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