Technology tools in lesson planning!

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Technology tools in lesson planning! 

The rise of Technology used in classrooms has made learning much more interactive. The emergence of  i-Pads to browser- based tools in project- based learning, take teaching to a new level in the 21 st century. Even the current trends in education include the use of new technology, from collaborative projects to blending traditional textbook teaching with innovative tools.

For students, the core of aim project- based learning is to put theory into practice and gain new skills throughout the process. From prioritizing tasks to managing sources and summarizing concepts, they will be developing skills for life. As well as using interactive tools in group project helps students to grasp a better understanding of a concept.

A major advantage of digital tools used is better engagement in the classroom. For students it's the curiosity, for teachers it's a great tool to work with, to inspire and to grade student work!
Browser- Based tools and several apps used in education are especially useful for researching, storytelling and collaborative video- making. 
Handy mobile devices allow students to be inspired when outside the classroom by creating and sharing ideas and creations instantly. The benefit of some tools is that they accommodate different approaches to projects. Whether the end result is a presentation, telling stories on an interactive timeline, or a visual board. In the case of project- based learning, the passive 'teacher tells students' teaching has turned tp a more 'hands -on' approach with students finding the best ways to present their own results. 

In collaborative projects, students have a chance to enhance their skills in communication, critical thinking, productivity and problem - solving.

Technology Tools (click the link for some more apps)

Here is a mini- guide to some of the project - based learning tools:

1. Mindmeister
As the name suggests , this tool is great for mapping out ideas. A good way to start a project is by asking driving questions, like what's the essence of a project?  Free app available from the Apple Store, and for Android users.

2. Glogster
This creative tool is excellent for creating digital posters and other multimedia-projects. It can be used as a 'pre-tool' for a major project, or simply to highlight research.

3. Myhistro
This versatile browser-based tool enables students to combine blogging, videos and photographs on interactive Google Earth and Google Maps. Myhistro's chronological timeline makes it great for collaborative tasks, multimedia projects and presentations in History, Geography and Social Science.

4. Pixton

A fun web-based tool for creative storytelling. This dynamic comic building site is easy to use and great in English Literature. Interactive features such as a variety of expressions, background templates , and images make classroom activities interesting and let students creativity flow.

5.Reeldirector
Similar to i-Movie only this useful tool comes with advanced features in video making. It's simple to use and has many features  from stitching together clips to putting transitions between video clips to smooth the flow of the video.

6. Animoto
A fun tool for creating slideshows of field trips and learning concepts. You can illustrate you project with videos, photos and text. Simply choose a video style and add your visual material.

7. Voice Thread
A versatile tool used for commenting on any type of media, from videos to photos. It's especially useful in foreign language classes.

8. FotoBabble
'Talking photos'. a tool used to record a voice over for an image in a slideshow format. It's great for collaborative projects telling a story of a photo or event. In the classroom, students can start a project by analyzing a concept or story and import audio from another source.

9. Audioboo
A similar tool to Foto Babble. This voice over tool is excellent for telling stories of a photograph and other visual projects. It supports recordings from other devices, allows users to tag a location and enter a small description.

10. Popplet
An amazing tool for planning that can be used as a mind map illustrated with drawings, photos and videos. This easy way to use interactive tool is ideal for generating concepts, creating galleries, and adding comments. The main downside is that it's fairly expensive for a mind map app.

Feedback , Reflection and Revision

Technology can make it easier for teachers to give students feedback about their thinking and for students to revise their work. 

Thank you for you cooperation!
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