21st Century Tools for Classroom Scientists

The list of technology tools available to Science teachers is heartening. There are tools available for every comfort level and stated purpose. These tools provide teachers with the ability to engage students in ways beyond the usual PowerPoint slides and static presentations. While it is adviseable to take some time while not in school to test run these sites there is the value of learning on the go, utilizing the concept of inquiry to guide the installation of one or more of these sites as part of the classroom culture.

One of the sites that I like and would consider using frequently is Web Poster Wizard. This site enables teachers to create assignments for students who complete them entirely online. The site is easily navigated and allows teachers to set up class assignments online and have students login using their class codes. Different codes are created for each class so that it is easy to pull the assignments for each class and grade accordingly. Students will like using this tool as it allows them to use the technology with which they are familiar and allows them to be infinitely more creative than if they had to use the standard poster board to present their work. It also allows students to be able to make adjustments to work posted by typing in their unique poster id code. This is preferable to having to redo an assignment due to changes indicated by the teacher.

Format Pixel is another tool that has what students would call the cool factor. It could be used to create student term projects or a classroom magazine that can be published by students. It offers the students some customizable options and can be tailored to create multiple page projects. Students would be able to upload their own pictures to make the magazine more personal. However, one thing bears mentioning. There is a limit on the storage size of the account created. There is a free account that allows one to save up to 512K of material. Anything above that would require a fee.

If using PowerPoint slides is more in line with your taste then there is a way to give them a boost by using Prezi. Prezi is to PowerPoint slides what turbo charging is to cars. The transistions in Prezi are smooth and look like movie effects (which your students will love). It also allows you to share your presentation on facebook and twitter. This allows students to be able to follow their classmates presentations online and even make comments and like or dislike it using a social media outlet that they currently have in their arsenal. Presentations can be customized and set to autoplay so that salient points can be re-stated when necessary without having to toggle back through previous slides. It is also key to note that one of the special effects of Prezi allows for the zooming in on specific objects/words during play. It creates a very strong impact and leaves a lasting impression on those viewing the presentation.

While this is not an all encompassing list of all the tools that are available for use with the technology that is available to us currently, hopefully it provides an impetus for you to check out what else there is that could be useful to you for your own specific needs.