Even More Tools
Here is a comprehensive list of available resources out online for professional teachers to access and use. This list is not complete and does not include absolutely everything. There are constantly new tools being developed and implemented that in order to keep this list 100% up to date would be impossible!
Websites
These links will take you to a variety of websites with EVEN more links to find online teaching tools. This comprehensive list will give some similar links to tools, but also provide the user with a lot of different options.
Search Engines
Educators need a search engine that can give them quick and useful results. There are too many times where we spend countless hours on Google trying to sift through one million websites to find the right one. Here is a list of alternatives that tailor towards an educator and what an educator needs to find. Avoiding sites like Google will eliminate all the websites that may not even relate to what we search. Websites like Instagrok fro example, will provide you with exactly what you search for and keep it relevant without guessing.
For lessons
These links here are provided to enhance a lesson in the classroom. There are websites below that can provide alternative forms of instruction compared to traditional ways.
Video Tools
Included in this section is video creation and video search tools. This is a place where educators can look for video creation tools and videos that can be added to a lesson and is relevant to the class. Traditional video platforms like Youtube may not be accepted in schools, so using these tools will allow a teacher to incorporate them into their daily plans.
Blogs/websites
Here are tools that focuses more on the Language Arts side of things. However, that doesn't mean that these can not be incorporated into other subjects, but creating a final product that is written by the user is the main idea. Blogs can be a very effective way to assess student knowledge on the subject or topic by getting the students to write their understandings in their own words rather than a manufactured product.
Social Media
No, Facebook doesn't rule the world. There are lots of other social media sites that teachers can use as a way to connect with the students. There are many platforms linked below that can be used as a sort of communication between the teacher and their students while teaching them 21st century computer literacy. This includes being a good digital citizen and understanding how to act morally online based off the instruction or incorporation of these tools.
Collaboration Tools
The tools listed below are given in a way to enhance collaboration amongst the students and also amongst the educators. All of these tools can be used for multiple different uses, and does not have to be employed in only way. Lots of these tools can be used to check for student understanding and formatively assess their understanding throughout the unit or term. Educators need to focus on collaboration for their students, as some students may not have a voice in class but can contribute online in meaningful ways.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is something that can be used, but is not heavily used today. There are lots of video conferencing options related to the specific subject areas, and these tools would help enable that process if an educator ever chose to include it. These tools can allow for real time face-to-face interaction with other professionals or classrooms. Also, these tools could be used to include a student who is far away from the class or stuck at home due to illness. Would educators ever do this? Maybe, but the option is there.
Photo Tools
Believe it or not, these tools can be used to change photographs to enhance it and add elements to the picture. Instagram you have to be careful with it as it is a public social platform, but the options to manipulate photos is fantastic. Some iPhones or phone cameras now have this function, but sometimes phones cannot be used. iPads would be an excellent way to take pictures and manipulate photos through the apps that can be used on the device.
Teacher Tools
Here are organizational tools for the teacher to implement. As we move into a digital age, educators need to have ways in order to organize information in a way that is easy for them. These tools are excellent because they can be accessed on any computer or device and provide the instructor to hold all assignments in one location. Also, the students would be able to work on their assignments at home or on the go and hand in their assignments on time.
Not too often will a teacher need to use audio tools, especially for younger grades. Audacity is a tool that allows the user to mix and create their own sounds using previous recordings that can enhance their project. Voice thread is a tool that can be used as a collaboration tool exclusively online where the user can post audio messages on a specific topic and continue to add as they go.
Audio
Here are a few presentation tools that can be utilized to spice up a lesson. These can get away from traditional programs like Power Point, and adds in their own unique features.