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 EditingEnhance and format photos that are then

imported into desktop publishing systems or web pages; Adobe Photoshop, Motivator, ImageChef, Image Blender

Graphics Tools

Charting/GraphingDraw and print charts or graphs; SmartDraw

Media CollectionsClip Art, Photo, Animation, Sound, Video, and

Font Collections found on the InternetUse 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 3rd 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 TubeTeacher TubeTeachers tvNext VistaAcademic EarthSnag 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

ReferencesByrne, R. (n.d.). Free Technology for Teachers: Alternatives to

YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.freetech4teachers.com Common Core & Ed Tech Tools/Resources. Retrieved from

http://www.ccedtech.com Education World. (n.d.). Hardware and Software Essentials. Retrieved

from http://www.educationworld.com 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 http://www.edudemic.com Johnson, D. (n.d.). Fun Image Generators on the Web. Retrieved from

http://www.educationworld.com Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A. (2013). Integrating Educational

Technology into Teaching. USA: Pearson.Steinberg, S. (2013). 20 Must-use Educational Technology Tools.

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