Tech EDGE: Youtube Channel Review
I was recently introduced to the Youtube Channel “Tech EDGE” a Nebraska based classroom technology reviewer, led by professor of Educational Technology Guy Trainin from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. What I noticed first, was just how many uploads this channel had. There are hundreds available with a very regular upload rate (weekly, at the very least).
I found myself gravitating towards a video titled “Tech Edge, Mobile Learning In The Classroom - Episode 01, Four Apps for the Classroom.” Here, Mr. Trainin highlights four applications that he uses daily in the classroom (Google Chrome browser, timer, Padlet, Camera, The production quality was very high for an independently produced video series.
I would especially recommend this teaching resource for a classroom that utilizes iPads. In Tech Edge’s description, Mr. Trainin notes, “Much of our current work is focused on iPads in the Classroom. However, this channel still stands as a valuable resource for any teacher looking to integrate more technology in their classroom
Google Chrome
Guy Trainin’s review of apps that he uses daily in the classroom prompted me to take a closer look at the utility of the Google Chrome browser app.. After a bit of playing around, and weighing the pros and cons, Chrome has replaced Safari and is now the default browser on my iPad. This was done largely because of the app’s capabilities across devices. When I save a bookmark, create an event, or download a file, it is quickly and easily accessible on my phone and laptop. In addition, that same bookmark, event, or downloaded file is just as accessible on any other device that I may be using. I would simply need to be able to log in to my Google account.
Now you diehard Safari fans, Firefox users, and people who haven’t gotten rid of internet explorer yet (if you still exist), hear me out. What got me to move from the stock iPad browser (Safari) was that the majority of the internet accessing devices that I use on a daily basis are not Apple products. As a matter of fact, the only apple product I own to date, is an iPad. My digital calendar, email, and cloud storage are using a Google platform. This fact means that in order to maximize the compatibility of my iPad to all of these devices, Chrome makes the most sense. Now I know what you are thinking, “Mac, I am not as tied to the Google network as you are. I don’t see why I would need to download Chrome.” While you may not be as tied into Google’s lineup of services, there is a good chance that the people around you are. Increasingly, schools are adopting cloud storage as a means of bringing down the costs of the hardware they have to purchase. This means, the 15GB of free storage that Google Drive offers, is especially lucrative from a financial standpoint. As we will all concede, school budgets can be fairly tight.
The bottom line: I downloaded the Google Chrome browser because it is more compatible with the devices I own and the people I am likely to encounter. The app is free to download, easy to learn, and provides plenty of utility both in my personal and professional life.
Interested in upgrading your browser experience?
Google Chrome can be found here, in the app store.
Chrome is the default for Android devices.
Rhymer
My adventures into the Youtube channel “Tech Edge” has brought me to their video titled Tech EDGE, Mobile Learning In The Classroom - Episode 08, Poetry Apps. While I will only be reviewing one of the apps he discusses, I would encourage you to watch the entire video and see which poetry apps you would find the most useful for your classroom. My favorite was an app called “Rhymer.” It is a very simple, no frills type of app. Type in a word into the provided search box, hit “Find Rhymes,” and Ta Da you have a list of words that rhyme. As a student, writer’s block and I were very well acquainted. The poetry lesson that every creative writing class will inevitably teach will have some sort of need for this app.
Poetry and its rigid forms can be mentally demanding and intimidating for some students. I know that it was for me. If I had an app like this as a student, I just might have been able to overcome my frustrations with poetry. This app could be just what your student needs to get their creative juices started
My gripes:
I would have liked to have had an integrated dictionary with this application. I believe it is more important to have just the right word than just the right sound. However, this issue is fairly easy to work around. A website like Dictionary.com or the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary are two free and easily accessible options.
The Bottom Line:
This app, while not perfect, is free and easy to use. Poetry and wordplay can be a tricky and frustrating experience for some. This app can help make poetry just a little more accessible.
If this is an app that interest you,
Download it for the apple iOS for free here.
For you Android users,
The Play store has a version as well, here.
My adventures into the Youtube channel “Tech Edge” has brought me to their video titled Tech EDGE, Mobile Learning In The Classroom - Episode 08, Poetry Apps. While I will only be reviewing one of the apps he discusses, I would encourage you to watch the entire video and see which poetry apps you would find the most useful for your classroom. My favorite was an app called “Rhymer.” It is a very simple, no frills type of app. Type in a word into the provided search box, hit “Find Rhymes,” and Ta Da you have a list of words that rhyme. As a student, writer’s block and I were very well acquainted. The poetry lesson that every creative writing class will inevitably teach will have some sort of need for this app.
Poetry and its rigid forms can be mentally demanding and intimidating for some students. I know that it was for me. If I had an app like this as a student, I just might have been able to overcome my frustrations with poetry. This app could be just what your student needs to get their creative juices started
My gripes:
I would have liked to have had an integrated dictionary with this application. I believe it is more important to have just the right word than just the right sound. However, this issue is fairly easy to work around. A website like Dictionary.com or the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary are two free and easily accessible options.
The Bottom Line:
This app, while not perfect, is free and easy to use. Poetry and wordplay can be a tricky and frustrating experience for some. This app can help make poetry just a little more accessible.
If this is an app that interest you,
Download it for the apple iOS for free here.
For you Android users,
The Play store has a version as well, here.