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In response to a well-documented need to improve algebra learning, CAST this week released two innovative, research-based educational games that teach essential math reasoning and problem-solving skills. The puzzles-MathScaled and MathSquared-are now available through Apple's iTunes Store at no charge.

  CAST today announced the release of UDL Exchange, a free website community that enables educators to create, mix, and share lesson plans and other teaching resources based on universal design for learning principles and aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

What is CAST UDL Exchange? It is a place to browse and build resources, lessons and collections. You can use and share these materials to support instruction guided by the UDL principles.

Mahara is a fully featured web application to build your electronic portfolio. You can create journals, upload files, embed social media resources from the web and collaborate with other users in groups. Find out more... DOWNLOAD MAHARA 1.6 Installation instructions VIEW DEMO SITE

Pete Wells' Sensory Stories. Wonderful PowerPoint stories with accompanying info on hands on materials to support them.

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs blog

Moving at the Speed of Creativity | blog "These are my notes from Matt Hardy's WONDERFUL presentation on February 9th on Classroom 2.0 Live about Blogging in the classroom and the platform he co-founded, KidBlog! The official title of his presentation was "Using Kidblog to Document Student Learning." "

"Welcome to the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities' Assistive Technology wiki. Here you will find links, vendors, stories, and virtually anything else that relates to Assistive Technology. EXPLORE, LEARN, ENJOY"

"GoClass is a cloud based teaching and learning platform designed for connected mobile devices in the classroom. This App allows you to use several GoClass services and features on Apple iPads, iPhones and iPod Touch devices. If you do not already have a GoClass account you can set one up for free at the GoClass website."

"GoClass is a cloud enabled teaching application for tablet devices that redefines the boundaries of computing in the classroom. Connect with your students like never before, customize and fine-tune your lesson plans on the fly, engage students in new ways and continuously evaluate their understanding while you are in class. By enriching existing methodologies - rather than replacing them - GoClass empowers you to build on your teaching experience while engaging students in a 21st century learning environment."

"People change what they do less because they are given analysis that shifts their thinking, than because they are shown a truth that influences their feelings."

"This fine academic tool was designed to assist in the writing of reports, grant applications, and other documents related to public schools. I believe that it will be particularly useful for people involved in writing reports for WASC accreditation. Amaze your colleagues with finely crafted phrases of educational nonsense! The javascript code is adapted from Dack.com's Web Economy BS Generator. I would be remiss if I did not thank my district's Professional Development staff for introducing me to many of these gems. "

Hot Technology Tools for All Learners

"There is nothing wrong with using apps for isolated skills practice, such as multiplication, spelling, memorization, taking digitized quizzes or substituting otherwise traditional analog activities. These purposes should not be the only reasons of using iPads though. As students are being exposed to different apps, the focus needs to remain on the purpose, creation, workflow and sharing of what they can "do"with the iPads. They should "do" what they could not conceive or accomplish without them before."

""Just bells and whistles." That's how elementary math teacher Jennie Magiera described her feelings about the limited value of educational technology three years ago. Today Magiera serves as Digital Learning Coordinator for the Academy for Urban School Leadership's network of 25 Chicago Public Schools (CPS). As she trains others to use technology effectively, it is hard to imagine a time when she was so dismissive about technology in the classroom."