Options for the Creative Person

There are a multitude of online computer tools that can be creatively used for teaching, collaborating, and parent training. Here are just a few of the more obvious ones.

Storynory.com is a website that offers readings of children's books, complete with corresponding pictures. Google Book Search allows a person to search the text of a book for specific words and phrases. If one remembers reading about a particular subject in a book and would like to reread it, Google Book Search makes this quick and easy. Google Scholar can help in writing a research paper. It does an Eric (Education Resources Information Center) search and provides research papers on line.

Over the past 13 years, while I have been teaching children with special needs, I have made several teaching aids. Some of these inventions could possibly be patented. Specifically I am referring to my number column sliding board and my numerous flip boards.

Picasa, another Google option, would be great for sharing photos of teaching materials. Photos of students is a possibility, but would be handled differently. In the past I have had parents who requested that photos of their child not be shared with others. However acceptable photos can be uploaded and then made available for parents, students and any other interested parties. Picasa can be linked to your Google account.

Google Docs options could also be used. PowerPoint Shows (except for videos) can be uploaded and made available on the internet. Google Docs is very open and fluid and allows for total collaboration. Bookmarking can be handled by Google notebook.

Audio books on iTunes offers books being read aloud. They can be down loaded and listened to at school or at home.

A podcast can be downloaded for free. The podcast can be created using audacity, a free audio editing program. In addition podcasts can be created with GarageBand, a MacIntosh program available from Apple, but not for free. There could be podcasts of running records taken to check for reading levels and progress. Podcasting is also great for IEP documentation. Some teachers use it periodically to document suspected problems. A recording could be used to demonstrate potential speech delays.

When it is difficult or impossible for team members to come together to discuss work, members could open a circle or engage in online collaboration. In other words they can have a meeting over the internet.

These are only a few of the many options available for free from Google. The more they are used the better they will be understood and the easier they will be to use. No doubt, as with Word and PowerPoint, they will become very familiar and much needed over time.