Week Seven--Top Ten List of Tech Tools

I have learned so much taking this class. All of the assignments were applicable to classroom. I admit that I was definitely challenged in this course, but I am thankful for the opportunity to learn so many useful tools that I will implement into my lessons. TOP TEN LIST OF TECH TOOLS 1--PUZZLEMAKER (DISCOVERY)--I like to use this online tool to make crossword puzzles that serve as an introduction to my chapters in world history. 2--GLOGSTER--I plan on using this tool to enhance lessons that I teach. I feel that students will find this tool visually appealing. 3--CLASSTOOLS.NET--This online website contains so many useful tools for teachers and students. My favorites are the concept map, Fakebook, and Venn Diagram. 4--SLIDESHARE--I ran across this when I was trying to find things to embed into my glogster. Many useful PowerPoints on topics I teach are available on this site. 5--RUBISTAR--This online tool was very effective for producing rubrics. When I assign projects, I always grade using a scaled rubric. In my opinion, students perform better when they know your exact expectations for assignments such as these. 6--WIKI--I enjoyed this assignment the most. As I prepared my wiki, I could see how effective this kind of assignment could be in history. I like the idea of the students having to post to the wiki. 7--iPad--This is probably my most favorite hardware tool. I like the compact shape of the iPad; however, I feel that it is just the right size for reading from the internet. I have found several useful apps related to world history that I will be using in my classroom. 8--PowerPoint--I know this is probably considered "ancient," but I really like PowerPoints for presenting chapter and information to my students, as opposed to writing notes on the whiteboard or using the overhead transparency. I also like to assign as least one PowerPoint group assignment each semester for my students to prepare. 9--LCD PROJECTOR--I use this tech tool everyday in my classroom. I can project PowerPoint presentations--mine or the ones that students prepare for projects. I also can quickly surf the internet for a picture or video to enhance a lesson I am teaching. 10--ZAMZAR--Because I cannot access YouTube from my school due to the filter that is in place on our server, I use this website to convert YouTube videos from my home computer into a file that I can email to myself and open at school. If you have a similar problem with server filters, try this website.