Tech Trick - Using Thinglink in the Classroom

I was busy, busy this year learning new technology tools, trying them out, and seeing what worked in the classroom.  I LOVE anything that enhances what I already do and makes learning a little more engaging for the kids.  So, when I learned about using Thinglink at a CUE Rockstar Teacher Camp, I knew instantly it was something that I could use.  If you have not yet had the pleasure of attending one of these awesome camps, you should jump on board that train as soon as possible.

So first, what is Thinglink?  It is a free, web-based site, where you upload a photo, then tag the photo with little icons.  Each icon can become a link to anywhere!  You can link to photos, video, websites, or anywhere on the web.  It can then be shared or embedded into your website or blog.  Here is one that I created for the Redwood Forest.

As you drag over the tags, you can see what each one represents and what type of file it links to.  It is a great way to compile all of your resources on a subject into one place.  Once you have created it, you can then accompany it with graphic organizers for the kids to fill out as they explore.

I can't wait for my next Thinglink.  I saw this great idea on Pinterest for a group photo from Ephotozine...

I thought it would be fun to try and recreate this using a cardboard box and my new students.  Then, instead of a boring worksheet where they write their yearly goals, we put a dot on each of them and link to their goals.  Then, it can be embedded into our blog or website and can easily be referred to throughout the year by the students, the parents, and me.  

I highly suggest you do some playing around with Thinglink.  The possibilities are endless! 

Using PowToon in the Classroom

Summer is my time to try out things that I am petrified to try for the first time during the school year.  Today, I searched around for a new, more dynamic way to make presentations.  I wanted something a little more engaging then the regular old Powerpoint or SmartBoard lesson.  I did a little bit of research and decided on Powtoon.

Why?  It was free, easy to use (if you are familiar with presentation software like Powerpoint), and it was cute.  Those kids love "cute" and I thought maybe they could also learn to make their own animated presentations.  I am hoping it will work for not only presentations and slideshows, but also for short "flipped" videos that could be linked to websites, tweeted out, or on YouTube.

The only drawback is that it requires a flash player.  So those of us who work mainly on an IPAD are out of luck.  Luckily I have both a laptop and an IPAD for the classroom.  The laptop is hooked up directly to my flat screen TV in the classroom, so this works fine for me.  Also, instead of getting a few IPADs for my room, I decided to try out the cheaper option, which is a set of about 6 Chromebooks.  So, PowToon should be a great tool for those.

First, I started with something I knew I could use right away in the classroom.  I took the posters I made for our 6th grade interactive notebooks and turned the information into a short little video.


Then, as I felt like I was on a role, I tried a quick explanation of Main Idea.


It's actually addictive.  At first, it takes some time to figure out how to use it.  I of course always opt for the "playing around until I figure it out" option which sometimes takes a little longer than watching the tutorial.  If you are familiar with PowerPoint and timing slides, then it isn't too hard.  Once I got the hang of it, it went pretty quick.

It is a little limited once you get going.  There were times I caught myself saying things like, "oh man, it doesn't _____?"  But for something totally free, I can't really complain.  Easy and fun to work with, if you are looking for animated presentation software online for your classroom.

I would love to hear what other people are using that are similar.  I wish I had the time to check them all out. And if you have tried PowToon, what did you think?