Technology Tools for the 21st Century


Materials Generator--Materials generators, which include “desktop publishing software, Web page editors, whiteboard activity software, worksheet and puzzle generators,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 143) and more, offer means for teachers and students to produce new classroom content.  Google Sites is a desktop publishing software that can be utilized to make a website, spice up a syllabus, or offer a change of pace for presenting lecture material.  Another material generator in the Google suite of software is Google Drawing, which is a graphic document maker.  Drawing can be used to create posters, presentations and more.  

Data Collection & Analysis Tool- These softwares unify classes in an online setting and offer means of compiling information concisely for everyone.  Google Forms  is an example of an online survey tool, which is useful for quickly gathering ideas in a classroom.  Surveys and classroom queries are easier to do with something like Forms.  Quizzes are also easy to set up on forms, and grading them is easy.  SurveyMonkey is one of my favorite examples of this type of technology.  This is because “it eliminates the need for postal mailings or for respondents being in any particular location to complete a survey,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 151).

Testing & Grading Tools-A testing tool Add-On is Flubaroo, which allows teachers to grade online assignments and tests quickly.  This is a huge timesaver for teachers, and allows instant feedback for students on their grades.  Testmoz is a free test generator that allows students or teachers to quickly build a test.  This can be used for actual tests, or even for students in creating mock tests and study guides.

Graphics Tools- A graphic tool found in Add-Ons is Word Cloud Generator.  A word cloud can add visual flavor to a presentation or on a created website, and can “help students understand the importance of repetition, style, and focus in their speeches,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 159).  Word clouds can show patterns in speech and in writing, and using them is another unique means of teaching information.  Photoshop is the most extensive graphic software, but costs $700..  Photoshop may not be necessary in a normal classroom, but great for specialized classes.

Planning & Organizing Tools- Google Calendar is a planning tool that is easily overlooked.  “Time management tools are especially popular applications on handheld computers,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 162) which is not a surprise.  Plan board app is an online lesson planning software.  It is yet another way to save time for teachers, and allows more time for innovative thinking instead of tedious planning.

Research & Reference Tools--  Most reference tools are “online and usually available as apps,” (Roblyer, 2016, p. 162).  Rhymefinder is a Google Add-On that would be awesome in an English classroom.  This gives students an aid when working on poetry and writing stories.  Wikipedia is one of my favorite research tools.  Knowing how to find sources within Wikipedia is very valuable in research papers.

Content-area Tool

Speech Recognition is an Add-On that allows users to write documents by speaking.  It could be useful in English classes for certain students.   Spreeder is free software that teaches students how to speed read, and could help students improve with finishing their reading assignments.  




Source:

Roblyer M.D. (2016). Integrating technology into teaching (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.