Technologies for Teachers

1. Diigital Storytelling

1.1. Toontastic, Storybird,, Animoto,, Voicethreads - allows for visual photos/pictures, sound effects and audio; great tool for presentation (debate, historical perspectives, historical figures, etc.)

1.1.1. http://thwt.org/multimedia/digital-storytelling/

2. Speaking Avatars

2.1. Voki - connect visualization with spoken content  - effective for students with social anxiety and second language learners - Can embed in blogs, wikis, Web sites, or can email a link

2.1.1. http://thwt.org/multimedia/avatars/

2.2. Allows presentations to be performed by multiple members of a group

3. Infographics

3.1. infogr.am, picktochart, easil.ly, canva -  typically includes statistical information, data or research through a visual medium.; almost like a really engaging poster

3.1.1. http://thwt.org/multimedia/infographics/

4. Games

4.1. TapQuiz Maps

4.2. Containing maps of the world, this app allows students to practice their geography skills by identifying countries, states, and other features with a “tap.” After each timed quiz, it gives students their scores after having corrected them along the way. It works on an iPhone, iPod or iPad.

4.2.1. http://thwt.org/mobile/apps/

4.3. The World Factbook This app version of the popular CIA website gives students instant access to geography information.

5. Wikis

5.1. Use as a course management tool

5.1.1. What sets Wikis apart from websites is that they are collaborative; http://jolt.merlot.org/vol4no2/frydenberg0608.htm

6. Podcasts

6.1. Create your own podcasts for particular topics or even to record daily lessons for students to refer back to

6.1.1. Listen to podcasts from professionals, have students create podcasts as part of an assignment http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=podcasting

7. History Games

7.1. Argument Wars – Players debate historical Supreme Court cases by advancing arguments and backing them up. Cases include, Brown v. Board of Education, New Jersey v. T.L.O., Texas v. Johnson, Miranda v. Arizona and Snyder v. Phelps.

7.1.1. http://thwt.org/multimedia/games/

7.2. The Flames of the Rebellion – This downloaded feature is a strategy game that allows two players to play either as the British or the Colonials and play out the Revolutionary War for control of the thirteen colonies.

8. WHY GO DIIGITAL?

8.1. USE OF TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS FOR MORE PERSONALIZED LEARNING

8.2. ACCESSIBILITY - ALLOWS STUDENTS TO ACCESS FROM ANYWHERE IF THEY HAVE A PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICE AND ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

8.3. PREPARES STUDENTS FOR TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS NEEDED IN THE WORKFORCE

8.4. EFFICIENCY - SAVES TIME, MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND (LESS PAPER)

8.4.1. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-steinberg/technology-for-schools-an_b_2805201.html