In this episode, we're boosting classroom energy with the game-based platforms Baamboozle and Blooket! Discover how Baamboozle's teacher-created games can be easily integrated into any content area for both whole-class and independent activities. We also cover exciting new updates from Blooket, including its connection to Khan Academy, the thrilling Laser Tag game mode, and a fresh new look!

• Baamboozle
• Blooket

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

This week on Tech Tools for Teachers podcast (Episode 207), we're shining the spotlight on SchoolAI.com, a helpful AI platform that's quickly becoming a new favorite at all grade levels! It's also a helpful tool to save you some time as we head into the end of the year chaos! 😃

• https://schoolai.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

Hey Everyone! On this week's Tech Tools for Teachers podcast (Episode 206), we chat about a helpful, timesaving tool, Gamma.app! This AI-powered platform helps you create stunning visual content in minutes, not hours. Whether you're prepping for tomorrow's lesson or need a quick visual for a classroom concept, Gamma has it all!

• https://smartinwi.com
• https://gamma.app

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

In today's episode, we're exploring an amazing (and free!) math resource that's helpful for students, teachers, and families engage with math! The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Kids' Zone is full of interactive math tools that deserves a spot in every educator's digital toolbox.

• NCES Kids

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

Looking for a fresh way to boost your teaching toolkit? In mini Episode 204 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast, we're highlighting a quick set of educational professional development tools by Jamie Clark!

Think of these digital posters as your PD companions. Whether you're a new teacher finding your feet or a seasoned pro looking to stay sharp, these one-pagers pack a powerful punch in professional learning.

• https://www.jamieleeclark.com/
• https://smartinwi.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

This week on Tech Tools for Teachers, I’m sharing two fantastic resources for improving typing skills: How-to-Type.com and Keybr.com! These simple yet effective tools help students build proper technique without the distractions of games. Whether they’re practicing individual characters, full sentences, or timed tests, these platforms make it easy to integrate typing into any subject area. Plus, they’re user-friendly and work well for students in 3rd grade and up. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to boost typing proficiency in your classroom, check them out! 

Links referenced in this episode:

• how-to-type.com
• keybr.com
• smartinwi.com
• buymeacoffee.com/smartinwi

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

This week, we dive into the exciting world of amusement parks, showcasing two innovative websites that can be utilized for educational purposes in the classroom. We explore how these tools can help students engage in inquiry-based learning by designing their own amusement parks, integrating planning, mapping, and problem-solving skills into the project. The first site discussed is education.iconograms.com, which allows students to create and customize amusement park maps, incorporating various elements like buildings, roads, and attractions. The second site, themeparkbrochures.net, offers a treasure trove of historical park maps and brochures, providing a unique way to teach mapping skills and explore the evolution of amusement parks over time. Throughout the episode, we explore the fun and creativity these tools bring to learning, encouraging teachers to integrate them into their lessons for an engaging classroom experience.

Takeaways:

• The episode highlights two educational sites designed for students to create and map amusement parks.
• Teachers can incorporate creativity and problem-solving by allowing students to design their own parks.
• Using digital tools for planning helps students learn essential mapping and design skills.
• The discussion includes a personal backstory about amusement parks, enhancing relatability and engagement.
• Listeners are encouraged to explore theme park maps from past decades to learn mapping skills.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of integrating fun activities in the classroom to maintain student interest.

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

This week, Shanna and Fuzz explore the invaluable resources available on Colorin Colorado, a website dedicated to supporting English learners in the classroom. They highlight the site's wealth of tools designed for teachers, parents, and administrators, making it easier to meet the diverse needs of students learning English. Listeners will learn about key features such as grade-level support, bilingual resources for families, and a comprehensive resource library filled with books, articles, and videos. Shanna emphasizes the importance of these tools for fostering an inclusive learning environment, especially for new teachers or those welcoming English learners into their classrooms. Tune in for practical insights and tips on effectively utilizing Colorin Colorado to enhance student learning and engagement.

Takeaways:

• Colorin Colorado is an excellent resource for teachers supporting English learners in the classroom.
• The website offers invaluable parent resources available in both English and Spanish to assist families.
• Teachers can access a robust library of professional development materials and resources for various audiences.
• The site provides tools to help teachers sort resources by audience, enhancing usability and accessibility.
• New teachers can benefit from guides on teaching English learners and classroom vocabulary in Spanish.
• Colorin Colorado features articles, videos, and tips for effectively supporting English language learners.

Links referenced in this episode:

• colorincolorado.com
• smartinwi.com
• buymeacoffee.com/smartinwi

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

What an incredible journey it's been! We are so excited to celebrate our 200th episode of Tech Tools for Teachers by taking a nostalgic trip back to where it all started. Six years ago, our very first episode (at the kitchen counter) featured two amazing educational tools - Padlet and Google Keep. Let's revisit these awesome tools and see why they're still classroom favorites!

To our amazing community of educators and ed-tech enthusiasts - THANK YOU! Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have made these 200 episodes possible. We couldn't have reached this milestone without our incredible listeners who share our passion for bringing innovative technology into education.

• https://padlet.com
• https://keep.google.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.

Shanna and Fuzz dive into the fun and easy world of gift exchanges with a tool called Elfster. This platform streamlines the process of organizing gift swaps, making it a breeze to set up events and create wish lists. Whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion, Elfster eliminates the stress of coordination by allowing participants to easily share their gift preferences. Shanna highlights how it can be a game-changer for teachers, helping them manage gift exchanges without adding to their already packed to-do lists. They also discuss the flexibility of the platform, which can be used for various types of exchanges beyond just holiday gifting, making it a versatile tool for anyone looking to celebrate with friends, family, or colleagues.

Takeaways:

• Elfster is a user-friendly platform that simplifies organizing gift exchanges for any occasion.
• The tool allows participants to create wish lists, making it easier for gift givers.
• It's free to use and takes only minutes to set up a gift exchange.
• Elfster helps eliminate the stress of coordinating gift exchanges among friends or colleagues.
• You can use Elfster beyond the holidays for events like Teacher Appreciation Week or birthdays.
• Participants receive notifications when their gift recipients update their wish lists in real-time.

Links referenced in this episode:

• elfster.com
• buymeacoffee.com/smartinwi
• smartinwi.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Education Podcast Network

Tech Tools for Teachers is part of the Education Podcast Network.