Tech+Tools

=Ten Tech Tools to Engage, Challenge, and Connect 21st Century Learners (Grades 3-8)=

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= = =Guiding Principles=

1. Technology is a tool 2. Technology should add value and linked to learning goals 3. Technology use should be consistent with our values 4. Technology must be taught 5. Technology is a frontier
 * how, why, who, and when matters more than what
 * cultivating an inner filter in our children
 * especially safety and searching
 * tools will always change -- explore and create without fear - if you can imagine it, it probably exists

A few things every teacher should know . ..


1. Google Searching Cheat sheet: http://www.google.com/insidesearch/tipstricks/all.html Educational Resources: http://www.google.com/insidesearch/searcheducation/
 * by date
 * enter search term, click on "search tools," click on "anytime"
 * by reading level
 * enter search term, click on "search tools," click on "all results," click on "reading level"
 * by permission
 * enter search term, "images," "search tools," "usage rights"
 * by site type
 * search term followed by site:edu (or site:gov, site:com, etc.)
 * by file type
 * search term followed by filetype:ppt (or filetype:pdf, filetype:doc, etc.)
 * by image of voice
 * click on the icon at the right of the search bar

2. [|ISTE Student Standards]

Tech Tool Exploration



 * Identify a current or upcoming learning goal for your students
 * With that goal in mind, explore some of the tools on this page or find your home
 * Prepare to share one way you could imagine using one or more of these tools to support your learning goal
 * BONUS: Pair your learning activity with an ISTE student standard

1. [|Socrative]
 * engaging assessment tools to visualize student learning

2. Google
 * no end to the educational possibilities! For starters:
 * http://www.google.com/insidesearch/searcheducation/ (Search tips)
 * http://www.google.com/edu/tools-and-solutions/index.html#collaboration (Educational tools)
 * http://maps.google.com/help/maps/education/learn/index.html#tab=history (GoogleEarth and maps -- much more than simple maps!)

3. [|Storybird]
 * beautiful illustrations for students to create their own books and stories

4. [|Explain Everything] ($2.99)
 * interactive whiteboard for iPads (students can create their own learning presentations)

5. [|Kidblog]
 * a safe and secure space for student blogging

6. [|Class Dojo]
 * classroom management tool that harnesses the appeal of gaming

7. [|Bundlenut]
 * a tool for curating websites

8. [|ePals]
 * connect students with other students around the world

9. [|Alice]
 * tools to teach students computer programming

10. [|Math Tools for iPads]
 * a list of iPad apps to support mathematics understanding

11. [|Fotoflexer]
 * powerful photo editing tool

12. [|Padlet] >
 * virtual sticky notes and collaborative thinking tool
 * http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/using-padlet-in-the-classroom.shtml - (Classroom ideas)