Thursday, August 24, 2017

Study.com

Study.com is a excellent site for finding educational videos that I just found out about from Class Tech Tips.  This is a great place to find thousands of videos on a wide range of subjects s
uch as: Math, Science, History, and more.  Best of all, a paid subscription allows an educator to create a virtual classroom, create/add lessons, grade assignments, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Study.com by clicking here!!!

RoomRecess Math Games

RoomRecess one of my favorite sites around for free online educational games, has a Math page dedicated to K-5 students.  This page has a number of different style games such as: RPG, platform, sports, etc. to help students learn and keep them engaged in this fun way.  Best of all, Elementary students can find a wide range of Math topics from addition and subtraction, to decimals, fractions, and making change, and much much more.

I highly recommend checking out RoomRecess Math Games by clicking here!!!


Jump Numbers

Jump Numbers is the new educational Math game by Artgig Studio (Mystery Math Town) for adding and counting numbers.  The way this work is a player jumps across platforms of numbers going in whatever sequential order the level provides (i.e. one, four, twelve, etc) while rescuing Snortles and squishing numbers to get to the other side.

Here is more info...
  • Practice skip counting and mental math as you squish numbers together
  • Apply multiplication knowledge to figure out the next number
  • Game difficulty adapts to your own skills, so you will be challenged, but not overwhelmed
  • Hints are always available, because sometimes the obvious just isn’t obvious
  • Make your path in any direction you like - where it leads is up to you
  • Every game screen is dynamically generated, so you never play the same game twice
  • Earn bonus beach balls to play with at the beach party!
  • 6 environments to cross, 141 Snortles to rescue, so many numbers to squish
  • Play and replay levels to rescue all the Snortles
  • Option to turn off Stompers and fuses for a more relaxing math journey
  • Unlimited user accounts
Below is a brief demo...



I highly recommend checking out Jump Numbers by clicking here!!!

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Project Screen Store

Projector Screen Store is a great site for educators or parents looking to find screens, projectors, cables, and more for home or their classroom.  Also, this is an ideal place to find good deals and other resources such as: how to build a home theater or how a green screen works.

I highly recommend checking out Projector Screen Store by clicking here!!!

For an interesting read on the evolution of the green screen click here.

*Projector Screen Store is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Sketch Nation

Sketch Nation the amazing free web tool or mobile app (iOS/Android) has just released their latest update to bring new exciting features to game creation.  Students can now create a multiplayer "platform" game in their new "Arena".  Also, users now have the ability to upload their own sound effects or music to add into a game,

Here are more details regarding Version 4.2...
* Side Running, Arena and Platformer now have double jump as an option.
* All genres now have a powerup duration slider for changing the player.
* New Background scrolling, Zero gravity, Always moving, and Player firing direction on Arena and Platformer. This lets you create RACING and ROLE PLAYING type games!
* Hold down the shoot button to fire.
* Match 3 can now generate a powerup when matching 3, 4 or 5 tiles at the same time.
* Lots of bug fixes.
Also, new tutorials (i.e. storytelling, multi-level games) and Lesson ideas for teachers can be found here.
I highly recommend checking out Sketch Nation by clicking here!!!
*Sketch Nation is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Sentence Master

Sentence Master is a fun iOS app to help students work on their Language Arts and Grammar skills.  This is done through a simple game where users select a word (from a list of scrambled ones) to form a correct sentence.  Scoring is done by how fast a person completes the sentence.  Sentence Master has 4 difficulty settings and is also multiplayer.

For a more detailed review check out Edshelf by clicking here.

I highly recommend checking out Sentence Master by clicking here!!!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Answerables

Answerables the innovative educational tool that combines the best features of game based learning w/ a learning management system has just released their free iPad app.  Answerables is being used by educators in a variety of ways from collaborating w/ other classes, to browsing the web, all in a secure 3D virtual environment.

Answerables is used as a:

• Virtual classroom 
• Lesson planner
• Learning manager 
• Quest creator
• Resource manager 
• Web browser (managed)
• Social Network
• Student portfolio
• Presentation space

Features include:

• Multiplayer game environment
• Learning management system
• Quests and badges
• Assessment tools
• Analytics
• Resource/Content management system
• Web browser
• Secure audio/video streaming

I highly recommend checking out Answerables by clicking here!!!

*Answerables is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Vidhub

Vidhub is a cool site that I just found out about for reviewing and collaborating on digital videos.  Vidhub allows users to upload any kind of digit video and then collaborate on it in real-time.  This is done through easy-to-use tools that lets users add time-stamps, collaborate, edit revisions, send reminders, and more.

I highly recommend checking out Vidhub by clicking here!!!

DimensionU

DimensionU is one of my favorite companies for Game Based Learning.  These games take place in an interactive 3D virtual world where students strengthen their Math/Literacy skills.  The games are designed for kids grades 3rd-9th and are aligned to Common Core Standards.

Here are a list of DimensionU games...

Watch the videos below to see all 4 AMAZING
DimensionU Games in action:
Meltdown is the DimensionU game that
offers students a second chance
when answering difficult questions, and
rewards creative strategies to achieve victory.
Swarm is DimensionU's team-based
game that most strongly reinforces
cooperation and collaboration between
students to achieve a common goal.
Towerstorm is the DimensionU game
 that is best for working through the most
 curriculum in the shortest amount of time.
Velocity is DimensionU's high-speed
obstacle course that ensures players
answer questions correctly in order to
continue progressing through the race.
Click to view the MATHEMATICS or LITERACY content included in
DimensionU Games.


I highly recommend checking out DimensionU by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

*DimensionU is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Calcugators

Calcugators is the new iOS app for Grades K on up working on addition.  This is a fun game that has students working w/ different problems and focusing on skills such as: subtraction, regrouping, counting, etc, to solve basic addition problems.  Also, Calcugators tracks student's progress and is a great way to integrate Game Based Learning into the classroom.

Below is a brief demo video...



For a more detailed review check out Edshelf by clicking here.

I highly recommend checking out Calcugators by clicking here!!!

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Thursday, August 10, 2017

Answer Pad

The Answer Pad is an awesome teacher tool that has two powerful functionalities: it is both a student response system with a focus on drawing and "show what you know", and a grading solution for your teacher created quizzes.  It is browser based for teachers, and works on any device (BYOD), browser or on free apps for iOS or Android for students.  It is an ideal tool for engaging students for any grade/subject area, and turning a classroom paperless.

Robust Features

Interactive 

  • Quick Connect - no student registration required or prep time for teachers (login via a code).
    • quick checks for understanding by just asking questions and sending a response type make it super simple.
    • draw tool can easily be sent out for students to work through a problem etc.
  • Google Integration
  • Feedback - color and text feedback w/ the unlock so that students can retry their answer.
  • Broadcast - teachers can send out one of the students responses to the entire class.  This is great way for classroom discussion w/ the names hidden.
    • Hide names, send out a multi-step problem.  Students complete the first step and classroom discusses the anonymous responses.  As a group decide which answer is best and broadcast response to entire class.
    • Yes or No, students discuss response and incorrect response can be sent to group to correct.
  • Send a Web Page - Teacher can send a web page, video, etc to students so they can view w/out having to leave the interactive session.
Answer Sheet
  • Essay question and multiple correct multiple choice question types now available.  These work in conduction w/ the built-in scratch pad that allows a teacher to see and give partial credit for work.
  • Live Monitor - watch live as students work through an assessment
More resources

I highly recommend checking out Answer Pad by clicking here!!!!
  

Below is a demo video...



*The Answer Pad is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Yogome Epic Schools

Yogome Epic Schools is the new educational suite of apps (i.e. Epic Teachers, Students, etc.) that uses Game Based Learning to teach/reinforce a variety of subjects (i.e. Math, Science, Programming, etc.)  There are over a 1000 educational mini games/activities for students grades K-5.  Best of all, a teacher can track student progress to make it easy to differentiate instruction.  Finally, all games are aligned to Common Core Standards.

Below is a brief demo...



I highly recommend checking out Yogome Epic Schools by clicking here!!!

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Otus

Otus, the wonderful mobile learning solution and teaching and learning platform was hard at work this summer w/ over 50 updates.  Best of all, all of this happens in one safe controlled environment.  These updates exist in one single platform.

Here is a brief look at some of the new features:


  • enhanced Google Integration
  • embed third party content (i.e. YouTube, NearPod, etc.)
  • teachers can build assessments
  • new grade book
  • robust reporting features
  • detailed graphs/data visualizations
  • and much much more
For more details on Otus's new features click here!!!

*Otus is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Night Zookeeper

Night Zoopkeeper is a new free site for students to help their Writing skills through fun interactive lessons.  Best of all, the educational portal allows educators to: assign lessons, track student progress, and assess their work in real-time.  This makes it easy for teachers to differentiate instruction and implement project based learning in their classroom.

Below is a brief demo...


Night Zookeeper in 80 seconds from Night Zookeeper on Vimeo.

I highly recommend checking out Night Zookeeper by clicking here!!!

Finally, the people at Night Zookeeper have released a free learning tool that easily creates Writing Prompts for students.  All a user has to do is select their writing style, age, and then time on how long they want to write and Writing Sparks creates the challenges/prompts for the students.  As w/ Zookeeper, Writing Sparks will assess students in real-time to help teachers assess student's learning.







For more information on Writing Sparks click here!!!

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

EDpuzzle Curriculum

EDpuzzle the amazing simple to use site that educators everywhere are using to "flip" a classroom and differentiate instruction has recently release their "online" curriculum for teachers.  Educators can now access all video-lessons and questions for the whole school year.  This is a great way to easily gage student learning in a wide range of subjects.

I highly recommend checking out EDpuzzle's "new' curriculum by clicking here!!!

For more information on EDpuzzle click here.

StoryCraft

StoryCraft is a fun free iOS app that I found out about from the amazing educator, Shelly Terrell.  This is a innovative way for students to collaborate on a story in the familiar "choose-your-own-adventure" style.  Users can create a story w/ text and images and invite other students to add to their story.  It kind of reminds me of poor man's version of BoomWriter w/out all the voting and bells and whistles.

I highly recommend checking out StoryCraft by clicking here!!!


I Know It

I Know It is a fantastic new site from Super Teacher Worksheets for interactive Math lessons grades K-5th.  This is a super fun easy to use site for practice on a wide range of topics, such as: place value, multiplication, counting coins, time, and more.  Best of all, I Know It, allows a educator to assign lessons and track student progress to make it easy to differentiate instruction.

I highly recommend checking out I Know It by clicking here!!!

*I Know It is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Super Teacher Worksheets

Super Teacher Worksheets is one of the best sites around for educators looking for printables, worksheets, puzzles, activities, and much much more.  W/ back to school right around the corner this is a fantastic place for teachers to go looking for ideas/printables such as: desk tags, games/puzzles, calendars, etc etc.  Also, all items are labeled if they are aligned to Common Core Standards and there are even generators/wizards for users to create their very own worksheets/puzzles/etc.

I highly recommend checking out Super Teacher Worksheets for all Back to Schools needs by clicking here!!!

*Super Teacher Worksheets is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

ClassDojo Toolkit

ClassDojo the free positive reinforcement/digital portfolio tool that educators everywhere are using, just released their digital "Toolkit".  This toolkit includes 8 tools that will allow educators to communicate w/ parents, create portfolios, and much much more.

ClassDojo's Toolkit will include:

  1. Music - create a classroom soundtrack
  2. Group Maker - randomly generate student groups
  3. Random - a easy way to select a student at random
  4. Think Pair Share - create a question and have students answer them in pairs
  5. Noise Meter - gauge how loud or quiet a classroom is being
  6. Directions - share directions right to a student's phone
  7. Timer - one tap timer for all classroom needs
  8. Today - great way to start the day by projecting morning announcements, activities, and more
For more info on ClassDojo's Toolkit click here.

*ClassDojo is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

KudosWall

KudosWall is a new site/app for building digital portfolios and resumes; that I just found out about from Monica Burns excellent blog.  This is a great easy-to-use tool that lets students create digital portfolios on the web or on their favorite mobile device (iOS/Android).  These portfolios can include any type of multimedia (i.e. video, images, files, etc), update automatically, and can be managed anywhere.

Below is a brief demo...

 

I highly recommend checking out KudosWall by clicking here!!!

Owl Eyes

Owl Eyes is an innovative site that lets teachers create "classrooms" where their students can read and interact w/ texts.  Student's are able to select through a wide variety of literature and then annotate the text.  This is helpful as they can take notes and pickup right where they left off when reading.  Best of all, the teacher tools allows educators to create quizzes to assess how students are doing and they can even track/manage their student accounts.  Educators are using Owl Eyes in a number of different ways such as: differentiating instruction, flipping a classroom, and more.

For back to school, Owl Eyes have added more texts, created a more user friendly interface, and added more resources for educators.

Finally, they are giving away 10 free 60-minute lessons for those teachers that sign up by the end of August.

I highly recommend checking out Owl Eyes by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



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Storyboard That

Storyboard That is a excellent learning tool that educators are using in a wide variety of ways in their classrooms.  STB is being used as a graphic organizer, for creating storyboards, digital storytelling, project based learning, and much much more.  Also, STB has lots of educational resources for teachers and templates to make it easy to integrate STB into the classroom.

Below are the latest resources from Storyboard That...

Blog

Articles

Teacher Guides

*Storyboard That is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

AnswerGarden

AnswerGarden the widely popular web tool that classrooms and educators are using to ask a question and generate responses into a word cloud is now available for the iPad.  This wonderful app is great for brainstorming, creating word clouds, and to differentiate instruction to gauge student learning.  Also, it's great for group work and to assess students.

I highly recommend checking out AnswerGarden by clicking here!!!

Back to School with Buncee

Buncee the amazing learning tool that educators around the world are using to integrate technology into the classroom has updated their list of ways to use Buncee w/ the school year approaching.  Teachers are using Buncee for project based learning, to "flip" a lesson, digital storytelling, create beautiful presentations, and much much more.  Best of all, Buncee Classroom their educational portal, allows educators to manage/monitor student projects, differentiate instructions, etc to engage students and maximize their learning.

Below is a list of ways to use Buncee for back to school...


*Buncee is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Kids'n'Code

Kids'n'Code is a fun free iPad app for kids 6-8 years old learning the basics concepts of programming and coding.  This is done by controlling robots and trying to solve simple puzzles.  Users of Scratch will feel right at home as Kids'n'Code focuses on such skills as: algebra, geometry, logic and more.

Below is a brief demo...



I highly recommend checking out Kids'n'Code by clicking here!!!