TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Jul 31, 2011
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
Dropbox - Dropbox
Grades
9 to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform that allows teachers and students to save, organize, and share documents, photos, videos, and other files across devices....more
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Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform that allows teachers and students to save, organize, and share documents, photos, videos, and other files across devices. It is especially useful for classroom workflows, enabling easy sharing of assignments, collaborative group work, and access to materials both at home and at school. Dropbox operates on a freemium model, meaning educators can get started with a free Basic plan that includes about 2 GB of storage, file syncing, and sharing tools, with optional paid upgrades for additional space and advanced features.
tag(s): DAT device agnostic tool (129), Storage (7), writing (309)
In the Classroom
Use Dropbox to support student collaboration on shared documents, presentations, and projects by allowing students to easily control whether their work is public or shared with specific classmates or the teacher. It works well for continuing assignments across multiple devices, making it simple for students to start work at school and finish at home without losing progress. While not intended as a full system backup, Dropbox provides reliable cloud storage for organizing and accessing classroom materials. It can help all learners, including gifted students, learning support students, and those who benefit from additional organization, keep their work in one accessible place. Dropbox is also ideal for BYOD classrooms, as it works across devices and platforms and offers a free account, ensuring all students can participate. Teachers can quickly share files, folders, and resources with individuals or the entire class, streamlining the distribution and collection of digital work.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Multiple users can collaborate on the same project
Requires download/installation of software
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Hohli - Charts Builder/Anton Shevchuk
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Create charts and graphs easily and instantly using this site. Choose the type of chart and enter your information or data. You can change the type of chart after entering ...more
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Create charts and graphs easily and instantly using this site. Choose the type of chart and enter your information or data. You can change the type of chart after entering data simply by clicking the chart type! Be sure to enter the maximum values and information for setting up the chart, including grid information and backgrounds. Click on the question mark bubbles for more information about each field. As you enter the data and change the parameters, view a thumbnail of the chart along the right. Click on the small thumbnail view of the char at the right to see it larger. You can copy the chart URL, embed it, or right click on it to save it.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): charts and graphs (196)
In the Classroom
You will want to play with this tool before using it in class, but it is very simple to use. Use anywhere numerical data is collected and is best shown in a chart. Collect data in a science, survey, or math class and display it using different graphs to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using each graph type. Use for quick creation and sharing of created graphs. Create charts together easily on an interactive whiteboard when introducing the different types to elementary students. Have students operate the board so their peers can see how the tool works and give each other oral directions as they problem solve together. Then make the chart site a small group center during math class for further practice on a computer or interactive whiteboard. Save this site in your favorites for quick retrieval any time students need to make a quick chart. For student practice, have them chart time spent on homework or hobbies, favorite pets, etc. Reinforce good study habits in middle school by having students make charts of their average grades or time spent on independent reading.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Word Spy - Paul McFedries
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This word definition site offers the very latest terms, hip language, and slang. Words like "daycation" and "post-Potter" are here before they make it to a dictionary; some will never...more
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This word definition site offers the very latest terms, hip language, and slang. Words like "daycation" and "post-Potter" are here before they make it to a dictionary; some will never be in a standard reference, but when they come up in modern parlance, they are here. By clicking on "more information," you can find the word's earliest usage and date. You are also able to comment on the words. The information also features related words and vocabulary categories. You can also search by category.
tag(s): dictionaries (48), slang (16), vocabulary (251), vocabulary development (102), word study (58)
In the Classroom
This is a great find for gifted students, those working to advance their vocabulary levels, and for ESL/ELL students who may be puzzled by rapidly changing idiomatic language around them. Be sure to include this site on your class web page for students to access both in and outside of class for future reference. When teaching word study, such as roots and affixes, include this site to show how new words evolve and that language is a living thing. Perhaps even share a word a day from this site for students to guess the definition. During a study of dictionary skills, discuss with students how new words might come to be in the dictionary. Have small groups of students brainstorm slang words they've heard around school and their neighborhoods. Once they have their list, they can look these words up on Word Spy. For any word that isn't there, have them create an online, interactive poster using Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, or simple web page using Jimdo, as a page that could be included in Word Spy.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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