This is an assortment of online tools that I use with my students and/or make my job as a classroom teacher more efficient. All resources are free unless noted otherwise.
| Google Forms | Google Forms are a fantastic resource in the classroom. Catlin Tucker has a great How-To guide to get started. |
| Dropbox: http://db.tt/p4EH5tV | Dropbox Always have your files when you need them. Their short video explains it well. All items in your DB can be sent or shared as links with others. (I’ve used it successfully with Special Programs students who need computer access, and to sync from school & home.) It’s free, and use my link to get a storage boost: http://db.tt/p4EH5tV |
| dropitto.me | Drop It To Me Students and colleagues can send you files securely directly to your Dropbox using DropItToMe. This includes powerpoints and video files that are too large to send via email. |
| http://ifttt.com | If This Then That “Put the internet to work for you.” Set up triggers (such as, if I tweet a link or receive an email) and resulting tasks that will happen automatically (then save that link to my Dropbox or text me an alert.) It’s free and limited only by your needs! |
| quizlet.com | Quizlet The one-minute video on their website demonstrates the power of this online study tool that allows students to collaborate by sharing eFlashcards, using their mobile phones, and much more. |
| screencast-o-matic.com | Screencast-O-Matic http://www.screencast-o-matic.com allows you to record what’s on your screen with a click of a button and there’s no software to install. |
| prezi.com | Prezi Similar to a Power Point in that it presents information and allows for embedding of things like video clips, but the similarities end there. Where a PPT is linear, a prezi is a 360 degree experience. My students find it very simple and intuitive. Make sure to sign up for the free educator’s account. |
| www.spicynodes.org | Spicy Nodes Create virtual connected webs of ideas, with text and embeddable with pictures and more. One application I’ve used this for with my students is to compare two stories or characters. |
| PDFescape.com | This free online PDF editor allows you to add & “white out” text, add sticky notes, and more. When done, save the new PDF file to your computer…or Dropbox. I love using it to save a key or student responses to a PDF file. |
| easel.ly | This free website allows students (or teachers) to create visually pleasing infographics with data and save in an easily sharable format. Use one of their templates or start form scratch. |
| www.diigo.com | Diigo Their tagline is “Collect and Highlight, Then Remember”. It’s a wonderful way to keep together resources from the web, add highlighting, sticky notes, and…well, watching the 3 1/2 minute video on their website explains better than I can here. |
| www.forallrubrics.com | Interactive scoring on an iPad. Insert comments and have scores totaled for you. Watch the 1 minute demo video! |
Blendspace.com
http://www.teachersfirst.com/spectopics/dats.cfm
Catlin Tucker has a great list, too! Check it out!
Teaching Speaks Volumes 
I am curious. All the ‘tech’ information but no books listed as a good read. What has happened to reading and writing?
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That’s a good question, Sharon.
As a language arts teacher, I always am a fan of books. I’ve heard good things about Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, though I haven’t felt the need personally to read up more on those items.
However, literacy comes in many forms. I’ve found the most helpful resources to read on new technology are on websites. They’re free, updated regularly (as technology is ever-changing), and they often have embedded video tutorials of the new apps or skills.
A few of my faves, some from my Blogroll:
http://www.educatorstechnology.com
catlintucker.com
http://www.friedtechnology.com
http://www.techlearning.com
Many Thanks for your comment,
Erica
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