10 Powerful Media Tools EVERY Educator should have started using yesterday! Part I

Social Media is not just a buzz phrase! You must stay connected in this GLOBAL society!

Here are some Powerful TECH TOOLS EVERY educator should be using!

1. Google Apps For Education

A new way of learning and collaboration. Connect through email, calendar, and documents. All your work is saved in the cloud, so there is no need to worry about losing work. This means that emails, documents, calendar and sites can be accessed - and edited - on almost any mobile device or tablet. Anytime, anywhere. 

Within Google Apps try

Similar to Skype, Google Hangouts is a free video chat for group chats up to ten people at a time. Google Hangouts are already proving invaluable to educators who wish to connect and collaborate on common projects.

Connect with educators from around the world

 2. Twitter! (Wait! You aren't using twitter yet?)

Twitter has changed so much from the "What are you doing now" tag line  to becoming one of the largest Personal Professional Learning Networks available to educators. I have participated in numerous hours of professional development, and graduate courses, but I have learned more from my twitter friends then all of those things put together.
Think of twitter as a "chat room" you are having a conversation with people of like-minds sharing their ideas and great resources. Its a place to share ideas, and get ideas. (Sometimes you are even just chatting with yourself)

Follow me on twitter @msedtechie

3. Pinterest 

A place of ideas!! Think of Pinterest as a virtual bulletin board. Pinterest allows you to save everything from pictures to blogs, in one easy accessible place. You can find ideas for classroom organization, lesson plans, edblogs, and more.
Ready to explore? Send me an email, and I'll provide you with an invite to Pinterest.
Check out my Top Pinterest EDTechboard of Educational Technology

37 Ways teachers can Use Pinterest in the classroom

4. Evernote

Evernote for Teachers- use this tool to take notes, organize lessons, collaborate on class projects, create portfolios for students, snap photos, and much more. The beauty of this tool is  everything you add to your account is automatically synced and made available on all the computers, phones and tablets you use, at home or at school. 

10 Tips for Educators using Evernote

5. Edmodo

Create a unique learning experience for your students through Edmodo. Edmodo helps connect all learners with the people and resources needed to reach their full potential.  There are great PLN's already in place.

6. Symbaloo

Social Bookmarking at its finest. What a great way to organize web resources. What I love about Symbaloo is that the websites are images, not just word links. This is especially cool for young students who can't read the words, but would recognize a symbol or picture. Overall it's just much cooler! Create and share webmixes with anyone.

7. Padlet (formerly Wallwisher) 

Create a virtual brainstorming wall. There are so many ways you can use Padlet. Create a wall, and allow people to post easily to it. 

http://padlet.com/gallery We've used this many times in our staff meetings.

8. Skype in the Classroom - Connecting Classrooms Around the World

Meet new people, talk to experts, share ideas and create amazing learning experiences with teachers and students around the world. Participate in a Mystery Skype, Skype with authors, classrooms, professionals, etc... the list is endless. 

9.  YouTube 

Find videos in your classroom and bookmark them directly in Youtube. Create a channel for your classroom to post videos easily accessible by your students and parents.

10. Thinglink- 

Connect content to images. Take an image of the  St. Louis Gateway Arch. Add a video explaining how the Arch was constructed, and the history behind it. The user clicks on a spot on the image and it takes them to the link of the video. They are quick and easy to make.
Create interactive links on maps
http://www.thinglink.com/action/store/education

Create and share individual student projects through interactive links
http://www.thinglink.com/scene/398481287716798465

Want more??
Thought you would... Here are some bonus Tech Tools

11. Aurasma

Think of QR code on steriods! Rather then just a two-dimensional bar code. you can take an image and transform it right into a video through the device. Hold up a mobile device next to an image of the Gateway arch, and that Arch magically starts to move, and becomes video. It blends virtual reality and reality. Try one out here

12.  WeVideo

WeVideo enables engaged learning

Online video projects in and outside the classroom are a great way to encourage student creativity and storytelling, as well as increase student involvement. Video creation projects enable engaged learning and develop 21st century skills. You can link to storage devices like Google Drive. Web-based video editing tools allow for easy access of student work anywhere!

13. Animoto ( LOOOOVE THIS)

Make quick and easy professional videos from video clips and pictures. Wow your audience with the simple yet professional production. Hint: Teachers get a free pro account, and students don't need real email addresses to create accounts. Check out one of my recent videos here.