Web 2.0

Netflix- This by far is one of my favorite websites/apps that’s on this list. Sure, I use Netflix to relax and be entertained at home as most people do. However, I’ve found this tool extremely useful in my classroom. Working in a classroom with severe and multiple disabilities, my students need examples of what we are learning. For instance, we have been working on a problem-solving unit. Using Netflix, I’ve found a few age appropriate show that we can break down different problems and discuss the problems in the show and how they might have been solved differently. However, Netflix has several downsides: the first being it costs money to use beyond the free trail that is offered; the second downside is that to use in a classroom you must have a projector for your entire class to enjoy. Netflix definitely out weighs the cons and well worth the investment.

Wordle-  I like Wordle because  it provides a different way to convey information to your students. Instead of using markers and chart papers to create lists, Wordle is a great way to introduce a unit and access prior knowledge. Also, Wordle can be used as a partner activity and have other pairs guess whose they are. Worlde’s can be used to tell one-word stories. The possibilities for Wordles are endless. The only con I can see to using Wordle is that you need access to laptops or a computer lab but in most schools this isn’t a problem. 

Prezi- I like using Prezi because it’s different from all the other presentation tools such as PowerPoint and other similar tools.  Prezi offers a zooming canvas which  opens up the classroom to active learning and interactivity, making lessons more engaging. Most of the time teachers are under a time crunch causing them to skip over important information. Prezi allows you to mange your time more efficiently. However, with Prezi there is a learning curve that the presenter needs to over come.   

Typing Adventure- This tool is great because it keeps students engaged while learning an essential 21^st century skills. Typing is essential because almost every job application is online, requiring you to type. I see this as a functional skill for my students that needs to focused on and reinforced.  Typing for many of my students is a challenge can be very frustrating, I can see this tool at being very helpful in my classroom. This tool will require a lot of adult supervision for my students which could be the only downside. 

Classdojo- This tool is awesome at classroom management. I really like that this tool has the ability to instantly reinforce good behavior. I haven’t used this in my classroom but I would highly consider it because of this aspect. This part is essential for me because my students like instant gratification. I also like the tool because it also allows you to communicate with parents in a safe manner. Also, this tool increases student engagement and allows you to easily collaborate with fellow teachers. This tool does have a downside of being time consuming at times.

Excel

 I will admit, I do not use Microsoft Excel a whole lot in the classroom. I use it once a month to calculate my mileage that I have driven for work. However,  I know a ton of people, especially my roommate from college who spend the majority of their day looking at Excel spread sheets and picking out a specific chunks of data. He knows the ins and outs of Excel.

However,  I do know a few capabilities of Excel. For instance you could create a timeline with multiple visuals. This is a huge benefit as I like to put visuals with almost any handout that I create. Also, I will occasionally use Excel to create a chart or a graph for a research paper that I am working on for grad class. I find this experience stress free because the charts are clearly labeled and easy to manipulate. Additionally, Excel can be used to keep a grade book, if your district doesn't have an alternative software. Other then the rare opportunity to use Excel, I fully neglect this powerful program.

Microsoft Excel is a great tool to have in your tool bag. This program not only benefits people in education but also people in all walks of life such as business. Excel is great for compiling data and sorting through it in a quick and efficient manner. As time goes forward I would like to increase my skills in Excel because it can make tasks more efficient and less frustrating if I was to use another program.

Old Trusty

We've all typed our fair share of essays, resumes and countless other things. But did you know that Microsoft Word can do much, much, much more?!? I'm not talking about just changing the font and the colors, it's a very powerful piece of software. For instance it can be used to as a communication device. I find this feature extremely useful because I work with students with severe and multiple disabilities. Two of my students have augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) but sometimes, like they are now go on the fritz and can not be repaired right away. Both of these students have adapted keyboards so they can type on a computer. In a pinch, Microsoft Word can be used to communicate because of the text-to speech capabilities. A link is posted below on how to do it:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/using-the-speak-text-to-speech-feature-HA102066711.aspx

Also, the 2010 version of Microsoft Word offers a number of ways to make the software more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Numerous other software programs exist to achieve the same results, but Microsoft has built in many of these features. Microsoft Word can be looked at as a cost effective piece of assistive technology. A link is below on how to make Microsoft Word more accessible for students with disabilities. 

http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/accessibility-features-in-word-HP010370103.aspx


Microsoft Word, the standby of the Microsoft Office package. That familiar "W" that's displayed on my desktop is a sign of comfort for me. I will admit, I struggle to use any other word processing software as I find them very confusing and poorly laid out. Microsoft has done a nice job at keeping Word user-friendly and keeping the changes to a minimum. Sure, I've had to hunt for things after an upgrade but their still there. While, I don't see the bouncing paperclip anymore like I did when I was using Windows 98, I'm sure he's floating around somewhere.

Google Apps

Google has truly revolutionized technology. I signed up for my first google account sometime in my teenage years for a gmail account, back then you had to be invited. At the time I thought it was pretty cool, I already used the search engine everyday and I wanted to get away from my aol email- the You've got mail slogan was kind of getting to me. Today and multiple google accounts later, not to mention the tens of thousands emails later (most of  it junk) I'm still an avid google user. 

The use of google apps can truly bring education to the home. All of the apps allow for students to continue their education from the comfort of their own home wearing their pajamas and fuzzy slippers while they do work. No longer do students have the excuse, oh I didn't have the software to do that assignment. The beauty of google apps is that it's all web based. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are suitable replacements for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint respectively. These apps also provide versatility, you can save your assignment to their Google Drive app which will let you access it from any device and allow you to continue to work. Moreover, Google's site app can bring it all together in a website form without the hassle of writing code to share it with the world.

 Google is helping simplify how education can be taught not only in classrooms but any place that has an internet connection. With that being said, that might be the only downside. Internet access can be costly for some families, not allowing all student access to the internet and Google apps.