TechTools you can't live without

I am absolutely IN LOVE with Big Huge Labs. Thanks to @wmchamberlain’s tweet, I was introduced to one of the most entertaining and FUN way to use photos! Now, I’ve used other alternatives such as BeFunky but it definitely wasn’t as intriguing and EASY to use as Big Huge Labs. And on top of that, there is so much MORE with Big Huge Labs. (Can you tell I’m excited?!)

Maybe you’re not sure how you can use this in the classroom? Well, don’t worry, Big Huge Labs has some great ideas for you. (I thought it was fitting that their website is called Web 2.0 Wednesday :) ) From creating photo ID badges, motivational posters for your classroom, magazine covers, trading cards (hey maybe you can use the topic you’re class is specifically talking about to create important people during that time period!), or even something extra crafty for the holidays with ornaments, etc! The possibilities are endless.

I took some time to make a couple creations myself. Check out my creation for SimpleK12’s motivational poster (hey it’s our motto!):

Andrew Marcinek (@andycinek) discusses how he used Big Huge Labs (and Flickr) to liven up vocabulary lessons. His project would lead to students being able to identify and understand new words and define and use the word. Andrew goes into more detail about the process he used for this web 2.0 assignment so make sure you check it out here. Also, while you’re checking out his stuff, bookmark or subscribe to his blog too – he’s got some great articles on there.

This wasn’t the only cool tool I have to report on for #web20wednesday, so check out the other great suggestions:

The Fact Monster – This is a great little site full of information. It’s basically an online almanac with categories or search feature to find stuff.

Block Posters – Easily create wall posters for your classroom (great alternative to Big Huge Labs) This site was featured in our free edtech newsletter, if you’re not signed up, do that here.

Prezi – This tool is a great alternative to PowerPoint. It’s way more interactive and fun for your students Thanks @karla__t

Active Allowance – This site is awesome. This site makes teach kids about responsibilities, values, making choices, and appreciating things! Thanks, @kylepace for this one!

Want to animate? Try DoInk or GoAnimate! Thanks to @kdmiller4 and @RobinThailand for these #web20wednesday tools!

Who doesn’t love story time? @hondanhon recommended the “We Tell Stories.” This is a great site where you read stories and then answer questions related to the story. Additionally, @kylepace offered us Mrs. P’s Story Time which is a cool interactive story site. (Once you enter, don’t miss the little truck on the bottom right)

Wallwisher – This site is an online notice/collaboration tool. Story is kind of cute: Their janitor had a “post-it” overuse problem (used for reminders, coasters, bookmarks, etc…) He decided to have post-its for the web so it was easy to communicate and remember things while communicating via the web. Thanks to @aaallain for sharing!

Also be sure to check out @worldclass52 and @cybraryman1's blogs about Web 2.0 Tools for the classroom.

@Worldclass52
@cybraryman1

If you have more to share, please feel free and leave a comment. And until next #web20wednesday!