Technology+Resources

Pete's PowerPoint
The technology resource that I want to share with you all is called “Pete’s Power point” ([]). This is an amazing site that we use for math and science at our school. It has PowerPoint presentations and lesson plans ready for teachers to use. It also has interactive games that teachers can use as part of a whole group lesson or for individual review. These online games and presentations support 21st century skills because students are engaged by different types of media and are able to make real life connections. When you arrive at the site there will be a place mat of topics. Let’s say we enter “math,” then you will need to click on “Free presentations in PowerPoint format and activities for kids.” You will then see a long list of math content topics. Let’s say a teacher wanted to focus on prime and composite numbers, then he or she would select that topic of study. Under the lists of presentations the teacher could choose to use “Prime Numbers Eratosthenes’ Sieve” to use as part of the lesson. For review, the teacher could select a review game such as “King Kong Prime Numbers Game.” Both of these I would recommend.

The Flip
Another technology resource that can be easily integrated into classroom instruction is the Flip video camera. This relatively inexpensive camera is a phenomenal way to integrate technology into any grade and across all disciplines. The cameras are available at most stores where electronics are sold and are also available online at The Flip Website. The Flip cameras start at $149 and specials are available for schools and educators on the website to make these cameras more affordable for teachers. Flip cameras provide quality video and sound footage combined with point and shoot technology. Not only does this camera record up to an hour of video, it can also be used to take still photos. Retrieving the video/pictures from the camera is also easy. The Flip has a USB that "flips" out from the camera itself (you don't have to keep up with cords!) and plugs directly into any computer. Students and teachers alike are engaged in using 21st century skills such as creating, innovating, communicating, and collaborating. The Flip camera can also be used as a tool for self-reflection.



= Tumble Books = Technology Resources- One resource my school is currently implementing is on-line reading software called Tumble Books. On this web site, that is free, you can download Tumble Pad 2.0 to net books, laptops, or desktops and it comes with animated picture books, e-books, games, and activities. The web site can be accessed by the following address [|www.tumblebooks.com]. There is also an off line version offered called Tumble Books Unplugged. This is available exclusively to school and library subscribers without online access. It provides 125 Tumble Books, 25 chapter books, 20 Tumble Games all loaded on a USB stick that can be downloaded to a collection of computers or to a server. This off line version is perfect for schools or libraries with limited bandwidth, not connected to the internet, or wanting to limit internet access to children’s computers. The site is easy to use and kid friendly.

Spelling City
Spelling City ([|http://www.spellingcity.com]) is an interactive educational website that can be used as a replacement for "drill and kill" approaches to studying for, and memorizing, spelling words. Student can practice their spelling words at Spelling City through ten fun and interactive flash games found in the "Play a Game" section that cover the topics of spelling, vocabulary/contextual meaning, alphabetical order, writing/typing practice, and spelling fluency. In the "Teach Me" section, students can hear their spelling words pronounced, see them spelled out letter by letter, and hear each of the words used contextually in a sentence. This feature is especially excellent for English Language Learner (ELL) students, and parents of English Language Learner students, who are not familiar with English vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling. Spelling city also features a "Test Me" section in which students can take practice spelling tests to self-asses their current readiness for the actual test that will be held in the classroom at the end of the week. Spelling City also provides educators, parents, and students with practice handwriting sheets based upon uploaded spelling words. These handwriting sheets provide students with an opportunity to improve the quality/neatness of their handwriting if needed or necessary. Students who have lost their spelling lists may also access, and print them off, from the Spelling City website. The Spelling City website is very user friendly, and is suitable for children and adults of varying computer skills. Novice and advanced computer users will be both be able to effectively and efficiently utilize the website and all that it has to offer within a few minutes of exploration.

**﻿SMART Response Interactive System ** SMART Response (formerly Senteo) is a system of wireless remotes that work in conjunction with Smartboard interactive whiteboards. The hand-held devices are similar to remote controls and can be used with students of all ages and learning levels. In fact, there is a remote system specially designed for young students, students with special needs, or students who struggle with fine motor skills. Using the SMART Notebook software, teachers can prepare or spontaneously create quizzes in various forms including multiple choice, numeric, text, yes/no, or true/false format. Students then respond to questions using their individual devices. Teachers are provided with immediate assessment data, allowing them to adjust instruction instantly. Whether it is used for formative or summative assessments, teachers are able to organize and export the data easily, which aides in future lesson planning. Assessment reports can also be generated to track student progress over time.