Poll Everywhere

Create a free poll and get instant feedback with PollEverywhere.com.  I love this tool!  If you haven't visited this site lately... you need to! 

There are now four different ways people can respond to your poll:  text, web, twitter, and smartphone.  Also, not only can you download the poll results to PowerPoint you can also share/publish your results by twitter, blog, email and even download to Prezi!

Below is an expample of a web voting widget and live chart widget. 

 

Build television sms voting polls at Poll Everywhere

Make your own poll voting question with Poll Everywhere

Photo Frenzy

I spent the morning today getting ready for my Photo Frenzy workshop next week!  And it was too much FUN! I had forgotten about so many great FREE resources out there for photo editing.  Why spend your hard earned $$ when there is so MUCH for FREE???

I've compiled a list of my favorite FREE photo editing websites.  Enjoy!

• Picnic
• Big Huge Labs
• FotoFlexer
• Sumopaint
• Photoshop.com
• Glass Giant
• Photovisi
• ConvertToCartoon

Comic Strip Generators

Everyone loves cartoons!!

(no matter how old you are)

 

Here are a few of my favorite cartoon/comic strip generators:

• Cartoonize - http://www.converttocartoon.com/
• The Super Hero Squad - http://superherosquad.marvel.com/create_your_own_comic
• ReadWriteThink - http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/comic-creator-30021.html
• MakeBeliefscomix.com - http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
• Stage’d - http://stagedproject.com/
• Pixton - http://www.pixton.com/

QR Codes

What are QR Codes?

QR-Codes are two dimensional barcodes that are designed to have thier contents decoded at a high speed.  If you were to scan the code to the left with an iPhone, iPod or other device, it would direct you to my website.

So how can these codes be used in education?

Teachers can create codes that direct students to open webpages, send text messages, dial phone numbers and more.  Check out the following resources for using QR codes in the classroom.

101 Uses for QR Codes
The PE Geek
QR Codes in Education
Tammy Worcester's QR Code Tip
Educational QR Codes

So how do I create my own QR Code?
Creating your own QR Code is FREE and very simple.  There are many online generators availalbe and most can be saved as a graphic file or pdf file.

QR Code Generators:

• BeQRious
• Kaywa
• i-nigma
• QRstuff
• Delivr

So how do my students read these codes?
They would use a device such as an iPhone, iPod, etc. to scan the codes.  Here are a couple of QR Code Readers.

• Neoreader
• QRreader

Google Apps for Education

Can I just say - I LOVE Google!!!  If you haven't seen Google Apps for Education - you need to!  Google Apps for Education offers a FREE and SAFE set of tools that can be customized for students and staff.  Some of the Google apps offered are gmail, calendar, docs, sites and video.  I'm sure there are others but those are the apps I'm aware of.  Here are 10 Ways Google Apps will benefit your campus.

TCEA - Wrap Up

Wow!  TCEA 2011 was not a disappointment!  Here are some more links and things I learned while in Austin this week.   If you missed my presentations with Lisa Monthie and Sherry McElhanon, here are the links to them as well.

My TCEA Presentations:

• iTools for the Classroom
• Prezi Playground

Other Resources:

• iPod Touch
• Digital Goonies
• Fried Technology
• Learning in Hand

TCEA - Tuesday Summary

I am so excited to be in Austin at TCEA 2011!!  Today I attended Project Based Learning in Hand presented by Tony Vincent.  The resources from this workshop can be found at tonyv.me/pblinhand.  Below are some notes I took at the workshop.

• Create a "driving question" for projects and then develop parameters
• where are the standards/content used in real world?
• cannot be used with copy and paste
• will the result create something new?
• student voice and choice
• Personal and/or local 
• what? what if? which?
•  Project idea - use facts and stats to convince others to stop your pet peeve :) cute idea!

• Pindax - message board system (works on ipads)

iPad Apps:

• Atomic Web Browser Lite - tabbed browsing
• side by side - browser and note taker in 1
• eClicker - free, eClicker host - $10
• Juxio
• Photoshop express
• audio memos lite
• storykit
• flipbook lite
• splice
• reeldirector
• comic touch lite
• sonic pics
• storyrobe
• Toontastic

Voki for Education

 

Voki for Education is a free site that allows you and your students to create speaking avatars. If you haven't visited their site lately, you need to.  They have added a teacher corner, a lesson plan database, and a voki community. 

Mind Mapping Tools

Came across a new mind mapping tool this morning called Mindomo via @willrich45.  See his example:  E-learning Tools for Schools.

Other great mind mapping tools I like to use with students are:

• Bubbl.us
• Edistorm
• Mind42
• MindMeister

Let the Arguements Begin @ aMap

aMap is a online debate/argument starter tool.  I love it!  What a great way to teach critical thinking skills.  Teachers can get started with this site here.

State your position!
Build your argument!
Let the debate begin!

Skype in the Classroom

If you are planning to use Skype with your students, there are tons of great resources.  I've listed some of my favorite below.  Also, don't forget to register for Skype's free teacher directory so that other teachers and professionals can find you.

50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom

Cool Cat Teacher - Using Skype in the Classroom

Learning Beyond Walls - 21 Skype Resources