A lot of online resources today, deal with networking, which is very beneficial to teachers (and parents!) of any level. Networking allows for teachers and parents to communicate and share ideas on different technologies used in the classroom, what works for them and what doesn't, and allows for teachers to stay updated on the most recent findings in education technology. It is important for teachers, parents, and administrative staff, to stay connected through networking sites and educational online sites to stay on top of the ever-growing technological world. It takes all kinds of teachers, parents, and administration to provide the best possible education for students.
There are so many available online resources that can be used in the classroom. Technology can really change the way material is taught and the way student's learn in an effective and positive way. Storybird, Starfall, ABCmouse.com, Wideo, and Pinterest, are just a few of the many resources a teacher can use to engage and freshen up teaching styles and, believe it or not, these resources are early-elementary user friendly!
There are so many available online resources that can be used in the classroom. Technology can really change the way material is taught and the way student's learn in an effective and positive way. Storybird, Starfall, ABCmouse.com, Wideo, and Pinterest, are just a few of the many resources a teacher can use to engage and freshen up teaching styles and, believe it or not, these resources are early-elementary user friendly!
Storybird
Storybird is an amazing program that can be used on any technological device. Storybird allows you to create, share, and read visual stories based on illustrations that the site has compiled from various illustrators and graphic designers throughout the world. Storybird is a community for story tellers! This technology is truly awesome because I can use it in the classroom to inspire my class with the artwork and endless possibilities the children have with creating their own story based on an image. It is truly a gift to language arts teachers everywhere.
Starfall
Starfall is a free website that was created in 2002 that aims to teach children to read with phonics. Starfall offers online games, books, and various online activities that use phonics in a fun, and comfortable way. Children in a classroom would find this website very fun and could even practice with it at home. This website is a great way to teach students how to use technology such as the internet in a safe and productive way.
ABCmouse.com
ABCmouse.com is another website that is used to teach preschool - kindergarten children a full curricula through various activities. ABCmouse.com is not, however, a free website, but does offer a 30 trial. ABCmouse.com is not limited to just reading and has a plethora of activities ranging from art activities, songs, online books, games, international education, math, and print-ables. This website is unique and useful in the classroom in the fact that the lessons are progressive, meaning they increase with difficulty of material as the child moves through them, as well as progress tracking. These features would make classroom organization easier and progress tracking would be useful as pretests or post assessments for different parts of the curricula taught in the classroom.
Wideo
Wideo is an online video site that allows you to create animation videos for the classroom, presentations, teaching lessons, or for fun! It is a very easy, and user friendly resource. One way this can be used to teach language arts is to create a video based on a story or writing piece that can be shown after reading the book. Children love to see the story come to life and can really help children comprehend literature.
In relation to networking, this site is fantastic for staying connected to fellow coworkers, teachers, and parents. Pinterest allows you to create different "boards" in which you can "pin" ideas, pictures, lesson plans, or whatever you find interesting to certain boards. This site is a great way to gain inspiration and increase creativity in the classroom. This is useful in the classroom based on the fact that it can help the teacher create fun and memorable lessons in creative ways.