Feb
6
The Best Things: Projects Designed for Free Web Services and Software
February 6, 2009 | Tagged e-zines, interactive, open source, projects, TCEA 2009, web 2.0 | Leave a Comment
One of the “new” technologies that I have loved for quite some time now is all the Web 2.0 sites as well as open source software that has been around for years. I remember one of the first open softwares I used was called Star Office that was similar to Open Office. Both are compatible with Microsoft Office but are totally FREE (well, Star Office is no longer free but was back in 1997).
Anyway, David Phillips of Prairiland ISD (without the e) showed a room full of educators on the best uses of free programs and interactive sites for technology integration. Mr. Phillips covered quite a bit of information that was very valuable to teachers who are new to open source software and free websites and Web 2.0 services. He also mentioned that reading up on some educational technology e-zines is very helpful such as Edutopia, Teaching and Learning, T.H.E. Journal, and his own personal Tech Newsletter called Tech Week. He also mentioned PC World magazine.
Mr. Phillips provided a lot of information and looking around the room I could see that these teachers were eating it up, taking notes on notepad, laptops, and even iPhones and Blackberrys, etc. What was really cool during the session was that some teachers in attendance mentioned other valuable sites and open source software that are also very helpful. Here is a list of some of the items mentioned during the session:
- Photoscape
- World Wide Telescope
- Simple Maze Game (Interactivate)
- DNA Extraction
- NASA Interactive
- NOVA Interactive
- Library of Congress for Teachers
Those are just some of the few sites and software discussed. Once I get my hands on Mr. Phillips powerpoint that he used during the session I will post a link to it here as soon as possible. Very resourceful!
