XtraNormal

Xtranormal is an easy application to use to create 3d movies for FREE! It only takes four steps - 1. Pick your scene - 2. Type a script - 3. Add actions and sounds - 4. Publish and share. You can embed into a blog or even upload to YouTube.

BeFunky

BeFunky is a free application that easily allows you to turn your digital images into artistic creations.  The different effects that you can choose from include the cartoonizer, stenciler, warholizer, and even charcoal!  Want more?  You can also check out the 'goodies' and add frames, speech bubbles, shapes, and even accessories. It is super simple to do and the results are fantastic!  Check out my creations!

Sqworl

Sqworl is a web application that allows you to create one URL that hosts multiple URL's - think of the advantages of this when your students are doing research, or when you are taking them on an exciting virtual field trip, maybe by just having a collection of math sites to assist with assessments. The possibilities are endless and the time saved is turned into constructive learning time!


Sqworl Screencast from Caleb Brown on Vimeo.

Twitter Vs. Facebook

Pay Attention

This video is not new, but to me is one of the most powerful truths about education today.  I still find it amazing how many teachers still refuse to change their teaching style in order to engage today's learners.  Are they afraid of the technology? Are they afraid of messing up? 

The topic I get the most resistance from is that of using cell phones in the classroom.  The number one reason listed......"Student's will abuse it." This is a valid point, but do student's abuse their right to use a pencil? How many times do we catch our students passing notes or doodling when they should be paying attention?  Do we take away their pencils?  What about calculators?  Do students abuse this technology? Of course! Remember when we used to spell dirty words with the calculator? (Of course I never did this :)

The simple fact is this: It is our jobs as educators to prepare our students for the real world.  We are not going to do this the old fashion way.  Our students are tech savvy and need the extra stimulus that technology can offer.  Can't you think of the one student who never hands in their homework, but is always texting?  Why not give them an assignment that requires them to text?  

Bottom line: The world is changing and we as educators must adapt with it!

Video obtained from YouTube: Pay Attention

Kideo

Ever go to YouTube or TeacherTube to find a great video for your young kiddos?  Both of these video players have great content for our students, but unless you know exactly where to go - this process can be very time consuming. (Not to mention the numerous acts that you could have lived without seeing:)

Kideo is a video player that plays a continuous stream of videos that are appropriate for pre-school through 2nd grade.  If you find a video that you like, you can simply click on the YouTube icon in the bottom corner and you will be directed to YouTube where you can gain more information on the video and also get those awesome HTML codes; which will enable you to embed the video in your blog or wiki.

A BIG Thanks to AngelaMaiers via Twitter for introducing me to this site!

Wordle

Wordle is a Web 2.0 application that allows you to create word clouds. You have the ability to change the layout, font, and color scheme. Use Wordle for character traits, vocabulary, synonyms, adjectives, science, social studies - the list is endless!

Glogster

Glogster is a free application that allows you to create interactive posters or web page.  Students can create glogs for any content area and include video and images.  Discovery Streaming is an excellent resource for students to find image and video.  Using TeacherTube or YouTube is another great resource.  Don't have access to any of those? Just make your video and take your own pictures!

Image obtained from:  http://www.glogster.com

Day of Discovery in Kansas

Thank you Dean Mantz: Mantz's Mission


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