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Blog from local trainers who concentrate on educational technology

Your Source for Edtech Tutorials, Demos, and Reviews. Hosted by Christopher Bell of Julian Charter Schools and a Trainer for OCDE

" What amazed me most about Classtools.net was not the valuable tools provided, but the ability for teachers to easily customize these tools and use them in any subject area. If that is not enough, how about the ability to embed your newly made instructional resource on your own classroom website, wiki, or blog? Any educator will also like the fact that students have no need to log in or sign up for an account… and neither do teachers! Need tutorials… they are provided! Do samples help you understand better… you will find plenty! Is budget a problem… then free should be affordable! Classtools.net is the work of educator, Russel Tarr, Head of History at the International School of Toulouse, France. Upon entering the site, educators will see the listing of tools. Clicking on a tool allows teachers to individualize that specific tool for their own classroom needs. Teachers then have the option of copying a generated link to place on their own web site or of copying a generated code to embed as a tool (widget) on their classroom site. Also, on the front page, are some video links that will provide further information. Two videos that provide excellent information are the 1 Minute Overview and How to Create Games. The Listing Of Over 20 Digital Tools For Your Classroom The tools that you can even customize are included below. Along with this tool listing you will find descriptions of each tool, an overview of and samples of specific tools (if provided), and any related video (if provided). * Arcade Game Generator - Allows teachers to create concept builders, practice exercises, and reviews. Best of all, one set up feeds into five different game possibilities at the same time The teacher can choose which game, or allow students a choice. Make sure you check out all the examples and pre-made games in (overview and samples). Also watch the How to Create Games . * Random Name Picker - Can be used as an activity management tool or skip the names.

"Our nation suffers from 19th century thinking when it comes to preparing educators for the increasingly collaborative work of teaching and learning. Many outstanding programs have been established to push education forward, but short of a few largely for-profit corporate efforts to recognize educators using digital tools effectively; there remains no consistently recognized way for these leading educators to certify themselves as 21st Century professionals. Leading Edge Certification is that certification. Created through an alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, the certification will provide five different roles over the course of five years."