Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 1/31/14

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Wildfinder – “is an interactive tool that visualizes the global distribution of thousands of species that roam the Earth. Ever wonder exactly where tigers roam or vultures fly? Widlfinder shows you.” (L:G; SA:A)

Todoist – “Turn your browser into the ultimate to-do and productivity manager.” (L:G; SA:A)

Narrable – “uses storytelling through images and narrations to engage students and to draw out important higher order thinking skills.” (L:G; SA:A)

Thinkbinder – “ThinkBinder is here to change the way you study with your peers. We have re-imagined the study group environment around a simple, focused set of tools to allow you to work more efficiently. We believe that group discussions, shared notes and real-time interactions should be maintained in a private headquarters free from the clutter of e-mail and generic cloud hosting solutions. To put it simply, ThinkBinder is smarter studying.Our tools are designed around seamless communication and collaboration. Sign on and ask a question about your calculus homework, work through a physics problem on our collaborative whiteboard, then video chat with your Spanish partner. All in one place.Students, it is time to enhance your educational conversation. Share some brain cells and prosper from the brilliance of your peers. No matter how you choose to use ThinkBinder, you will never feel alone again in your quest for knowledge. Now go think together!” (L:H; SA:A)

TypingWeb “is a free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. TypingWeb includes entertaining typing games, typing tests, and free official typing certification.” (L:G; SA:A)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley