Carryout Text

Carryout Text is a site dedicated to creating a simple way for you to convert text into audio.  The text is converted into an MP3 format.  This makes it very feasible to take lectures notes that you have created for students and make it into an audio file that students can listen too.  It could be very beneficial in creating a way for students who struggle with reading to have audio to following along with. 

Carryout Text is a site dedicated to creating a simple way for you to convert text into audio.  The text is converted into an MP3 format.  This makes it very feasible to take lectures notes that you have created for students and make it into an audio file that students can listen too.  It could be very beneficial in creating a way for students who struggle with reading to have audio to following along with. 

You can copy and paste text or you can upload the text from a file.  The information you provide will then be converted and will take time to do.  The time will all depend upon how long the text is.  A 412 character text (the paragraph above) took about 10 seconds.  The file will be available for 24 hours.  When the process is complete, you can play it through the web, or download the file. It provides the length and size of the file as well.

I have to tell you, I am impressed with the quality.  This could be a very useful tool for Special Education teachers.  I HIGHLY recommend sharing this with your teachers.  Hopefully when Carryout Text is no longer in beta they will have some options for educators. 

OER Commons - Open Educational Resources

OER Commons is a website that allows you to search for educational resources that have been shared on the web by educators from all over the world.  You can browse through different grade levels and subject matter.  The search results within OER Commons are very organized and easy to read through.  Many resources are for lessons that incorporate many of the web based tools that we are becoming more familiar with.  If you register for an account you can save the items that you find as well as contribute content. 

Another great feature is that not all of the resources are just for teaching subject matter.  There are several resources available for classroom management, leadership, primary sources, and educational materials.  All these can be searched through by browsing through the different categories.  Once you do a search, you can "uncheck" the areas that don't apply to your needs as well.

Another great feature for those of us that have an iPhone, you can download the iPhone App and complete searches right on your phone. 

Weekly Core Subject Resources

Science
- From NBC Learn, the Science of the NFL.  This site contains videos that help explain the science of football.  This would be a great way to increase interest in science for several students in your classroom.  You can also visit Lessonopoly for teacher resources to go along with the videos.  The final video will be posted this Friday.

Social Studies
- From National Geographic here is a great resource for the Underground Railroad where you get to experience the journey as a slave.  Another great resource is the History Lab.  This site is a homepage for teachers to learn from other teachers how students are learning social studies through the use of digital tools.  You can search by subject matter and by digital tool. 

English
-Want to help students become faster readers and increase the words per minute that they are able to read?  ZAP Reader does just that.  You can copy and paste text from a website and it will display them at a speed you determine to help you improve your reading speed.  See the video below for a better understanding.  Another great site is Citebite.  Students can copy and paste text into a text box.  Then copy and paste the URL.  When you click the Make Citebite, you get a link to the page and a highlight of the text.  Be a great way for students to cite information for a paper. 



Mathematics
- A Maths Dictionary for Kids is a great resource for learning common math terminology that students come across.  Search via Letter and then by term.  It provides the definition and examples for students.  Would be a great way to introduce a math vocabulary word each day. 

All Subjects
- 200 Free Movies Online - These are some of the classics by some well known producers and directors.  Some are also not as well known documentaries and Indies. 

Conceptis Logic Puzzles

Are you smart?  Can you think logically and solve puzzles?  Then Conceptis Puzzles are for you.  What about for your students?  Conceptis Puzzles offer a variety of different types of puzzles that can all be completed on the computer for completely free without downloading any software.  Several puzzle types include Sudoku, Hashi, Battleships, Calcudoku, etc.  These would be a great activity and time filler in the computer lab for students to work on when done with their assignments.  The puzzles are very challenging.  I would recommend them for high school students only, although some might be easier for middle school students.  Below is an image of the different puzzles available on the website.

Wolfram Alpha Widgets

Wolfram Alpha is a search engine that does a great job of helping you find the specific resource that you are looking for.  This specific site though provides the ability to create widgets for your blog or website to search the Wolfram Alpha Site.  What is really great about these widgets is that you can embed a widget that is specific to the content of your website.  You can create your own widget to meet your needs or even browse the gallery for one that meets your needs.  Each widget offers something different and can be a fun way to add something to your website.

You really could create a whole web page of widgets!

Here is a sample widget that I liked