So much available to differentiate for every student's special need. Here are 50 apps and websites: Click for list Last year was a boom year for edtech web tools. There were so many, I couldn't keep up. I would discover what seemed to be a fantastic tool from one of the tech ed blogs I follow, give it about five minutes to prove itself, and then, depending upon that quick review, either dig deeper or move on. If it was
recommended by a colleague in my professional learning network, I gave the site about twice as long but still, that's harsh. I certainly couldn't prove my worth if given only five minutes! Nevertheless, that's how it is because there are too many options. Here's what I wanted to find out in the five minutes: - Is the creator someone I know and trust (add-ons by Alice Keeler always fit that requirement)?
- Is it easy to
access? Meaning, does it open and load quickly without the logins I always forget?
- Is it easy to use? Meaning, are links to the most important functions on the start page? For example, in Canva, I can create a flier for my class in under five minutes because the interface is excellent.
- For more complicated tools, how steep is the learning curve? Does the site offer clear assistance in the form of videos, online training, or a
helpline?
- Is the content age-appropriate for the grades I teach?
- Is it free or freemium, and if the latter, can I get a lot out of it without paying a lot? I don't like sites that give me "a few" uses for free and then charge for more. Plus, free is important to my students who may not be able to use it at home unless there's no cost attached.
- Is there advertising? Yes, I understand "free" probably infers ads so
let me amend that to: Is it non-distracting from the purpose of the webtool?
- How current is it? Does it reflect the latest updates in standards, pedagogy, and hardware?
- Does it fulfill its intended purpose?
- Has it received awards/citations from tech ed groups I admire?
Click for more Have you ever been around someone who knows exactly the right word when they talk? Don't you conclude they're smart? Capable? The one you want in your study group? How about the inverse--an individual struggling with language, maybe picks words that aren't quite right or can't come
up with one at all. What do you conclude then? Teachers have always taught 'vocabulary' using labels like word study, site words, Dolch, Hi-Frequency words. Common Core considers proper terminology part and parcel to preparing for college and career. They fall into three types: Click for more Questions? Go ahead and ask! I love tech ed questions. You can either reply to this newsletter or contact me via email. |
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