This week I have a few odds and ends in the form of a quick tip, a math
website, a flash supporting iPad and
iPhone app and a download tool for the computer.
First, are you aware that you are able to take most OSAPAC software home
for installation on your home computers?
Or that WordQ is able to be installed on student’s home computer? Many school libraries have CDs of the
software on hand which you can install on your computer for planning and
teacher preparation. If the school
doesn’t have a copy of the program you are interested in installing you may
find one in the Terry James Resource Center.
Check out the OSAPAC website (http://www.osapac.org/db/software_search.php)
and click on the program you are interested in, this will lead you to a
detailed page which outlines the licensing parameters. Don’t forget to check the disc packaging or
insert for a product key to be able to fully complete the install.
Have you ever used virtual manipulatives with your class? The National
Library of Math Manipulatives (http://nlvm.usu.edu/)
is a great place to seek out interactive math manipulatives for use with the
whole class. By clicking on the box
where the strand and grade level intersect you will be offered many different math
‘toys’ to be used with your lessons, including geoboards, base blocks, fraction
blocks, polyominoes, charts, spinners
and many more. Try adding them to the SMARTBoard
or simply project them on screen for all the class to collaborate on math
problem solving.
Having difficulty viewing videos and gaming on your iPad or iPhone
because they don’t support Flash? Try the ‘Puffin’ internet browser app. This free app will let you surf the net and
view content which is not often supported by the Apple devices.
Finally, have you ever tried downloading
videos from Youtube for viewing in your class, only to find out that it’s not
possible? Well the solution is Mozilla Download
Helper! By downloading the internet
browser ‘Mozilla Firefox’ (found at http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/)
and its companion ‘Download Helper’ (found at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper
) you can download videos like never before.
Just find the video you want to
download then click on the
coloured bubbles next to the title and choose to download the
video. Once it is downloaded you can add
it to a presentation or view it in class without requiring an internet
connection. This ensures that there
aren’t any advertisements surrounding the video for students to view and there
are no problems to deal with if the internet is down when you decide to show it
in class. It also makes it easy to embed
in a website or power point presentation, etc. just don’t forget to give credit
where it is due.
I hope these are helpful – as always, if you have any questions or
would like further information on how to use the items above please feel free
to contact me.
Cheers,
Stacey
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