Five

Rushton Hurley’s In-depth presentation
= Hordes of Free Tools from a Google Certified Teacher =


 * I was lucky enough to get into Rushton's session of Free Tools from a Google Certified Teacher. Not only did he talk about tons of Google tools, but he had hordes of other tools as well. I am going to give you all the links (and pray they work), but I am going to highlight a few of the tools. This was a four-hour in-depth session and really taught me a lot!**


 * First, here is the link to Rushton's session at the ISTE conference:**
 * []**


 * And the link to all the very cool stuff he showed us is:**
 * []**


 * Where to start, where to start...**

====** Google Search - I thought I knew a lot about how to search, but Rushton showed us the Timeline and the Wonder Wheel. I learned more about the advanced search. He has some great guides on the site for you to check out and perform some searches for yourself!**====

====** Wordle - This is a tool I have used before and I had my students make Wordles. I add it here because there are a lot of teachers that have never used it before. Please go to Wordle and create one of your own. I am not going to have you show it, but I think you will really like it!**====

====** Google Docs - I use Google Docs all the time, but it is always changing. I would like you to click on the links for the tutorials for each of the types of Google Docs and watch at least one short tutorial for each. We will be discussing what you find.**====

====** Poll Everywhere - Okay, I have fought the fight of cell phones in the classroom, but this is one quick and easy way to put phones to use in the classroom. Poll Everywhere allows you to set up a short poll and text a response. Then you just need to check out the results. I would like you to take the following poll:**====


 * What Internet browser do you prefer to use? (Text the number to 22333)**
 * **Internet Explorer - 184840**
 * **Firefox - 184841**
 * **Safari - 184842**
 * **Google Chrome - 184843**
 * **Other -** **184844**


 * Hopefully, you can see the results at:** []
 * Check out the different views at the right.**


 * I could go on and on - I did have four hours. I want you to look at the list and find one other tool YOU are interested in. Check it out and report on it in the discussion board. Tell us if it was easy to use and how you might use it in your classroom.**


 * While I have reached a point that 21st century learning isn't about the tools, it is still great to have the tools available to use.**


 * There are three questions on the discussion board this week. Please answer them all and respond to at least one other. I tried not to make this week a lot of work and I am praying the above links work this week. Please let me know if that isn't the case!**


 * Have a great week!!!**