Eclectic Technology

Edshelf is a great tool for teachers and learners, and it needs help from those who use it, or those who might want to use it in the future. Joyce Valenza, who write NeverEndingSearch, wrote an excellent post that describes the issues that edshelf is confronting, #saveedshelf: a new model. Helping the developers on our team.

It is rare that I advocate for people to support a tool that requires payment, but in this case it is a great tool, and there are some who will choose to support it. This link goes to a Kickstarter campaign that has been started. It includes a video where the founder describes how edshelf started, and unsolicited feedback about the value of this product. If you have used edshelf, or think you would like to in the future, consider making a donation.

Are you looking for some web-based tools for students to use to create animations? This post will provide you with nine ideas (and I will add a tenth). Have fun exploring!

* EWC Presenter

* Make Web Video

* Vcasmo

* GoAnimate

* Powtoon

* Mixeek

* Prezi

* Empressr

* Creaza

*  And one more that is not listed is Moovly. Here is the link: http://www.moovly.com/

EdSurge is releasing their top 20 "S'Cool Tools" for 2013 and this list provides us with the tools from 11 - 20. The range of tools is wide. A quick explanation on some are below with more information in the post as well as links to each of them.

* NewsELA is a website that provides students access to articles written at different lexiles, starting with Grade 3 or 4 and moving through Grade 12. It is free and you can create a classroom account and also assign articles to be read. Some (but not all) of the articles have quizzes attached that ask questions based on Common Core and you will be able to see the results. Questions are different for each reading lexile.

* EdWeb is a professional and social networking that provides a wealth of resources including free webinars. It is a great tool to help improve teaching and learning.

* Timelapse provides you a look at what is happening based on satellite photography taken over the last 30 years.

Click through to the post to explore these tools and seven others...and stay tuned for the release of the top ten!