Stupeflix is a free drag-and-drop, online video editor. If you're familiar with Animoto, Stupeflix uses the same type of editing "magic" based on themes of your choice. What Stupeflix has over Animoto is premium features for free! You and your students will be able to create videos up to 20 minutes in length and access the website's full range of themes and editing options.
Google announced some interesting new tools and features at last week's ISTE conference. First is Google Cast, an app that allows students to instantly share their screen with the teacher's. Read more about it here. Second, Google has now released the Expeditions virtual reality app for free! The app has been in beta since we test drove it in the fall, but now all Android users, and soon all iOS users, are able to download the app and participate in VR field trips all around the world. Finally, Google has added a quiz feature to Forms that allows for automatic grading. Many teachers have already used the Flubaroo add-on for this, but Google has added this function directly into their app. When you create a Form, click the Settings icon to see how to activate the new feature. Learn more here!
If you are interested in checking out some Maker projects to include in your classroom, explore PBS LearningMedia's Makers resources for some neat ideas!
PBS LearningMedia also has a great collection of art resources in The Art Assignment, a series of interviews with artists revealing their inspirations, methods, and techniques.
Professional Learning
Want to know if your students are truly engaged in your classroom? Check out this infographic. Thanks, Kelly and Natalie from Education Elements, for the helpful resource!
Video chatting opens up a range of possibilities for enhancing projects and lectures in the classroom. Check out Five Ways Teachers Can Use Video Chat in the Classroom for some good ideas.
One of the quickest ways to learn new classroom technology is through video tutorials. Richard Byrne, author of the popular Free Technology for Teachers blog, has a comprehensive YouTube channel teaching you how to use great tech tools.
‘Curiosity Is a Powerful Motivator’: Spotlighting Student-Centered Learning highlights the impact that SCL has on both teachers and students in addressing issues of social justice.
As seen in The Connecticut YOUTH Forum Talks Student-Centered Learning, SCL isn't just a priority in schools! See if you can spot the Bulkeley student!
