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

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

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

Tool #1: Fuel the Brain 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.

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

Tool #2: Thinkfinity 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: 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.

Tool #3: Webtools 4U2 Use 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: 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!

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

Tool #5: Class DOJO 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 ch?v=KaeNSYJvrn0

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

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

Tool #6: Livebinders m 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!

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

Tool #7: Kidblog 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: 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.

Tool #8: Reading Rockets rg 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!

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

Tool #9: Diigo 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: 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.

Tool #10: Edutecher 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: video_tutorial.php (Tutorials) video_tutorial.php video_tutorial.php

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

Bonus Tool: Mathlanding 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 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

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.

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

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