Ed Tech Crew

In Pret homeworks, students practise, recall, extend and think. This homework template is versatile and adapatable. Typically you would follow up a Pret homework in class with a spelling, definition or memory test and a discussion about research findings. Craig Barton shares some ideas on how to use Pret homeworks in this 'Resource of the Week' post. Most of the homeworks on this website can be edited to suit your needs. There are homeworks suitable for Key Stage 2 up to A level.

"The SPA is for everyone. Whether you're young or old, a beginner or an experienced skywatcher, there's something for you. We aim to make stargazing fun! "

The gist is summed up by the last question: If the purposeful use of technology can enhance or accelerate those ideas above, shouldn't more leaders look at how these tools can be used in their own practice?

The Gamification Guide for Teachers. This site offers gamification guides for teachers to use. It includes a variety of instructional strategies that can be implemented through games in order to develop students learning and build their skills with some specific content in mind.

"Programming is one of the most valuable skills you can pick up in these modern times, whether for career prospects or to stretch your brain and create something awesome. If you're just getting started on your coding journey, here are ten tips and resources to set you off on the right foot."

"Google started as a search engine, but now it's one of the biggest collectors of data in the world. Whether it's your personal details, shopping habits, or even where you travel, Google has a lot of ways of keeping track of it. This infographic scratches the surface of Google's data collection systems."

HTML5/JavaScript Drum Machine and Sequencer "Sketch patterns using sounds from one of the available audio kits."

It also allows you to export audio to allow you to possibly use sounds elsewhere.

"Each CS First club is based on a real world theme and consists of about 10 hours worth of lessons and activities. The different club themes offered aim to attract and engage students of varying backgrounds and interests. All our materials are targeted at students in 4th - 8th grades (or between the ages of 9 - 14), and are free and easy to use."

Post puts forward ideas (in simple terms) how Minecraft can be used in a variety of ways in primary schools. Could also work in junior secondary classes

"Link directly to specific quotes in web pages" "Paste a chunk of text and the URL of the page containing the text and in return get a link that opens directly to your selection and highlights it."

"Tools for Musicians" including drum sequencers

"...almost 50 exemplars of effective practice in support of students' digital experiences. The exemplars have been written up with the support of the staff (and in some cases students) involved." Drawn from Higher Ed, but applicable in secondary too.

Based on the principles found in the Gartner Hype Cycle

"Niume is an interest-based social network that is born out of the need for a quality driven social network in which users are motivated to share high quality content and to pursue their passions"

"Your world of shared interests"

One teachers guide to some of the many good free tools for creating comics and cartoons on the web, as well as apps for tablets and smartphones.

3 good Android apps to use for creating instructional videos. Each has been discussed by Richard Byrne to give you a good idea about their strengths nd how they might be used in education.

A list of reasons why students should be taught coding plus links to 4 tools from Google for Education that will assist classroom teachers.

"This post aims to collate news coverage and blog posts about the recently published Sutton trust report into what makes great teaching." By @mrocallaghan_edu

"It is pretty much a given these days that students have mobile phones, tablets, and e-readers. Leveraging what your students already have and already know how to use is a smart idea - even if you aren't implementing a full-on BYOD classroom environment. There are many ways to have students use their mobile devices in the classroom in a format geared towards learning rather than for leisure. The infographic in this post takes a look at ten fairly general ways to use devices in the classroom. The general nature of some of the recommendations makes it a great starting point if this is a newer concept for you or for a particular group that you're working. "