Teacher Toolkit Interactives *User refers to Partner, Teacher and/or Student as applicable.
Chart In this charting tool the variables include number of columns and rows. User will generate column and/or row headings; students will fill in chart online and print it. Tool can be linked from Brainstormer, List Sorter or Venn Diagram. Brochure Creator Users choose from several templates for a brochure, to which they add their own headings and text. Enhancement options: including graphics. Alternatively, user may draw or paste images into designated spaces on printed brochure. Ad-lib Generator In this very flexible fill-in-the-blank tool, the base text could be modified by Partner or Teacher. Students first type in the requested words (parts of speech, rhyming words, fact about an animal they studied, etc.), and then click to see them incorporated into the body of the text. Venn Diagram In this comparison tool, the user types two lists, each under a different heading. When students click to next screen, the words/phrases from the list become active and students can drag them into place in the Venn diagram. Enhancements: list links from Brainstormer or Chart; students type directly into Venn diagram; or students click on items in a list that they want to put in the right side, then the left and middle, as prompted. Internet Travelogue / The Digital Roadmap Somewhat similar to a WebQuest, this tool will contain links to web resources, followed by stepby-step instructions on what to do while there. Additionally, it will contain either questions (short answer with no immediate feedback or multiple choice with immediate feedback, as appropriate) or a brief outline, embedded chart or other graphic organizer for taking notes. Students can also fill in bibliographical information about the site, such as sponsor/provider, last updated date, etc. to be used to reference the site in any written work resulting from the research. A print option will print students' answers to questions/notes with appropriate annotation information for the website. Story Starters Story starters will consist of images designed to help students generate an idea for writing a story, report, or other work. Under the images are lines where students type their work. Sentence starters might also be incorporated, with students completing the sentences. The images and the sentence starters can be modified by Teachers and/or Partners, and can be topical rather than purely focused on writing process. Vocabulary Flash Cards In this tool for younger students (K-2), a "card" appears with an image on it. Students either type in the word that matches the image or select the appropriate word from among three to four choices for immediate feedback. For older students (2-6) a word appears on the "card" and students either match it with a definition for immediate feedback, or type in their own definition. Teachers/Partners will be able to change the words and definition choices. The vocabulary used can be tailored to match a particular lesson or unit. Sequence / Ranking Activity Students number a list of items (student generated or linked from Brainstormer) based on sequence, order of preference, etc. When they click a button, the items will be displayed according to their order. Students also have a chance to rearrange them again by dragging and
dropping, or they can be asked to type in the appropriate ordinal terms before each item (first, then, next...). Feedback can be provided if Teachers and/or Partners enter the items in the list rather than students. Pictographer / Bar Grapher Rather than plug values into a graphic, younger students drag an appropriate number of images into place on a graph (or click image to activate it). Brainstormer To facilitate brainstorming, students are given a topic or question, and type in multiple words. A clock, set by the Teacher and/or Partner, indicates when the initial brainstorming session ends. Enhancements: studnts are given second level question to inspire further brainstorming; students can sort their entries by moving them around the screen. Notetaker This basic outline form allows students to type notes as they read/research. Variables include number of main headings and items underneath them. A form for referencing the website and making citations can also be included. Enhancement: link to the Quizmaker for assessing student comprehension. Vocabulary Tool While reading or researching, students enter any unfamiliar words into tool and write their own definition based on the word’s context. When they click to the next screen, they will be able to access an online dictionary or a Partner-provided set of definitions. They will be unable to alter their original context definition, but must write in the dictionary definition. Quizmaker Teacher and/or Partner can choose from multiple choice, true/false, or short answer quiz templates to which they enter the questions and answers. Students take the quiz and receive real-time feedback (except for short answer). Students could also be given the ability to create a quiz. Online Notecards / Oral Presentation Prompts In preparation for an oral presentation, students type their key words and phrases onto a series of online notecards. Each notecard limits the number of words a student can enter, thus encouraging the use of actual notes rather than scripting. When finished, student plays back the notecards at a predetermined rate to practice pacing. Alternatively, students can control the movement of the cards, but a timer would help them keep track of their pacing. Notecards could be printed for use in actual presentation. Self-Assessment Tool / Peer-Assessment Tool Teacher/Partner uses a form to enter questions relating to the requirements for an assignment (similar to rubric points). They also have the option of typing in tips or further explanations. Students click through the questions while looking at their completed assignment (essay, artwork, story, etc.) to assess whether or not they have met each requirement. They can be required to type in an example showing that they have met the requirement or they can have the option of clicking on "yes," "no" or "not sure" buttons. Clicking on "no" or "not sure" buttons leads them to tips and/or explanations for each point. Templates can be included with basic questions for some common applications such as persuasive essays or paintings. Dynamic Graph Users enter data onto a form and generate a variety of graphs, including line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts.
Picture Dictionary Entries will be organized topically (i.e. animals, food), and each will contain an image, word, and audio pronunciation of the word. This tool will enable K-2 students to look up words they wish to use in their online writing. Sound Gallery Students listen to a variety of audio or video files and answer questions about what they heard. Depending on the structure of the questions, real time feedback would be possible. Cooperative Group Organizer Groups list their tasks and enter their responsibilities (which the teacher can pre-select, i.e. recorder, leader, decision-maker, etc.) The template walks them through whose turn is next and what they need to do. Virtual Gallery (slideshow) This tool allows for Partners to combine their multimedia elements into a gallery or slideshow format. Rather than having students follow numerous links to view relevant images, they are all accessed through one place. List Sorter (Text Modifier) Students type words into a list or field. Words can also be provided for them. When the text is complete, students click a button and the words become active, and can be dragged across the screen. Graphic Organizer (webbing) Several variations on the classic web will be offered. Users choose the number of elements they want their web to contain, and a template for it. They then type their terms directly into the web. The entire web can be viewed while entering text, ore the web can be built as students enter data and click “next.” Highlighter Students highlight text while reading online, add notes and print. Geographic Comparer Given a world or country map, students click on "hot spots" to get more information. A hot spot will either lead them to custom-written information from the Partner or to links to other websites for information. Short answer or multiple choice questions with immediate feedback can be included for each hot spot. Enhancement: space can be included for taking notes. When students are finished, they can choose to print the information for some or all of the countries. Project Organizer The Project Organizer guides students through the sequential use of several interactive tools, including Brainstormer, Planner, Graphic Organizer, Self-Assessment Tool / Peer-Assessment Tool, Graphs, etc.