… discover new resources this summer

Summer is a great time to discover new time saving resources. This month we encourage you to just read about some of the resources available for educators and make a list of ones you’d like to try this summer. You may find some great resources to include in your teaching next year.

 uTutti
https://www.ututti.com/
uTutti is a Web-based music teacher’s office designed to help Music teachers save time when managing administrative tasks so that they have more time to focus on teaching. Music teachers have events, student contact information, parent communication, inventory, fundraisers, finances, calendars, groups, and classes to keep track of. This tool manages all of the information in one place and also allows you to create a Web site that students and parents can visit for announcements, events, and contacts. There is a 30-day free trial available and if you like the user-friendly interface, a yearly fee to subscribe.

Gabcast
http://gabcast.com/
Gabcast is a simple way to upload your podcasts to the Web using your cell phone or Voice over IP. It’s an easy way to enhance your classroom Web site or blog. There are privacy settings in place that allow you to control who has access to your podcasts so it’s a great way to allow students to conduct interviews, debates, share opinions, and enhance projects. Create a podcast channel that you can link to your classroom Web site and students can subscribe to the channel and automatically receive updates when new recordings are posted.

Aviary
http://aviary.com
Can’t afford Photoshop for your classroom? This free Web-based software is for you! Create web templates, newsletters, original art, logos, or any digital image project. There are four graphic editing tools that allow you to edit or create original graphics without purchasing expensive software. The software runs right in your browser so you don’t have to worry about downloads or finding space on your hard drive. 

Puzzlemaker
http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
Create puzzles to supplement your lessons next year. This user-friendly site allows you to create word searches, criss-cross, double puzzles, fallen phrases, math squares, mazes, letter tiles, cryptograms, number blocks, and hidden message puzzles. Created by Discover Education, you can create and print your puzzles for free online or purchase the CD with additional features such as a dictionary and clip art.

Edublogs
http://edublogs.org/
Created and run by educators, Edublogs is one of the most popular blogging sites for educators and students. You can create a blog for free or choose from two more advanced versions that allow you to manage student blogs in a secure and reliable environment.

Google Docs
http://www.google.com/google-d-s/documents/
Google docs is a place to edit, store, and collaborate when creating documents, drawings, presentations, spreadsheets, and forms without the hassle of emailing copies of documents for discussion. Editing is done online and documents can be kept public or private. The latest version of Google Docs includes an online chat feature, collaborative drawing tools, and improved import and exporting features.

These are just a few of the resources to get you started in your search. We also strongly encourage you to also visit the Free Time Saving Resources  section of the blog. ALTEC’s award-winning suite of free online tools is listed with something for every classroom teacher. We hope our May tech to-do list will give you some ideas for fun summer preparation.