Teaching Tip: Using ClassTools Templates

Blair, N. (2012). National association of elementary school principals: Technology integration for the new 21st century learner. Retrieved March 23, 2013 from http://www.naesp.org/principal-januaryfebruary-2012-technology/technology-integration-new-21st-century-learner

ClassTools.  (2013).  Classtools - create interactive flash tools/games for education.  Retrieved March 23, 2013 from http://www.classtools.net

The students of today are 21st century learners who need to learn through "critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration" (Blair, 2012).  Using technology in the classroom can help students achieve these goals.  To find ways to integrate more technology in my kindergarten classroom, I have used the interactive teaching website ClassTools to help me create activities for my students.  To try out this resource, go to http://www.classtools.net.

 

Once you are on the website, decide what template would be the most beneficial to you and your students.  For example, I click on the Fakebook link under Templates.  My kindergarteners and I would choose one of the characters or historical figures we are learning about, and make a fake social media page for them.  My students would do this as a whole group activity, but older students would be able to complete this activity on their own.

After clicking on the Fakebook link, you will come to this page.  Click on the Fakebook 90 second video tutorial to better understand how to enter the character’s name, personal information, add friends, and make posts.  The video also gives information on how to link to videos and embed the page into a blog.

After viewing, click to enter the name and edit the profile at the top of the page, and begin adding information for your chosen character or historical figure. 

 

 

 

This website has many great ideas for making learning interactive, so take some time to explore all the different templates on ClassTools.