Determine the Readability of a Website

Are you ever curious if the website you want to share will be readable by the students in your class?  How do you go about making the determination of finding leveled readings for your students?  Well look no further, here is a list of tools that will do just that for you! (Link)

Zoom in to Read Digital Text

As I grow older, my eyes grow weaker. Here is a quick tip that eases the stress on the eyes and makes reading on the computer more pleasurable. 

When reading any webpage or document...
1. Hold Ctrl down on the keyboard press the + multiple times to increase the font to a desirable size.
2. Hold Ctrl down on the keyboard press the - multiple times to decrease the font to a desirable size.

Be ready to be amazed!  

EASY as Explee~ Create Animated Video by Drop and Drag

Are you looking for an easy online video tool for students to use?  Check out Explee.  Select from hundreds of images, drag and drop them into place.

PDF to Word... Word to PDF and MORE!

Does it drive you nuts when a document is in the PDF format and you need it in Word or vice versa?  Well worry no more!  There are many different online sites that will convert the documents for you.  Take a look at the list below with all the options, converting a website to a pdf, editing a pdf, the options are endless!  Make note the conversions may not be perfect, tweaking might be necessary.

Saving Bookmarks on Chrome (Part 3)

Saving Bookmarks in folders

Saving Bookmarks on the Bookmark Bar

How to Save a current session of Tabs in Bookmarks ~ How would I use this?  I have a handful of sites I open everyday, personal email, work email, Google Docs, my calendar etc.  This process allows me to open them in one click.  Open up all your "go to" daily sites at one time!

Creating a Chrome Account (Part 2)

Last week I shared a short video on "Why Google Chrome?"  Follow these simple directions to create a Chrome Account and start your journey to seamless workflow not matter what computer you are on.  Click on the image to enlarge the directions.

Why Google Chrome?

Pick browser any browser. What is your favorite browser... Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Chrome?  Here are a few reasons why I prefer Google Chrome.

Part 2 (coming next week)- How to Create a Google Chrome Account.

Print Webpages without Ads and Unwanted Content

How often do you come across a webpage that has the perfect content for students learning, though is loaded with distracting or inappropriate advertisements?  Do you worry students won't focus on the important content or get lost in all the graphics?  Consider using the tool Print Friendly.

Check out the printed examples a webpage on the Water Cycle using Print Friendly (example) and without (example).

Here is a link to more resources like Print Friendly.

Need a Minute or Two of Calm?

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year, are you in need of calm moment?  Do you have a class or a student than might benefit from a few minutes of calming meditation?  The Calm.com is a great resource with relaxing images and sounds to put your mind at ease.

Remember... Keep Calm and Teach On!

Generate Groups with Ease

Are you tired of scratching out notes to create groups or spending quality class time organizing them?  Consider trying an online group generator.  I am a fan of Team Maker.  It allows you to copy and paste student names in and download the teams in Excel format to make adjustments if needed.  Team Maker also comes in an App version called Teamistr App ($.99).

Here is a list of a few more sites to generator lists or randomly select names. (LINK)

Scheduling a Meeting with Ease... Doodle

Doodle
Meetings, meetings and more meeting!  Start the year off right using this simple tool to arrange meeting dates without dealing with multiple email responses. Take a look at the video for a short how-to.

Read it to Me! Tools that Convert Text to Audio

Have you found the perfect article, website or document to share with your students but know the readability isn't appropriate for all?  Here are my top two picks to convert the text into audio allowing your students to listen to the content and read along.  The video below demonstrates both tools in action.

1. Natural Reader - is an easy to use software that can convert any written text such as MS Word, Webpage, PDF files, and Emails into spoken words. It can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod.
   
2. Announcify- reads out loud every website you want with one simple click. Annoucify is Android and Chrome compatible.
3. Click here for a list of other text to speech tools.