Tech Matrix

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1 comment
TechMatrix Logo

I wanted to blog today about a great site for assistive technology. This site provides tools and resources for students with disabilities and their classmates. Sometimes it can be hard to find good free resources for students with disabilities so this is why I really like this site. This year I have a special needs campus that I know will love and utilize this great site. I have already found some great tools and resources I can use when I go into the classrooms to integrate technology in the best way possible for their needs.


http://www.techmatrix.org



PowerUp What Works

for:

  • Strategic integration of technology and curriculum for Grades 4-6.
  • Improved alignment of technology with initiatives such as:
    • Standards-based instruction
    • Response to Intervention (RTI)
    • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
    • Teacher assessment
    • 21st century schools
    • http://powerupwhatworks.com/

Technology Tailgate Giveaways

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 No comments
Hi Everyone! I wanted to let you know that there is a great giveaway going on over at the Technology Tailgate site.

Here is what you can win!


Our Grand Prize Pack includes... 
$25 Starbucks Giftcard
12+ Prizes!!!!
(WOW!!!)

Science Bob..Rocks!

Monday, September 10, 2012 No comments

I would love to tell you about a wonderful Science site that I think ROCKS!

It is Science Bob!

Science Bob is a fun, interactive site that has several different areas for kids to choose from. There are videos, experiments, science fair ideas, and a research help link with a plethora of fantastic links to other sites.

I know as a Science teacher and now Educational Technology Specialist, I am always looking for resources that will really excite kids about learning and discovering Science. I believe a huge part of understanding Science is about exploring and digging deeper into each concept. I love this site because it is eye catching and will really get students pumped up about what they are learning. This site can be used for a lesson launcher, media inserts in your lessons, the lesson itself, and just about anywhere you want to add it.

If I were you, I would surely make Science Bob a part of my Science Technology Toolbox.


and 




LearnBoost: Lesson Plan Maker

Saturday, September 8, 2012 No comments
I had the chance to get to learn a lot about LearnBoost and I am very impressed with what I see.

This great free tool for Lesson Plan building is awesome and did I mention it was FREE = )

LearnBoost has a lesson plan component that helps you connect planning and instruction to grading and assessment in an instant.There is so much more to LearnBoost, but I just love the ease of use for lesson planning.

To me one of the best parts of this lesson planner is that allows you to include images, videos, charts, maps, and text clippings in your lesson plans. You can even share your lesson plans with your fellow teachers and all media included will be available to them as well.

The lesson planner has a section for Reflection after the lesson in order to tweak for the next time you teach it. I believe in reflecting after a lesson so I love this part.

Give it a try!

Kristen = )




Magic Tree House Books Interactive Website for Kids

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 No comments

Magic Tree House Books Interactive Website for Kids
My Magic Tree House saves that day...well not really, but I couldn't pass up its awesomeness = )

This website is interactive and really appeals to students.  There are “adventures” the kids can go on, answering questions about the books and solving word puzzles. The students also get a passport that they can fill in by answering 3 to 4 questions about each of the books. Its like flying around the world very quickly = )

Students can sign up for free and save their passport stamps, or they can print out each passport stamp and put them in their own notebook. Students love this as they feel like they have been on a really cool trip.

It is such a great way to get your reluctant readers to love the power of a great book.

One of the best parts of this website is that there are teaching resources to go with each book! I also love that they have  a program that donates free Magic Tree House books to low income schools in the United States. I taught at a low income school and I know the power and excitement of donations. 

I know you will love what you see there and all the great fun your students will have using this in the classroom and at home.