New Apps on the Carts and A New Feature in Padlet

We just added a few new apps to the iPad carts that I'd like to share.  The first one is called Bookabi and can be downloaded from this link.  

Another is called 30Hands and can be downloaded from the link here.  

We also added SoundCloud, which allows you and/or students to record audio and share it via the iPad.  Soundcloud.com is a website as well.

I'd also like to mention a new feature on Padlet.com, which is great for group projects.  Padlet now has a wallpaper that users can select that is entitled "Tasks".  It is a great way for students to assign tasks, keep track of completing the tasks, and link to other multimedia that impact the tasks.  Here is an example:

http://padlet.com/sbrown/example

Three Things You Won't Want to Miss...Seriously!

Edheads.org  is a great resource for Science-related activities in the classroom.  I've highlighted two of my favorites below (Weather and Design a Cell Phone).  Each activity under the "choose an activity" tab includes the appropriate grade levels, as some of these are more age-appropriate for middle school.  This would make a fantastic center choice.  

Another great center activity or whole-class activity is to take a virtual field trip to Plimoth Plantation.  Scholastic offers so many amazing Thanksgiving learning opportunities that are definitely worth experiencing with your students.  Click here to go on a pilgrim adventure!

The final website I'm sharing today is one that really deserves it's own stage.  However, several of you told me this morning that you are looking for strong online activities so I didn't want to wait on this one.  It is called turtlediary.com  and you and your students will absolutely love it.  Created by other teachers, the homepage offers different sections that are divided by topics: science, language arts, biographies, math, and more.  This website makes for another great center or whole class learning experience.  

As a reminder, you can reserve the computer lab by going to the Library Calendar:  

Happy Tuesday!

Get Sketchy at School with AwwApp

I've been reading and thinking a lot about doodling and sketching as a learning tool.  In particular, I was inspired by Silvia Tolisano's recent blog post about sketching for learning.  It is definitely worth reading.  This would be such a fun, meaningful way for students to digest their learning.  I was trying to think of the best tool for us to implement this into a class lesson when I remembered that I learned about an oldie but goodie at the GaETC conference last week.  It's called Awwapp and can be found at https://awwapp.com/.  It is a virtual whiteboard that allows you to sketch and share the link with someone else and they can join in on your sketch.  Here's mine if you want to add a sketch of your favorite tech tool:

https://awwapp.com/draw.html#86296bc1

Awwapp can be used on any device that has internet access.  Not only is it device agnostic but it encourages creativity and collaboration while learning.  What could be better?

Snapguide

Today's tech tip is awesome!  The reason it is so fabulous is that as I sat down to type this I was thinking about how the students could create their own SnapGuides, which are virtual "how-to's" that are created through the SnapGuide website.  However, after I started to make my own, I realized this site is actually wonderful for teachers because it is such an easy way to share with your students step by step instructions or "how to" information that includes visuals.  Here are a few examples (the last one I quickly put together):

https://snapguide.com/guides/turn-your-smart-phone-into-a-wi-fi-hotspot/

https://snapguide.com/guides/turn-an-old-book-into-tablet-case/

https://snapguide.com/guides/browse-for-a-book/#published

Next time you need to send home instructions, think about sending them home via SnapGuide.

Enjoy!