FTT - All Of Them

Unveiling the District 113 Technology Learning Center

@joe_edtech

I believe teachers learn best when they can explore new things at their own pace, can select the tools that best suit their needs and purposes, and are provided with both formal, delivered instruction and 1 on 1 time for deeper questioning and exploration (sounds like it would be good for students too - hmm). That said, in order to facilitate that kind of exploration and learning, today's Free Tech Tool is actually a collection of all of the Free Tech Tools that I've discussed this year.

In the first truly collaborative project between myself and my new partner, Lisa Berghoff, Director of Instructional Technology at Highland Park High School, we are unveiling our new district wide support site for innovative teaching with technology. It is tentatively called the "District 113 Technology Learning Center." However, it is still a work in progress. While this will eventually be the spot where you can go to get information about all kinds of Open Educational Resources, the latest and greatest regarding Google Apps for Education, full-blown professional development modules on integrating technology into the classroom, and information about technology tools specifically designed to level the playing field between advanced and challenged learners, the "Free Tech Tools" page is up to date and available beginning today to anyone interested.

All of the Free Tech Tools have been categorized by purpose (for example, tools for flipping your classroom, tools for global education, tools for formative assessment). Then, on each page, there is a short description of each free tool followed by a link to the original blog post with training materials, and then a link to the tool itself:

From the "Social Media" page - Each entry uses the same format.

Lisa and I both believe in sharing our products with other teachers, and neither of us believe that this is the perfect website. If you know teachers in other districts who would benefit from our "Free Tech Tools" page - please send them the link. If you have suggestions on how we can improve the site or any of the entries, please let us know in the comment section below.

We hope you have a great summer! And, Mom, I hope you will come back to read more of my blog entries in the Fall.