Teaching (TLC) tools

    I really enjoyed learning about some of the different tools that teachers can use to include their students, assess their knowledge and academic achievement, and view progress over the school year.

    In our modern age, we should be like the crow in Aesop's fable, as Dr. Wang suggests, and use a straw when it's available. I feel that these tools are like a straw, we could continue to use rocks, (techniques that have been around since before our technological age) it works, but a straw is more efficient and easier to use to accomplish the same task.

    I remember being in elementary and middle school and playing games on the computer, spelling, reading, grammar, math, and typing games. It was always a highlight for me! So I chose Wordsmyth for one of my resources. As far as ease of use, there is the option for students to log into their own account, and they have games at all levels, well labeled and age appropriate. They also vocabulary list making and quiz making tools to help teachers, i got the impression that it is very user friendly. Versatility, there are many ways to use the site, lots of different options, quizzes, games, crosswords, puzzles, etc. There is a great range of uses. 
 https://www.wordsmyth.net/?mode=activities&wl_id=w1

 I think this is definitely a tool that I will take advantage of. I feel it is a great way to add fun and excitement to a lesson and also quite easy for me to do even with limited time. 

Another tool I spotted right away was Google Earth. How cool is it that you can show your students an exact location that they may be studying. This tool could be useful in Social Studies, History, Geography, Science, and I'm sure we could all find other exciting ways to use this. Imagine a child from Mexico being able to show us the city they moved from, or someone showing us their backyard. When learning about the Grand Canyon, go take a look. When describing the fire escape route at the school, just pull up the school online real quick. Ease of use, it doesn't get much easier than this, it's pretty straight forward, just type in the location, and if you don't know that, just google it beforehand. Versatility wise, I was quite impressed, you can take guided tours, play "Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego," create stories and maps, as well as look up specific places. 

https://www.google.com/earth/

      
   I already use this in my personal life, so I see no problems integrating it into a classroom setting!