Module 3: Theory into Practice/Beyond the Basics

Materials Generators

A materials generator that is available to you as a Google app is Google Docs. It allows you to create documents such as letters, brochures, etc. while also having the capability to share it with others.
Another materials generator that is good to use is Microsoft Office Publisher. This allows you to create the same documents that Google Docs allows. According to Roblyer, allowing students to use publishing software gives them an advantage over a powerful form of communication (p. 144).

Data Collection & Analysis Tools

A data collection and analysis tool that is good to use in the classroom is Google Forms. This is a Google application that allows you to create student response systems. 

Another data collection and analysis tool you could use is Plickers. I absolutely love this tool and plan to use it in my future classroom. It is a great way to keep students engaged while collecting data about their knowledge of a subject area.

Testing & Grading Tools

A testing and grading tool that is great to use is Google Sheets. This is a Google app that is easy to use when it comes to creating a digital grade book. The application averages totals for you after all of your information is entered. My Cooperative Teacher actually showed this to me the other day and walked me through how it works. It is always a good idea to keep a paper copy as a back up, but I really love that there is a digital version out to be used.

Another testing and grading tool is RubiStar. I used this during my assessment class last semester to create rubrics. You just plug in your information and the website generates a rubric for you. It is super easy and a great tool to use. According to Roblyer, the demand for rubrics has risen lately so there are several other internet sites that offer rubric generators (p. 156).

Graphics Tools

A great graphic tool that allows you to draw diagrams is Lucidchart for Education. This is a great Google Add-on for students and educators to easily draw, edit, and share professional diagrams. Lucidchart offers different categories, so whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will be able to learn how to use it effectively.

Another grapic tool is Tagul. This is a word cloud generator that makes it easy for anyone to create a word cloud. There are tons of different words, shapes, fonts, and colors to choose from when creating yours!

Planning & Organizing Tools

A planning and organizing tool that is great to use if you have a busy schedule is Gantter for Google Drive. This is a Google Add-on that makes scheduling easy. The website stated that it is also great to use if you have a big project coming up and you need to stay on track.

Another planning and organizing tool that would be great to use in the classroom is Planboard. This is an amazing internet site that makes it simple to stay organized, create lesson plans and access them anywhere, add curriculum sets, and manage your schedule easily. According to Roblyer, teachers rely heavily on lesson plans to guide their teaching activities (p. 161). I believe this internet site would make that a little easier for you.

Research & Reference Tools

A great research and reference tool to use is Google My Maps. This is a great Google app that allows students to explore different types of maps. You can also create your own custom map and share it with friends. I could deffinately see a teacher using this in their classroom as a part of a project.

Another research and reference tool that would be great for students to use is Encyclopedia. This is a website that gives you information from encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauruses, etc. This is a great idea to use when needing to gather facts, word meanings, synonyms, and more. I would deffinately use this in my future classroom.

Content-area Tool

A great content-area tool for reading in the classroom is Fluency Tutor for Google. This allows teachers to help struggling readers catch up with their peers. This is a great Google Add-on for struggling readers or students learning English as a second language. 

Another content-are tool for language is Google Translate. This would be helpful for English learners to use when trying to write in the English language. Sometimes students need a little help with translating words when they are learning a new language and I believe this website would be beneficial for them at times.