Tools for Teaching

      The Internet offers so much I have yet to explore. I began this course knowing Microsoft Office as the main tool for most of my works. I have become so proficient in Office that I completely ignored other more convenient tools that I also did not realize were free. Additionally, as a graphics artist I became proficient with using tools from Adobe Mastersuite. There are other tools I use everyday but it is not compared to the tools I will begin using when I become a teacher. Below I have listed 8 even more useful tools for teaching:




1. Google Apps: I just recently learned about Google Apps and I love it. It features several web applications with a similar functionality to traditional Microsoft Office, which includes Gmail, Groups, Calendar, Talk, Documents, Sites, Blogger, and talks.  Rate: 5




2. Moodle:  I was introduced to Moodle a year ago and I found it really convenient as a student. My teachers uploaded assignments through Moodle. It was like being in an actual classroom where instead it is an interactive classroom.  Moodle is an Open Source Course Management System. Rate: 5






3. Wiggio:  Wiggio makes it easier to work in groups. Having a wiggio account means that the user is able to create multiple groups, which can be viewed separately or combined. Wiggio was used during the creation of our digital security project. Wiggio was such a big help when it came to communication and sharing files.
Rate: 5

4. Mozilla Firefox: This browser is free and developed as an open source operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. Mozilla provides good security and customization searching options. I enjoy the customizable tool bars and add ons. 
Rate: 4








5. DropBox: Dropbox is a convenient tool that helps the user store files (documents, photos, presentations, etc..) and be able to access them any time anywhere. I found this tool to be so much more convenient than using a flash drive. Now I store all my files onto a dropbox. What is even more exciting is being able to access it anywhere and how it automatically syncs to my phone, laptop, and Ipad. I will be using this tool a lot. Rate: 5

6. LiveBinders:  LiveBinders replaces those 3-ring binders taking space on your desk. Collect all those website links and combine them to create a virtual portfolio where the user can easily access, share, and update from anywhere. This is also the only tool online that lets you view other online media and uploaded documents in context. LiveBinders is just amazing! I love organizing all my favorite links onto a virtual binder. Rate: 5

7. GoAnimate: GoAnimate is a great tool to tell a story. Use this tool to create videos fast and fun. Create animated characters with expressions by using your own voice or just by simply typing in the conversation line after line. GoAnimate allows users to explore other video creations which can be filtered down to any topic such as English, Math, etc.  GoAnimate is an appropriate tool to get students engaged. Rate: 5

8. VoiceThread:  This is another great tool to use in a classroom. VoiceThread allows group conversations to be collected and shared in one place from anywhere in the world. Create a multimedia slideshow that holds images, videos, or words and leave comments in 5 ways. VoiceThread allows sharing where comments can be recorded or typed. Presentations are becoming more and more interesting with this VoiceThread. This is just another fun way to get students to collaborate and engage. Rate: 4


In conclusion, I find all these online tools pretty amazing! I cannot wait to begin using these tools in my future classroom. Truthfully, there are other many other tools I love using such as photoshop, wiki, facebook, twitter, facetime, oovoo, etc. I love technology especially if it is FREE!


I have created a short video clip using Go! Animate. Follow the link to see a preview -Being Technology Proficient-. Additionally, below is video clip from YouTube on how to use Wikis in a classroom. Another insightful tool!