Friday, May 29, 2015

Matific

Matific is a fantastic site/mobile app (iOS/Android) for Math grades K-6.  The free mobile app has a wide variety of educational games/activities for El Ed aligned to Common Core Standards.  While the site has tons of educational resources such as: worksheets, activities, videos, and more.  Best of all is the educational portal which allows educators to track student progress and differentiate instruction.

I highly recommend checking out Matific by clicking here!!!

Tiggly Words

Tiggly Words is a new learning system iPads that help develop early Literacy.

Here is more email from their promotional email...

"Tiggly Words is our first learning system focused on early literacy and allows us to create a complete learning journey when coupled with our existing products Tiggly Shapes and Tiggly Math (renamed from Tiggly Counts). Tiggly Words includes a set of colorful toy vowels that interact with three new, parent- and educator-approved Tiggly apps for iPad. The new learning system brings tactile play to the latest technology - opening up an entire world of educational possibilities for stretchy kids-- who seek challenges, learn from mistakes and love being creative! The system, as a whole, helps children aged 4-8 construct wacky words and solve the silliest problems-- problems that help them to become better readers, listeners, and talkers! See the system in action here.

Tiggly Words is available here starting today. We are also excited to announce we are expanding our product sales with new distribution in Target and Best Buy Canada stores!"


I highly recommend checking out Tiggly Words by clicking here!!!

BoomWriter Understands

Here is the latest video in the BoomWriter Understands series...



http://www.boomwriter.com/understand

*BoomWriter is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Riddle

Riddle is a new (beta) site that I just found out about from Richard Byrne's wonderful blog.  This is a great site for creating polls, quizzes, and more, that can be embedded into a blog or site.  These quizzes can either be texted based or include an image w/ text underneath.

I highly recommend checking out Riddle by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Quiz/Test Creators click here.

Monster Math

Monster Math is an excellent iOS app/game for learning basic Math skills (i.e. addition, multiplication, etc.).  This is done through an engaging and fun game, as a student helps Maxx solve Math problems to find his friend Dextra.  Best of all, is the detailed reporting that allows
parents/teachers to track student's progress.  Also, Monster Math adjusts skill level based on a user's performance and differentiates instruction accordingly (ideal for self paced learning).  Finally, Monster Math has lots of replay value as there are lots of levels and worlds to explore, and is aligned to Common Core Standards.

I highly recommend checking out Monster Math by clicking here!!!
For a more detailed review check out Edshelf.

Below is a brief demo...

 Monster Math - Trailer from Roopesh Shenoy on Vimeo.

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

For another detailed review check out iLearn Technology's blog.

*Monster Math is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Modern Chalkboard

Modern Chalkboard is a wonderful new free site for finding SMART board resources.  This is a great place to find interactive lessons on a wide variety of subjects such as: Math, Grammar, Science, and Social Studies.  Also, this is a nice place to find other resources such as links and help files.

I highly recommend checking out Modern Chalkboard by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.

Quizizz

Quizizz is a wonderful site for creating multiplayer quizzes that I just found out about from Larry Ferlazzo's excellent blog.  The way this works is an educator signs up and then creates/selects a virtual room or game.  Once the room is created a unique code is generated that can be given to students to join.  A educator has a choice to select a previously created game/quiz or create their own.  Once the game starts an educator sees all results live and in real-time.

I highly recommend checking out Quizizz by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...



For my Pinterest board on Quiz Creators click here.

DimensionU Summer Chill

DimensionU the innovative site for Game Based Learning in Math and Literacy is launching their "Great Summer Chill (online camp) virtual competition.  This is a 5 week fun Math competition for students grades 2nd-12th.  Registration is open and the first 50 registrants receive a free limited edition DimensionU drawstring bag.  Also, players can win lots of prizes such as: gift cards, Nintendo 3DS, and more.

I highly recommend checking out the DimensionU Great Summer Chill competition by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.
For my Edshelf collection on Game Based Learning click here.

*DimensionU is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Apricot

Apricot is a neat new free tool for teachers that I just found out about from Free Technology 4 Teachers.  The way this works is educators sign up and create a class that students join through a code (i.e ClassDojo).  Once the class is created educators can then ask a question, the students respond in real-time, and then their parents get the results emailed to them.  Also, parents can join the same class as their child's w/ a unique login code.

I highly recommend checking out Apricot by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Web 2.0 click here.

Answerables


Be sure to check out the latest updates!!!

Answerables is one of the most unique sites to come around in awhile.  It is a cross between a Learning Management System and Game Based Learning environment to deliver a innovative and fun learning experience for students.  All of this takes place in a 3D virtual world (i.e. think Second Life but geared towards education) that allows educators to create lessons, scavenger hunts, collaborate w/ other educators, and much much more.  Best of all, all of this takes place in Answerables safe interactive environment.  Also, Answerables can be used by any curriculum to teach any subject using Project Based Learning, "gamifying"a lesson, and differentiating instruction.

I highly recommend checking out Answerables by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...



*Answerables is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Simple Machines

Simple Machines is the new iOS app from TinyBop that is ideal for ages 6-8 learning about STEM.  The way this works is students interact w/ six different "simple" machines to learn about the forces that control them and how they work.  They will learn about motion, pulls, levers, and more as they try to make music, launch items, etc etc.  Also, a user can download free worksheets from their websites.

I highly recommend checking out Simple Machines by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Storyboard That

Storyboard That is a fantastic Web 2.0 tool for digital storytelling w/ educational portal.  This portal allows for educators to create student accounts (even batch upload) and assign them to their class via a URL and unique code (i.e. ClassDojo).  Not only can and educator create, manage, adjust privacy settings, and more, they can create storyboard templates and assignments for their class.  Everything is COPPA compliant and very safe to use in an educational setting.

Storyboard That is a very easy tool to use w/ it's drag-n-drop interface and allows students to seamlessly create a storyboards by adding images, clip art, text, record narration, etc.  There is even a innovative slideshow button that turns storyboards into slideshows that easily allows for students or teachers to share their presentations up on a big screen.  A finished product can then be downloaded as a PDF, shared via a link, exported into a PPT, or embedded into a site/blog.

Best of all are the new "Teacher Guides" that are aligned to Common Core standards and contain plot diagrams, Q/A, character maps, and much much more.  Educators are using these for project based learning, digital storytelling, and in a number of different ways to assess student's learning on a project or story.

Also, a student/teacher has the ability to create timelines.  Once a timeline is created they then have the option to add a date, text, image, or select one of the many templates/styles of their choice (i.e web, t-chart, grid, etc.).  This is a simple and great way to make a timeline or graphic organizer.  Educators can use this to create templates and then have students fill it out online thr
ough Storyboard That's educational portal, making it a perfect tool to use for any subject or grade level.

*Just added support for Grid, T-Chart, and Frayer Models

I highly recommend checking out Storyboard That by clicking here!!!

*Storyboard That is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Mystery Word Town

Mystery Word Town is the new game from Artigig Apps.  This mobile (iOS/Android) app follows the same familiar style as the Mystery Math Town games where a user has to travel through a town collecting letters to spell a word (instead of numbers to solve an equation).  Mystery Word Town features high replay value as students try to help the town's sheriff capture outlaws by spelling sight words.  They can interact w/ their environment and learn about the outlaws as they unlock new boards and characters.  Also, this game saves a user account that it makes it ideal for multiple users on the same device as well as the ability to select a users "game" level.

I highly recommend checking out Mystery Word Town by clicking here!!!

For more Artgig Apps click here.

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

Math Games

Math Games is an excellent site for finding free games grades K-8.  Also, a educator can search by skill/subject (Division, Addition, etc.) or by standard.  Best of all Math Games tracks students progress and differentiates instruction.

I highly recommend checking out Math Games by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

Creatubbles

Creatubbles is an excellent for sharing/collaborating on outwork in an educational setting.  The educational portal allows educators to create, manage, and monitor student accounts making it safe for classrooms.  Also, students can comment (pending moderators approval) on other student's outwork from around the world and use Creatubbles on any device.  Best of all, all artwork that is uploaded to Creatubbles is reviewed before being displayed on their website.

I highly recommend checking out Creatubbles by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Digital Art click here.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Splash Math Summer Program

Splash Math is an excellent site/iPad app has recently announced their summer program for K-5 to help prevent summer learning loss and prepare students for their upcoming school year.  This is a free program and has students using the Splash Math program just 20 minutes a day.  Splash Math is a very popular online/app that can be downloaded by individual grade or in a complete package of 1st-5th.  Splash Math is aligned to Common Core Standards, can track student progress in real-time, and is self paced for each individual learner, and has lots of resources such as worksheets and more.

I highly recommend checking out Splash Math summer program by clicking here.

For more information check out Edshelf.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

10 Online Summer Learning Opportunities

It's that time of year again for my annual list online summer learning opportunities or programs.  Being a parent of four kids, I often find myself asking what I'm going to do w/ them when school gets out.  There are lots of options out there for parents but I wanted something that would be fun as well as educational.  Over the last few years Ed Tech companies have started to offer online summer "schools/programs" that are affordable and help prevent learning.  These programs help fill a gap that sometimes is lacking over the summer months and best of all can be done at the comfort from home.

*This list is in alphabetical order

10 Online Summer Learning Opportunities

  1. Brain Chase - Is a online five week program for grades 2nd-8th.  This adventure has students working in the subjects of Math, Reading, Writing, and more, while watching animated episodes and solving educational problems.
  2. CK-12 Brain Flex - A free and self paced online summer program that has students working on the subjects of Math and Science.
  3. Connections Learning - A nice collection of technology related online courses for Math and reading grades K-8th.
  4. DimensionU Summer Chill - A fun online competition that has students of all ages working in the subjects Math & Literacy in DimensionU's innovative 3D virtual worlds, w/ the chance to win prizes.
  5. Electric CompanyThe Electric Company from PBS is offering a 6 wk multimedia summer learning program that will focus on Vocabulary and core Math concepts.
  6. GoNoodle (Camp GoNoodle) - A fun and free online program that has students learning through play and other various educational activities.
  7. K5 Learning - A online Reading and Math program for grades K-5th w/ real time results and detailed reports.
  8. SpellingCity - A summer program for grades 1st-12th for Spelling, Writing, and Vocabulary.  The program is self paced and has over for educational activities.
  9. TenMarks - A free online adaptive program that has students strengthen their Math skills while receiving detailed results.
  10. Time4Learning - A fun online program for grades PreK-8th in the subjects of Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts.

Bonus (Not Offered Online)

  1. Robolink - A excellent way for students to learn how to program and build robots.
  2. Tynker - A fun way to learn how to program or code to build, games, apps, stories, and more.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Studyladder

Studyladder is an excellent site for finding educational resources.  These resources are designed for K-6 and cover a wide variety of subjects such as Math, Literacy, and more.  This is a great place for educators or parents to find, printables, worksheets, videos, educational games, etc.

I highly recommend checking out Studyladder by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Scoodle Jam

Scoodle Jam is a free iPad app that is designed for grades K-6 and ideal for Project Based Learning.  This app uses an Edmodo login for students to create stunning presentations, drawings, projects, or more.  Also, there are an abundance of educational templates or lessons for educators that are aligned to Common Core Standards.  Finally, this is an easy way to integrate technology into the classroom and can be used for any subject or curriculum.

I highly recommend checking out Scoodle Jam by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Educational iOS Apps click here.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

SpellingCity Summer Program

SpellingCity recently announced that they will be offer a online Summer Program designed for students grades 1st-12th.  This program will focus on Spelling, Writing, and Vocabulary, through various online activities and games.  Best of all the SpellingCity Program is self paced and includes over 40 customizable assignments, and works on both the web or free mobile (iOS/Android) app.

I highly recommend checking out SpellingCity's Summer Program by clicking here!!!

*SpellingCity is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Buncee for Mother's Day

Buncee is the perfect tool to use for those student's wanting to creating a beautiful eCard/presentation for their mom on upcoming Mother's Day.  Best of all, they can even print them out directly to Walgreens or send them to their mom via email.








More info...

Buncee for Education is the web portal for educators looking to use Buncee w/ their classroom.  Buncee is a wonderful learning tool that allows educators to "flip" a lesson, use for project based and blended learning, digital storytelling, and much much more.  This is a simple to use presentation/creation tool that students are using on the web or iOS mobile device to create stunning projects through a drag-n-drop interface.  Best of all, the educational portal allows educators to create and manage all student accounts, as well as to create/view assignments.  There is even an abundance of educational resources/lessons for educators to browse to help integrate Buncee into their classroom.

*Recently, Buncee updated their mobile apps (Pro/Edu) to allow for printing to Walgreens w/ a click of a button.  Also, a user can record their voice to any sticker to bring their digital storytelling presentations to the "next" level.

I highly recommend checking out Buncee for Education by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



*Buncee is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Super Teacher Worksheets

Super Teacher Worksheets is one of the best sites around for finding educational resources on a wide range of subjects.  Educators can find, worksheets, printables, puzzle generators and more.  Also, they are constantly updating their site w/ more resources all the time and recently released new crossword puzzle worksheet generator.

I highly recommend checking out Super Teacher Worksheets by clicking here!!!
Check out the new puzzle generator by clicking here.

For my Pinterest board on Educational Resources click here.

*Super Teacher Worksheets is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Answerables


Be sure to check out the latest updates!!!

Answerables is one of the most unique sites to come around in awhile.  It is a cross between a Learning Management System and Game Based Learning environment to deliver a innovative and fun learning experience for students.  All of this takes place in a 3D virtual world (i.e. think Second Life but geared towards education) that allows educators to create lessons, scavenger hunts, collaborate w/ other educators, and much much more.  Best of all, all of this takes place in Answerables safe interactive environment.  Also, Answerables can be used by any curriculum to teach any subject using Project Based Learning, "gamifying"a lesson, and differentiating instruction.

I highly recommend checking out Answerables by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo video...



*Answerables is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Prodigy

Prodigy is one of the best free sites around for teaching Math by using Game Based Learning.  This is an excellent site/game aligned to Common Core Standards for Grades 1st-6th.  Teachers everywhere are using Prodigy to assess students through the educational portal that tracks students progress.  Also, the game has a unique learning engine which differentiates instruction and helps students w/ problem areas.  Being browser based, Prodigy works on any mobile device too.

Below is a demo video...



I highly recommend checking out Prodigy by clicking here!!!

For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.

*Prodigy is an advertiser of Technology Tidbits.

Milk Hunt

Milk Hunt is a super fun highly entertaining iOS Math game designed for grades 1st - 5th.  This game plays like a typical "Platform" game and has students running, jumping, and flying w/ a jet pack as they try to collect bottles of milk while answering different questions.  Best of all, is the detailed reports that shows how well a student is doing as well as being able to select what grade/subject (i.e. multiplication, addition) of Math you want to cover.  This makes it very easy to different instruction and a great way to integrate Game Based Learning in the classroom!!!

I highly recommend checking out Milk Hunt by clicking here!!!

Below is a brief demo...



For my Pinterest board on Game Based Learning click here.