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Top 5 free technology tools for the classroom
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When we talk about technology in the classroom, many of us automatically think about computers and software. When I sent out a tweet on Twitter and Plurk asking teachers “if you could have only one technology tool in your classroom, what would it be?”, I got a wide variety of responses. This is to be expected, since elementary teachers might have different thoughts than high school teachers, science teachers would have different needs than English teachers, and so on. In addition, the word technology can mean so many things. As @sanmccarron pointed out “even the pencil is technology.”
The following is my own top 5 list, which was developed with the help of some of my followers on Twitter @dmantz, @KellyWissink @sanmccarron and others on Plurk. This list does not include technology tools that every teacher probably already has access to, such as the Microsoft Office applications, computers and projectors, etc. I’ll be reviewing some of these tools, as well as other applications throughout the summer.
In no particular order:
1. Twitter or Plurk. Dubbed as microblogging sites, Twitter and Plurk allow users to broadcast their activities and opinions in 140 characters or less. While I have to admit I was very skeptical when I first started using Twitter, I have found there to be great value in using the tool. I now have a global network of educators who I can get information from and share my own information with. Twitter has been used by teachers to find new tech tools, begin collaborative projects with other classrooms, and build what David Warlick calls “personal learning networks”. Twitter and Plurk can be used to find people to Skype with.
2. Skype. Skype is a tool that allows its users to make phone calls over the internet. Calling other Skype users is free. Skype can call landlines for a low cost, as well. Skype is an excellent tool for teachers who enjoy collaboration with other teachers across the world. I’ve seen several examples of classrooms “Skyping” with each other for a collaborative product. Skype is free to download.
3. Voicethread. This is my personal favorite. When I think about having only one piece of technology in my classroom, Voicethread it is. Why? Because it is applicable to me as a teacher, as a presenter, and to my students. Voicethread can take your Powerpoint, video, still pictures, or any other media you can convert to video or image and turn it into a collaborative presentation. It is very user-friendly. Once you have created a Voicethread, you have the option of allowing other people to comment on it using voice, text, or webcam. Students who are nervous about standing in front of the class making a presentation can add their own voice to the presentation at home, recording it over and over until it is right, then let the Voicethread do the talking. They are still standing in front of the class, but they know the information they wanted to provide will be right. Voicethread is free with limitations and there is a Voicethread for educators that is extremely cheap which has all the functions of a Pro account.
4. Blogging tools. Many teachers are finding blogging to be a way to get their students excited about sharing what they know. It can be an effective tool in the classroom when used properly. Some free blogging tools I’ve used are Wordpress and Blogspot. There are numerous others out there – comment with your favorite.
5. Wikis. Wikis are a quick and easy way for a class or teacher to create a website. Wikis allow several individuals to edit the page and add their own content. Wikipedia brought wikis into the spotlight when it went live in 2001 and their popularity in the classroom increased when Wikispaces began offering free wikis. As with blogs, there are numerous free wiki providers.
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