Wednesday, January 30, 2019

6 Ed Tech Tools to Try in 2018

     I don't consider myself a pro at using technology, but I am always looking for new things to incorporate in instruction. Cult of Pedagogy blog posted "6 Ed Tech Tools to Try in 2018" by Jennifer Gonzalez. I had previously read her article titled "6 Ed Tech Tools to Try in 2019" and was very impressed. I decided to look back a little further and see what technology she recommended in past year. Her 2018 article explained 6 tech tools and the benefits of using them in the classroom. Here are the tech tools she mentioned:


  1. Flipgrid- an app that allows you to pose a question and your students can respond in a video format. Students can also watch and comment on their peers videos. It is a great way to start a conversation about a specific topic, especially if you have students who struggle with speaking in front of others. This app helps students find their voice and get into deeper conversations.
  2. InsertLearning- this tool allows you to take any webpage and turn it into a lesson. If you found an article you wanted your students to read, you can insert questions and videos right into the article. You can choose to add multiple choice or open ended questions. Once an insertlearning lesson is created you can share it with your students through google docs and their responses will be sent to you. This tool is an extension you can easily add to your chrome browser. 
  3. Book Creator- this tool allows students to create, publish, and share books online. Students can choose the layout they want (ex. comic book style), and customize everything from the font to the graphics. When the book is published online, the pages turn like a real book and the audio and video play inside the app. This tool can be used with any content area, as a way for students to synthesize and apply what they have learned about a specific topic. 
  4. NewsuemED- this tool provides access to a collection of primary sources, news articles, and lessons. When you find an article you would like your students to see, you simply share it with them using a URL that lasts for two weeks, but can be renewed. If you find a lesson, handouts are available to be printed.
  5. AutoDraw- this tool uses AI to guess what you are trying to draw by pulling up professionally drawn images that it thinks you are trying to draw. Once you see an image that matches yours you can add color and resize it. Gonzalez describes it educational value as being a way for students to use images to remember information, or as a preferred activities for early finishers.
  6. Sway- this tool allows you to create dynamic presentations, similar to powerpoint and Prezi, but stepped up a notch. You can add content from within the app. It also has a selection of images, so that you don't have to worry about copyright laws. 
     Out of all of these tech tools, I would love to try Book Creator. I love the idea of my students creating their own book. I feel like it would motivate them to write and to love reading. My younger students may have trouble navigating this on their own, so I feel like it would be most beneficial for to create it as a class. If you want to check out this article yourself the link is: https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/6-tech-tools-2018/


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