Technology Resources - January 2012
General Resources
Apps in Education
What is it? : A great resource to find iPad applications! Hundreds to choose from!
Cost: FREE!
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - Materials range based on the applications you want.
Overall : Good for iPad classroom teachers looking for more applications to infuse into their classroom iPad use. The website does have subject-specific pages on top so you can focus your search on your content area.
Cost: FREE!
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - Materials range based on the applications you want.
Overall : Good for iPad classroom teachers looking for more applications to infuse into their classroom iPad use. The website does have subject-specific pages on top so you can focus your search on your content area.
FreeTech4Teachers.com
What is it? : Free4Teachers.com gives teachers a variety of online resources that can be used... 4 Free!
Cost: FREE!
Ease of use? : TECH NERDS - Materials on the website are for the more tech-savvy teacher.
Overall : Very interesting content that can give you great ideas. Not a go-to if you are looking for a specific purpose.
Cost: FREE!
Ease of use? : TECH NERDS - Materials on the website are for the more tech-savvy teacher.
Overall : Very interesting content that can give you great ideas. Not a go-to if you are looking for a specific purpose.
Software
Edmodo.com
What is it? : Edmodo is a "Facebook-on-steroids" for educators to organize media and technology (including iPad applications!) used in the classroom. It also provides a way to collaborate with other teachers and share resources. You can also create customizable quizzes.
Cost: FREE! You will have to sign up and use the RMS code: l9xw6z
Students will also have to create an account, but it is extremely fast and does not require the use of an email address.
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - If you can use Facebook, you can use this!
Overall : Very interesting idea - connects to Google Doc's, however it doesn't sync folders perfectly. The winning part of this program is the quiz creator. It handles different testing formats (multiple choice, True/False, fill in the blank, short answer) and will grade on the spot. Students can also see results of their quizzes immediately. (Teachers can also choose to wait to release the results until after all classes have taken the quiz.) Students can also change their settings to get email or text alerts on upcoming assignments and quizzes!
Cost: FREE! You will have to sign up and use the RMS code: l9xw6z
Students will also have to create an account, but it is extremely fast and does not require the use of an email address.
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - If you can use Facebook, you can use this!
Overall : Very interesting idea - connects to Google Doc's, however it doesn't sync folders perfectly. The winning part of this program is the quiz creator. It handles different testing formats (multiple choice, True/False, fill in the blank, short answer) and will grade on the spot. Students can also see results of their quizzes immediately. (Teachers can also choose to wait to release the results until after all classes have taken the quiz.) Students can also change their settings to get email or text alerts on upcoming assignments and quizzes!
Google+ Hangout
What is it? : Google hangout is a way to video conference with your colleagues across the district. It is a great way to meet without the hassle of travel.
Cost: FREE! You will need to sign into your ISD728 Google account and update your profile before using.
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - patience required - NERD assistance required - It takes some getting use to and you will to set up your profile before you plan on starting the meeting. I would recommend having the most tech-savy of the meeting group to set up the meeting and invite others.
Overall : A great way to communicate with other similar PLC groups located in different buildings. Easy to use once you are comfortable. There are minor lagging issues at times, but overall it is a great tool!
Cost: FREE! You will need to sign into your ISD728 Google account and update your profile before using.
Ease of use? : CASUAL USER - patience required - NERD assistance required - It takes some getting use to and you will to set up your profile before you plan on starting the meeting. I would recommend having the most tech-savy of the meeting group to set up the meeting and invite others.
Overall : A great way to communicate with other similar PLC groups located in different buildings. Easy to use once you are comfortable. There are minor lagging issues at times, but overall it is a great tool!
Interactive Resources
Justand - iPad Document Camera Stand
What is it?: Justand is a device that allows you to use your classroom iPad as a document camera. You can use AirPlay or Reflection app to send your display wirelessly to your computer and your projector.
Cost: $89.99 retail price
Ease of use?: CASUAL USER - NERD assistance required - It is highly recommended to get assistance in setting up the wireless functionality of your iPad if you have not done so. Once you have wireless set up, it is incredibly easy to connect and disconnect your iPad from your computer without using cables.
Overall: This is a terrific way of displaying 3-dimensional items as well as providing teachers (and most importantly students) a more secure way of working with the classroom iPad. Although you do not need to have your iPad hooked up wirelessly in order to use this device, it makes it much more functional.
Cost: $89.99 retail price
Ease of use?: CASUAL USER - NERD assistance required - It is highly recommended to get assistance in setting up the wireless functionality of your iPad if you have not done so. Once you have wireless set up, it is incredibly easy to connect and disconnect your iPad from your computer without using cables.
Overall: This is a terrific way of displaying 3-dimensional items as well as providing teachers (and most importantly students) a more secure way of working with the classroom iPad. Although you do not need to have your iPad hooked up wirelessly in order to use this device, it makes it much more functional.