For those unfamiliar with the term, a learning style is a way in which an individual approaches learning. Many people understand material much better when it is presented in one format, for example a lab experiment, than when it is presented in another, like an audio presentation. Determining how you best learn and using materials that cater to this style can be a great way to make school and the entire process of acquiring new information easier and much more intuitive. Here are some great tools that you can use to cater to your individual learning style, no matter what that is.
Maps are one of our oldest forms of visualizing data about the world. One might say we'd be "lost" without them.
flickr creative commons photo by [martin]
From the early web-based Mapquest versions and later when Google Maps came onto the scene followed closely by Google Earth, online mapping and the use of maps by the general public has exploded. Maps are now a mainstay for mobile computing and other endeavors online line that have a spatial component. The capability enabled by GPS (Global Positioning System) allows our devices to know where we are in the world, what/who is nearby, and what information is available about places.
We see many ways people use maps for personal use and are interested in knowing more about that and your ideas on how mapping tools might also be used for learning.
"Microsoft offers free tools to help engage students in a variety of subject areas-from moviemaking to collaboration to science and beyond. Teachers can download these tools for free, the majority of which require no special training. "
"This site has been compiled by Lenva Shearing
If you are using a cool web2.0 tool in your classroom that is not included here, please email me and I will add it
(email link in navigation bar)"
"Apps and Extras for iPad Accessibility
The iPad is loaded with accessibility features from font size, assistive touch, speak auto text, voice over, speak selection, and zoom. These features are especially important for people who are visually impaired, physically disabled and need more than one tool to access their iPad independently.
Following is a list of apps and accessories that will enhance the iPad experience, including styli, iPad covers and other features that make the iPad the best tool for both students and adults. "
"n2y is your home for effective symbol-supported tools and materials for your students with special needs. We develop the special education curriculum, lesson plans, and materials so you can spend your time teaching. We Create. You instruct."
This website is full of free content designed to help educators understand and implement the Common Core State Standards. It includes practical tools designed to help students and teachers see their hard work deliver results. achievethecore.org was created in the spirit of collaboration. Please steal these tools and share them with others.
"Saywire provides a unique and engaging online learning platform in which people can create private, secure communities to collaborate and communicate with one another. Each Saywire community provides its members with a wide set of tools to quickly and easily build their own autonomous communities or "Spaces" as we call them, within the confines of their organization's parent community. These Spaces are great for learning, sharing, working together, or just connecting with other members of a defined organization/business/educational institution. Each Space can have its own member base, blogs, wikis, discussion boards or any combination of over 12 different features or tools depending on the needs of the Space. Sound interesting? Learn more."
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2010 SIIA CODiE FinalistGaggle's Student Email and Collaboration Tools are a 2010 CODiE Award Finalist in the category of Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas."
"TRAILS is a knowledge assessment with multiple-choice questions targeting a variety of information literacy skills based on 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th grade standards. This Web-based system was developed to provide an easily accessible and flexible tool for school librarians and teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses in the information-seeking skills of their students. There is no charge for using TRAILS."
"Wikispaces makes managing your class a breeze, with tools to handle day-to-day work and features to tackle the special activities you've only dreamed of."
About Creaza
Creaza is used worldwide by thousands of students and teachers every day.
Creaza offers you an integrated, web-based toolbox for creative work, both at school and in your spare time. You can use the toolbox along with various fully developed thematic universes: historical periods, fairy-tales, fantasy worlds, and current challenges, such as climate change/environmental issues.
You can combine these themes with your own uploaded content.
Creaza integrates professional and user generated content, creative tools and a social network in a new and innovative way.
"Creating a presentation or slideshow is a staple of any 21st Century Classroom and a skill that every successful educator has and every successful student should learn. It used to be that only programs such as PowerPoint could create presentations. However, now there are lots of sites and apps that not only create stunning presentations but also make it easier then ever. Below is my list of some of my favorite tools for creating beautiful-looking presentations and slideshows. This list is in alphabetical order.
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"Google Apps for Education - free email and collaboration for schools
Educator resources - educator guides for Google products, and other magical tools
Chromebooks - laptops that bring the power of the web to students
Lesson plan search - lesson plans and curricula
Classroom videos - videos and channels including the new YouTube for Schools, education only content "
NoodleTools is a suite of interactive tools designed to aid students and professionals with online research. From selecting a search engine and finding some relevant sources, to citing those sources in MLA or APA style, NoodleTools makes online research easier.