Mimio Training at East Elementary

There were 14 Calallen teachers from the elementary and middle school campuses that showed up for today's Mimio training. These teachers sacrificed a day of their summer vacation to come in and learn some new tricks with Mimio tools. Hats off to all of you!!! Your dedication is much appreciated.  I hope to see the same turnout for tomorrow's claymation training. I would also like to thank Mrs. Parker (East principal) for allowing us to use the computer lab. Thanks to all!!!

T3 Technology Tools

So many technology tools that were ordered by Calallen teachers have arrived. I have to thank David Ebert for doing such a great job. I didn't realize there was so much to do. He stayed on top of everything. It was not an easy task. Thanks David!!! 

We are sorting items and will soon be delivering so that teachers can have their tools at the start of the new school year. I can't wait to see all this stuff in action. Of course, training will follow. This is an exciting time for Calallen ISD!

Web 2.0 Tools Galore

Are you looking for a certain online tool to integrate into your lesson? Well, if I don't have it listed on the blog, then take a look at Web 2.0 Directory or GO2WEB20. My favorite of the two is GO2WEB20. All the tools and applications are listed on one page and each is accompanied by a short description when you mouse over them. Web 2.0 Directory has over 1200 sites which have been put into 50 categories, making it a bit easier to find what you're looking for. Have fun exploring!  

                                                            Image via CrunchBase

Image and Text Generators

Online image and text generators are great if you want to add some pizzazz to your blog, wiki, or website. Remember, if you want your students to be drawn to your site, it is always a good idea to add some eye candy. That will keep them coming back. It is also likely to draw in the parents too. For the chalkboard above, I used addletters. but there are many others to choose from. Many students are already used to using these image generators on MySpace and Facebook. So, if you plan on your students creating their own blog, wiki, or website, this would be a great motivator. They love this stuff!

I have listed some, but there are so many more on the Web. Let me know if you have a favorite not listed below. Have fun!!!

Page Plugins

Chalk Board Letters

Comic Strip Generator

Cool Text

Tiny Tags on Wig Flip

Street Signs on Wig Flip

Wig Flip - They also have speech bubbles, sticky notes and more.

Image Chef Word Mosaic

Mosaic Generator - Very Cool...must see this!

Shape Collage

Typo Generator

Wordle

Don't have PowerPoint or iPhoto for a Presentation...Don't Worry

Tired of PowerPoint or you just want to try something new. In the article, "Top 10 Sites for Creating Slide Shows" David Kapuler lists his top 10 sites to create an out of this world presentation. Visit the sites below and let us know which is your favorite. If you know of one not listed here, please share it with the rest of us.

1. Kizoa - Creates slide shows with a variety of music, effects, and transitions.
2. Shwup - Create private collaborative slide shows that allow comments.
3. Photo Peach - Create quizzes in your slide show with multiple choice questions.
4. Animoto - Very popular site with free all-access pass for educators and my favorite.
5. Slideroll - Can also make private and allow comments.
6. Flixtime - Uploads photos and select audio and transitions. Then you can embed the code onto a blog, wiki, or website.
8. PhotoSnack - Drag & drop interface.
9. Pho.to - Create flash based slide shows and get an embed code to put on your blog, wiki, or website.
10. Vuvox - Create eye-catching multimedia slide shows.

Slideshare is a site that is not on the list, but very useful. If you already have a PowerPoint presentation, Slideshare allows you to upload and share it.

Generation Yes and Podcasting

Generation Yes is a program which allows students in grades 6-9 to help teachers use technology in the classroom. Students help with lesson planning and provide tech support. Students are building technology and leadership skills, and creating a school-wide llaborative learning community. This curriculum is not free, but GenYes does offer free resources such as this Podcasting How-To. This pdf may come in handy for those of you who ordered iPods through the T3 Grant.

 

 

Image via Wikipedia 

How to Teach with Technology: Science and Math | Edutopia

If you teach math and science, then you will probably want to read this article which was written by Sara Bernard in Edutopia. This is a very informative article about various technology tools to use for math and science. I really like how this article included tips from students.
How to Teach with Technology: Science and Math Edutopia

"Seven Free Online Resources you can use today!"

"Seven Free Online Resources you can use today!" is a recorded webinar which was sponsored by Intel and presented by Dan Morris, Naomi Harm and Judi Yost. This was a free webinar that was offered through ISTE. This would be of great benefit to K-12 teachers because of the free teaching tools and resources which can assisst you in creating 21st century teaching and learning.


Below are links to access the great resources from the presentation.


Intel Education Tools

Visual Ranking

Showing Evidence

Help Guide

PBA