vanessapartain - Ten Technologies Table

Ten Innovative Technologies Used in Classrooms.

Technology Title	Technology Description	Technology Graphic
Engrade Pro	Engrade Pro is simple and flexible. It is "an open digital platform that teachers can use to analyze student needs and pull together resources, including open resources, matched to those individual needs" (Simba Information, 2014, p. 3). It can be used with any school system. Engrade Pro merges vitals tools, like grade-book, attendance, and calendars, into an easy-to-use online platform. Students can check upcoming assignments, view grades, and upload homework. Parents can stay involved with their child's education by accessing the parent's site to check attendance, class grades, and messages from teachers. Reference: Simba Information. (2014). McGraw-Hill Education acquires Engrade platform. Educational Marketer, 45(3), 3-4.
Prezi	Prezi is an online presentation platform that is centered around Adobe Flash Player. However, Prezi is not a traditional presentation program like Powerpoint or Keynote. Prezi is an out-of-the-box program because it exists on a canvas, not a slideshow. “The presentation is navigated by zooming in and out of different points on the canvas, as needed by the presenter…Prezi removes many of the restrictions that traditional presentation programs foster” (Settle, Abrams, & Laurl, 2011, p. 105). Reference: Settle, Q., Abrams, K. M., & Laurl M., B. (2011). Using Prezi in the classroom. NACTA Journal, 55(4), 105-106.
Google Docs	Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time. Its sharing feature allows teachers and their students to choose precisely who can open and alter the documents. "Google Docs also helps promote group work and peer editing skills, a goal of the National Council of Teachers of English, which espouses writing as a process and encourages multiple revisions and peer editing" (LD Technology, 2008, p. 7). Reference: LD Technology Industry Profile Released. (2008). Special Education Technology Practice, 10(1), 7.
Smart Board	"SMART Boards combine the functionality of a whiteboard, computer, and projector into a single system which uses touch control to perform all mouse and keyboard functions" (Martin, Shaw, & Daughenbaugh, 2014, p. 90). The Smart Board is basically an interactive computer screen where teachers and students can complete tasks and skills with the touch of a finger or an special computerized marker. Teachers can also use the Smart Board ELMO document camera like an overhead projector. The teacher can place a paper, like a study guide, under the ELMO and have a study write the answer on the Smart Board. Reference: Martin, S., Shaw, E., & Daughenbaugh, L. (2014). Using Smart Boards and manipulatives in the elementary science classroom. Techtrends: Linking research & practice to improve learning, 58(3), 90-96. doi:10.1007/s11528-014-0756-3
StudyBlue	StudyBlue is a collaborative learning network that empowers its uses to master any subject. It is "a free tool that allows users to create flashcards, quizzes, and lecture notes and share them with others" (McClintock, 2011, p. 36). It is able to be accessed anywhere and even has its own app. StudyBlue allows teachers to have a snapshot of how the students are doing with their studying and monitor their progress. It makes studying more alive and organic. Reference: McClintock, S. (2011). A study tool that chases away the blues. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(1), 36.
TED Ed	The goals of TED Ed is to enhance learning inside the classroom and motivate a continuous desire for knowledge. TED Ed is an online video library of short lessons by teachers and TED conference lectures. "Educators can flip any video on TED ed or YouTube to add supplementary materials and make it their own" (Williams, 2012, p. 73). Reference:Williams, C. (2012). What is TED-Ed's role in today's classroom? District Administration, 48(8), 73.
Poll Everywhere	Poll Everywhere is an online text-message polling system. Instructors can use it for free up to 40 respondents. It is very user-friendly. Instructors can use it for exam reviews or implement it within their PowerPoint presentation to have live, anonymous responses. Some students enjoy the anonymity when answering questions, as they tend to shy away from answering questions doing lecture or exam reviews. "Poll Everywhere has a choice of three polls: 1. Multiple Choice, 2. Open Ended, and 3. Goal Polls. Respondents choose from a list of answers for multiple-choice polls or submit free-text responses in open-ended polls" (Hwang, Lacroix, & Usova, 2012, p. 120). Educators can instantly see the results of the poll and can change the pedagogy of that specific lecture to better enhance the students' knowledge. Reference:Hwang, C., Lacroix, D., & Usova, T. (2012). Mobile response systems: A fast and easy interactive tool. Feliciter, 58(3), 119-121.
Jing	Jing is a free application that can be used to help the user visually communicate easier. Jing can be used on either Windows or Mac PCs. Jing can take a screen snapshot, create tutorial videos to help others understand how to do a certain computer project. Jing can also be used by instructors to give feedback on students' projects. “This outstanding product has great potential for information literacy training in public, academic, or special libraries. The very simple and intuitive interface makes Jing a pleasure to use.” (Price, 2010, p. 244). Reference:Price, J. B. (2010). Screencasting on a shoestring: Using Jing. Reference Librarian, 51(3), 237-244. doi:10.1080/02763871003792030
Wikispaces Classroom	Wikispaces Classroom is "an education-based online learning platform designed specifically for the connected classroom...[which] allows educators to create a customizable classroom management workspace where students can communicate and work on projects alone or in groups" (What's new, 2010, p. 44). Instructors can organize their classes and monitor students' progress. "It contains formative assessment tools for monitoring and gauging student activities and progress in real time" (What's new, 2010, p. 44). It has a social newsfeed area to allow instructors to have one area to see all the happenings within the classroom. Wikispaces Classroom is a beneficial website for collaborative writing and instructor feedback. Reference:What's new. (2013). Learning & Leading with Technology, 41(2), 44-45.
Edublogs	Edublogs is a free, online platform that provides a central location for teachers and students to publish their creations. Teachers have an online hub area to keep students and parents informed through important news, assignments, calendars, and resources. Teachers can also maintain complete control of the students' privacy settings and content. Students use Edublogs as an engaging extension of the classroom. Edublogs can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or smart phone. "Whether used as a means of communication, an instructional resource, a collaborative tool, or a showcase for student projects, [teachers] will find that the push-button publishing capabilities of an Edublog will align well with [their] busy teacher schedule" (Ray, 2006, p. 177). Reference:Ray, J. (2006). Welcome to the Blogosphere. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 42(4), 175-177.

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