One of the hottest sessions at ISTE 2010 this year was the annual free tools smack-down hosted by SIGMS. This site lists some of the free tools that were particularly interesting. You can also find the video for the smackdown session here: http://www.istevision.org/viewsession.php?id=149
Classroom Observation Tool optimized for the IPHONE.
C3 is a data collection, collaboration and coaching Tool designed to help administrators conduct walk‑throughs, get an accurate snapshot of the classroom, analyze data, and share concepts with staff. It is a web‑based application that can be used with most web browsers, and is optimized for use on an Apple iPod Touch or iPhone. The program is server‑based, which means that all data is instantly available, and there is no syncing required from device to device. The data resides away from the computer or handheld device, so it can be accessed from the Internet with an account login.
Resources from Rushton Hurley's workshop on Google tools. Discover a wealth of Google tools, multimedia resources, and more. You'll get simple explanations and take home resources and projects for everyone.
Kathy Schrock's presentation at ISTE. This presentation provides an in-depth overview of the micro-blogging tool, Twitter. The links to the tips, tricks, tools, research, and other items included in the presentation are provided.
Take a look at these awesome open education tools to find ways you can incorporate open education in your curriculum-whether your students are in a traditional K-12 classroom, in higher education, or completing an online degree.
"Learning Tools Smackdown ~ Teacher-librarian and technology educator practitioners will share their ideas relating to effective practice in use of 2.0 Tools to deliver the mission that resonates well with ISTE's NETS*S."
Aviary is on a mission to make creation accessible to artists of all genres, from graphic design to audio editing. They offer free image, vector, audio and music editing tools. Sign up to be a beta tester to get free student accounts that are walled off from public viewing. You can also learn more about them through their blog at http://aviary.com/blog.
The Algebra Project, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes.
Digital Information Fluency (DIF) is the ability to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically. DIF involves knowing how digital information is different from print information; having the skills to use specialized tools for finding digital information; and developing the dispositions needed in the digital information environment. As teachers and librarians develop these skills and teach them to students, students will become better equipped to achieve their information needs.
Global SchoolNet's Projects Registry (PR) is the oldest (1995) and largest online clearinghouse for teacher-conducted global learning projects. The PR contains more than 3,000 annotated listings - and is searchable by date, age level, geographic location, collaboration type, technology tools or keyword. The PR is a central place for educators to find global partners and announce projects.
Machinima, video created using 3D virtual environments, was originally developed by gamers but is emerging as a promising classroom tool for developing the NETS.
With an understanding of spatial thinking, educators can learn to use geographic tools to develop research, writing, and presentation in the classroom. Requires Google Earth and ESRI ArcExplorer.
Global collaboration project headed by Vickie Davis and Julie Lindsay. Connect your classroom locally and globally to create meaningful and authentic learning communities using Web 2.0 tools and emerging technologies.
This classroom tool connects directly to a Windows or Mac computer via USB and provides a solution for integrating interactive capabilities with any new or existing projector while eliminating the need to purchase and install dedicated interactive whiteboards.
