Google Sites

Google sites is a free digital tool that allows anyone to create and publish a website. The websites that are created can be private to the owner only, open to those who have the exact URL address, or open to the world for all to view. This user-friendly program gives everyone the ability to create, produce, and publish ideas. Anything can be put onto a website for teaching and/or learning purposes. I have used this tool this past summer to help show students why mathematics is important.

The Main Features:

Not only can you create a basic webpage, but you can also embed various files to enhance the content and promote student understanding. For instance, you can create all kinds of Google documents, (i.e graphs, charts, presentations, etc.) and embed them onto the page. Slide shows, videos, pictures, photos, and links can also be added to further develop/explain difficult concepts. Finally, Google has created templates that users can use if he or she does not want to start with a blank template, however, they can if they wish. Everything about this tool has been created for the convenience of the user/publisher.

Level of Difficulty:

Using Google Sites is very easy to do and does not require too much time to learn. There is no software installation required and it is completely integrated with all of Google’s applications. Moreover, there are no programming or database skills necessary. Therefore, anyone with access to a computer and the Internet can get right on and start creating.

Classroom Applications:

I work with math students in grades 7-12 and have found a great deal of resistance from students when it comes to learning, appreciating, and accepting mathematics. What these Google Sites have done, at least for me, is provide a new outlet to use in the classroom to spark student interest. Students are tired of the textbook; websites are a great way to present the content in a manner that students are not used to seeing in the classroom. It therefore, gives the subject matter a new look, ultimately promoting interest and curiosity.

• Google Sites can also be created by students when working on presentations or group projects within the classroom.

Conclusion:

This is certainly a tool worth learning, not only is it free but it is very simple and easy to learn. It can enhance any current lesson plan and help students learn by sparking interest.

Sample:

Here is an example of a Google Site that I created on the Fibonacci Sequence. I made this site to show students that mathematics can be found in everyday life!

SnagIt

SnagIt is a screenshot software program of TechSmith that I have used for many years for writing curriculum. In a nutshell, SnagIt is a more supped up version of the typical Windows Print Screen function. I have written many materials such as manuals and quick reference guides that have included step-by-step instructions on how to perform specific tasks. SnagIt has allowed me to take pictures of each of those steps while in other software applications and add those pictures next to each written step. This provides the reader of those materials with a better understanding of what they will actually see on the screen when they complete the tasks on their own.

Main Features

SnagIt has a plethora of features, both basic and advanced, and includes its own editor. The editor can be used to make simple changes to screenshots, including adding arrows, blurring sections, or cropping. Other features include adding new images called "stamps" onto screenshots, changing the viewing perspective of screen captures, adding annotations, and using the eyedropper tool to determine the RGB values of any color. As stated on the TechSmith website, SnagIt allows its user to snag anything, on the fly. Users can “grab” an entire desktop, a region, a window, or a scrolling window from any webpage or application.

Level of Difficulty
I believe the use of this software requires intermediate computer proficiency. This is a very intuitive software program for using its basic features. I was able to learn to use it on my own. Additionally, there are many tutorials available within the program for using its more advanced features.

Potential Classroom Application

I believe SnagIt can be a helpful tool for teachers to use in adding visual elements to the demonstration of any lesson for any discipline.

Conclusion

Here's an example of how I use SnagIt to help demonstrate steps in writing manuals.

I feel this is a relatively inexpensive software program worth learning if you want to add visual elements to text. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial, or purchase a license for under $50 directly from the TechSmith website.