Searching for Images?
One of the first grade teachers at AES emailed last week to ask about alternatives to a Google image search for her students to use for their research projects. Great question!
Richard Byrne of Free Technology for teachers has two excellent blog posts regarding image searches. His 12/16/17 post offers five alternatives to a Google image search and includes videos showing how to use add-ons or to add a site's search engine to your website.
His 8/25/17 post provides an easy-to-read chart that compares the features of nine sites that are alternatives to Google image searches.
Check out his posts to find a site that is most appropriate for the age of your students and the topic they are researching.
His 8/25/17 post provides an easy-to-read chart that compares the features of nine sites that are alternatives to Google image searches.
Check out his posts to find a site that is most appropriate for the age of your students and the topic they are researching.
Classroom Screen
Classroom Screen markets itself as "the best screen for every classroom," and it may be on to something. This site offers 1-click navigation to the following:
- random name picker
- sound level monitor
- qr code generator
- on screen drawing
- on screen text tool with changeable backgrounds including lined paper, graph paper, and blank paper
- work symbols to re-direct classroom behavior
- a traffic light for students to gauge work time limits
- a timer
- a clock
- simple exit poll tool
In the upper left corner of the site, click on the three lines for how-to's and tips and tricks for using the site. I particularly love the idea of using the drawing feature in combination with other tools to direct groups of students in the classroom.
Check out Brenham ISD's blog for more ideas for using this site with your students.
Video Spotlight: Blended Learning
We may not be ready for the experiences highlighted in this video in every classroom yet, but this video offers a glimpse into what is possible when access, connectivity, and creativity meet. The video features a secondary setting, but there are take-aways for elementary in it, as well. It's a five-minute video, but it's definitely worth a look when you have five minutes.
My favorite line: "If a teacher is doing something that works really well in a face-to-face situation, [they] should continue to do that because it works well. If they can find something else that works better, is more efficient, or more effective that's digital, then that would be implemented."
The right tool for the right job with the right student at the right time.
