Erin Draft EDUC 553

I explored the links listed and found many interesting features in each site. However, my favorite overall site was 'Geek Your Teaching'. The site is well organized and easy to use. The resources are great. Marilyn Western has listed the top web applications. The best feature is that when the link is selected, the term is described. This helps those that are not familiar with all of the techy terms or labels. After describing the term, she continues to inform readers on how to use the tool. There are tips listed following the description.
The site is very appealing to the eye. It is simple and clear. There isn't too much going on. Some of the sites were distracting with all of the flashing items and different choices. I never felt lost on 'Geek Your Teaching'. It was simple to navigate through the website and get right back to where I wanted/needed to be next.
The link titled 'More Teacher Tools' has a listing of nine active and functional links. I found all nine to be fabulous! This was like a list made just for me. I immediately thought of a way to use each site/tool. I am excited to build word clouds using Wordle. This appears to be so much easier and more interesting to students that a white board drawing. Best part is, I can save it! I don't have to worry about board space or our work getting erased.
The online stopwatch is a great find for me! At my school, a good stopwatch is so difficult to find. We are constantly searching for batteries or working stopwatches. When doing our times reads for language arts, it is hard to watch the clock and complete an accurate running record. The countdown is great for clean up times (with the volume up on the computer) or timed test taking.
Geek Your Teaching was a great find for me!