Write About is a free online browsing tool that solves the problems of managing paperwork, giving limited feedback, and thinking of ideas that students might struggle with. It allows students to use space online to write on topics they are interested in and then allows feedback from their teacher and peers, providing a place to comment; like Tumblr or any other blog. The student can then share their writings with one class or make it public so anyone can view it; similar to YouTube how channel owners can dictate who sees their videos. Write about gives teachers a database of different lesson plans, genre-specific topics, and other resources like ClassDojo.

Prezi is a visual storytelling software and alternative to traditional slide-based presentation formats like Powerpoint. Prezi presentations feature a map-like, schematic overview that lets users pan between topics at will, zoom in on desired details, and pull back to reveal context. This freedom of movement enables “conversational presenting,” a new presentation style in which presentations follow the flow of dialogue, instead of vice-versa.

BrainPOP offers cross-curricular animated movies, learning games, interactive quizzes, primary source activities, and a breadth of additional resources for students in grades 3+. Its topics span Science, Social Studies, English, Math, Engineering & Tech, Health, and Arts & Music. BrainPOP is also home to GameUp, an educational games portal for the classroom; Make-a-Map, our a concept mapping tool; and the “My BrainPOP” suite of features, which lets teachers keep track of learning, customize assessment, incorporate gaming into instruction, and provide feedback on learning artifacts.

SelfControl is a free and open-source application for Mac OS X that lets you block your own access to distracting websites, your mail servers, or anything else on the Internet. Just set a period of time to block for, add sites to your blacklist, and click "Start."  This helps to prevent distractions while you’re studying or using technology in the classrooms.  It also helps teachers be able to focus on teaching and the learning taking place in their classroom, because they don’t have to worry about what students are doing on their computers when they’re not around.

Ted is a website that offers a multitude of speeches and articles about the educational field and controversial topics that focus on current events. The speeches featured on this website motivational and informative; Ted offers different types on countless subjects really allows students to expand their knowledge. TED is a great resource that students can use to get ideas and resources for projects. TED can also be used to research articles for papers and essays and also encourages students to welcome new opinions and thoughts on controversial topics.

Blending technology & classroom learning - TEDx Talks Review

Jessie Wooley-Wilson has always believed that children in America deserve a better education than what they are receiving.  She has devoted her life and career to discovering how to accomplish this goal.  Jessie’s desire is to provide the appropriate education children need and deserve.  In this video, she speaks on three main ideas that could completely change the future of education with the integration of technology in the classroom.

Her first idea brought light upon how 26 out of the 50 United States have a decreased education as a direction correlation to rising economic issues.  She states how specific learning techniques can significantly impact not just the students, but the teachers as well.  She also mentions that it is not important to focus on where these students start, or where they are coming from, but to seek out where they are on their academic journey.  Students can come from difficult home situations and still excel academically.  Teachers should provide equal and acceptable education to all students, even children who come from a more challenging background.

The next point she spoke upon was about Intelligent Adapted Learning.  Simplified, she stated that this learning style shows what the student should proceed to next in the classroom based off of what the already know.  In contrast, it also displays what the next steps are for the student in regards to the area where they might be struggling.

Her final topic focused on how students need to understand the concept of needing to work in order to achieve the answer.  The students have to realize they will not be simply handed things in life and that they are going to have to put their nose to the grind stone at times.  They are taught perseverance and the value of things through this process, and it gives the material a deeper meaning when they have to work harder to achieve their desired outcome.  They will also understand that just because they do not get the answer correct the first time, they are not failures, and that they must continue to grow and learn.

Blending technology is a brilliant idea in endless ways.  I am a strong believer in positive reinforcement, so I believe this system is amazing in the way that it shows students how they are never failures and that they can get it right with a little extra work and effort.  They are also being supported in every way necessary in order for them to truly excel academically as well as with their non-cognitive skills in the classroom.

REMIND

Remind is a free text messaging app that helps teachers, students, and parents communicate quickly and efficiently. Messages are sent in real time to an entire class, a small group, or just a single person. You can also schedule announcements ahead of time and attach photos and other files.  This is a great way for the parents to stay in touch with their children's teachers and also for parents to know exactly what their child should be doing. 

KAHOOT!

Kahoot! is a tool for using technology to administer quizzes, discussions or surveys. It is a game-based classroom response system played by the whole class in real time. Multiple-choice questions are projected on the screen.  Students answer the questions with their smartphone, tablet or computer.  You create the quiz, survey or discussion item.  After you have created an account, you will see a screen with three icons for a quiz, discussion item or survey.  Make your selection and build your game!  Your Kahoot games are saved in My Kahoots.  You then select the game you want to launch and press the Play button.  This is a fun way to study and is simple enough for just about anyone to use and enjoy.

PRODIGY

Prodigy is a free, adaptive math game that integrates Common Core math (1st-7th grade) into a fantasy style game that students absolutely love playing. Prodigy takes game-based learning a step further and provides teachers with a powerful set of reporting and assessment tools, that allow them to easily identify trouble spots, differentiate instruction, and better manage classroom time. As a web-based game, Prodigy can be accessed at school and at home on virtually any device.  This is a great way for students to be involved in their classwork anywhere they are as long as they have a mobile device.  It is also a fun, unique way to keep their attention and spark a desire to grow in their mathematical academic abilities.

EDMODO

EDMODO aka Facebook for schools is an awesome way for teachers to stay in contact and connected with their students.  It also enables parents to stay in consistent contact with their child's teachers. The teachers create a group and add specific students to the group, then distribute an access code to them.  This is equivalent to people starting group text messages for specific things such as study groups or even discussing carpooling for a day.

The teachers are able to share the classes topics and assignments on EDMODO and even list materials the students may need in order to complete posted assignments.  They can also post specific assignment questions as well, so basically the teacher is able to create an online classroom.  This is an ingenious way for students to be involved in the classroom as well as when they go home for the day/weekend.  It is also great for when a student is absent because EDMODO enables them to stay completely up to date on what is happening in their class.  It also assists the teacher in preventing any excuse from a student claiming they did not receive an assignment, did not know the due date or were absent and did not know there was material due.  EDMODO also allows for group discussions which can act as the participation portion of a real classroom.

Quizlet

Quizlet trains students via flashcards and various games and tests. I believe this is a very effective way to assist students in learning because it offers intriguing, unique ways to spark interest in them. It can also be applicable for any ages because the student can desire the flashcards themselves.  This program also allows the teacher to focus on other tasks because it can be manipulated by the students themselves.

Digital Divide Summary

This article elaborates on the need for all students from all backgrounds and ages to be knowledgeable on technology. The article goes in depth on the "digital divide" between children with higher income families who have all the access they want/need to technology, but then the other side which is the children who come from less fortunate families who don't have the same accessibility.  Programs are being implemented in classrooms to bridge this gap and assist children, especially ones who don't have the necessary access to technology, and helps them become knowledgeable on it.  It helps to make sure no child is left behind or forgotten about and I personally think it's an amazing idea.