Tech Resources

Technology information for new families:

Devices needed for Learning

PHS students are responsible for bringing their fully charged device to school with them each day. Chromebooks should be able to go the entire day on a single full charge, but students should still carry charging blocks and cords should additional charging be necessary. Please note that many classrooms are not equipped with multiple outlets for in-class charging, so it is important that devices be charged at home. Short term and long term checkout will be available based on inventory.

Short term and long term checkout will be available based on inventory.

Parent/Guardian will need to complete the Student Device Checkout Agreement. This form must be completed before a device is checked out to the student. Please click the link below to access this form.

Student Device Checkout Agreement

If you have questions, please contact John Bosco at jbosco1@dcsdk12.org or Kathleen Gould at kgould@dcsdk12.org

Students may log into the school wifi when on campus using their DCSD login. If they have issues connecting to the wifi, the librarians can help.

Below is a listing of some great academic and vetted sources on the web for assisting in creating digital work. Visit the Library & DLMC page for research materials. All things listed below are open source, and digitally linked in the name.

MEDIA BOOT CAMP

GENERAL TOOLS

Piktochart: Create powerful infographics

Create infographics in PowerPoint

MindMup: Create a graphic organizer to brainstorm and organize ideas or topics for a paper. You don't need to log in, and you can save or download as an image or an outline. Make sure to save the link somewhere safe, since you won't have an account to save it in!

Prezi: An elegant, visually appealing non-linear approach to slides. Its non-traditional format uses zooming transitions that move so seamlessly the audience can’t even perceive that they’re looking at slides.

PowToon: Create animated videos for presentations and projects. Free version has many limitations including a 5 minute limit, but it's easy to use.

emaze: Create animated presentations, blogs, ecards, social hub websites, and photo albums. Integrate media, gifs, live social feeds, video. Innovative video, pan and zoom, and 3D transitions transform presentations into journeys through virtual worlds. Cloud-based, multi-device.

SlideDog: A multimedia presentation tool that allows you to combine PowerPoint, Prezi, PDF, video clips, webpages, and more into a seamless presentation. **Download required, not for Mac yet

Zoho Show: Slideshow presentation, very similar to Google Slides. Easy to use and import videos, images, and other files. You can only share with other registered users, but you can publish and share links. You can also broadcast remotely, and use tools such as zoom, markers, and pointers as you present live to your audience!

Presentation Technology Beyond PowerPoint: New technologies to try for your next presentation

11 Ways To Use High-Tech Visuals To Make Your Speeches And Presentations Rock

Gridzzly: Create and print grids, graphs, and music sheets to whatever size you prefer

Canva.com: Graphic design tool that is easy and free; tons of templates and images ready to use

ThingLink: Add links to any image

Tellagami: Create animated videos of yourself up to 30 seconds long. You can embed them in presentations or websites for projects. Free app for iPhone and iPad.

Google Apps Webinars: Learn how to use different Google apps in 30 minutes or less***

SmartyPins: Answer questions by placing a pin on the right spot on the map. Warning: this is addictive.

GeoGuessr: A website that places the user in a Google Map street view. The goal is to use clues to determine the location. GeoGuessr is a great way to improve problem-solving skills.

HistoryPin: Type in a location and the website produces a map with pins containing historical information.

Google Cultural Institute: View and tour important historic places and museums, such as the White House or Ford’s Theatre.

TourBuilder gives teachers & students the ability to make and view tours using Google Earth. Check out a tour of the Revolutionary War. (This tool is in beta.)

MapChart.net: Create custom maps with highlighted countries or states and detailed legends, then download as a .png. You can now save your map to continue working later.

makebeliefscomix.com - Create Comics Online - Offers free accounts to save your work. Ideas for teachers to use with classes and for students creating projects.

Story Intro Creator, Kassell Labs - Create an online intro in various styles, such as Star Wars, Stranger Things, or Game of Thrones

AUDIO TOOLS

SoundCloud (mostly music)

Jamendo (mostly music)

YouTube Audio Library (music and sound effects)

Freesound (database of Creative Commons Licensed sound clips)

SoundBible (sound clips)

SoundGator (sound clips)

Please let us know of any other great sites we should add here.

BLOG and WEBSITES

Blogger: Easy and free to create blogs.

New Google Sites: Very easy to create a website and organize information. Click here for a getting-started guide.

Wix: Wix gives you everything you need for a stunning website - free. Drag 'n Drop editor, unlimited pages, 500 MB storage, secure hosting and a mobile site.

Wordpress: Easy to start a blog, website, or portfolio. Multi-platform with a robust free account option.

INTERACTIVES, POLLS, QUIZZES, ETC.

Kahoot: Interactive games and quizzes to engage an audience. Use Kahoot to test prior knowledge, gather opinions, introduce new topics, and more! Questions appear on a shared screen and players answer on their devices.

Poll Everywhere: Create polls and gather audience feedback by allowing people to participate in polls via internet connected devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Free version is limited to 25 responses per poll.

Swank Film Streaming see Database Passwords for login information

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