This podcast of Tech Chicks was talking about information that they learned while they attended the Texas Computer Education Association conference.
The first couple of things that they talked about were things related to Google. The first is called the Google Art Project. This Google tool allows you to take a virtual field trip through an art museum. It is similar to Google street finder because it takes you to the exact museum and lets walk through the art exhibits. You can view the art work as if you were actually in a museum. There are lots of museums available for you to view and you can even save the images that you see to your own personal gallery. This would be a great way to introduce your students to art, especially if you live in a rural community where art is hard to access.
The next Google tool that the Tech Chicks talked about was the Google Body Browser. This tool allows you to view 3D images of the human body. From these 3D images you can peal back layers of skin and tissue (as gross as that sounds!) and view muscles, organs and bones. The only down side to the Body Browser is that you have to have a certain browser on your computer for it to run correctly. But if you have this it would obviously be a great way for your students to investigate and explore different parts and systems of the human body that you are studying. It would be especially useful if you do not have access to models of the human body for students to view. It would be an expense free way for them to learn more about human anatomy.
Another tool that the Tech Chicks discussed is a program called Print Cut Fold. This program offers templates mostly for powerpoint. These templates allow you to make 3D shapes and booklets. The Tech Chicks mentioned that you could use these templates to help your students make "mini-books" on subjects that you are studying or for writing projects. The templates already come with clipart so it makes these books easier to create. The only downfall to Print Cut Fold is that some of the text that you create requires you to rotate the text in order for it to print correctly. This could be difficult for younger kids and could be a time consuming.
Another topic discussed was an exhibit they saw on the exhibit floor of the conference and that was a website by the name of Q-Topia. This website provides you with free online access to thousands of educational games and activities. With a teacher account you have unlimited access to these games and activities. If your students have a student account however their access is limited to the amount of games and activities they can view. In order for students to play and use the games available they have to complete different subject problems such as math problems. Once they complete the problem correctly they are able to play more time of the game. This site would be a fun way to practice concepts they have already learned or are learning.
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