So You Want To Teach?

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer, the About.com Guide to Business School. She also writes about online degree programs for OnlineDegreePrograms.org.

Teachers who are looking for technology to implement in their classroom can find many different resources online. From presentation apps to educational microblogs, the Internet has everything teachers need to improve learning experiences and productivity in the classroom. Here are 15 free ed-tech resources worth exploring:

Empressr – Empressr is a free, online presentation tool. It can be used to upload photos, audio, and video. Uploaded information can be shared publicly or with a select group of people.

Web-Chops – This unique web app makes it easy for teachers to share portions of the web with their students. Web-Chops allows you to collect and organize content from the web and transform it into your own custom pages.

Mindomo – Mindomo is a versatile mind mapping tool that makes it easy to create, organize, and share your ideas. It is a great brainstorming tool for the classroom.

Writewith – This easy-to-use web app can be used to collaborate with multiple people online. Writewith users can upload a document, assign tasks, chat, and track all changes.

ThinkFold – This structured outlining tool allows you to collaborate with others in real time. Thinkfold is a good way to brainstorm, organize notes, and turn plans into action.

Bookgoo – Bookgoo is a free web app that can be used to highlight and annotate student documents that were created on or uploaded to a classroom PC. This handy online tool is also great for students who want to share work with each other and get instant feedback.

SlideShare – SlideShare is the world’s largest presentation sharing community. It can be used to upload class presentations, share class lessons, embed presentations into a blog, and find interesting slideshows.

Edmodo – This microblogging site was created specifically for teachers and students. Edmodo can be used to share notes, files, assignments, grades, and events.

Edublogs – Edublogs is free blogging platform for teachers and students who want to start their own education-related blog. Special features include 20MB of free space, import/export capability, and blogger tutorials.

Flash Card Machine – The Flash Card Machine can be used by teachers and students to create and share flashcards online. Cards can be organized and built into customizable sites.

KeepandShare – KeepandShare is a secure file sharing network that’s perfect for the classroom. Students and teachers can store and share files, photos, documents, class calendars, and more.

Google Docs – This free web based suite of tools from Google gives classrooms the ability to collaborate and share assignments online. The suite includes a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tool.

Zap Reader – Zap Reader is a speed reading program for reading text on a computer. You simply insert the text into the web based program and start reading. Zap Reader users can read up to 300% quicker without losing comprehension.

Evernote – This free web app allows you to capture notes, lists, reminders, research, and more. Evernote can be accessed with any Internet capable device, making it easy for students and teachers to access research and notes from home.

Eduslide – Eduslide is free software that can be used to create and publish educational content online. A few of the things you can create include slideshows, chat rooms, wikis, and testing modules.