TeachersFirst Edge
New web 2.0 tools appear each day. Many of these tools were not originally intended for classroom use, but they can be powerful learning tools for today's techno-savvy students and their more adventurous teachers. These sites appear (and frequently disappear) very quickly, launched by creative techno-geeks out there in the world.
Many of these tools require a higher-than-average set of teacher tech skills or some extra monitoring to assure student "safety." TeachersFirst Edge reviews these "tools on the Edge" carefully, and with specific ideas for using them safely and effectively in teaching and learning. Reviews point out any safety or policy concerns for the tool and offer links to management tips for each concern.
This is the world your students already know. Try teaching in their vernacular. A little adventurousness makes for powerful learning.
See General Tips for using Edge Tools - a must for first-time users
Browse the full listing of detailed safety/school policy tips or save time by reading them as needed from each tool review.
Learn about school web filtering, a critical issue with many "Edge" tools
If you try one of these tools and find it especially useful, be sure to leave a comment on it to share your students' successes with other teachers. If you know of another tool that teachers would find beneficial, please suggest it via our webmaster account, as a “suggested resource.”
Here's the Edge:
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FileLab Video Editor - Ascensio System Limited
Grades
7 to 12
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FileLab Video Editor is an easy to use tool for editing and sharing videos. This application will only run on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Editing features include the...more
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FileLab Video Editor is an easy to use tool for editing and sharing videos. This application will only run on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Editing features include the ability to trim, cut, split, merge, rotate, and mix videos. Select among two dozen video effects, such as Old Movie, TV Simulation, and Pencil Sketch. Add animated text and music for further personalization. Choose from many transition themes available and add video overlays. This program supports all key video formats, including HD video. Load videos of various formats and save them for viewing on popular portable devices (only Windows operating systems.) Sign in using Facebook, Google, or Yahoo to save videos.
tag(s): video (109)
In the Classroom
Use as an easy way to edit videos without using costly programs or difficult, time consuming applications. Use for any video that needs to be edited before placing on a wiki, blog, or site. Use for any student project, videotaping of classroom activities, or videos of students explaining their experiment. Create a compilation video of short clips from throughout the year to share as an end of the year overview. Take long sections of video from a field trip and use Video Editor to shorten to the most important bits. The interface of Video Editor is similar to what is used with Apple video editing software, so some students (and teachers) will be quite familiar with how to use this. Have these students take the lead on demonstrating how to use features and how to create movies.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Exobrain - Colin Dunn and Nick Gauthier
Grades
1 to 12
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Exobrain is an easy to use brainstorming and mind mapping tool. Register using email and a password to begin creating a board with "nodes." Give the central node a name ...more
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Exobrain is an easy to use brainstorming and mind mapping tool. Register using email and a password to begin creating a board with "nodes." Give the central node a name then drag your mouse to create additional nodes. Create links between nodes by dragging a line between them or remove links by hovering over the line and clicking the scissors. Free accounts allow for three cloud-based maps. Access using the unique url generated for each mind map. The introductory video requires Flash, the remainder of the site does not. Be aware: maps can be viewed publicly. Be sure to check your district policy on publishing student work online.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): mind map (20)
In the Classroom
Use this resource to map out a poem, story, or novel students are reading. Use in managing (and even color-coding) information in any content area. Assess prior knowledge with a class brainstorm. Use as a plan for projects to show all information and all steps for its completion. This would also be a great tool for group projects for your students or even in YOUR grad classes! Teachers in lower grades can create whole class maps together. Share the maps on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Since you can only create three maps for free, you might want to compare with other mind-mapping tools reviewed at the TeachersFirst Edge.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Quick Picture Tools - QuickPictureTools.com
Grades
K to 12
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Quick Picture Tools offers 12 tools for editing and enhancing pictures. Choose from embossed text, frames, combining images, add text, blur, and more. Click on the editing tool you...more
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Quick Picture Tools offers 12 tools for editing and enhancing pictures. Choose from embossed text, frames, combining images, add text, blur, and more. Click on the editing tool you desire, then choose from options offered to edit pictures. When finished, click "generate image" to save to your computer. No registration needed!
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): images (150)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this site for easy image editing for you and your students for any classroom projects. No registration is required, and images are saved directly to your computer for immediate use. Make simple reminder posters or classroom signs using the text emboss tool. Invite students to create image/text combinations for bulletin boards, such as types of leaves or insects. Make introductions of students as a first day of school activity using digital pictures and the text tool.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Meograph - Meograph.com
Grades
K to 12
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Create multimedia stories, maps, and timelines! Easily create a timeline of any event that includes images, videos, and map locations. Create points on the timeline by adding what,...more
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Create multimedia stories, maps, and timelines! Easily create a timeline of any event that includes images, videos, and map locations. Create points on the timeline by adding what, when, and where information. Use the record button to narrate events or insert images from your computer or YouTube videos. Share completed timelines on Twitter, Facebook, embed onto a website or blog, or share using social media links on the site. Create pure narratives to tell a story about anything as long as you can place it somewhere and assign it a date. Don't miss the video that demonstrates how to create a story (on the homepage). Best part: you can start without even signing up! However, to "save" your work registration is necessary. Want to learn more? View this Vimeo video.
tag(s): digital storytelling (60), multimedia (28), timelines (46)
In the Classroom
Consider creating a class account for easier access. You may want to send students directly to URLs for their own projects or use the site as a whole-class activity using a teacher-created Meograph to spark discussion. Create Meographs that introduce new topics and content for great student discussion. In lower grades, use a teacher or whole-class creation done on your interactive whiteboard. Students can use pieces of the timeline to brainstorm questions, initiate research, and learn more about the topic. Meographs are an interesting way for students to tell stories about a project, research, or as a class activity. Use to showcase fun items such as "what I did on my summer vacation," "the story of my dog," and more. Create Meographs from the point of view of a literary character or historical figure telling his/her story. Remember to teach about copyright, since using copyrighted images in a Meograph would not be "fair use" due to unlimited distribution. Look for images in the public domain or with Creative Commons licensing and model giving attribution for them. See TeachersFirst's Copyright and Fair Use collection for safe sources and more information.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Mad Video - themadvideo.com
Grades
6 to 12
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Add interactivity to YouTube videos using Mad Video. Enter the url of any YouTube video to begin. Wait for upload; then begin adding tags. Drag tags to scenes in the ...more
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Add interactivity to YouTube videos using Mad Video. Enter the url of any YouTube video to begin. Wait for upload; then begin adding tags. Drag tags to scenes in the timeline to identify people, places, pets, and more. Tags can be links to related websites, maps, and more. Fill in text, images, or other content to describe the tag. Preview as necessary until your video is complete. Publish to share via your website, to view embed code, or publish to Facebook. Watch the "tour" to see how it works. See a sample created by the MadVideo folks to better understand the possibilities.
tag(s): video (109)
In the Classroom
If your district blocks YouTube, you may need to use this tool at home to create your "Mad Video." Your resulting embedded videos may or may not play at school, depending on how school filters work. Test at school with a sample from the MadVideo site before you go through all the work! Have students (or groups) tag and label YouTube videos using The Mad Video website. Possible topics might be labeling and identifying events in history videos, parts of plants, or identifying resources used to locate information. Have them debunk mad science or biased historical information. Take a look at the educational section of YouTube to find many math, science, and language topics. Have students create Mad Videos for music class sharing a certain genre or historical music. In a US History class have students explore a specific decade using video clips on YouTube and create a Mad Video to share. Have students create their own YouTube videos explaining any classroom concepts. Have students tag and label important elements in the video.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Meet.fm Online Meeting Channel - Cary and Staci Cole
Grades
7 to 12
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Host virtual presentations, virtual meetings, and webinars on any device using Meet.fm. Create your own channel to begin. Register using email and a password. Schedule meetings or begin...more
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Host virtual presentations, virtual meetings, and webinars on any device using Meet.fm. Create your own channel to begin. Register using email and a password. Schedule meetings or begin immediately using links provided. Upload files from your computer or links to web pages, videos, or maps to use during the meeting session(s). Add user emails to allow others access to files. Join meetings via phone or url provided with meeting invitation. Once the meeting has started, options include sharing your screen or webcam access. You can also display files and websites uploaded. Be sure to watch the Meet.fm tutorial video for further information on using the site. The free plan is limited to 500 minutes and 3 additional participants, perfect for online tutoring sessions.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): chat (27), homework (41), microblogging (26), multimedia (28)
In the Classroom
Use Meet.fm to host tutoring for small groups of students. Share with students as a resource for collaborating on group projects from home. Use Meet.fm to set up an online interview with authors located across the country, veterans who can discuss their personal experiences with war, or experts to discuss careers in their field. You could also use this site to meet up with absent students as needed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Small Demons - Welcome to the Storyverse - SmallDemons.com
Grades
6 to 12
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Connect people, places, and events to books -- and from books -- with this unique site. Choose or search for a book to get started viewing storyboards. View a short ...more
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Connect people, places, and events to books -- and from books -- with this unique site. Choose or search for a book to get started viewing storyboards. View a short description of the book-- then the fun begins! Below the book information will be links to information about people, places, movies, performances, and more that are mentioned in the book. Places mentioned are pinned on a map. Hover your mouse over links below the map to view the passage that mentions each place. Click on the link to view other books that mention the same place, event, or thing. Search the site by books, people, places, or things to find mentions in books. Register with the Small Demons to create your own storyboards organized however you like. You can also add your own books and books-in-progress not already included on the site. Simply choose to create a storyboard and follow steps for adding information. This site contains links to many different books. Some may contain adult material. Be sure to review before displaying and sharing with students.
tag(s): book lists (77), digital storytelling (60), famous people (13), literature (205)
In the Classroom
This site is a great resource for referencing information included in literature and for delving into motifs and settings. Create a class account to begin building your own library of literary information. Share with students to gain an understanding for items included in books read in class or from personal reading. Use the search feature to find other books mentioning places, people, or events studied in class. Have students create their own storyboards for books to share with classmates. Create storyboards in world language class highlighting a book in Spanish, French, or any world language. Create storyboards for famous pieces of literature, books about other countries (in geography or world cultures class).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Glossi - Make Your Own Magazines (Beta) - Glossi.com
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Create your own digital magazine using Glossi's easy click and edit format. Add images, audio files, videos, links to external items, and much more to create a flippable online magazine....more
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Create your own digital magazine using Glossi's easy click and edit format. Add images, audio files, videos, links to external items, and much more to create a flippable online magazine. Several video tutorials and a help guide are available to get you started and answer questions. Once finished, select publish to create a url for your magazine. You can also embed into your blog or website. There is the option to make your magazine private (requiring a password). To sign up for this site you must request an invitation. At the time of this review, it was still in beta. Some of the user created Glossi's include videos hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable. You could always view the videos at home and bring them to class "on a stick" to share. Use a tool such as KeepVid reviewed here to download the videos from YouTube. Many magazines on the site are public which means there is a possibility of content being unsuitable for schools. Be sure to preview anything that you plan to share.
tag(s): creative writing (95), digital storytelling (60), graphic design (26), multimedia (28), writing (295)
In the Classroom
In social studies or government class have students design magazines for the candidate of their choice. Remember those travel brochures your world language students used to make with glue sticks and scissors? Try this online tool instead. In science class students can design a booklet to explain to a younger student about cells, life cycles, or any science topic. Instead of a book report, try a digital magazine. Do an author study via a digital magazine. Create a poetry magazine. Have world language students create an interactive magazine telling a story in their new language. Create digital magazines for any subject or topic: explain an event in history, demonstrate different types of animals or habitats, create an ongoing Glossi magazine of class activities, and more. The possibilities with Glossi are endless!Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Survey Teacher - Online Surveys for Teachers - JetMan Productions
Grades
2 to 12
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This online survey creation tool was created specifically for teacher and school use. To begin a survey, you are required to provide an email address. The free version includes 10 ...more
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This online survey creation tool was created specifically for teacher and school use. To begin a survey, you are required to provide an email address. The free version includes 10 questions per survey and a maximum of 100 responses. Add information as requested in the template and choose from options such as the date range your quiz will be available, password requirement or not, share results options, and upload an image for inclusion with your survey (if desired). Begin adding questions in the Design option. Choose from nine different question types such as multiple choice, image, and descriptive text. Customize the look of the survey under the Style tab that includes font options such as type, color, and size. When finished, choose the Distribute tab to copy and paste the survey url into an email or use the embed code to paste into an existing web page. View results in different views such as bar chart, pie chart, or scatter plot in 2d or 3d for format or search typed answers for specific content. Choose from options to send to a PDF file or send to spreadsheet.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): charts and graphs (152), polls and surveys (22), quiz (66), quizzes (57)
In the Classroom
Create quizzes to use for pre- and post- lesson assessments. Post the quizzes to your class website or blog as assignments. Assign students to create a quiz on a current topic as a wrap-up to a unit. Appoint a quizmaster each week (or a small group) and have them make quizzes for their peers. Share the quiz on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Use it as a center, rather than a "whole-group" activity. Learning support teachers may want to have students work with a partner to create review quizzes they can use as study aids. Use to poll students on project ideas or to determine reactions to current events. Place a poll on your teacher web page as a homework inspiration or to increase parent involvement. Older students may want to include polls on their student blogs to increase involvement or create polls to use at the start of project presentations. Use polls to generate data for math class (graphing), during elections, or for critical thinking activities dealing with interpretation of statistics. Use "real" data to engage students on issues that matter to them.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Visualead - Quick & Easy Visual QR Code Generator - Nevo Alva, Uriel Peled, and Itamar
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Turn any image into a fully functional QR Code in 3 easy steps that take less than one minute. Upload your image or choose one from Visualead's online gallery. Set ...more
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Turn any image into a fully functional QR Code in 3 easy steps that take less than one minute. Upload your image or choose one from Visualead's online gallery. Set the desired destination for your QR code. Place the QR code where you choose on the image. Upload your image from your computer file or drag and drop from a folder on your computer. Choose from options for the QR link: choose url, vCard, YouTube video, Facebook, or many other web-based media choices. Drag, resize and place your code anywhere on the image. When finished, click on generate to complete the QR code generation process. Login using Facebook, Google, or email to receive the finished image. Share using the social media links or download to your computer. Here is a (link to an example).
A tip: when creating your QR Code, you will see a link to "generate your image" on the last step. It will give you the options of "try again" or "next." Choose "next" to go to the final step. "Try again doesn't mean that your image wasn't created, it just gives you the option for personalizing the code differently before completing the process.
A tip: when creating your QR Code, you will see a link to "generate your image" on the last step. It will give you the options of "try again" or "next." Choose "next" to go to the final step. "Try again doesn't mean that your image wasn't created, it just gives you the option for personalizing the code differently before completing the process.
tag(s): qr codes (12)
In the Classroom
Create a QR code that directs to your class site or blog and include it on handouts for Back to School night. Create a QR code scavenger hunt for students, making a webquest more engaging. Add QR codes to documents for students to check their answers to questions. Expand knowledge of a topic by adding a QR code to a site that expands upon what is in the textbook. Create a data chart accessible via a QR code. Students access the data and manipulate the information. Have students create a book trailer or review and affix a QR code to the outside of the book. Students may be more apt to read a book that has been reviewed by another student. Make a display completely interactive with a QR code that describes the assignment, the process, the research, student's reactions and more! Add extra help information to any assignment that asks students to solve problems. Create an online help tutorial accessible via a QR code, and place the code beside a similar problem. Link directly to a Google Map. Place QR code contact information for you and your school on contact cards to give to parents. Attach QR codes to physical objects around the room to provide information about the object. Place the links in a newsletter using QR codes instead of a series of words that need to be typed. Be sure to search TeachersFirst resources for many other great ways to use QR codes in the classroom!Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Silk - Interactive Generative Art - Yuri Vishnevsky
Grades
2 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Create magical looking artwork as you click and drag with this beautiful site. Personalize the images using the color and format links at the bottom of the screen. Choose from ...more
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Create magical looking artwork as you click and drag with this beautiful site. Personalize the images using the color and format links at the bottom of the screen. Choose from vertical or four-way symmetry or symmetry off. Include new age music to add to the magical effects or turn music off with a simple click. Share your creations through links to Twitter, Facebook, email, or copy the link. Althought there is no option to print or save a finished design, you could take a screenshot (Shift+ Command +4 on a mac or Prtscrn key on Windows) and save or paste it into a document to write about or save.
In the Classroom
Use this site to explore symmetry with your students on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Watch what happens when you choose from the different available options. Discuss what emotions certain colors can induce. Have students create their own artwork then print and post to a class bulletin board display (or share on your class website or blog). Challenge students to identify the type or types of symmetry shown in each design. Use this site in both art and math class while learning about symmetry. Have students take screenshots and write about their creations.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gone Google Story Builder - Google
Grades
2 to 12
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Enjoy creating original stories on Story Builder. Then watch them come to life. Enter character names and begin writing. Choose a character from the pull down list and enter dialogue....more
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Enjoy creating original stories on Story Builder. Then watch them come to life. Enter character names and begin writing. Choose a character from the pull down list and enter dialogue. Continue to choose different characters and dialogue until your story is complete. Not happy with what you wrote? No problem, edit stories at any time in the process. When finished, add music from the list of choices offered or continue without music. Preview your creation at any time using the preview link on each page. When the story is complete enter a title and your name to receive a unique url to share your story. Check out our example Story Builder) created in less than 5 minutes! Note that you cannot return to change your "story" once it is complete.
tag(s): creative writing (95), digital storytelling (60), expository writing (20), paragraph writing (7)
In the Classroom
Use Story Builder to retell a moment in history or a social studies or science concept. Share some samples on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students or groups of students create their own Story Builder to retell a story or tell a story from a single character's point of view. Assign student groups to tell a story related to your curriculum. Create a Story Builder at the beginning of a unit with what I want to know questions, or use for the end of a unit as a review. Share student Story Builders with a link on your website or blog. In math class have students explain a procedure using Story Builder. Use Story Builder to create drama scripts or to demonstrate writing skills. Have "Annie Adjective" add colorful words to a draft while "Pete Punctuation" proofs for errors. Have students collaborate to create their own "live" edit sessions using an anonymous student draft you provide or from their OWN writing. By naming the character who is making changes, they can show what they are emphasizing, such as Sam Support adding supporting details when writing informational texts. Teachers of gifted could challenge students to create "epistolary" tales using this tool.Engage student and parent attention about important announcements by giving a link to s Story Builder where you explain a project or plans for a special PTA event. Write it as a Q/A session, and they will watch the whole thing!
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Always Prepped - Fahad Hassan
Grades
K to 12
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0 Comments
Use this web service (for teachers) to login to multiple information systems and aggregate student data in one place. Integration currently works for Engrade (reviewed...more
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Use this web service (for teachers) to login to multiple information systems and aggregate student data in one place. Integration currently works for Engrade (reviewed here), Khan Academy (reviewed here), Socrative (reviewed here), and NWEA report. However, Always Prepped is very new and says they will be adding additional integrations soon. After registering on the site, go to accounts and login to connect accounts. Once connected, student information and data is available for viewing. Choose students to view data offered in color coded layouts or create groups if you prefer. Although new, this site is an option worth saving for those with student accounts over multiple platforms.
tag(s): classroom management (29), data (114)
In the Classroom
Create an account to view student progress across different learning platforms. Save this site for future use as additional platforms are added.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OuiWrite - Peyton Fouts
Grades
6 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
This is a writer's dream come true! OuiWrite will format papers, resumes, book reports, blog entries, letters, and bibliographies into MLA, APA, or Chicago Style and create footnotes....more
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This is a writer's dream come true! OuiWrite will format papers, resumes, book reports, blog entries, letters, and bibliographies into MLA, APA, or Chicago Style and create footnotes. All you have to do is come up with the content. Actually, OuiWrite will even help with the content. While typing the paper, OuiWrite automatically searches for the content and finds sources. These sources can then be cited or added as a bibliography automatically. OuiWrite has other nifty features: templates for different types of papers and bibliographies, a dictionary and thesaurus, a plagiarism checker, and a genius button. To use the genius button, highlight a word, click on the genius button and OuiWrite will find sources for what you are writing as you write and cites them automatically. All you have to do is think about your topic. Of course, if you simply dump in citations and suggested content, you paper will read like a cutting collage, so the thought that pulls it together is what really matters!
tag(s): citations (18), expository writing (20), persuasive writing (28), plagiarism (21)
In the Classroom
As teachers, we need to be aware that such a tool exists, since savvy students may compile a "paper" without a logical thought pattern simply by clicking to include suggestions from OuiWrite. The best strategy for such a tool is to show students how to use it well. Take the drudgery out of writing formal papers by emphasizing thinking over mechanics. Whether teaching beginning research or seniors in high school, introduce them to OuiWrite. For younger students, seeing all the formatting and citing done correctly, from the beginning, makes sense whether it is the body of the writing or the bibliography. With either age group, give lessons about each part of a paper or letter. Demonstrate on an interactive whiteboard and think out loud as a group to pull together ideas, sources, quotes, and more to support an argument and build a paper. You can use it, too, when you write for your graduate program. Since you can choose from MLA, APA, or Chicago Style, you do not have to worry about memorizing punctuation and double checking the format. OuiWrite will do that for you and take the stress out of formal writing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Croak.it - Protik Roychowdhury and Srinivasa Teja
Grades
K to 12
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Croak.it allows you to TALK to those who land on your webpage. Your visitors can leave a verbal message for you using the Croakit application program interface (API). (An API...more
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Croak.it allows you to TALK to those who land on your webpage. Your visitors can leave a verbal message for you using the Croakit application program interface (API). (An API is similar to embedding a mini version of the tool.) The beauty of this audio recorder is that it works on many types of devices, including iOS (iPad, iTouch, iPhone), Android phones, or in a regular computer browser. And it's free. There is no email sign up. Their slogan is, "Push. Speak. Share." Leave a message up to 30 seconds on your page. You can push to stop at any time. Once you have created your Croak.it, you have the choice to adjust the tempo and pitch. Share your Croak.it through Facebook or Twitter. Copy the URL and put it on your webpage, in your email, on your blog, etc. Use Croak.it to express yourself using your voice, which is much more interesting than reading text! The only part of this program that uses Flash is the introductory video.
tag(s): speech (83)
In the Classroom
The potential for using Croak.it for and with your students is limitless. Record a message for absent students explaining something done in class and email it to them. Leave verbal instructions on your web page or homework page that might be too complicated to write out or for your students to read. This program has incredible promise for use with learning-support students, speech and language students, ESL/ELL students, non-readers, and for differentiating instruction. If your students have blogs, consider adding Croak.It to their blog pages for spoken comments. An excellent idea from the blog "Inquiry Live in the Classroom" is to use Croak.it with QR Codes and have your students make 30 second book reviews for your classroom or school library. Students can then scan the code of a book they think they are interested in reading to see what others think of it, or to get a 30 second summary of it. Use Croak.it for tutorials on your website. Use a QR Code generator and put the code next to diagrams in text books. To view many more ideas see "QR Codes and Using Them in the Classroom," reviewed here, and know that you can combine these with the use of Croak.it, too. There are many personal ways you and your students can use this program: create a wish list, Mother's Day or birthday greeting, a message to a grandparent, or a recording of part of a picture book for a younger sibling. Because of the 30 second time limit, encourage students to rehearse (never a bad idea) before recording. One suggestion for saving recordings is to create a Google Form or wiki page where students can use to submit their recording links. This allows you to collect student recordings without having to use an e-mail account. Speech and language teachers could create wiki pages (on a private wiki) for each student to record samples throughout the year to demonstrate progress with articulation. World language teachers could record assignments and ask students to respond orally on a class wiki.Edge Features:
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
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Chrome Web Lab - Google Chrome and Science Museum of London
Grades
4 to 12
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Chrome Web Lab features five actual experiments, accessible online but actually housed at a London museum. These should be accessed using the Chrome web browser. Use the experiments...more
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Chrome Web Lab features five actual experiments, accessible online but actually housed at a London museum. These should be accessed using the Chrome web browser. Use the experiments in real-time from your computer or at the real-world installations at the museum in London. The aim of this first of a kind experience? Inspire a new generation of computer scientists. Featured experiments include: Universal Orchestra, Data Tracer, Sketchbots, Teleporter, and Lab Tag Explorer. Each section has accompanying information and videos about the technologies used for the experiment. Regardless of where you live, you can create music with others. That music is actually PLAYED by physical robots in the museum as you interact via the weblab. Travel to far away places instantly or have your picture sketched by a robot in sand among other experiments. Enter the using the "Enter the lab" button.
tag(s): drawing (60), musical instruments (18), STEM (22)
In the Classroom
Use this fantastic site to show the power of technology and collaboration around the world. Use this to discuss possible future applications of technology (3D printing and more.) This would also be a fantastic way to discuss many of the downsides of technology that some people are worried about: robots used for harm instead of good, downsides of facial recognition. Compare these technologies to many shown on futuristic movies or TV shows. Be aware that this site requires a lot of bandwidth and may best be run on a single classroom computer (possibly with an interactive whiteboard or projector). Be sure to read the "About" page before preceding to the Chrome Web Lab site to understand the experiments and use of material created. Teachers of gifted or highly able students can use this site to inspire individual projects and investigations into current and future technologies. Have students investigate, explore, and share their findings with the class.Edge Features:
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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Sound Around You - University of Salford
Grades
2 to 12
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Listen to soundscapes recorded all over the world. Find a place of interest on the map, listen to the recording, and read the information about the location. Upload your own ...more
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Listen to soundscapes recorded all over the world. Find a place of interest on the map, listen to the recording, and read the information about the location. Upload your own soundscapes using the site or through the iPhone/iPad app.
tag(s): cross cultural understanding (55), listening (73), maps (186), senses (18), sound (83), sounds (58)
In the Classroom
Those who teach geography and world cultures will like this! Use this resource to get your students thinking about the sounds around them. Include it when studying sound or the human ear in science class. Connect with other subjects by envisioning smells that would be there or craft a story inspired by the sounds heard at a specific location. Play sounds for your younger students and ask what they hear. Create sound stories together -- or as a creative project --by playing a series of sounds to tell the tale! Use your imagination to add this resource to other location projects used throughout the year. World language teachers could assign students to create a sound and word story about a cultural location. Use these sounds as background and add the dialog!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Quick Screen Share - Screencast-O-Matic.com
Grades
4 to 12
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Quick Screen Share is a free web application that lets you share your screen with anyone, view the other person's screen in return, and allows either of you to take ...more
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Quick Screen Share is a free web application that lets you share your screen with anyone, view the other person's screen in return, and allows either of you to take control of the other person's desktop. This application runs on Java, so it must be available for use. (Java has been receiving much negative criticism lately due to security concerns, so your computer or system security may not allow it to run.) To begin, choose one of the two options: share your screen or share their screen. Enter a name and click start. Copy the link provided and share with the other person you are working with. Follow prompts to begin the session. Request control of the other person's mouse if desired (this option disables control of the mouse from their end.) Pause or end sharing at any time by choosing the pause or stop buttons located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
In the Classroom
Screen share with students in a computer lab to demonstrate items such as website addresses, how to locate information on websites, or when learning text editing features such as changing font size or color. This is a great alternative if an interactive whiteboard is not available. Use this tool to collaborate with other teachers when creating lesson plans or student documents. Have students with laptops share their screen with the teacher during presentations to make information easier to view. Share this site with students to use at home when collaborating on projects. Help a homebound student by sharing your class computer screen and opening an audio connection on the phone. Offer "extra help" sessions via screen share at predetermined "office hours" or during a snow day. Have students teach tech skills to their peers using this free sharing app.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Infinite.ly Web Page Maker - Luis Buenaventura
Grades
3 to 12
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Create a bright, colorful web page quickly and easily with Infinite.ly. You also get a mobile-friendly website, Facebook page, and blog (should you wish.) Choose your unique subdomain...more
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Create a bright, colorful web page quickly and easily with Infinite.ly. You also get a mobile-friendly website, Facebook page, and blog (should you wish.) Choose your unique subdomain name to begin. Choose from a page-type template. Choices include business, personal, school, event, product, or teaser. Click on different parts of the page to add text, images, change the background, and add pages, and much more. When finished, click Publish to make your page live on the web. Registration with email is not required to publish pages; however, without registration, published pages will only be available for 48 hours. Research before you join, Basic features are free, but add-ons and extra storage space are for a fee.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): blogs (57), microblogging (26), portfolios (15)
In the Classroom
Use this site for students to post simple projects such as stories, poems, and art projects. Students can also create online "me-portfolios" where they collect and curate all the links to their various online projects. Collect a master list of links to student pages on your classroom website, wiki, or blog for easy access. If students are creating pages, be sure to check with your district's policy on student use of email as well as publishing of student work.Try using Infinite.ly for: "visual essays," digital biodiversity logs (with digital pictures students take), online literary magazines, personal reflections in images and text, research project presentations, or comparisons of online content (such as political candidates' sites or content sites used in research -compared for bias). Use this tool for science sites documenting experiments or illustrating concepts (such as the water cycle), "visual" lab reports, digital scrapbooks using images from the public domain and video and audio clips from a time in history -- such as the Roaring Twenties. More ideas include local history interactive stories, visual interpretations of major concepts (such as a "visual" U.S. Constitution). Imagine building your own online library of raw materials for your students to create their own "web pages" as a new way of assessing understanding. You provide the digital pictures, and they sequence, caption, and write about them (younger students), or you provide the steps in a project as a template, and they insert the actual content of their own.
After a first project where you provide "building blocks," the sky is the limit on what they can do, but watch the file size and space limits. Even the very young can make suggestions as you "create" a whole-class product together using an interactive whiteboard or projector. Consider making a new project for each unit you teach, so students can "recap" long after the unit ends. Separate pages mean smaller sites, so they can remain free.
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Peek: Create Your Perfect Day - Ruzwana Bashir and Oskar Gruening
Grades
5 to 12
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Visit Peek and "Create Your Perfect Day." Register using email and a password. Pick a city or area to visit. Start planning your day using the prompts provided for morning, ...more
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Visit Peek and "Create Your Perfect Day." Register using email and a password. Pick a city or area to visit. Start planning your day using the prompts provided for morning, afternoon, evening, and night activities. Choose from pictures provided based on your input or upload your own. When finished, publish to share your "perfect day" via it's unique url or through social media sharing links. This site is part of a travel website. The main page includes many activities (with prices). Avoid the homepage and go directly to "Create Your Perfect Day."
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creative writing (95), local history (8), virtual field trips (25)
In the Classroom
Although this is not a typical "educational" site, the possibilities for classroom use are unlimited. Have students create their perfect day using the site as a story starter or creative writing prompt. Use the site to plan a virtual field trip anywhere. Have students create a day in the life of a story character, famous person from history, or in the career of their choosing. Retell any important date in history using Peek as a guideline. Teach budget planning by having students research and plan a perfect travel day. World language or world cultures classes can use this to create a day focused on the cultural riches of the country they are studying. Language students can write about it in their new language. After students create their perfect day, create an online folder or wiki page with links to all of the "perfect days" for other students to use as writing prompts (creative or informational). Share all students' perfect days on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Use this site to create a perfect day for visitors to your school or community.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be shared by URL
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
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