Linoit

So, Yesterday I posted about Wallwisher. Today, I'm bringing you "Linoit ."

Linoit is actually a lot like Wallwisher. It is a collaborative space that you can use to post "stickies" on a topic. It's even better though, because you can add photos and videos as well.

Here is a quick tutorial about how to utilize/ set it up for classroom use:

Linoit also has its own How To Tutorial. It is actually set up on Linoit, so you get a true feel for how it works as you go through all of it. Each sticky that they have is a different How To topic. There are videos and recordings to help you out as well. Overall, I find it very user friendly.

Guess what! You can also use it on the iPhone and iPad! Here is the Linoit tutorial for that little treasure.

I have not yet used it in my classroom, but I definitely think this will be an awesome addition to my classroom technology tool kit! I used to use Glogster with my kids, but it is no longer free (only the super basic version is...and you can't even publish your stuff to the web...so it really isn't worth it anymore....), so I've ditched it like a bad habit. Linoit actually reminds me a lot of Glogster, though because of the ability to change backgrounds and use graphics.

Post it Notes....On the Web!

We all know I'm an absolute fanatic when it comes to post-its (and PENS). There is one site that has taken my obsession to the next level and made it possible to share it with my students in a technologically savvy manner....and it's SO EASY!

The site is called Wall Wisher.

Here is the homepage:



You do have to register to create a "board." It is quick and painless though, promise. Your students however, do not have to login or register to leave a comment (post-it note). This makes it versy efficient for classroom use, especially for younger students who do not have an email address.

Here is a quick video the demonstrates how to use this wonderful tool.

Here's another video that is geared more towards classroom use. It is very direct and makes it easy to implement this wonderful tool after viewing the video.

Can you Convert?

I often get frustrated when files won't transfer appropriately or I can't save somehting with the desired file format. About a year or two ago, I discovered a site that I hold near and dear to my heart! It's called Zamzar. It actually lets you convert your files for free. I use it mostly with audio and video files, as I don't currently have a LAME MP3 encoder on my laptop, and don't really feel like downloading it at the moment. It's actually easier for me to just type ZAMZAR into my address bar and just convert it. It send it straight to my email when it is finished too, so I don't even have to wait and stare at the screen for it to finish.

The web adress where you can access this Tech Treasure is www.zamzar.com .

Be aware though, it only keeps you file for one day. If you want to have it for up to 7 days, you can upload the file to somehting called FilePigeon. I don't use it that option though. Typically if I am converting a file, I need it right away, and just save it to my computer or flashdrive upon completion of conversion.

There is an option to upgrade to a paid account. With it, you will get it:

• Faster conversions (usually delivered in less than 5 minutes)


• Larger conversions - up to 1GB in size


• Personal inbox to manage and store up to 100GB of your filesNo intrusive advertsAnd much more ...


• Sign up at: http://www.zamzar.com/signup/
  

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

Have you ever gotten an error popup on your email server telling you that your file is too large to send? I have gotten this countless times, especially whenI'm trying to send unit flipcharts, etc to my colleagues. Well, there's something out there that can help us out.

Just Beam It, is a cloud based server that allows you to easily transfer files and share them with your peers or teachers. All you have to do is drag it over to the Just Beam it Window with in the highlighted box. Then you will be provided with a link to send. The only draw back I see is that it is not supported by internet explorer, which is, of course, what my county utilizes. Just Beam It reccomends using Firefox 7 or Google Chrome.

Watch the video below for more information.

JustBeamIt from JustBeamIt on Vimeo.

Ahhhhh! A Spider!

Ok, so there really wasn't a spider. However, there has been enough research going on about spiders in my classroom to set my off to wanting to climb the walls! Everywhere I turned, my students were highly engaged in research through the use of a webquest.

Note - A webquest is an inquiry based learning tool, which is online. Students are posed with questions and links to find the answers.

Here is a website that further explains the ins and out, as well as the benefits of using webquests with students. My favorite part though, is that it puts the learning in the hands of the students!

Blogging

Obviously, I like to use Blogger.com for my personal blogging purposes. One of the assignments I had this week though, got me thinking about the use of blogs in the classroom. I just recently started one on my class website. The set up of it is somewhat trivial and doesn't allow for much freedom, but it is a good place to start for my students. We have merely been using it as a place for question/ answer sessions. I'm trying to get them warmed up to the idea of posting on the web, but in a controlled environment.

Here is the reading from my assignment that sparked my little post. Note, the author of the reading assignment also uses Blogger.com.

Here are some good Blog platforms that can be used in the classroom.

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http://www.edublogs.org/

Here are some great examples of Blogs that already exist on the Edublog Platform.

Elementary School Blogs
http://yollisclassblog.blogspot.com/
http://jmsalsich.edublogs.org/

Middle School Blogs
http://mrmillersblog.com/
http://epencil.edublogs.org/
http://writeoutloud.edublogs.org/

High School Blogs
http://likekrazy.blogspot.com/
http://sumnermath.edublogs.org/
http://gogglegirl.edublogs.org/
http://melissapietricola.edublogs.org/

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http://www.kidblog.org/ is a great one to use with younger students.

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For personal use, or for use with older student, especially if the school system already utilizes Google/ Gmail for Education is this site that I am using now. It is easy to use, has templates, and basically steps you through the entire process.

Animoto

Animoto, especially in May (PAC and End of Year video), is my best friend in terms of online tools.

What is it? Animoto is a free online video maker. All you do is upload pictures, follow all the steps laid out for you, and viola....you have a video! It is so much faster and more convenient when you don't have time to do a complete photostory.

Free? Does it get any better? Yes! Animot allows you to sign up for a basic account, which only allows for 15-30 photos to be uploaded. However, it also has an option to sign up for an educator's account, which enables you to upload as many pictures as you want. I have the educator's account, and it has definitely come in handy.

Here are some examples: