There are so many things you can do with a QR Code Generator. At this site: http://www.qrstuff.com/ you can create QR codes for a website, a YouTube video, Google Maps, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Dropbox, plain text, phone numbers, Skype calls, SMS messages, email addresses, email messages, contact details, and more. Imagine the possibilities of how this could be used in the classroom! Below is a QR code I created to link back to this blog:

Monarch Butterflies

One of my favorite units when teaching first grade was the butterfly unit! Not only would we order Painted Lady caterpillers, but my students would also bring in caterpillars that they found in their gardens or in their neighborhoods. I never grew tired of watching the process of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly! I have a special fondness for the Monarch Butterfly and was excited when I saw this website: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/monarch/ This site has an abundance of information about Monarchs! I highly recommend this site for your butterfly unit!

Online Dictionary

This online dictionary is super fast and does not contain ads! http://ninjawords.com/ Great for classroom use!

Helpful iPad tips

I came across a site with 23 iPad tips that every teacher should know: http://www.teachthought.com/feed/ While there are some basic ones that you may already be aware of, I did find some tips that I was not familiar with. Also, there are many technology links on the site with lots of great information. Check it out!

Apps for Kids

I love Pintrest! I have so many interesting links for technology in the schools. This one has the top 100 free apps for kids. Enjoy! http://www.smartappsforkids.com/top-free-apps-for-older-kids.html

3D Printers

3D printers are so cool! I can't wait to try one out. I have watched video demonstrations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QP73uTJApw&noredirect=1 and read articles about how they are used in schools: http://www.dimensionprinting.com/successstories/successstoryview.aspx?view=57&title=Southview+Middle+School+Gets+a+Grip+on+Design+with+Dimension+3D+Printing The more you start thinking about it, the more ideas you come up with for students and creativity. The Mattesson Public Library (http://www.mattesonpubliclibrary.org/) in Matteson, IL does have one and I intend to head over there in the near future to try it out. According to this web site: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/26/form-1-delivers-high-end-3d-printing-for-an-affordable-price/, they can be obtained at afforable prices as well. What a cool addition to a school computer lab!

iPads in the Classroom

Lucky enough to have iPads in the classroom? This site has 50 great ideas for using the iPads with your students. Many of the app ideas are free. Enjoy exploring! http://edudemic.com/2011/04/ipads-in-school/