TECH TOOL: Educreations

WHAT IS EDUCREATIONS?
Educreations is a web application, which also has the added option of an app available for mobile devices. Educreations has a free basic plan available. There are also paid plans that provide more features. This app is great for making videos. You can do voice recordings along with using the touch screen on your ipad to create instructional videos that fit your needs! You can import your own documents or images and add your own personal touches. You also have access to what is called a whiteboard. It is sort of like a fancy version of paint where you can draw things out to add into the videos. This could be used for any subject area or grade level. However, I can see where it would be a great tool for math classes so that students can see example problems worked out along with voice over explanations. Once you have created a video, you can share it instantly via social networking sites or download and save it to places like Dropbox or Google Drive. Since these videos are saved in the cloud, they can be accessed at anytime from anywhere!

HOW DOES IT WORK?
First you would need to create an account and choose the plan you would like register for. Once you do that, you are ready to start making videos! There are many options to insert text, pictures, and other documents. You can also use the tools to draw on a blank background or on the documents you have inserted. After you have planned everything out and created your pages, you hit the record button to work through your pages and add instructional voice overs. When your video is complete, you are ready to share it! 

Features:
https://www.educreations.com/features/

Examples:
https://www.educreations.com/examples/  

Pricing:
https://www.educreations.com/pricing/   

Demo:
https://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/how-to-use-educreations/7416256/

TECH TOOL: Trello

WHAT IS TRELLO?
Trello can be accessed via the web or via an app. The free app can be downloaded on apple, android, and kindle devices. Trello would be a great instrument for teachers to manage lesson plan ideas. It would be a wonderful tool for students to use in group projects or individual projects. It could also be used to interact with students for homework help or as a space to provide supplemental class resources. Trello has fun features such as a calendar, card aging, and voting. Comments can be posted for feedback. Files can be shared, checklists made, and notifications can be set.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Once you create an account, you can create lists that are filled with cards. These cards can be accessed by you and a team of your choosing. You can move the cards to various list as you make progress on a project. The list can be edited or reordered as needed at any time. Team members can be assigned to certain list to show they are in charge of those tasks. All list are viewable to team members, even if they are not assigned to them. It is all updated in real time, so everyone will always be on the same page as the action happens! Team members can post comments on cards to give feedback. Files from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive can be added to your lists and shared with everyone. Extras like labels and due dates can be added. Notifications can be set so that your team will never miss a deadline! There are a lots more features to use, so give it a try!

 
Website:
https://trello.com/

Tour:
https://trello.com/tour

TECH TOOL: Teacher's Assistant Pro

WHAT IS TEACHER'S ASSISTANT PRO?

The Teacher's Assistant Pro app is available in two versions. There is the FREE version, which does not have as many features. There is also the full version which cost $5.99. This app was designed to help with classroom management. It can be used to track student actions, behaviors, and achievements. Additional features make it easier for a teacher to communicate with parents and other staff members via phone calls or text messages. The email blast feature can be used to send messages to different groups.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Once you download the app to your device, you can import data via a csv template that the app provides. You get the template by entering your email address on the correct screen and the app sends an email with detailed instructions and the templates. There are templates for class lists and parent contact information. Once you fill in the templates, you import the data into the app. Once all of your class data is loaded, you can use the app to send group emails to different class groups. You can also create student profiles and document incidents for individual students. There are filter searches available so you can sort through any data that you choose. It isn't just limited to names or groups. It will search all fields for key words, this includes any information listed in individual student profiles. You also have the option to back up all data entered into the app. For security, you can set up a PIN that must be used to access the app. The greatest feature is that you can customize it to fit your needs. You can add and edit fields as you need them.
 

Website:
http://www.teachersassistantpro.com/

How Can it Help You:
http://www.teachersassistantpro.com/how-can-it-help-you.html

Video Demo:
http://www.teachersassistantpro.com/video-help.html