A Must-Have Tool for Managing Student Feedback
Student Feedback Made Easy Whether used for formative assessment, exit tickets, or just checking in on student well-being, Loop provides teachers with an easy...
Assessment
The Easiest Way to Provide Effective Feedback
Effective Feedback Made Easy Teachers often struggle to find enough time to provide feedback that is personalized, ongoing, and timely. However, these characteristics of...
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October 7, 2020 -
January 30, 2020An Easier Way to Provide Faster, More Effective Student Feedback
Floop: Giving Students Feedback They Need, When They Need It More than just a quick, convenient way of providing student feedback on paper assignments,...
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November 7, 2018Gimkit – Mix Things up with a Great New Review Game
Everyone Loves Review Games You can never have too many options for review games. Mixing things up keeps things fresh. I’m happy to add...
Assistive Technology
Digital Accessibility Resources to Empower All Learners
Technology is most powerful when it empowers everyone.Apple.com One of the first times I heard George Couros speak he said, “Technology is not just...
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November 21, 2019Getting Started with Google Voice Typing
Text-to-Speech That Actually Works I remember trying voice-to-text software in the late 1990s. In addition to a lack of accuracy, I had to speak...
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September 16, 2019Improve Reading Comprehension with Text-to-Speech: iPad Multi-Sensory Reading
Text-To-Speech Text-to-Speech isn’t just for students with low-vision. It can also be beneficial to students experiencing a range of literacy difficulties. Read-aloud tools have...
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June 2, 2017
iPad Accessibility Apps – Level The Playing Field
iPad Accessibility Apps – Level The Playing Field The iPad’s built-in accessibility features are amazing for empowering all learners. Here’s a round-up of iPad...
Communication
The Easiest Way to Make a Bitmoji Classroom
Bitmoji Classroom Bitmoji Classrooms are really catching on as teachers try to have fun and increase engagement by designing their virtual environments. In the...
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September 2, 2019ClassTag: Communicating with Parents Has Never Been Easier
Communicating with Parents: Let Them Decide I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t always read (or even open) the weekly email newsletters I receive...
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June 7, 2018Backchannels in the Classroom – 7 Alternatives to TodaysMeet
Backchannels in the Classroom 7 Alternatives to TodaysMeet Backchannels in the Classroom Backchannels are a great way to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions that all...
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July 3, 2016Become a Parent-Teacher Communication Rockstar
Become a Parent-Teacher Communication Rockstar Bloomz.net While teachers recognize the importance of effective parent communication, we never seem to have enough time for it....
Content Creation
The Best Free Screen Recorder for Teachers and Students
Loom Loom is the best choice for teachers and students looking for a free screen recorder. They generously offer many of their paid features...
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June 14, 2020How to Make a GIF in Google Slides
Turn Your Slides into an Animated GIF While PowerPoint and Keynote users can directly save their presentations as an animated GIF, Google Slides doesn’t...
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May 28, 2020Copyright-Free Video Footage for Student Projects
Copyright Free Video, Images, and Music I’ve shared several great sites that feature copyright-friendly images and music for use in student projects (links at...
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May 17, 2020Remove Video Backgrounds Automatically – No Green Screen Required
No Green Screen, No Problem Record your video anywhere, with any background. Unscreen analyzes your video and automatically removes the background without needing a...
Distance Learning
Virtual Waiting Room Slide Templates
Virtual Waiting Room Slides If you’re hosting virtual meetings or classes, chances are you spend a fair amount of time waiting for people to...
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September 3, 2020Tech Tutorials for Parents and Caretakers
A collection of tutorials for commonly used technology to support parents and caretakers during distance learning (or anytime).
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August 9, 2020Building Relationships During Remote Learning
It’s All About Relationships Everyone is likely to start off this school year with some version of online learning. Even those starting out face-to-face...
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July 24, 2020Coronavirus Resources for Families, Students, and Teachers
This collaboration is brought to you by Study.com and is based on my unbiased experience using the site. While we all wait and wonder...
Featured App
Not Your Average Timeline App – Timeline 3D
Timeline 3D iPad App The average timeline maker looks like it still belongs on the internet of 1999. Timeline 3D is not your average...
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March 8, 202010 Must-Have Math Apps for Elementary
Free Math Apps The Math Learning Center has created 10 free math apps featuring virtual manipulatives and interactive visual models. These open-ended learning tools...
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October 13, 2019A Fun Way to Randomly Select or Group Students
Chwazi Finger Chooser Teachers are always looking for new ways to select or group students. This app makes that task quick, easy, and fun....
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April 19, 2018Manage Paper Like a Boss – Turn your iPad into a Document Scanner
Manage Paper Like a Boss – Turn your iPad into a Document Scanner OK, I’ll Say It: I Hate Managing Paper Efficiently dealing with...
Flipped Classroom & Blended Learning
The Best Free Screen Recorder for Teachers and Students
Loom Loom is the best choice for teachers and students looking for a free screen recorder. They generously offer many of their paid features...
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April 3, 2020The Beginners Guide to Creating Video Lessons with Edpuzzle
Video Lessons Edpuzzle has been featured in many of my posts and workshops over the years. With so many teachers turning to video lessons...
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March 26, 2020How to Create Instructional Videos with Screencast-o-Matic
Screencast-o-Matic Screencast-o-Matic is the easiest, free way to create instructional videos. Users don’t need to download any software; no accounts are required. Just visit...
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June 11, 2018Video Lessons for Every Subject – Study.com
Video Lessons for Every Subject From Hemingway to Hemoglobin – Study.com This collaboration is brought to you by Study.com and is based on my...
Gadgets
Learning Design & Technology Holiday Gift Guide
I was just starting to think about my annual Tech/STEM toys of the year when my friend and mentor, Dr. Marshall Jones, shared his...
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November 24, 2019The Top Tech Toys of 2019
Nick’s Picks for Tech Toys So many of my previous picks for educational toys remain among my top choices (now at lower prices), but...
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November 25, 2018Nick’s Picks for Educational Toys 2018
Top Educational Toys Under $50 Here are my top 10 picks for STEM/educational toys under $50 for 2018. I opted for only 10 picks...
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December 3, 2017The Best STEM Toys Under $25 – 2017
The Best STEM Toys Under $25 – 2017 Nick’s Picks for Educational Toys 2017 There are so many great choices for STEM toys under...
General
3 Chrome Shortcuts Everyone Should Know
Check out these essential Google Chrome shortcuts to save some time while streamlining a few common tasks. With no extensions needed and no keys...
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December 31, 2020Top EdTech Picks of 2020
Here’s a look back at my top #EdTech picks of 2020: Engaging eLearning Activity Templates, Building Relationships During Remote Learning, Virtual Waiting Room Slide...
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December 3, 2020Is It Down Right Now?
We’ve all been there. You can’t access a website and wonder if it’s really down for everyone or just you. Is It Down Right...
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October 31, 2020EdTech Obituaries – Alternatives to EdTech Tools That Gave Up the Ghost
EdTech Graveyard Last October I created the EdTech Graveyard to honor EdTech tools that have passed on, and suggest some alternatives. Today, we lay...
Learning Apps Gone Free
Learning Apps Gone Free – July 31, 2017
Paid Learning Apps Gone Free July 31, 2017 Learning Apps Gone Free Today’s learning apps gone free feature tools for stargazing, photo editing, and...
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June 30, 2017
Learning Apps Gone Free – June 20, 2017
Paid Learning Apps Gone Free June 30, 2017 Learning Apps Gone Free Today’s learning apps gone free: learn about equivalent ratios while mixing potions,...
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May 11, 2017
Learning Apps Gone Free – May 11, 2017
Paid Learning Apps Gone Free May 11, 2017 Learning Apps Gone Free Today’s learning apps gone free: an incredibly popular storybook app, a fun...
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March 23, 2017
Learning Apps Gone Free – March 23, 2017
Paid Learning Apps Gone Free March 23, 2017 Learning Apps Gone Free Today’s learning apps gone free: AP U.S. History 5 Steps to a...
Management
Everything You Need to Implement a Classroom Economy
Not Your Typical Classroom Economy I heard an NPR interview with Rafe Esquith where he was sharing his strategies for teaching fifth-grade students about...
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January 17, 2019ClassroomQ: A Better Way to Ask and Manage Questions
A Simple Solution to a Common Classroom Problem “Wouldn’t it be cool if students didn’t have to raise their hands and wait when they...
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September 21, 2017The Seating Chart Tool You’ve Been Looking For
The Seating Chart Tool You’ve Been Looking For Mega Seating Plan www.MegaSeatingPlan.com Mega Seating Plan makes it easy to create a variety of seating...
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August 27, 2017Lesson Plan Your Way with PlanBoard
Lesson Plan Your Way When I first started teaching, I was required to turn in two weeks of lesson plans on a six-point lesson...
Presentation Resources
Ignite Student Voice with Flipgrid
Ignite Student Voice with Flipgrid Free Access to Flipgrid Classroom Get FREE access to Flipgrid Classroom through September 30, 2017 with promo code NICKLAFAVE....
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June 7, 201750 Free Tech Tools for the 21st Century Classroom
50 Free Tech Tools for the 21st Century Classroom Updated for 2018 – Links and resources from my workshops, presentations, and conferences. Teacher Tools...
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May 31, 2017Creating Interactive Lessons for Blended Learning and the Flipped Classroom
Creating Interactive Lessons for Blended Learning and the Flipped Classroom Updated for 2017 – Links and resources from my workshops and presentations on Blended...
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July 12, 2016Don’t Flip Out About Flipping Your Classroom
Don’t Flip Out About Flipping Your Classroom Updated for 2017 – Links and resources from my workshops and presentations on the Flipped Classroom. Remove...
Reading Roundup #TeachDifferent
100 Free Halloween STEM Activities
100 Free Halloween STEM Activities I’m a big believer in leveraging student interests for instructional engagement rather than fighting against their excitement (check out...
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August 4, 2017Fidget Spinners in The Classroom – #TeachDifferent Reading Roundup
Fidget Spinners in The Classroom Teachers are always looking for ways to capture student interest, yet many educators are often quick to outlaw the...
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July 19, 2017Summer Slide – #TeachDifferent Reading Roundup
Summer Slide – #TeachDifferent Reading Roundup Five handpicked articles from my PLN about the dreaded “summer slide.” See what the research says and get...
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May 17, 2017Recess – #TeachDifferent Reading Roundup
Recess – #TeachDifferent Reading Roundup All kids need recess, everyday. Especially those who “misbehave.” It has always baffled me when teachers use a form of...
Review & Study
An Engaging Review Game That’s Perfect for Any Classroom- Blooket
Even students’ favorite review games like Kahoot, Quizizz, and Gimkit can get a little dull if they are overplayed. That’s why I’m always excited...
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February 11, 2020Create Interactive Learning Games in Minutes with Educandy
Teachers can never have too many review game options. Educandy allows teachers to quickly and easily create interactive learning games. The games are easy...
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November 7, 2018
Gimkit – Mix Things up with a Great New Review Game
Everyone Loves Review Games You can never have too many options for review games. Mixing things up keeps things fresh. I’m happy to add...
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March 26, 2018Flippity – Create Flash Cards, Review Games, Random Name Picker…
Flippity – Create Flash Cards, Review Games, Random Name Picker… Flippity.net Flippity is a versatile set of tools that are quick and easy for...
Sharing Content
The Easiest Way to Share Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drawings
Four Ways to Share Google Docs Sir Links-a-Lot is a must-have Google Chrome extension that provides four quick options to share Google Docs, Sheets,...
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January 19, 2020Make QR Codes That Stand Out With This Custom QR Code Generator
Custom QR Code Generator QR codes have become so common in many settings that they tend to blend in. I still remember being surprised...
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May 30, 2019Generate Full-Screen Messages Instantly with Gzaas
Gzaas is a simple, but useful, tool every teacher needs on their bookmarks bar. Need to share something quickly or spontaneously with your class?...
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November 9, 2017Share Bookmarks and Save Time with Sqworl
Share Bookmarks and Save Time with Sqworl Sqworl.com Simple Visual Bookmarking for Educators Sqworl is a basic bookmarking site. Its simplicity and focus on...
Social Media
#MathematicalSongs
#MathematicalSongs Look what showed up in “Trends for you” on Twitter this morning! I collected a few of my favorite #mathematicalsongs. If your school...
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April 10, 2016Create a YouTube Channel for your Class! — Guest Post by Nicole LaFave
Create a YouTube Channel for your Class! Guest Post by Nicole LaFave In my first year of teaching, I’d spend hours each week gluing...
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June 30, 2014Twitter in the Classroom: Engage Your Screenagers in 140 Characters or Less – ISTE 2014
Twitter in the Classroom: Engage Your Screenagers in 140 Characters or Less ISTE 2014 Twitter in the Classroom Poster – ISTE 2014 (Click to...
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August 13, 2013Twitter in the Classroom – A White Paper
Overview: As teachers look for more ways to gain and sustain the attention of learners , many educators complain that they are in constant competition with cell phones, texting, and social media....
Student Response Systems
Real-Time Communication, Collaboration, and Formative Assessment – Whiteboard.chat
Whiteboard.chat I wasn’t going to share another web whiteboard, but I really can’t categorize Whiteboard.chat as just a web whiteboard. It’s a combination of...
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October 7, 2020
A Must-Have Tool for Managing Student Feedback
Student Feedback Made Easy Whether used for formative assessment, exit tickets, or just checking in on student well-being, Loop provides teachers with an easy...
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September 24, 2020A Web Whiteboard that Displays Student Responses in Real-Time
More Than a Web Whiteboard So much more than a web whiteboard, Whiteboard.fi allows teachers to quickly create a class and view student responses...
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June 7, 2018
Backchannels in the Classroom – 7 Alternatives to TodaysMeet
Backchannels in the Classroom 7 Alternatives to TodaysMeet Backchannels in the Classroom Backchannels are a great way to facilitate meaningful classroom discussions that all...
Video Tools
The Best Free Screen Recorder for Teachers and Students
Loom Loom is the best choice for teachers and students looking for a free screen recorder. They generously offer many of their paid features...
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September 14, 2018Attention Getters for Any Lesson – ClassHook
Engage Your Students Through the Movies and TV Shows They Watch Video clips from popular shows and movies provide a great way to capture...
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November 20, 2016Use Video Clips to Identify Bias, Propaganda, Rhetorical Devices, and More
Use Video Clips to Identify Bias, Propaganda, Rhetorical Devices, and More ClipChoose ClipChoose is a quick and easy way to share and compare YouTube...
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October 20, 2016Highlight a Video, Add Notes, and Combine Video Clips with Vibby
Highlight a Video, Add Notes, and Combine Video Clips with Vibby Vibby.com Vibby is a game changer for more effectively using video as an...