Love is Tech

 Love! Revolutionary! Possibly Life-Changing! 💖

  • Sora App: I love using this app to connect students to books that aren’t available in our library or to audiobooks. I know some people prefer Libby but I’m used to Sora and my librarian showed me how to hook my account up to multiple libraries. 
  • Loom: This is a screen recording tool that I love using to create materials and lessons that students can refer back to. I’ve also used it as a way to provide audio for articles that students might not have access to because it’s behind a paywall.
  • Wheel Decide: This tool seems like an incredible resource for “gamifying” learning or for community building. I love that they have pre-built wheels to use or the option to create your own.
  • Untold: This site has a wealth of information AND it’s aesthetically pleasing. I require my AP class to choose non-fiction texts for their independent reading which is difficult for some students because they really want to read fiction. The stories featured on Untold seem like they might interest those students who are weary about non-fiction because they believe it’s boring. I think this would be a good “gateway” to the world of non-fiction.
  • Typing.com: This site brought me back to my third grade computer lab. I had so much fun (maybe too much!) testing my typing skills. I love the idea of using this with students who finish work early, as a brain break, or even as a competition. My students are in a weird age group as they grew up with technology but mostly phones so their typing skills could really use some work. So many of my students type with one finger and it’s painful to watch! 


Prospective “love” candidates...😆

  • Canva: I want to love Canva! I just need the time and patience to figure it out! It seems like the people get it, get it but that’s not me—yet! 
  • Mentimeter: I usually use Google Forms for exit tickets and to capture feedback but I really like the visuals of Mentimeter so I’m going to have to try it out! 
  • RumorGuard: I love the idea of this website and its mission. I’m not totally sure just yet how to fit it into my current curriculum but I definitely have some ideas brewing for when I’m a librarian! 
  • Pixton: So much fun! Very easy to lose track of time playing around on this site. I think students would enjoy customizing their avatar and characters. I would love to use this for creative writing especially with the growing popularity of graphic novels. It does seem like some features aren’t free which could be a barrier.


Not a match…💔

  • None of the tools that are meant to help with organization really stuck out to me. I tried Google Keep because I know many of my colleagues use it but found that it just got in the way and felt distracting next to my (99+) unopened emails. I’ve noticed that when I try to find a solution to my organizational problems through an app, I just feel bogged down. Like putting my to-do list into Google Keep is just another thing to add to my to-do list. I much prefer using the regular notes app, old-school sticky notes, or something I really find helpful for reminders is to schedule send an email to myself. This is a great “hack” for remembering something that’s far off. For instance, I have three emails currently scheduled for September 2024 regarding changes I want to make to my AP Language and Composition curriculum. It’s just what works for me! 
  • Wakelet and Classroom Screen: It seems like these tools could be used to create some gorgeous materials and to stay organized. I want to be the type of person who uses these tools but I know I’m not her. Maybe one day though! 


Tools that I need more time with:

  • The News Literacy Project
  • Scratch
  • Close Up
  • Read to Lead
  • Aperture Education Back to School Guide



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