"Other" Tools

Tools that I found:
1. Graphing and Charting Tools
a. ChartGizmo- free and can be used to make charts for websites, blogs, and network files http://ChartGizmo.com
b. Class Tools- crates Venn Diagrams
http://classtools.net/education-games-php/venn_intro/
c. Createagraph- can create a bar, area, line pie,
or an XY graph http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/

2. Quiz and Poll Tools
a. eQuizzer- free web based quizzing program, manage, monitor and create quizzes http://www.equizzer.com/
b. Yacapaca- free, can use already created quizzes or make your own http://yacapaca.com/
c. Mystudiyo- interactive, can have feedback for each question completed http://mystudiyo.com/

3. Mapping Tools
a. CommunityWalk- at this website your can create personal, community, and professional maps, show the map on a website or blog, and add photos, videos, comments http://www.communitywalk.com/
b. OpenStreetMap- free, editable map of the whole world, it allows you to view, edit and use geographical data in a collaborative way from anywhere on Earth http://www.openstreetmap.org/
c. Scribble Maps- google maps, you can draw and customize your own map http://scribblemaps.com/#lat=42.314111&lng=-83.036825&z=3&t=Map&y=0&p=0

Wiki

I created a Wiki! The most frustrating part was coming up with a name for my Wiki because every single name I came up with was already in use. Once I was in it was a user friendly program. The help button was actually 'helpful' and well organized. I'm not sure but I think that Wikispaces and Google Docs were pretty much the same service. I could see myself using Google Docs more just because it is part of google.

Wordle Assignment

We have used Wordle in the classroom for spelling words and for our lunch group Circle of Friends. Using Wordle for spelling helps students practice typing the words in and then also having them printed to read and review. We used Wordle in Circle of Friends by typing the expectations of our lunch group. Wordle is a fun way for students to display creatively.

Google Reader

This assignment was really cool. I liked how I could browse and select news feeds to add to the google reader. Out of the 5 that I found, NASET News Alerts was the best. It had very good information and news stories. I picked it because it was an education based news feed.

I Tunes

Apple is a true technology pioneer.
I think that Apple has reinvented themselves in the past few years. I remember when I was in grade school Apple was the newest and best. We had all kinds of Mac computers in our computer labs. Then I believe the trend became if you were in computer graphics or any art field of that sort Apple was the computer for you and the rest of the population leaned towards the PC.
Now, Apple is back. The IPhone, IPod, IPod touch, Nano, ITunes, and now the IPad. I have an IPod and an IPod touch. (I just had to have the movies for the airplane flight to Hawaii.)
I think the coolest features that I use from the Itunes store are the downloads of movies, music, and audio books. You are able to preview before you purchase and then buy. It is a secure site that allows you to search and find popular artists and the unpopular 'new' artists.

Google Docs

I have now created and explored the user friendly Google Docs. I created a document for oganizing all the upcoming meetings and needed tasks for each child with a 504 or IEP on my case load. This is nice because I can access it from home and I was able to invite others who are involved in the process, such a special services or case managers. Another option that is nice is the calendar. With this everyone can see the dates on the calendar and be notified of time. Pretty cool!

Skype

I have signed up, down loaded software, and Skyped for the first time. I was able to add a friend to my contact list and call her. She lives in Alabama so it was nice to be able to see and talk to her.
The only way I know to find colleagues is to search their name and varify their location.
I found this to be a great free service to stay in touch with friends and family.