LogMeIn

The find:
A relative newcomer to the remote access family, LogMeIn.com offers a simple, secure way to access your digital files when you are away from the office.  A straightforward, ten minute installation on your classroom computer is all that's needed.  Then, you have the ability to log-in to your computer wherever you have internet access.  Security is tight as your are required to use both your LogMeIn as well as your school district username and password in order to gain remote access to your device.  There is also a customizable inactivity timeout feature that locks both machines.

The test:
We have two departments currently using LogMeIn in a variety of ways.  Checking email, accessing network drives, and working with school documents are the obvious and popular choices.  But, one staff member has found another creative and convenient use.  Using his iPad (yes LogMeIn talks to both pcs and macs), he is able to manipulate his PowerPoint presentation and SmartBoard tools without being tethered to his laptop.  Needless to say, the ability to move freely about the room greatly enhances the lesson. 

The presentation:
LogMeIn Tutorial

Wikispaces

The find:
If you are a regular follower of this blog, you are probably begining to understand that we like tech tools that have been around a while- that have a bit of a track record.  Wikispaces is another one of those tools.  In just minutes you can "get your classroom online", giving you a platform to provide many different resources for your students and their parents.  For example, wikispaces works very well with Google meaning it's a snap to sync and display your calendar or embedd YouTube videos into your wiki.  Or perhaps, you would like to create and moderate a discussion thread.  Maybe you just need a place to keep electronic copies of assignments for students to use to catch up when they have been absent.  With the many available widgets, these are just a few of the ways you can put your wiki into action.

The test:
We have been utilizing wikispaces for the past four years in many different areas, both in and out of the classroom, teachers and students alike.  The setup is very straightforward and takes only a few minutes.  Once in the wikispaces environment, users will find it edits much like a Word document and should be able to have a basic wiki up and running in no time.  However, it takes some time to feel comfortable with the more advanced tools.  In order to effectively utilize this part of wikispaces requires regular use, collaboration with others, and even a bit of homework over the course of several weeks.  Fortunately, there are helpful tutorials built into wikispaces as well as a wealth of videos on YouTube.

The presentation:
How to set up a wikispaces account

Wikispaces basics

Prezi

The Find: 
Continuing on our theme of time-tested educational technology, we offer the presentation software Prezi.com.  This cloud based tool offers many benefits over others you might be more famiar with, such as PowerPoint.  The "zoomable canvas" creates more interest and egagement while exploring ideas that can be embedded as text, images, audio or video.  Another powerful feature is the ability to invite others to view or even edit your work.  Users can create presentations by using one of the many available pre-made templates (some are 3-D!) or create their own from the customization tools.  The latest update even allows you to import your old PowerPoint presentations into Prezi.

The Test:
We are in the third year of using Prezi.  It has taken hold in classrooms with teachers and students alike using it to collaborate and present information.  In addition, our administration and instructional facilitators are discovering its potential for staff development.  The setup requires only an email address, which does not have to be verified before you can begin using Prezi.  First time users will find video tutorials every step of the way.

The Presentation:

• How to use Prezi.com (NOTE:  This video is for the old version of Prezi.  You will find the menu has changed and the tools are in different places in the latest version.  However, the interface is essentially the same.)
• The new look Prezi

Cel.ly

Cel.ly

The find: 
Celly believes "small messages change the world".  You create mobile social networks called 'cells' where members can communicate in real time via text messaging.  The best part is, members subscribe to your groups rather than you spending lots of time entering information (like you used to with old text messaging groups).  Cell administrators determine who is allowed in each group as well as the amount of interaction their cells are permitted to have.

The test:
Currently our school has cellys working in many areas.  Several classrooms, coaches, and educational leaders have created cells to communicate important information with their members.  The administrative setup takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and members join with a simple text message.  As with many smart phone tools, the initial setup is easiest if you have access to a computer as well as a smart phone.  While you can complete everything on your phone, there are many parts that are much simpler if you have a computer keyboard and mouse.  Also, keep in mind that celly messages are designed to be 140 characters or less.  Longer messages are split and sometimes parts can be lost.

The presentation:
How to use Cel.ly

Study Blue

The find:

Study Blue.  Along with its android cousin Study Droid, you can easily create digital flash cards, study guides, and quizzes that students can access anywhere on any device.  Teachers create an account and then add content that is made available to students as needed.  Students do not need an account to access the information, but they can can create one and start building their own study materials.

Discussion point:  Are flash cards still useful in this day and age?

The test:
We have created vocabulary flash card sets for sophomore english students, as well as squares and roots flash card sets for algebra two students.  It takes a bit of time to set up an account and learn how to create content.  There is an ever growing amount of pre-made resources available that help, but it is beneficial for a teacher to know how to build things unique to their classroom needs (plan on spending approximately an hour that first time).  After that, it will take another half hour or so for students to download the app, familiarize themesleves with the interface, and practice a bit.

Discussion point:  Which version are you liking better?

The presentation:
StudyBlue
StudyDroid

Socrative

The find: 

Socrative.  With just a few clicks, a teacher can set up quizzes, exit tickets, even a racing game that contain true/false, multiple choice, or short answer questions.  These are then sent to your students' smart devices who get immediate feedback.  Upon completion, a spreadsheet with results is downloadable for the teacher.

Discussion point:  For those of you with experience with each, how do you think socrative compares to CPS (clickers)?

The test:

We built a sophomore level multiple choice quice used as a vocabulary review as well as a 'space race' bell-ringer for a staff development session.  Once you set up your account and become familiar with the tools on the website (approximately an hour), each quiz takes only minutes to create.  Students do not need an account, just a device with internet access. 

Discussion point:  Is anyone having problems with socrative being blocked by their school's internet security filters?

The presentation:

http://www.socrative.com/ 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eseWmUyi7L8

What we do

The objective of this blog is to work together in order to find, test, and share the best new and free educational technology tools and ideas.  Here is our plan and how you can be a part of the grand scheme:

Finding new tools. 

You can help!  We'll be on the hunt for the best free stuff, but if you have a favorite you would like us to check out, please let us know.

Testing new tools.

What is your experience?  We promise not to present anything that has not been used in an actual classroom.  In addition, anyone who has experience with the particular tool or idea can add their thoughts to the conversation.

Presenting new tools.

Work together.  We will give you the information you need (links, video, etc.) to get you rolling.  At this point, the discussions can go in whatever direction is needed in order for things to best be implemented and supported.

Let the fun begin,

R.ed.Tech Staff