TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Sep 30, 2018
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Twitter Chat: Using Social Media Practice Spaces in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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This archived Twitter chat is from June 2018 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is - Using Social Media Practice Spaces in the Classroom. Through ...more
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This archived Twitter chat is from June 2018 and will open in Wakelet. The title of this chat is - Using Social Media Practice Spaces in the Classroom. Through this chat participants will: 1. Discuss ways to promote digital citizenship within the classroom, 2. Share tech tools and activities that can be used to allow students to practice social media skills, and 3. Collaborate with other educators to share promising practices around edtech in the classroom. Check out the resources that are shared and try the tips that are provided.
tag(s): social media (41), twitterchatarchive (98)
In the Classroom
Share this chat with your colleagues looking for sites and information about using social media practice spaces in the classroom. Explore the various tools that are shared.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Free Image Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
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This curated list of resources provides free image tools. As educators, it is important for us to set good examples of digital citizenship. Image usage is a perfect time to ...more
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This curated list of resources provides free image tools. As educators, it is important for us to set good examples of digital citizenship. Image usage is a perfect time to discuss the important topics of copyright, Creative Commons, and more. Use your discussions related to copyright and Creative Commons to fuel the discussion about digital citizenship. Read the classroom use suggestions for additional ideas about how to implement these tools in your classroom.
tag(s): copyright (46), creative commons (22), images (270)
In the Classroom
Use these tools to help students to understand digital citizenship, copyright, Creative Commons, and more. Find tools for students to use to locate "safe" images to use for projects and even within your own lessons.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Nimbus Screenshot Capture - Nimbus Web Inc
Grades
K to 12
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Nimbus Screenshot Capture is a download for most major browsers for PCs and Macs. Download the add-on to your browser then use to quickly capture screenshots of your entire workspace...more
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Nimbus Screenshot Capture is a download for most major browsers for PCs and Macs. Download the add-on to your browser then use to quickly capture screenshots of your entire workspace or a portion you choose. Also, use the additional tools to edit your screenshot by adding text, arrows, blur portions of your screen, and more. Nimbus Screenshot Capture also includes the options for video recording your screen share. When finished, save work to your computer or send directly to Google Drive.
tag(s): drawing (73), editing (77), images (270), tutorials (46), video (259)
In the Classroom
Check with your school's tech department for the appropriate procedure for adding this tool to classroom computers. This very handy tool serves many purposes. As a substitute for handwritten notes, have students take a screenshot and add information to document research findings. If students are stuck at a specific point on a web page or when working with a web tool, ask them to take a screenshot and add their question then share it with you. Augment learning by having students take screen shots to upload into a video presentation. Use a tool similar to Rawshorts, reviewed here, that can be used to create short, animated video explanations. Take screenshots of new websites you share with students and add notes on how to use the tool or create a video recording by screen sharing how to use any site. Share your images on your class website for students to access at any time or use your images to create a simple explainer video using Biteable, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Elementary School Cyber Education Initiative (ESCEI) - Air Force Association
Grades
K to 12
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The ESCEI is part of the Air Force Associations CyberPatriot program. On this page find and download a kit with everything you need for teaching your K-6 students about digital ...more
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The ESCEI is part of the Air Force Associations CyberPatriot program. On this page find and download a kit with everything you need for teaching your K-6 students about digital safety! Fill out the registration form and submit. You will quickly receive a link for downloading the kit which needs to be un-zipped and takes about five minutes. You'll find cover letters to parents, guardians, and educators, three interactive learning modules about online safety and cybersecurity principles, slides for classroom instruction, and a complete instructors guide (with descriptions for each module, vocabulary, games to print, and more). Students will learn basic computing skills to how to deal with complex issues like phishing and malware. Be sure to see the supplemental activities and videos. Though the lessons are labeled up to sixth grade, they are adaptable for eighth grade and ninth grade.
From this landing page also find the home page with all the information about CyberPatriot and check out the competitions that are for middle school, high school, and beyond. CyberPatriot brings you these real-world competitions in conjunction with the Cisco Networking Challenge. There is online training for competitors. Videos on this site reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
From this landing page also find the home page with all the information about CyberPatriot and check out the competitions that are for middle school, high school, and beyond. CyberPatriot brings you these real-world competitions in conjunction with the Cisco Networking Challenge. There is online training for competitors. Videos on this site reside on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): computers (107), cyberbullying (47), digital citizenship (74), internet safety (119), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Include materials from this site with any lessons or units for on online safety. For basic technology integration have younger students use a video response tool like FlipGrid, reviewed here, to reflect on their learning and share tips for their peers. Older students could use Flipgrid, too, or to take technology integration to the next level have students take notes about what they are learning about cyber safety using a tool like SuperNotecard, reviewed here. Next, have small groups of students share and compare their notes. Students can then use their notes as a storyboard to organize a presentation for their peers sharing safety tips. With their storyboards students or student groups can create online books sharing cybersafety tips using Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator includes tools for making digital books that include images, text, and audio recordings. As a modification to the above, instead of using Book Creator, challenge students to create a multimedia presentation with a tool like Genial.ly, reviewed here, or Powtoon, reviewed here. Include links to learning modules on a bookmarking tool like Symbaloo, reviewed here, on classroom computers for students to easily access materials.High school students and your tech-savvy middle school students may be interested in the competitions where they will focus on network security. The competition would be very good for the student who thinks they would like a career in IT or computer science.
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Google Help - Google Support
Grades
K to 12
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Explore educational videos providing help with Google products on this YouTube Channel. The site provides playlists offering support for Chromebooks, protecting and using Google accounts,...more
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Explore educational videos providing help with Google products on this YouTube Channel. The site provides playlists offering support for Chromebooks, protecting and using Google accounts, using Gmail and Drive, and much more. Choose individual videos or select playlists by topic to find up to date help in using Google tools. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site on classroom computers for easy reference when working with Google products. Have students create their own support videos using a tool like Powtoon, reviewed here, or My Simpleshow, reviewed here, for any technology issues that arise in your classroom. Remember, you can take screenshots (Printscrn button on Windows or Command+Shift+4 on Mac), and include those in a video. You will need to convert the screenshot to a JPG. This can be done easily and quickly using CloudConvert, reviewed here. Share the students created videos using a tool such as SchoolTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Computational Thinking - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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Dig into the meaning of computational thinking with this collection of resources. Computational thinking is expressing solutions so that humans and computers can understand them. A...more
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Dig into the meaning of computational thinking with this collection of resources. Computational thinking is expressing solutions so that humans and computers can understand them. A great way to visualize how to embed it in your classroom is to have the students think like the physicist, economist, artist, mathematician, etc. to identify the problems that need to be explored. This is not programming computers but logical ways for problem-solving. It is a problem-solving tool for every classroom that has students think like a problem solver and use higher level cognitive skills.
tag(s): computational thinking (33), engineering (128), logic (229), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Bring problem-solving and computational thinking into your classroom with these tools. Share on your class website, projector, whiteboard, or on individual devices. Topics range from coding to charts to logic.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TechTerms Computer Dictionary - Sharpened Productions
Grades
6 to 12
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Expert and newbie tech users will appreciate this dictionary providing definitions of Internet and computer terms in easy to understand language. Search for any phrase or word or browse...more
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Expert and newbie tech users will appreciate this dictionary providing definitions of Internet and computer terms in easy to understand language. Search for any phrase or word or browse through recent additions to the dictionary. In addition to the dictionary, this site includes monthly quizzes. Choose the quizzes link to access archives dating back to 2011.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): computers (107), dictionaries (51), quizzes (81), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Save this site on your computer and student computers to quickly look up any technology terms. Have students create online posters individually or together as a class sharing technology terms using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard, reviewed here, or PicLits, reviewed here. Consolidate information learned from the site to create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here. Take your student's learning to a higher level and ask them to create commercials or short video discussions of technology using a tool such as Powtoon, reviewed here, then share them using a tool such as SchoolTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Class123 - Choong Hee Lee
Grades
K to 6
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Class123 is a classroom management tool containing several features for organizing classrooms and communicating with students and parents. Tools include a timer, seating chart, attendance...more
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Class123 is a classroom management tool containing several features for organizing classrooms and communicating with students and parents. Tools include a timer, seating chart, attendance manager, random name picker, and more. Sign up for free to add your rosters and avatars. Parents and students sign up with a code provided. Once enrolled, members receive or send communications privately or within groups. Please be aware that Class123 falls under the FERPA laws for "directory information" and "educational records." Any school getting funds from the Department of Education (public schools) is required to disclose to parents and get written consent to use Class123 with their child.
tag(s): behavior (45), classroom management (143), communication (27), DAT device agnostic tool (169), parents (60), Teacher Utilities (100)
In the Classroom
Use this tool to communicate specific behaviors with parents - both positive and negative feedback. Share this site with students on the first day of school as you go over class expectations and your behavior plan for your classroom. Take advantage of the other tools to take attendance or rearrange your seating chart quickly and easily.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Digital Citizenship Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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This editor's choice curated list of reviewed resources focuses on digital citizenship. Explore topics such as: protecting your digital footprint, protecting your identity, "netiquette,"...more
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This editor's choice curated list of reviewed resources focuses on digital citizenship. Explore topics such as: protecting your digital footprint, protecting your identity, "netiquette," and much more. Find varying levels of information for different age groups and materials to help parents cooperate in educating their children about digital citizenship.
tag(s): digital citizenship (74), internet safety (119)
In the Classroom
Use this entire collection or simply select the best ones for YOUR students to continually model good digital citizenship. Share the links with parents and among your colleagues so you can promote positive action instead of fear about the Internet.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Baamboozle - baamboozle.com
Grades
K to 12
4 Favorites
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Baamboozle is a quick and easy-to-use tool for playing and creating games. It doesn't require registration to play. Choose the "Play games now" link to go to all games saved ...more
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Baamboozle is a quick and easy-to-use tool for playing and creating games. It doesn't require registration to play. Choose the "Play games now" link to go to all games saved on Baamboozle. Scroll through to view games, or search for a term. Divide the group into two teams and begin play. Each team chooses a number from the game board and answers the question. Check for accuracy; then, Baamboozle keeps track of scores. Use games found on the site, or create games on any device. Registration with email is necessary to create your own games.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (169), flash cards (37), game based learning (160), preK (277)
In the Classroom
Save Baamboozle in your bag of tricks for a quick review of any content. Engage students by having them create games to share with the class when reviewing for quizzes and tests. Bring excitement to professional development by creating a Baamboozle with materials you are sharing. Be sure to provide a link to Baamboozle games on your class website for students to play at home. Use Baamboozle if your class is remote learningAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Digital Compass - Common Sense Media
Grades
5 to 9
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Digital Compass is an animated interactive designed to teach middle school students about digital citizenship. Each of the eight characters demonstrates a different topic such as cyberbullying...more
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Digital Compass is an animated interactive designed to teach middle school students about digital citizenship. Each of the eight characters demonstrates a different topic such as cyberbullying and Internet safety. Along the way players choose different options. Some choices have positive results, and others have negative consequences. This tool is also available in Spanish. Find an Educator Guide for suggestions about how to use this tool in the classroom and PDFs for a Quick Start Guide and the Teacher's Guide. As of October 31, 2019 Digital Compass apps (iOS and Android) were retired. Digital Compass will be available on the web, through your browser.
tag(s): digital citizenship (74), internet safety (119)
In the Classroom
This site is perfect to incorporate into any digital citizenship lessons. Complete activities together on your interactive whiteboard while making appropriate and inappropriate choices along the way. Create a link on your class website or blog for use at home. Be sure to share Digital Compass with parents to use as part of their online safety discussions at home. Enhance students' learning and create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Easel.ly, reviewed here.
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BrainPOP Digital Etiquette - BrainPOP
Grades
3 to 12
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BrainPOP offers this interactive site with several resources for learning digital etiquette. View the interactive video to learn proper etiquette to use while online in forums like...more
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BrainPOP offers this interactive site with several resources for learning digital etiquette. View the interactive video to learn proper etiquette to use while online in forums like message boards, blogs, gaming, emails, and instant messaging. Lesson ideas and activities provide opportunities to learn to recognize and combat online bullying and also learn essential Internet vocabulary. Be sure to check out the Lesson Ideas section with lessons aligned to Common Core Standards.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cyberbullying (47), digital citizenship (74), internet safety (119)
In the Classroom
Use resources on this site as part of any digital etiquette and online safety lesson. Create a link to the site on classroom computers for students to explore on their own. Replace pen and paper and have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Telegra.ph, reviewed here. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add a YouTube or Vimeo, or Twitter links. This blog creator requires no registration. You could modify learning and challenge older students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Easel.ly, reviewed here.
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USPTO - United States Patent and Trademark Office - United States Patent and Trademark Office
Grades
3 to 12
2 Favorites
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection....more
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to help kids of all ages learn about trademarks and patents, and the importance of intellectual property creation and protection. USPTO features "collectible" cards of inventor profiles, activities at different levels - including videos with age appropriate appeal, and more. In another video section are videos with titles like Driverless Cars, Bionic Limbs, Biofuels, Electronic Tattoos, and more. The invention and design focus of most of the activities makes for perfect STEM and "maker space" lessons. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): crafts (40), digital citizenship (74), inventors and inventions (82), sound (96), sports (92), STEM (215), video (259)
In the Classroom
Whether an elementary, middle, or high school teacher you'll find ideas for building model rockets, a mechanical grasper, and more. Use an interactive whiteboard or projector and start by viewing the video on the home page titled Extraordinary Innovations. Or, in your blended or flipped class have students watch the video at home and enhance their learning by using playposit, reviewed here, to take notes, make comments, or ask questions to document what they learned from the video. Be sure to have a small or whole group discussion about what they learned from the video using their notes & comments the next day! At the end of your lesson or unit on patents and trademarks, transform learning by challenging students to create a timeline for the invention of the snowboard, or motorcycles, or another topic of interest. Why not modify classroom technology and make this an interactive timeline with music, photos, videos, and more using Timeline JS, reviewed here.
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