This Teacher is not to “Farr-Out” there

http://farroutlinks.net/blog/

Jen Farr is the creator of this unique blog that focuses on the application of technology in the classroom. This blog researches and develops resources that inspire educators and their students!

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Flip Through Windows in 3D

In Windows 7 you can easily flip through your screens in 3D by pressing Win+Tab. Earlier versions of Windows can see multiple screens by pressing ALT+TAB. Press the two buttons and move from screen to screen with effortlessness.

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Largest Free Photo Stock on the Web

http://www.sxc.hu/ Need of pictures for students to use in presentations or projects? Look no further than Stock.XCHNG! This website houses over 350,000 images and growing that are all royalty-free.

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There is a QR Code for that!

App Name: QRReader http://onlineqrcodegenerator.com/
QR Codes or Quick Response Codes are two-dimensional barcodes that direct users to websites. Applications can be downloaded to phones, tablets, and cameras to view the objects found on the QR Code. These codes can be used in the classroom for scavenger hunts, business cards, or as a response to a question. These fun interactive codes can also be easily generated through the application or website.

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New Teacher Survival Central

http://www.discoveryeducation.com/survival/
This website will help a newbie teacher, a teacher to a new subject, or an older teacher looking to spice things up! You can find free ideas and plans to keep your classroom on track for the school year. Basics of the classroom and technology tips will help everyone have a smooth transition in the classroom.

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Technology in Higher Education

http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/

The ProfHacker blog contains all things pertaining to technology and its effects on higher education. This blog is written by many authors and editors Monday-Friday. The website prides itself its dedication to pedagogy, productivity, technology and the intersection of all of these in higher education.

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The Sleepy Computer

What is the big difference between putting your computer in sleep, hibernate, and hybrid sleep? Sleep mode is power saving that allows a computer to restore full-power operations quickly. Sleep puts your work and settings in memory and draws a small amount of power. Hibernating a computer saves its current state to the hard disk while the computer is shut down. Hibernation uses the LEAST amount of power in all of the power-saving states.  Reducing your energy bill could be as easy as switching your computer to hibernate mode while it is not in use. Hybrid Sleep is the last power-saving setting and it is primarily used for desktops. Hybrid Sleep combines sleep and hibernate by puts open documents and programs in memory and on your hard disk then puts your computer into a low-power state. Hybrid Sleep is typically the default setting on most desktops.

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Create Word Clouds for Your Classroom

http://www.wordle.net/
Type in a block of words that describe your current lesson plan and this generator will create fun and unique blocks with the words you have posted. You can edit your word cloud to have different colors that match your presentation. The image that is created with your words can be used to create anything from t-shirts to brochures.

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No DVR? No Problem!

App Name: ABC Player and NBC
Did you miss your favorite show on ABC or NBC this week? Have no fear these two applications store your favorite shows for you to instantly replay over your wifi connection. Keep your students engaged while showing the latest clip from their current TV show that corresponds with your lesson!

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Interactive Posters Engage Students in Learning

http://edu.glogster.com/
Interactive media posters can be used by your students to present concepts and ideas visually. The finished product can be presented on a projector or smartboard. The free version has many options for the students to express the ideas of project based learning. The full website might have content that is inappropriate for the classroom, so make sure you visit the .edu website!

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Virginia CTE Ideas

http://ctetrailblazers.blogspot.com/
Follow the many ideas of Virginia CTE educators! They post professional development and classroom resources for all CTE teachers.

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Using the Find Shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts are always helpful to the busy teacher and administrator! What are you to do when you land on a webpage that is 120 pages only to be looking for that one part about “discipline in the high school classroom”? Simply press Ctrl+ F and you can open the Find function in any program.

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Make a Montage in Seconds

http://grant.robinson.name/projects/montage-a-google/app/ This fun tool will create a high or low quality assortment of images using Google’s Image Search. It is great for creating fun Powerpoint or desktop backgrounds. Students will love how easily the website merges images.

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Keep your pictures, notes, and files secure

App Name: oneSafe
Need a way to keep your Christmas gift list secret from the children using your iPad? Want a safe way to keep track of your passwords in a safe location? This application can store many types of files and can be customized to meet your personal needs. Create your own pass code with a swipe of your finger and instantly access your information anywhere!
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Tune into this exciting teaching experience

http://www.teachingchannel.org
This would be the perfect addition to your growing personal learning network! Creative lesson plans, effective teaching videos, and other resources will add some new ideas for your classroom. You can search for techniques by subject, topic, and grade level.

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Real-World E-Learning with the E-Learning Queen

http://www.elearnqueen.blogspot.com
Exploring the exciting and ever-changing world of e-learning, this blog gives a real world look at what is and is not working in the world of emerging technologies for learning. This blog was rated one of the top 40 most trusted education blogs by getdegrees.com in 2011.

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How-to Guide

http://www.wikihow.com
Need a how to guide to transfer data between two hard drives? This website will give you a how-to guide to many of your computer and life problems. It is a monitored website that is safe for children’s use as well!

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Convert files for free!

http://www.zamzar.com/

No download and free file conversion are the key elements of this website. In four easy steps, you can convert files into new image, document, music, video, or e-book formats. These files are formatted from your computer on their website then emailed to you in minutes!

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Flip through the news with this app!

http://flipboard.com/
Flipboard is a social magazine application that collects the content of social networks and websites. These websites are presented in a magazine-like layout that you can flip through. It is specifically designed for the iPad’s touch screen.

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Create free easy to use websites

http://www.weebly.com/
This easy to use website allows anyone that knows how to drag and drop to create their own website. Type in your own content and add your own pictures to a website that is housed on the weebly server. You can add your own multimedia functions or blogs to your website. This is an amazing opportunity for student projects!!

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The Teaching Blog Addict

http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/
A blog about blogs! This Blog features the best teaching blogs to help you with new ideas in the classroom. Read real-life stories that teachers submit and comment on. Know that you are not alone in teaching with technology!

Improve your typing time on your touch screen device

Using a stylus can be a great way to type on a touch screen device. Stylus come in a soft touch version that will not scratch the surface of your device. They range in price from $10-20 and are well worth the investment!

Typo Generator

http://www.typogenerator.net This website is an extremely easy to use background generator. Simply type in your text content and the background image will be generated!

Vocre

http://www.vocre.com/ Have a translator in your pocket with this app. Simply turn the phone towards you and select your language, then the phone will automatically translate it to the language you select. This app is fun and very easy to use!

Poll Everywhere

http://www.polleverywhere.com/ This survey website will allow you to ask a question and get answers in real time. Respondents can use their cell phone or web address to answer questions. This website will spice up your power point with interactive feedback!

Education Technology Blog

http://educationtechnologyblog.com/
The latest news for K-12 technology can be found in this blog. The blog addresses new applications, issues in technology, and websites for technology education.

Tiny URL

http://www.tinyurl.com
Need to send to send your students to a website, but the website is a mile long? Enter your long URL on this website and a small URL will be generated. It will not break in email postings and never expires!

Mint.com

https://www.mint.com/
Teaching your students the importance in watching where they spend your money? The Mint.com website can connect with your bank accounts and credit cards to see where your money is going. Manage money and have fun!

Around Me

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aroundme/id290051590
On the road and looking for an ATM? Use this application to find ATMs, Banks, Gas Stations, etc currently around you! No more asking for directions or wasting time driving around to find something. This application has a map that will take you straight to any location you may need.

Dropbox

https://www.dropbox.com/
This website and mobile application can safely store files and allows you to access them from any computer, tablet, or cell phone. It is a free website that can hold documents, presentations, photos, and more! No need to carry around that old USB with your presentations on it. Just upload the file to the Dropbox website or mobile application!

Cool Cat Teacher

http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/
This teacher blog uses the latest technology to inspire her students. She teaches classes in many ways and has presented in Second Life at the ISTE conference. Her passion for teaching is apparent in every entry she writes!

Keeping your iPhone or iPad Screen Clean

Always seeing finger prints? According to iPad’s user’s guide, you should not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia or abrasives to clean your screen. An inexpensive microfiber washcloth can do the trick. You can dampen the washcloth for harder smudges, but do not get the washcloth too wet!

Grooveshark

http://grooveshark.com/
Want to listen to a specific song you heard on the radio? Pick your favorite songs on this website to create your own playlists! No commercials and no need to pay for expensive downloads. Create a custom playlist for your classroom creative time without worrying about inappropriate commercials!

Hey Tell

http://heytell.com/
No more texting while driving! Have something you want to say but no time to text it? This app will record your voice message and send it like a text message. It could even be used as a walkie talkie!

Show Me

http://www.showme.com/

With this application you can illustrate your lessons as well as record an audio session to explain the showing of the lesson. A link to the project will be created upon finishing; then you can distribute the link to your students. Show Me also allows you to search through their public database of presentations.

Talk Nerdy To Me

http://www.talknerdytome.net This blog is written by the tech expert for the CBS early show. She always features the most current technology issues. TalkNerdyToMe covers which apps, websites, and all new technology gadgets.

Cord Organziation

Who has not had millions of cords tangled behind their CPU? You can use old sandwich bag ties to label each cord and avoid the cord guessing game.

Indeed

http://www.indeed.com Looking for a job specific to one career cluster? Indeed.com is a metasearch engine that will search for jobs based on keywords and location. Part-time, Full-time, and some internships are posted on this site. They also have an app for iPhone and Android. In October 2010, Indeed surpassed Monster.com to become the largest job search website in the United States. 

Silent Timer App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/silent-timer/id295615679?mt=8
Need help timing your presentation? This simple app will allow you to set a timer for your phone to vibrate. Place your phone in your pocket and you will never go over your allotted timeframe!

Join.me

http://www.joinme.com
Ever needed to share screen shots or meet online? Join.me is a completely free website and application on iTunes/Android marketplace that allows you to share use of your screen, chat, or view presentations. You can use multi-monitor presentations or just use it to share files in a hurry. Join.me is a must visit website that can be used by beginners and expert technology skills.

Technology in High Heels

http://technologyinhighheels.blogspot.com/
This blog is by an instructional technologist in Texas. She integrates the newest technology in her elementary classroom. Her blog always has an insightful view of how technology can really work in the classroom.

Edit tip in Microsoft Word

Have you ever forgotten where your last edit was? While in Word press Shift-F5 to see where the last change was made. This will work for up to four previous edits.

Yelp

http://www.yelp.com
This site makes picking a place to eat for dinner as easy as pie! Yelp is full of reviews from locals, visitors, and even some owners. On Yelp you can find reviews to help you shop, relax, and play. It is like having a panel of experts in your pocket!

Pinterest App

http://pinterest.com/
Looking for new ideas or projects for the classroom? Pinterest will become your new obsession! It lets your organize all of your ideas you find on the web into one location. You can also see your friend’s boards and steal their ideas. You can get ideas from crafts, planning a wedding, redecorating your classroom, or fun recipes. The sky is the limit on this creative application!

FlashCard+

http://mobileieducator.com/?p=248
This application comes with lots of preloaded flash cards or you can create your own! Any study guide can be quickly turned into an interactive game.

Free Technology for Teachers

http://www.freetech4teachers.com
Richard Byrne is a full-time US History and Civics teacher that believes that technology has the power to improve student engagement. In 2008 his blog was awarded “Best Resource Sharing Blog” by Edublogs Award. The purpose of this extensive blog is to share information about completely FREE resources teachers can use in their classrooms.

Visual Computer Help

Learn best by example?
www.youtube.com

Try entering in your computer issue to You Tube to see if a video has been created to solve your computer problem!

TED or Technology, Entertainment, and Design

http://www.ted.com
TED.com is a non-profit that is devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. This is a great resource for finding amazing ideas on ANYTHING to share with your students. Need a great way to start your classroom with thinking minds? TED Talks cover all kinds of information with extremely charismatic TED Scholars leading the presentations!

Kids In Mind

http://www.kids-in-mind.com

Know what videos are going to work in the classroom and which videos contain lots of adult content. This website reviews new and old movies to give an accurate guideline of what adult content is in the film. This website goes into detail about the questionable scenes that appear in the movie. This website will come in handy if showing any part of a film to your class or your own children.

AppMiner

http://www.appminer.com
This application is available for both iPad and iPhone use! Never pay full price for apps again! This application by Bitrino Inc, has a daily list of newly free apps or apps that are on sale. Technology teachers are always looking for a bargain, let AppMiner spend time monitoring the best app sales for you! AppMiner can be customized and is easily searchable.