I have used all of these recommended digital media tools...fairly easy to use. Recommend all. However, if you want a quick and EASY podcasting solution, try Audioboo.
Article discusses the importance of good teaching and how technology enhances students' learning, but teaching kids to think deeply or critically has to be encouraged. Worth a read.
Character Scrapbook from Scholastic will help students analyze books; one short coming is that you can't save and revisit, so you must have students print out or take a screenshot. Recommended to me by one of my grad students, Collen Van Cura.
K-12 tech tools with lots of helpful information (e.g., media release form). Many many tools categorized by content areas with search engine within. Looks like a very helpful tool for teachers and families. Recommended to me by a grad student.