If I haven't used these 3 then something's wrong!

So, barring a Zombie Apocolypse, or gigantic electromagnetic pulse, or a part of an imagined universe freezing over, I can say I will use the following 3 tools in my classroom this year and next, which is a long time in the world of technology!

An iPad!!!  So much potential.  Where to start?  I'll choose one of my favourite starter apps. This one is great for both teachers and students new to an iPad.

Pic Collage:
This is an iPad app that uses photos, video, stickers, frames, and text to create collages. It has been around a few years now and has gone through some positive growth spurts.  It is free, but offers some options for extensions.  I've seen this app used from JK to Grade 12 in all kinds of subject areas and languages.

Students enjoy using this app.  It is easy to learn, has lots of templates, makes their projects look professional, and work is saved either to the photo library where it can be uploaded anywhere or through any of its quick links. (skitch, twitter, drive, etc.) Impact on students - always positive.  Allows for creativity, modification of tasks, paper saver, and great for student self-esteem.

As long as I am a Grade 3 or higher teacher another of my 'must do's' in the year is to introduce students to a website creator.

Website Creators: 
Having spent a majority of the past 5 years teaching Grade 4 and 5, I had no reservations in showing students how to make their own websites. First I used Google Sites.  Created a couple of class gmails and signed them up through those.  Sent letters of explanation and permission home and off we went.  Next came Weebly.com, which had an Educators option!  Perfect, but it has a yearly cost.  Luckily, my administrator was all for it.  This has been a great site as it is so easy to use.  This year, we made the switch to Google Apps for Education and so back to Google Sites.  This time tho' students have their own accounts and we are 'protected' from outside searches. It has been my leap into ePortfolio's for students.  We use the iPad in class to take photos of our work that is not created on a desktop and upload the images to Drive.  Parents really like to see their child's work and the students love to show them how they make it.

And now a Web 2.0 site.  There are so many.  I'm always surprised to find that not many teachers know about this one.

Voki:
Here's some fun.  Check out this link! (be sure to click the play button)  Students and teachers can easily create speaking avatars.  It is free to do, but there are many upgrade options.  We use the typing tool to create the speech.  It is always a great lesson in phonetics! There are so many ways to integrate Voki.  This is why I never get tired of it.  Students always surprise me with their ideas. I've seen them on websites, as links in slideshows, as introductions to projects, as seasonal greetings, as book reviewers, as political campaign ads, as weather forecasters, Hallowe'en characters and so on.  Another positive, rewarding learning experience for students where they put in a sincere effort. What more could I ask for?
I can't believe it's February and I haven't demoed it yet!  Hey, I've got my mini-lesson for tomorrow now!!!




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