Two Tech Tools You’ll Jump to Use

A teaching veteran reveals two tech secrets that keep her organized in the classroom.

SeeSaw

Snapshot: Seesaw is a student-driven digital portfolio that allows primary students to document, reflect and share their learning with teachers, peers and parents.

Are you looking for student-driven, parent-teacher communication? Maybe you’re struggling to find a way to document hands-on learning. If so, SeeSaw is the app for you! The multimedia digital journal allows students to import work, via iOS or Android, through the use of a class QR code. Teachers register their class, assign an animal icon for each student, inform parents of the tool and set class parameters. Evidence of learning can be added in a variety of ways. Students may upload a photo, video, do a drawing or import a photo from the camera roll. They may annotate their entry using a voice recorder, drawing, or type nvarchar(max). All items are sent to the teacher, who then approves, shares, tags or releases them. Parents will love the added feature of accessing student accounts on any iOS or Android device. Additionally, they may customize their settings to receive alerts.

Price: Free! Site licenses are also available.

Learn more by visiting www.web.seesaw.me.

Symbaloo

Snapshot: Symbaloo is a cloud-based, visual bookmarking tool that allows users to organize and share online resources.

Is your monitor cluttered with sticky notes? Do you waste instructional time looking through links you’ve bookmarked for your learners? Imagine a digital notebook that’s accessible on your computer's desktop. Symbaloo allows your tabbed pages to be organized in a user-friendly manner, according to your preference. The application will streamline instruction, especially if teachers use interactive boards and online sources. After installation, teachers create their first tabbed page and get started. Symbaloo is cloud-based and accessible from any device. Also, users can share your Symbaloo resources with others.

Price: Free for educators!

Learn more by visiting www.symbalooedu.com.

Integrating multifunctional resources in the classroom can enhance instruction. Register now to learn more technology tips at the third-annual EdTechTeam Arizona Summit Featuring Google for Education on March 21-22.

Joan Buckley has 17 years of teaching experience in kindergarten and another 10 years in special education for the hearing impaired. She earned a master’s in education with a reading endorsement from Northern Arizona University. Joan is currently pursuing National Board Certification.