Technology Resources for Teachers:
At each of Ignite Center’s New Teacher Workshops, technology tips and tools are shared by various P-12 leaders and utilized throughout the professional development sessions. In addition, we use technology to share resources with new teachers and St. Cloud State University graduates. Technology is continuously, and rapidly, evolving and requires ongoing learning. Just a few of the technology tools available to new teachers are listed below-but with each tool shared at our workshops, updates will be made to this site.
Pineapple Charts
"A Pineapple Chart is a system that allows teachers to invite one another into their classrooms for informal observation. The chart is set up in some location where teachers go on a daily basis: the teacher’s lounge, the copy room, or wherever teacher mailboxes live in your school. On the chart, teachers “advertise” the interesting things they are doing in their classrooms, activities they think others might want to observe, etc. When a teacher sees something on the chart she is interested in, she goes to that classroom at the designated time, sits down in an out-of-the-way spot, and watches. That’s it. No note-taking is required, no post-observation conference, no write-up. Just a visit." (https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/pineapple-charts/)
GoSoapBox is a web-based tool used by educators for social Q&A's, discussions, polls, anonymous student-teacher interactions, and creating spreadsheet reports from class data. It features a very helpful in-class tool, the Confusion Barometer. It is unique for its compatibility to work on laptops/desktops, phones, tablets, and even iPods.
Visit GoSoapBox Website by clicking on the logo above or go to gosoapbox.com GoSoapBox is free for K-12 students and teachers and university educators to use with small classes (fewer than 30 students). Example: POLLS Throw out those clickers! GoSoapBox allows teachers to poll students on a question or topic. The results are displayed graphically and update in real time. 
Twitter is a social networking service for sharing news, thoughts, and status updates with people who choose to follow you.
Visit Twitter by clicking on the logo above or go to twitter.com Twitter is free and accessible on phones, laptops, and on just about any new technological device. Tip: If you're new to Twitter start with people in your district-superintendents, principals, the teachers that are movers and shakers- and then build your followers off of those leaders. Follow us on twitter @Ignite_Center Twitter Tech Tips:
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Padlet is a flexible, easy to use virtual wall that allows teachers to communicate, assign work, and share helpful content with their students. It also allows students to collaborate with one another. Padlet allows teachers and students to:
Visit Padlet Website by clicking on the logo above or go to padlet.com Padlet is free. (explain) Below is an example of a Padlet page, click here to visit it. 
Pinterest is a similar web-tool to Padlet, but much more casual or teacher to teacher based tool. It is a social network to visually share ideas, tips, and news.
Visit Pinterest website by clicking on the logo above or go to Pinterest.com Pinterest requires an account to access the website or app, but it's free. By creating a Pinterest page, you could follow other teachers' pages and pin your interests to your page. Follow us on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/scsut/ 
Nearpod is an app for teachers to create and share lessons with students. It acts as a PowerPoint presentation, but is much more interesting for children. Nearpod allows teachers to share text, images, audio, videos, and PDF documents all embedded in slides.
Visit NearPod by clicking on the logo above or go to nearpod.com NearPod is free and also offers priced packages to larger classrooms and additional helpful features. Visit nearpod.com/pricing to view offered packages. |
Facebook allows teachers to collaborate with each other and their students in the classroom. Teachers might consider creating a private Facebook page for professional learning communities, sharing resources, etc. Visit Using Facebook with Students Page to learn about Facebook use in the classroom with your students.
