80 Online Tools, References, and Resources
We all know that teachers are always looking for tools, references, and resources for classrooms. Well, here's 80 "must see" trial, free, and paid websites recommended by Edutopia community members. Keep this list in your back pocket! It might come in handy. (The list is not ranked and listed in any order.) =)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Workshop of the Week!
What is a Twenty-Twelve Tech Trek? What is faKebook? These questions will
forever lurk in your mind unless you join us on Friday, March 2nd, from 10-Noon
in Andover!
Click here for workshop details.
Let us know if you want to attend one or even both workshops. For reservations, contact Tara Canfield at 316.218.6376 or tcanfield@butlercc.edu
forever lurk in your mind unless you join us on Friday, March 2nd, from 10-Noon
in Andover!
Click here for workshop details.
Let us know if you want to attend one or even both workshops. For reservations, contact Tara Canfield at 316.218.6376 or tcanfield@butlercc.edu
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Clearing your cache
Sometimes, issues in ANGEL arise that are resolved by clearing an Internet browser's cache. This wikihow page has links to instructions for clearing a browser's cache. All the major browsers are listed, including some on mobile devices. and from the looks, it is kept pretty current. Feel free to make a link to this resource within your course, maybe in the Click here to begin folder, or the Resources tab.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Side by Side for the iPad
If I ever get an iPad, I think I would want this app. If you have an iPad you might want to check out this one. Not only does it allow the user to view 4 screens but also supports Dropbox. By the way, did I mention that it is free?
From the website: "Side by Side is a multiple-window reader/browser with offline reading and note taking capabilities. It turns the iPad into multiple resizable reading devices working in parallel. You can browse webpages, download files, read documents, or take notes on each split screen".
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mobile App
Do you have an Apple phone or iPad? Consider using this app called OMJS Learning Structures
The site touts:
The site touts:
Teachers and trainers are always looking for new ways to organize their lessons or meetings in an inspiring way and it is well known that the use of different learning structures contribute to the learning fun and learning efficiency.
But, where do you discover another new learning structure and what is a suitable form that contributes to the purpose of your lessons? This application has the answer! A simple menu helps you to find the right learning structure for your lessons.
The application contains over 40 different learning structures and another 10 for getting your students acquainted.
In for a surprise? Shake your iPhone and get a random suggestion.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Universal Design for Learning...you're invited!
We've been busy in the Butler Online department gearing up for a slew of super-great workshops for YOU, our faculty! Whether you teach face-to-face, online, full-time or adjunct, these workshops are for you! So watch for more information on the upcoming workshops presented by Butler Online! Or check out our online workshop schedule!
We drew straws and I won, so my workshop is first! I'm excited to present Universal Design for Learning on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 10-12.
UDL is is a set of principles that guide us as we design our course, create the materials and deliver the content so all individuals have equal opportunities to learn. If you incorporate some of the UDL practices in your classroom, you will make learning easier for students with disabilities, foreign students, nontraditional students, ESL students, students whose learning style doesn't exactly match your teaching style...basically everyone benefits from UDL in the classroom! It's about removing the unintentional barriers that make learning more challenging and recognizing that we can teach the material in a way that allows the student to learn in the way that works best for them, we can motivate them by engaging them in a manner that suits their needs, and we can offer varied methods for them to express their new knowledge.
We all want to help our students succeed, and UDL is a cornerstone to that success. We will be discussing the UDL methodologies, how we can address them in the classroom and checking out some cool tools you can incorporate along the way.
Please join us for this (and all the others as they become available) workshop! We'd love to have you! And for more information or to register for the workshops, contact Tara Canfield @ tcanfield@butlercc.edu or 218-6376.
We drew straws and I won, so my workshop is first! I'm excited to present Universal Design for Learning on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 10-12.
UDL is is a set of principles that guide us as we design our course, create the materials and deliver the content so all individuals have equal opportunities to learn. If you incorporate some of the UDL practices in your classroom, you will make learning easier for students with disabilities, foreign students, nontraditional students, ESL students, students whose learning style doesn't exactly match your teaching style...basically everyone benefits from UDL in the classroom! It's about removing the unintentional barriers that make learning more challenging and recognizing that we can teach the material in a way that allows the student to learn in the way that works best for them, we can motivate them by engaging them in a manner that suits their needs, and we can offer varied methods for them to express their new knowledge.
We all want to help our students succeed, and UDL is a cornerstone to that success. We will be discussing the UDL methodologies, how we can address them in the classroom and checking out some cool tools you can incorporate along the way.
Please join us for this (and all the others as they become available) workshop! We'd love to have you! And for more information or to register for the workshops, contact Tara Canfield @ tcanfield@butlercc.edu or 218-6376.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Starry Night - for your enjoyment!
Starry Night (interactive animation) from Petros Vrellis on Vimeo.
A try to visualize the flow of the famous painting "Starry Night" of Vincent Van Gogh.
The user can interact with the animation. Also, the sound responds to the flow.
Made with openframeworks.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
QR Code, Skype, and a Funny
Hello everyone. I have a few things to share today - hopefully you will enjoy at least one of them!
The Wichita Eagle today carried an article titled, "One Person Can Inspire". It concerns Heights High students conferencing via Skype with Taylor Mali, "A famous slam poet, teacher and advocate for the teaching profession". One 16-year-old student's response (quoting from the Eagle):
“He inspired me to write,” Garceau said. “Just the things he says, the way he says it. … My heart almost stopped.”
OK, this last one is a wonderful reminder. One of our Butler instructors created an agent to send students a gentle warning if they had not posted to the discussion forum by a given day of the week. Imagine her surprise when she got the email - twice! She said it gave her a good laugh but caused her to go post to the forum. You have to love it!
| I found this post from the Spicy Learning Blog intriguing. After creating QR codes for his blog in class, a student went home and created his QR code with Legos - and it works! Give it a try. |  |
The Wichita Eagle today carried an article titled, "One Person Can Inspire". It concerns Heights High students conferencing via Skype with Taylor Mali, "A famous slam poet, teacher and advocate for the teaching profession". One 16-year-old student's response (quoting from the Eagle):
“He inspired me to write,” Garceau said. “Just the things he says, the way he says it. … My heart almost stopped.”
OK, this last one is a wonderful reminder. One of our Butler instructors created an agent to send students a gentle warning if they had not posted to the discussion forum by a given day of the week. Imagine her surprise when she got the email - twice! She said it gave her a good laugh but caused her to go post to the forum. You have to love it!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Pinterest lets you organize and share what you find valuable on the web. In other words, it is a social bookmarking site. I am surprised that we have never written about Pinterest in this blog. Most likely it is because many people use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
But, Pinterest can be a useful educational tool, especially in online courses. Check out the ideas in these two posts, then share your thoughts via the comments.
Pinterest: Everything You Need To Know Is In This Massive Post and
Pinterest- My New Love for Visual Bookmarking Education and Teaching Web Content
But, Pinterest can be a useful educational tool, especially in online courses. Check out the ideas in these two posts, then share your thoughts via the comments.
Pinterest: Everything You Need To Know Is In This Massive Post and
Pinterest- My New Love for Visual Bookmarking Education and Teaching Web Content
Friday, February 3, 2012
Free text messages to students
It is believed that traditional students often prefer to communicate through text messages rather than ‘old-fashioned’ email. With that in mind, I am piloting Class Parrot. Originally developed for K-12, this tool allows text messages to be sent to registered students’ cell phones through its website. The service is free for a limited number of messages. However, instructor users get 500 initial messages and 200 free per month. There is a monthly or yearly fee for an instructor or school who uses the program. Instructors use just the website, and students do not share the cell phone number at all. I plan to use it to use it to reinforce weekly reminders (and they can be scheduled ahead of time, too).
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Pics4Learning
Do you need some fresh pictures for your presentations, or do your students need a resource for free, copyright-friendly images?The Pics4Learning site offers such images for use in education. So you and your students don't have to worry about copyright issues.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)