03+Cohort+2+Minute+Tech+Tweets

toc Here are the two-minute technology ideas and tools that we shared in our cohort. (Please add details!):

GPS
//Activities for Middle Schoolers// [|geocaching.com] Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.

Wall Wisher
[|www.wallwisher.com] Words that stick

IWB Recording
Both SMARTboard and Promethean IWB have recording (voice and screen capture) facilities. Application for especially for Maths for recording entire sessions or solutions of problems. Video can then be compressed and shared to students. Great for students to revisit as the sound and the screen is recorded; also for students who are absent.

Wireless Microphone
Example was with 5th Grade. Students use the microphone and get used to hearing their own voices.

Frontrow
[] Sound system installed in classrooms. Teacher wears microphone as a necklace (warning: keep volume under control and remember to turn off!). Lots of research to support this system.

Evernote
[] Good for notetaking. Download the software on laptop; make an account online and the notes sync to the web-based account. Can also sync to iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices so that all notes can be accessible at all times. It is free for basic version. Also a paid version for additional features (about $50 per year).

Documenting Evidence for Early Years
Have a basket of laminated names for the class. Student completes/works on a task, for example, a mathematical problem using blocks or other physical items. When completed, student then gets camera and name from basket, places name by work and takes image. Can be used for portfolio and also as evidence of work which can be recorded and used for assessment for teachers in busy classrooms!

Kodak Zi8 Video Camera
[] A good, robust camera for classrooms. Have a mic jack. Good long life for battery so can be used extensively throughout school day. SD cards and range of video options as well as still images.

iPod AV Cable
[] A cable to plug iPod in to TV or projector to view podcasts.

Bookmarks in Browsers
[|A good plug-in for Firefox: xmarks] Xmarks is a free add-on for your browser that synchronizes and backs up your bookmarks across multiple computers. Xmarks helps you find the best sites on the web based on what millions of people are bookmarking.