Technology makes is so easy for people to stay connected. Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest give us the opportunity to share information in real time so we can stay up on what's important to us - family, hobbies, old friends, even technology.
I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and/or Pinterest. I'll share new web tools, apps and instructional best practices when using technology in the classroom. I will pin, post, tweet and retweet resources and tools that will assist you as you use technology to increase your productivity and engage students in the classroom.
So if you would please, click on one (or all) of the links in the Let's Connect section of my blog to get information delivered right your social media of choice!
Google Docs provides one of the best tools for students when it comes to conducting research and developing research papers and reports. The research tool in Google Docs allows students to conduct research from inside their document. It also allows them to cite their sources in APA, MLA or Chicago formats. Citing also includes pictures.
Take a look at this short YouTube video to see how easy it is to use the research tool in Google Docs (you may have to turn up the volume on your computer, her voice is very soft).
Adobe Voice is a free iPad app that has me jumping for joy!
Adobe voice combines great search tools with simple layouts and easy voice recording to create an outstanding finished story in a video format.
Check out this video to get a quick overview of what Adobe Voice is all about - Adobe Voice. Show Your Story. In Minutes.
Then check out the Adobe Voice Channel to find tips and tricks to make your Adobe Voice the best it can be. You'll also find videos for using Adobe Slate - another great free app from Adobe.
I must admit, I'm addicted to fonts and I absolutely LOVE all of the different fonts to chose from on DaFont.com. This website provides you will thousands of different fonts organized by category.
Not all of the fonts are free, but many are -- so be sure to check the license agreement.
If you need help downloading and installing fonts to your computer, here's a step by step guide - Installing Fonts.
Instead of typing 25 names into the To box of an email, why not set up a contact group instead?
A contact list allows you to set up a group email list one time and then you can use it over and over again.
Here's how to set it up -
1. Open Outlook2. Click People3. Click New Contact Group4. Give the group a name (eg. Principals, 1st Grade Teachers, etc.)5. Click Add Member > From Address Book6. In the Search Box, type in the name of a person that needs to be in the list. When you see the name in the list, double click on it and it will be placed in the Members area of the list. Continue adding people until they are all in the members area.7. Click OK.
Now you have a list you can use to send email messages.
To send the group a message -
1. Open a new email.
2. Click To.
3. In the Address Book, click Contacts.
4. Find the list you created and double click on it.
5. Click OK.
6. Type your message and click Send.
