organizes math information of all kinds.
Usage in the Classroom:
There are lesson plans,
PD videos, and more!
Bonus To
ol:
Math
landin
gPros:
Great new
resource for
all things
math
Geared
totally
toward
elementary
school
Cons:
Still in beta
format
Can be
difficult to
locate
information
Top T
ools
for
Kid
s
Spelling City Arcademic Skill BuildersStarfallPoisson RougeKerpoofCarrotSticks/Study LadderAnimotoiPad creation apps: Educreations, ShowMe,
Whiteboard, etc.
Sky
pe
Skype an authorSkype an expertSkype a parent
serving overseasSkype a mentorSkype classroom
buddies
Cla
ssro
om
Te
ach
ers
to
Watc
h