Tech Tools
Are you looking for a new tech tool? Here are some ideas to inspire a new learning experience!
Drones are a fun way to see things from a new perspective! You can also practice coding skills by linking up to a block coding app like Scratch, Swift, or Tynker.
3D pens are fun ways to create plastic designs. We have a few different models for students to try, depending upon the level of detail and accuracy of their design plans.
Novel Engineering is a series of lessons that involve reading a book with engaging characters and plots that encounter problems or challenges, and building physical solutions. This site has a list of books and suggested supplies to engage your class in Novel Engineering.
In 2019, the LittleBits and Sphero merged into one company. This means that two of our most popular tech tools will have new and exciting ways to integrrate with one another! LittleBits are small magnetic pieces that, when connected in the correct order, create circuits that light up, make sounds, control motors, and more! Spheros are round robot balls that can be programmed. We have the Sphero Bolt models, which include many features, such as built-in compass, GPS, message boards, and water & land capabilities! The possibilities are endless when you power these two tech tools together!
MakeCode.com is a fantastic web-based tool to program with Block coding and JavaScript. It works with lots of tools, including our Minecraft, Adafruit Playground Express, and Microbit resources!
Did you know bananas conduct electricity? Program fruit, or any other conductive objects, to be your game controllers, piano keys, and more with our Makey Makey circuit boards!
Adafruit Playground Express circuit boards can be programmed to light up, make sounds, and respond to sensors! We now have a set of these boards and a couple of similar MicroBit boards in the Adams Lab!
Construct3 is a web-based tool for creating complex games. Have you mastered Scratch? Take your coding & programming to the next level with this game builder.
Merge Cubes are augmented reality tools that have a wide selection of apps you can use. You can borrow our newly acquired classroom set in the Adams Lab!
Grasshopper from Area 120 is a the beginner's guide to learning to code in the Java Script language. It's very similar to the popular Duolingo app!
Adobe Spark is a great app for making images and posters right from your iPad!
If you're looking for a good 3D printing app, try some of the apps pictured in this graphic. Not what you're looking for? Ask Kate for more suggestions!
Have you always wanted to learn Swahili? The Duolingo app helps you learn vocabulary and common phrases in over 20 different languages!
Mindmeister is a mind mapping tool, great for diagrams and graphic organizers. There are a lot of options and features to change the appearance of your mind map, and it syncs up to Google.
WeDo 2.0 robotics are part of the Lego Mindstorms family and designed especially for elementary students who are ready to move from building with Legos, to building robots.
Smore lets you easily create newsletters and flyers that would be great for everything from parent communications to student newspapers. Check out Tech@DCD's newsletters on the Tech Bytes blog!
QuiverVision apps are a great entry point into augmented reality. Color one of their downloadable coloring pages, then hold the app over the paper to see your art come to life!
Blippar is an create-your-own augmented reality app that brings the classroom to life! Scan a picture or object with your iPad, and watch your screen come to life!
HR Reveal is another create-your-own augmented reality app that bring objects to life! Previously known as Aurasma, it still uses that platform, but has gone through upgrades in recent months.
Google's Artificial Intelligence Experiments let students experiment with artificial intelligence and think about how our devices learn about our habits and behaviors. This is a great way to introduce game based learning in your classroom!
Google Tour Builder lets you build your own Google Map. Place a pin, attach a photo, and write a caption. Then share your world tour with others!
Google's Be Internet Awesome is a fun way to learn about digital citizenship. It feels like an old school Mario Brothers game, but teaches 21st century lessons on internet safety.
ThingLink lets you add pop up information to an image. Just upload the image, place a marker, and link information, photos, and movies. Then share your ThingLink with others - when they click the image, your information pops up on the screen!
Google Photos let's you easily store and create with your photos. The Assistant feature builds movies, gifs, and collages for you!
Seesaw is a great digital portfolio app! Students post their work, videos, and pictures. Parents can view the timelines and celebrate learning with their children.
With the DoInk greenscreen app, students can transport themselves anywhere in the world.
CoSpacesEdu allows students to build their own 3D VR space that they can plug into the VR goggles.
TinkerCAD allows students to build 3D objects that we can print on our 3D printers!
Minecraft: Education Edition lets students build in 3D. They are also adding new features like a Chemistry crafting station where students can play with the Periodic Table of Elements! Ask Kate about access for your class.
Scratch & ScratchJr let students practice making and designing animation with the Blockly programming language.
If you are looking to develop programming and problem-solving skills with your students, try using Dash & Dot robots!
Flipgrid is a video discussion platform. Teachers post topics to spark the conversation and students respond with short videos.
Beebots are excellent tools for practicing sequencing and planning skills. The BeeBot and BluBot apps on the iPads are also great tools for teaching these skills
