Web-based Flash Cards

A request came in from a teacher asking if I knew of any programs available to make review/study cards.  This teacher wants to use the study cards as a review tool that could possibly be shared amongst the students.  They thought of using PowerPoint but wanted to know if there was anything else out there other than the traditional pen and paper method.

First of all, for those of you out there using the traditional pen and paper method...there is nothing wrong with traditional :-).  My first response to this request was to use the "Notebook" software for the SMARTBoard, although this specific teacher does not have a SMARTBoard.  Not really knowing what was available, I did what most "not knowing" people do...Google.  My search came up with some wonderful results which I discuss and provide links below.

1. Flashcard Machine - A free web application enabling users to create interactive web-based flash cards and share them with others.
   
2. Cramberry - A free web application allowing users to create simple flash cards in an easy to use, clean interface.  Appears to have an app for the iPhone/iPod touch.
   
3. FlashcardExchange - A free web application where you can create, study, print and download flashcards.  Some features include creating flashcards in different languages, sharing flashcards over the Internet, creating flashcards with images (jpeg), creating audio flashcards (mp3).

Popular Science and Google Team Up

 Image retrieved March 11, 2010 from: http://www.popsci.com/archives

Popular Science and Google have teamed up to offer the entire 137 year archive of the Popular Science magazine for free browsing. For more information on this or to search the archives go to http://www.popsci.com/archives

Bitstrips for Schools

 Bitstrips for schools may be a potential tool we begin to use at NESD for creating digital comic books.  The following information was provided to us by Waynor Media Solutions (creator of Bitstrips).

Bitstrips for Schools The fun way to improve literacy Bitstrips for Schools is a revolutionary web-based service that empowers students to make and share great looking comics without drawing a line, and helps teachers unlock the educational power of comics. Start a FREE TRIAL in your classroom today! Why Use  Bitstrips for Schools? STUDENT ENGAGEMENT The best reason to use comics in the classroom is that kids love comics! Your students become will become hooked on reading and writing without even knowing it! LITERACY Comics are a proven tool for building language skills, and are particularly powerful in developing boys' literacy. DIGITAL MEDIA EXPERIENCE Bitstrips for Schools helps develop media literacy by engaging students in a collaborative and social online experience. INSTRUCTIONAL ENHANCEMENT In any subject, at any grade, Bitstrips for Schools offers an entirely new medium to teach the curriculum. SAFETY Bitstrips for Schools features private and secure virtual classrooms, with automatic and manual content filtering. Join the 12,000+ teachers already using Bitstrips for Schools in their classrooms. Start your free trial right now! Set up your class in less than 5 minutes. Or take a quick tour to learn more! Distributed by 1 800 865 7617 waynor@marlineducation.com

14 Technologies Educators Should Watch in 2010

Chris Riedel reports on technology tools that can improve instruction, boost productivity, and improve organization.  Technology Tools that made the list are:

• Jing
• BT-1 Bluetooth Web Cam
• Photo Booth
• Poll Everywhere
• Prezi
• EtherPad 
• Orbicule Undercover 
• Tripit 
• Evernote 
• Twitter Widgets 
• Netbooks
• Flip Cameras
• Zamzar 
• SlideRocket 
• Epson BrightLink

 To read the entire article, "14 Technologies Educators Should Watch in 2010 (Chris Riedel, 2010)...click here