SMORE- Creating Classroom Flyers

SMORE

Description of the tool:

SMORE is an online application for teachers to create newsletters for the classroom. The newsletters can be sent to parents weekly through email, social media, or printed. The flyer automatically adjusts for parents using cell phones and tablets. Teachers can also share videos and media with parents. SMORE is more than just words; a teacher can make the flyer fun and interesting for parents to read. SMORE is a great way to incorporate technology into the students' homes and can be used for flipping the classroom. Students can look at the flyer and do an assignment before coming to class. 

Pedagogical Uses for Tool:

• Teachers can use this tool to communicate weekly with parents. The teacher can share upcoming events, spelling words, music, and videos for the week.
• The teacher is able to see who has viewed the flyer, so teacher can give students an assignment and give the students credit for viewing the flyer.
• SMORE is paper free. Teachers can reduce the amount of mail that is sent home to parents while incorporating technology into the classroom.
• Students can use SMORE to present a research project to parents and teachers. Instead of the students writing a paper, the students can create a flyer related to the research topic. 
• Clubs in school could use SMORE to create flyers for upcoming events. SMORE can be shared in social media in groups or on a classroom page. 
• A teacher can send videos and audio files to parents so parents are unaware of what is going on. 
• Teachers can create a gallery of the projects students did that week and share the gallery with the parents and community.

Example of SMORE Flyer
GoNoodle Flyer

Location of the Tool:

SMORE

Cost Associated with the Tool:

SMORE has a plan just for educators. For 59.00 a year, teachers can use their own backgrounds in the newsletter. Teachers can also make the flyers private every time a new one is created. This plan will allow the teacher to see if the newsletters are being read by the recipients. The teacher is also able to make an unlimited amount of flyers. The regular price is 230.00 a year, but SMORE will allow the teacher to access these tools for a lower price. There is a free version, however, the teacher is only allowed to create 5 flyers. 

Why a Teacher Would Want to Use this Tool:

This tool makes going ¨green¨ in the classroom a lot easier. A teacher can create a flyer for parents to stay informed about what is going on in the classroom. The teacher can also make a flyer that students have to interact with before coming into the classroom. SMORE is user friendly and makes a flyer look fun to read. A teacher can incorporate galleries, videos, music, text, animations, and tools to help provide students and parents with as much information as possible. Instead of students taking home a piece of paper that may never actually get to the parents, SMORE allows the teacher to email the flyer to the parents. The parents are able to interact with the flyer on their tablet, computer, or cell phone. There is no paper wasted, and the parents are utilizing technology.

Sources:
Fox, S. (2015, June 27). GoNoodle. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://www.smore.com/2w8vj
ISTE Standards. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/standards
Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?
Okland, S. (2014, June 17). Smore. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://www.smore.com/3nxcc

ISTE  Standards:

Teacher: 
1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity
a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes
2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress
c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources
3. Model digital age work and learning
a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations
b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation
c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

Students: 
1. Creativity and innovation
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
2. Communication and collaboration
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
3. Research and information fluency
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
b. Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project
6. Technology operations and concepts
a. Understand and use technology systems
b. Select and use applications effectively and productively
d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Connecting with Parents

Connecting with Parents

Description of the tool:

Remind101 is a tool that a teacher can use to communicate with parents and students. A teacher can send an announcement to parents through a text message. When the teacher sets up a class, Remind gives the teacher a number so the teacher's cell phone number is private. The teacher also receives a class code. Each class has their own code. The code is unique to the class. The teacher must give the code to the parents and students in order for the parents and students to use Remind101. Once the parents and students are signed up, the user will type in their name. The name of the person will appear under the subscriber area on the teacher's Remind page. 

The teacher can then send announcements to the people who have signed up. The teacher can choose to send the announcement to all the subscribers or just a certain subscriber.
The website also allows the teacher to chat with students and parents. The parents and students can chat back with the teacher. The website doesn't share the teacher's actual phone number. However, the teacher is the only person who can initiate the chat. 

A parent or student can also receive messages via email. To unsubscribe from Remind101, the student or parent needs to reply with "unsubscribe." The website provides a great handout that teachers can give parents and students. The teacher can set the time to send the announcement. The website also tells the teacher if the time is too late. However, the teacher can send the message anyway.
When the parent or student receives the announcement, he or she has the option of downloading the app which is available on Apple and Android products. The subscriber can also download the file sent by the teacher. 

Pedagogical Uses for Tool:

There are a lot of ways that teachers can use this tool for parents and students. 

Parents:

• Teachers can set up meetings with parents. Instead of sending home parent-teacher conference slips, the teacher can send out an announcement using Remind101. Since the website allows the teacher to choose a subscriber to send an announcement, the teacher can send out individual announcements to parents. 
• Teachers can remind parents of upcoming events. Parents get busy and can forget events coming up in school. However, a teacher can send a weekly update of the week. Parents will have this message on their phone for later viewing.
• Teachers can send individual messages to parents. If a student did a great job in class or a note needs to get sent home, a teacher can send the message to the parents. It is still a good idea to personally call the parent, but a teacher can send a positive note to the parent in a text message form. 
• Teachers can share homework assignments with the parents. The teacher can also attach files to the announcement. If a student is absent or missing an assignment, the teacher can attach that file into the message so the parent has access to the assignment. 
• Teachers can share a weekly newsletter. The teacher can send out the events of the week and attach the newsletter to the announcement. 
• The parent can receive a digital copy of a student's report card or weekly progress report. Again, the teacher can attach what assignments the student is missing and share the progress report with the parent.
• Teachers can share what standards the students are working on. The teacher can a checklist to the parents so the parents understand exactly what the students are working on. 
• Almost every parent has a cellphone, so parents are able to communicate with the teacher. If the parent doesn't feel comfortable calling the teacher, the parent can just text the teacher using this website. The website doesn't share the teacher's cell phone number, so there is still privacy between the teacher and the parent.
• Parents and teachers are the only ones who can see the messages. If there is private information that needs to be shared, the website won't share them with other subscribers. 
• The website gives the parents accountability for their children. If a student goes home and tells a parent that he or she doesn't have homework, the teacher can share a daily announcement of homework assignments. Parents are then aware of exactly what their student needs to complete. 
• The teacher can share the week's spelling words. The parents can have the words on their phone, so parents can practice the words on the go with their children.
• The teacher can chat with the parent about any concerns. The message goes directly to the parent, and the parent can chat back with the teacher. The parent doesn't see the teacher's actual cell phone number. In the chat, the teacher can attach a file. This allows the teacher to share assignments, data, and various other documents with the parents. 

An example of announcement page

An example of chatting with a parent

Students

• Remind101 allows teachers to have a flipped classroom. The teacher can send out a video lesson and have the students watch it. Students will then be prepared to do their assignment when they come to class the next day.
• Students can have their weekly assignments instead of having a planner. 
• The teacher can text the students their missing assignments, and attach the assignment to the student. 
• The student can send the assignment back to the teacher. If the assignment disappears, the digital copy from the teacher is still available.
• The teacher can chat with the student. Only the teacher can initiate the chat. However, the teacher can ask the students a question to think about before class and have the students respond to the question. 
• Students can communicate with their teacher privately. If a student doesn't want to share information with the class, the student is able to share information using his or her cell phone.
• Students can no longer say they didn't know about an assignment or upcoming event. Students use their cell phones all the time. Students can have the announcements right at their fingertips.
• Students can have assignments adapted to their needs. Teachers can send students different assignments via chat or text message. 

Location of the Tool:

Remind101

Cost of the Tool:

As of right now, there is no cost for the free messaging system. The website states that premium features may be added later. However, the messaging will always remain free.

Why a Teacher Wants to Use This:

Remind takes 15 seconds to sign up and get started. The teacher can send out messages to students and parents. Almost every student or parent has a cell phone. Students text all day long. Remind is a great way to communicate with students about classroom assignments, projects, and discussions. Remind allows parents to communicate with teachers without having to physically come into the classroom. The parents can communicate with the teachers on a daily basis and also have access to student assignments. Parents and teachers can be on the same page with communication all through email or text messaging. Remind is user friendly and a great way to integrate technology into the classroom setting. 

Sources:

ISTE Standards. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/standards
Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_3_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_10455_1&url=
Remind. (2015). Retrieved June 27, 2015, from http://www.remind.com

ISTE Standards:

Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their won educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources. 

3. Model digital age work and learning

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.

4. Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

Students:

2. Communication and collaboration

a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media

5. Digital Citizenship

a. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology

c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning

6. Technology operations and concepts

a. Understand and use technology systems

b. Select and use applications effectively and productively

d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies 

Cloud Storage Devices

Cloud Storage Devices

Description of Tool:

GDrive also known as Google Drive is a storage device where users can access their files offline. Users can back up their documents in the random event that the user's computer crashes. If the user has the files in the Drive, the user can access the files from any computer. The user can also share the files to collaborate with others on their documents. Google Drive is associated with Google so the files in the GDrive are Google documents. However, a user can upload documents from other places and the documents will be saved in the Drive. The Drive is user friendly and it is easy to organize the Drive to fit the user's needs. 

Pedagogical Uses:

Both teachers and students can use this tool to share documents with each other. Teachers can share their lesson plans with administrators and other teachers. Students can share documents with their teachers without using paper. The teacher can see the student working on the document and make comments while the student is working. The student can access the document at home if the student doesn't finish in school. The student needs to have internet access or have downloaded Google Drive before the student can work on his/her document. Teachers can use Google Drive to share websites with students and have students interact on the page. If a teacher wants to incorporate more technology into the classroom and use less paper, Google Drive is the way to go. 

Example of Google Drive

Location of the tool:

Google Drive - If you are not signed in, you must sign in with your google account before viewing your drive.

Cost of tool:

Google Drive provides 15GB of free online storage when you sign up. If a person wants more, he or she can pay 1.99 a month for 100GB of storage or 9.99 a month for 1TB of storage. 

Why a teacher would want to use this tool:

Google Drive is a great way to store documents online for later use. The documents can be shared with students, administrators, and other teachers. The documents never go away, even if a computer crashes. A teacher can see students working on a document in real time on Google Drive and make comments on the document. Instead of teachers using file cabinets, Google Drive is an online, digital version. Google Drive is user friendly and easy for students to learn how to use. Once students get the hang of Google Drive, teachers can have students complete assignments online and hand in digitally to the teacher. The teacher can comment and grade the document without using paper. 

Sources:

drive.google.com

ISTE Standards. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/standards

Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_3_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_10455_1&url=

ISTE Standards:

Teacher:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. Design and adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

3. Model digital age work and learning

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

Student:

1. Creative and innovation

a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

b. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression

2. Communication and collaboration

a. Interact, collaborate, and  publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media

3. Research and information fluency

b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media

5. Digital citizenship

b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity

6. Technology operations and concepts

a. Understand use technology systems

b. Select and use applications effectively and productively

Classroom Management

Class Dojo

What is it?

Class Dojo is a tool that can be used for classroom management. The teacher sets up a class with the students. The students can earn preset points for positive behaviors in the classroom. The students can also lose points for negative behaviors in the classroom. Each student has their own avatar. The teacher can determine how the avatar gets set up. Class Dojo can be used on an Apple and Android products. Teachers, parents, and students can use this to see how they are doing in class. Each student is assigned a code that they simply type into the website. Students can see how many points, positive and negative, they received as well as change their avatar. Parents can also log in to Class Dojo to see how their students are doing. Parents can message the teacher via Class Dojo and teachers can comment back. The website allows teachers to share pictures with the parents, so it is an easy way to communicate with parents. The teacher, students, and parents can look at graphs to see the balance between positive and negative points. The teacher has the option to allow the students to "spend" their points for rewards. It is completely up to the teacher how the students use their points. 

Pedagogical Uses

The teacher can use this as a behavior management tool in the classroom. The behavior expectations are outlined for the students, and the students get rewarded if they behave accordingly. There can also be consequences for negative behavior. It all depends on how the teacher would like to use the website. Class Dojo is a great way for students to learn responsibility. Teachers can have the students keep track of their points, or be in charge of the store to spend their points. Class Dojo can be used in many different ways. It is up to the teacher to find creative ways to use this tool.

An example of a Class Dojo Report

Example of negative behaviors

Example of student avatars set by Class Dojo

Example of positive behaviors 

Example of rewards and consequences 

Example of rewards for points

Location of tool:

Class Dojo can be found at https://www.classdojo.com/. 

Cost of the tool:

Class Dojo is completely free for parents, students, and teachers. The users need access to a phone, tablet, or computer. The user needs an access code that the teacher prints out to see the students' behavior report.

Why a teacher wants to use this tool:

Class Dojo is an easy way reward students for positive behavior. Students enjoy changing their avatar and seeing how points they can earn. It is a great way for students to be in charge of their behavior. Parents can be involved with their students' behavior plan if they choose and are able to communicate with the teacher via the app. Class Dojo is a fun way to help students  meet goals and be in charge of how they behave in a classroom.

Sources:

ClassDojo. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2015

ISTE Standards. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/standards

ISTE Standards:

Teacher:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. 

2.  Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

d. Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments, aligned with content and technology standards, and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

3. Model digital age work and learning

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats

5. Engage in professional growth and leadership

a. Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. 

Student:

4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making

c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions

5. Digital citizenship

b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity

c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning

6. Technology operations and concepts

a. Understand and use technology systems

d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies 

Copyright, FairUse, Creative Commons, Plagiarism, Mind Maps

Module 2

Module 2 addressed copyright laws. It is crucial that a teacher is aware of the copyright laws so the teacher and the school doesn't face consequences. It was a lot of knowledge, but it was useful. The big thing to remember about copyright is that everyone who creates something is the owner. In order to not get in trouble, you need to make you read the disclaimer and right of use on websites. I found that most things a person is able to use. If you are unsure, contact the author of the item you would like to use. 

Fair Use is the ability to use something someone creates as long as its for educational purposes. It is important to still read the usage terms before using the author's work.

Creative Commons is a website where a person can copyright their creation. There are six different ways a person can copyright their work. It all depends on how much control they want to give the user. The copyrights rang from using the item with changes commercially while giving the author credit to not being able to use the item commercially and still giving credit to the author. There are images that go along with each item so a person is aware of the copyright use. 

The different Creative Common Licenses
Credit: Sheri Okland

Plagiarism was touched on briefly. Prior classes and knowledge has taught me that you can't copy a person's words unless you directly quote what the author is stating. Also, it is very important to cite everything you use. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to plagiarism. There are a lot of great websites to help a person cite their work. For example; easybib.org allows you to type in the information and creates the citation for you. 

Mind Maps is a great tool to create a graphic organizer. Both teachers and students can use this tool as this tool is very user friendly depending on the website you use. Students can create graphic organizers for writing then use the organizers to write their paragraphs. Students can also create graphic organizers for various subjects. The ideas connect together nicely and the mind maps are easily saved for later access. 

This module had a lot of great tools I will use in my classroom. The mind maps are an easy way for students to use technology and create graphic organizers at the same time. The mind map I created for copyright usage I will use next year to teach my students to cite their information. If the students learn this skill at a young age, citing will be a lot easier when they get into high school! I will also use the currently I made in PowerPoint. The way I created the currently will also be great for when I create parking lot slips where students can post their questions for me, the teacher. Overall, I learned a lot this module and I'm excited to use what I learned in my classroom. 

Sources:

• https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_3_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_10455_1%26url%3D 
• https://bubbl.us/
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-rOh7btx4EhN1pRUElNRm4yVnc/view
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-rOh7btx4EhcmJPT1FUbjhYaW8/view
• https://youtu.be/5oY8v49PMGo 

Currently- Great way to check in with students!

PowerPoint Currently

Description:

I used PowerPoint to create a check in for students to tell me how they are feeling. The way I made the currently, it can be printed on sticky notes so students can share this on a poster or on a bulletin board. Using PowerPoint, I created boxes with text and images. I then grouped all the boxes together. I formatted the size of the boxes to equal the size of sticky notes. This way I can print directly on the sticky notes and have them ready for student use. 

Currently for 3 X 3 sticky note

Pedagogical use:

The students can share how they are feeling with the teacher independently and quietly. The teacher can assess the students' feelings towards a subject and provide feedback to the student. If a student needs more help with a concept, the currently can let the teacher know this. The teacher can then help the student.The currently is also a great way for the teacher to get to know the students better. The teacher can model a currently or do one right along with the students. The students can also have their questions answered and expand their learning. 

Location of the tool:

I used PowerPoint which is created by Microsoft. I think that something like this could be done on a variety of programs.

Cost with tool:

The teacher would need a program, sticky notes, a computer, and a printer. 

Why a teacher would want to use this:

This is a great way to get student feedback without taking a lot of time. The students can tell you their needs privately and the teacher can identify students with needs. It's a fun activity that doesn't take very long. Also, once you understand how to print on sticky notes, there are many ways you can use sticky notes in the classroom. 

Sources:

Oakland, S. (2015, June 25). Doxie Duo Learning and TUX. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://sites.google.com/site/doxieduolearning/
Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_3_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_10455_1&url=

ISTE Standards:

Teacher:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. 

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

3. Model digital age work and learning

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations

Student:

1. Creativity and innovation

a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes

Copyright Map

Copyright Map

Module 2 required me to make a copyright map. This map will help students identify the different areas of copyright and give the students a change to see how to avoid copyrighting an author's work. 

An example of a mind map
https://bubbl.us/mind map

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Description of tool:

I used Bubble.Us to create my mind map. I found this to be the easiest mind map to use. You start with the first bubble and type in the title of your mind map. You then hit control+enter to create a new bubble. You can put as many bubbles as you want. However, the more you put, the smaller your mind map will be as an image. The tool is user friendly and would be easy for upper elementary, middle school, and higher school students to use. 

Pedagogical uses:

Students could use this tool to create graphic organizers. The organizer could be used for writing or any subject where the students need to put ideas down on paper. The students could then use the graphic organizer to expand their knowledge on a subject. 

Location of the tool:

https://bubbl.us/mindmap

Cost of tool:

A premium account allows the user to have endless mind maps, the ability to attach images and files, as well as backup services for $6 a month.

An annual account allows the user to have unlimited mind maps, the ability to attach images and files, as well as backup service for $59 a year.

A user can also start a free trial for to try a premium account before buying. 

A free account allows the user to have 3 mind maps. 

Why use this tool?

This tool would be a great way for students to brainstorm and incorporate technology. The students can see their ideas visually. When the students are finished with the mind map, they can download it and print it off to have a paper copy if they need one. The tool is easy to use and it is a fun way to get students to see how a mind map can help the students bring their ideas together. 

Sources

Bubbl.us | brainstorm and mind map online. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bubbl.us/mindmap
ISTE Standards. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/standards
Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?

ISTE Standards:

Teachers:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

a. Promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments.

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

Students:

1. Creativity and innovation

a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.

c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.

2. Communication and collaboration

b. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.

3. Research and information fluency

a. Plan strategies to guide inquiry

6. Technology operations and concepts

a. Understand and use technology systems

b. Select and use applications effectively and productively

d. Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies 

Plickers

Plickers 

Description of the tool: 
Plicker is a website that teachers can create questions for students. Teachers are able to assess students without the use of student devices. Students hold up two different cards depending on their answer. The cards are printed out on the computer and can be reused. Teachers can get real formative feedback in a timely manner. The students think that they are playing a game, when actually, the teacher is assessing the students' understanding of concepts crucially taught in the classroom.

Cost of tool:
Plickers is a free app that can be downloaded onto Apple and Android devices. The students need the provided cards to answer the questions and the teacher needs an Apple or Android device with Plicker running.

Location of the tool: 
Plickers can be found at https://plickers.com/.

Why a teacher would want this tool: 

Plickers is a great way to assess students without giving them a paper and pencil tests. The teacher gets immediate feedback about the questions asked. A teacher can look at the results immediately using a device with Plickers. The teacher can then discuss missed learning and review the questions still do not understand. It is a great way to incorporate technology into a classroom without costing the teacher anything. Plickers does not take long to set up and is very user friendly.

5 questions from Plickers 

Plickers Cards 

An example of Plickers questions
This is a question that asks students to identify one of the seven continents. 

Sources:
Okland, S. (n.d.). EDUC 675 Teaching with 21st Century Tools. Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://bb.vcsu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_3_1&url=/webapps/blackboard/execute/launcher?type=Course&id=_10455_1&url=

Plickers. (2015). Retrieved June 30, 2015, from https://plickers.com/classes/557f5da11d07a4030098e88f

ISTE Standards:
Teachers: 
2A: Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
2D: Provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards, and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

Students:
1. Creativity and innovation
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
2. Communication and collaboration
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
3. Digital citizenship
b. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
6. Technology operations and concepts
a. Understand and use technology systems

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Skitch

Skitch 

Description of the Tool:
Skitch is a tool that helps teachers write on worksheets and annotate lessons. Teachers can help students focus on what's important in a lesson and help lead students through a lesson. The tool allows teachers to type, underline, and draw arrows on the pdf document. The app is free to use on various sources such as an Ipad or a computer. Students also can have access to skitch and write on lessons teachers provide them. The teachers and students can then go over the lessons to check for understanding. 

Example of a Skitch document
This is a third-grade reading lesson on making generalizations. 

Example of a Skitch document
This is a third-grade math lesson on rounding to the nearest ten and hundred. 

Location of the Tool:
Skitch can be found at https://evernote.com/skitch/. 

Cost of the Tool:
It is free to download unless you want the pro version. The premium version is 49.99 a year. Teachers also have the option for a plus version which is 24.99. This version allows teachers more options and more access.

Why a Teacher Wants this Tool:

This tool allows teachers to actively show students how to do a worksheet. The students can also do the worksheet with the teacher. Instead of the teacher having to do the lesson on a whiteboard, the teacher can write on the pdf document and share the document with the students. The tool can be used across many surfaces, so the students can use an Ipad while the teacher uses a computer. The tool allows teachers to take charge of the lesson and show the students images from everyone around the web. Teachers can point out things students should know, and allow students to have new discoveries. 

ISTE standards:
Teacher:

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity

a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

3. Model digital age work and learning

c. collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

Students:
1. Creativity and innovation
a. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
c. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
2. Communication and collaboration
a. Interact, collaborate, and publish with peers, experts, or others employing a variety of digital environments and media
3. Research and information fluency
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
c. Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
4. Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
a. Identify and define authentic problems and significant questions for investigation
5. Digital citizenship
c. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning
6. Technology operations and concepts
a. Understand and use technology systems
b. Select and use applications effectively and productively 

Resources:

 Skitch.pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-rOh7btx4EhcWg1MTMteDFvVU0/view  

 Evernote. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from http://evernote.com/skitch 

 ISTE Standards Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2015, from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf  

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog!

This is my blog all about my discovery of technology tools. In this blog you will read about the tools I learn about and how I will use them in my classroom. I will also discuss the 4 different modules I will learn about and how each will help me improve the instruction in my classroom. I am excited to learn new technology tools to enhance my students' learning and make learning a lot more fun!

P21 and Standards

Module 1: Standards and P21

Module 1 addressed ISTE standards as well as P21. ISTE is the International Society for Technology Education. ISTE produces standards related to technology for teachers, coaches, administrators, and computer science teachers. These standards help educators implement technology into the curriculum. 

After learning about ISTE, I plan to implement the standards into my curriculum. I try to use technology on a daily basis in my classroom. However, I do not use set standards for the technology instruction. My students will know what the objective of their technology use is prior to the implementation of the technology in the lesson.

P21 is the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The partnership has created a framework for educators to help students become career ready and be successful in a technology based world. P21 embraces four C's: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The main goal of P21 is to have all students ready to succeed when the students leave elementary and high school. The students need skills necessary to compete with other nations' in the growing job markets. 

I plan to try to incorporate some aspects of 21st Century Skills into my classroom. One skill that was addressed is collaboration. I like my students to work in groups. However, I feel my students would benefit greater from collaboration and using creativity to solve a common problem. I also feel it would be important for students to learn about other nations outside of the United States. Some of my students may be working in a global market in the future, and it is important that the students have knowledge of these other nations. 

Sources: 

• https://bb.vcsu.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-605952-dt-content-rid-6372806_2/courses/EDUC_675_SUM_2015/Mod1-EDUC675%282%29.pdf
• http://www.iste.org/standards
• http://www.iste.org/standards/essential-conditions
• The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2015, from http://www.p21.org/ 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTbuFN8_D_s
• http://www.bibme.org/