My 100th post - Sooeet!

If you have been following my blog, you know I try to share tools, tips and information in a way that keeps it simple for readers.  I know everyone "can do tech" thus the name of my blog.  I believe everyone can do tech and integrate technology into the classroom to enrich and engage students.

That brings me to Sooeet!, a neat, simple to use interactive conversion tool that allows you to convert everything from clothing size to math to time zones and so much more.  You plug in a number, set the conversion and you have the results. 

This tool can be used in so many ways in the classroom for a number of subjects.  These are just some of the conversions you can do on Sooeet! It really is sweet!

The time zone interactive is very engaging and an excellent way to connect geography and the differences in time around the world.  The display is clear and easy to read.  You simply click the buttons under the map to change your view. 

Math and science teachers will find conversions for many topics in the curriculum.  We all need convert something from time to time and this is a practical, powerful learning tool.

I'm happy to share Sooeet! with you for my 100th post.  Enjoy and let me know if it is something you can use. 

Having or Using Technology, What Can We Learn?

Congratulation to Patrick Ledesma on an excellent Education Week blog post, Technology Integration Isn't About Technology

In my opinion, it is so easy to get caught up in the "tech stuff" that educators can forget to "keep it simple" and focus on using whatever technology is available.  
You have to read the whole article as Mr. Ledesma connects Apple's philosophy to teachers using technology with students.  The point of the article is that having the latest gadget or fastest computer isn't as important as using what you have enhance your life and the lives of your students.  I have worked in schools with incredible hardware, software, clickers, pads, and gadgets available to teachers and students that go unused and I have worked in schools where teachers get more out of one computer than you can imagine.  

Are you using the technology that is available to you?  Do you use technology to enhance the quality of your teaching and life?  What can you do to make it more about learning process?  Let's say YES to using and not just having!

If you agree or want to challenge the ideas presented here, you can comment here or comment on Mr. Ledesma's blog post on Ed Week Teacher. 

Engaging Science with "Science Monster"

In New York State, students are preparing for the state science assessment so teachers engaging science websites has been a topic I have been discussing with teachers.  If you have a favorite, please share it in a comment.
Science Monster is a site I recently found and it offers excellent information and interactive games on a number of science topics. 

You can click the pictures or from a list at the bottom of the page.   The topics include Earth Science, Technology, Solar System, Physics, and Plants.  There are additional topics that will be added in the future.
Each topic brings you to a lesson on a topic and then to an interactive learning game.

The Technology section has good information about the Internet and future lessons will include lasers, computer viruses, nano-technology, television, and how a computer works.  Is is obvious that Science Monster is still in development, but what is there so far is worth checking out.  The site "keeps it simple"and is easy to navigate. 
Science Monster is part of Cool Math so if your students like Cool Math, they will also find Science Monster as engaging.

If you like the site, please share a comment about how you use it and what your students think of the site.  Enjoy!