1. Top Ten Tech Tools for Elementary Teachers Laurie Conzemius Media Specialist Pine Meadow Elementary, Sartell

2. Who am I?  Media specialist  Teacher  Reader  Techie  ISTE Board Member  Volunteer

3. Criteria  Free  Easy to use  Work on multiple formats, devices  No filter issues  No specific apps needed

4. Tool #1: Fuel the Brain http://www.fuelthebrain.com What 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.

5. Tool #1: Fuel the Brain 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

6. Tool #2: Thinkfinity 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!

7. Tool #2: Thinkfinity 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.

8. Tool #3: Webtools 4U2 Use http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com/ http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.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.

9. Tool #3: Webtools 4U2 Use/Wikis Pros:  Wide range of tools  Great tips for use!  5 to try – shows top 5 Cons:  A bit overwhelming  Too many choices!

10. Tool #4: Classroom 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!

11. Tool #4: Classroom 2.0 Pros:  Archived webinars  Supporting resources Cons:  Too much content

12. Tool #5: Class DOJO 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/wat ch?v=KaeNSYJvrn0

13. Tool #5: Class DOJO Pros:  Motivating to use technology with behavior  Easy to setup  Parent connect Cons:  Could be too negative  Students may get bored with this approach

14. Tool #6: Pinterest 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!

15. Tool #6: Pinterest Pros:  Great community connections!  Easy access to tons of resources Cons:  Can be addicting!  Can get off- track easily

16. Tool #6: Livebinders http://www.livebinders.co m http://www.livebinders.co m What 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!

17. Tool #6: LiveBinders 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

18. Tool #7: Kidblog 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.

19. Tool #7: Kidblog Pros:  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.

20. Tool #8: Reading Rockets http://www.readingrockets.o rg http://www.readingrockets.o rg 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!

21. Tool #8: Reading Rockets Pros:  Inlcudes EVERYTHING related to reading!  Instructional videos are excellent! Cons:  Navigation can be a little challenging.

22. Tool #9: Diigo 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.

23. Tool #9: Diigo Pros:  Bookmarks are available everywhere!  You can see what other people are bookmarking and find additional resources. Cons:  You need to keep it updated.

24. Tool #10: Edutecher 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) http://www.edutecher.net/ video_tutorial.php http://www.edutecher.net/ video_tutorial.php

25. Tool #10: Edutecher 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

26. Bonus Tool: Mathlanding http://www.mathlanding.org/ What it is: A website that organizes math information of all kinds. Usage in the Classroom: There are lesson plans, PD videos, and more!

27. Bonus Tool: Mathlanding Pros:  Great new resource for all things math  Geared totally toward elementary school Cons:  Still in beta format  Can be difficult to locate information

28. Top Tools for Kids  Spelling City Spelling City Spelling City  Arcademic Skill Builders Arcademic Skill Builders Arcademic Skill Builders  Starfall Starfall  Poisson Rouge Poisson Rouge Poisson Rouge  Kerpoof Kerpoof  CarrotSticks/Study Ladder CarrotSticksStudy Ladder CarrotSticksStudy Ladder  Animoto Animoto  iPad creation apps: Educreations, ShowMe, Whiteboard, etc.

29. Skype  Skype an author  Skype an expert  Skype a parent serving overseas  Skype a mentor  Skype classroom buddies

30. Classroom Teachers to Watch