Create and Share Online with Google Docs

Creating and sharing documents has never been easier with Google Docs. This online service from Google offers the tools necessary to create documents from scratch or with available templates. The user-friendly tool bar offers the same options as other office programs with one exception: it’s free!

Google Docs accepts most file formats enabling you to upload existing files from your PC. Creating new documents online is hassle free since there is no downloading required. You can access your documents, spreadsheets and presentations from any Internet connection. Google Docs saves your work online but provides exporting options to save your work on your computer.

The real benefit of using Google Docs is the ability to share your work with several people in real time. An invitation via email is all that is required for multiple friends and co-workers to sign in and view or edit your work. An on-screen chat window shows you who changed what and when, making collaboration and presentation sharing quick and easy. You can also publish your document online and decide who will have access to view it.

With its multiple person viewing format and easy online access Google Docs would be quite an asset to any classroom project and writing program. Creating classroom newspapers and magazines online not only enhances a writing program but serves to introduce students to technology and word processing. Students will benefit from their experiences as they see their work published. Other curricular engagements such as Author’s Circle, learning logs, portfolios, bookmaking and journal writing can all be done using Google Docs. Students will be able to access their work and share it from a home computer as well thus opening their eyes to the world of telecommunication.

Free and easy, create your Google account today and venture over to Google Docs. Writing, editing and sharing just got a whole lot easier.

Personal and Professional Development at LearnOutLoud.com

Kate Pappano
ED638 Dr. Rivera

LearnOutLoud.com is a website devoted to the promotion of audio and video educational material for your personal and professional development. Their mission is to “help you to see how you can turn ‘dead time’ into ‘learning time’”. With over 15,000 titles available, LearnOutLoud.com offers a comprehensive selection of learning material.

Registration is free however enrollment in a subscription payment plan is required for purchasing products. The subscription plans offer access to the free audio book library and free shipping on all orders. Registration provides access to over 500 free audio books, speeches and video lectures for download.

A special area for educational titles is located in the Teach Out Loud section. This new service allows educators to share their knowledge by uploading their publications and selling it or offering it for free. This database provides a wealth of information for all educators, authors and learners.

Other educational materials are available through Kids.LearnOutLoud.com. Kids will develop into lifelong learners with the audio books, podcasts and free learning resources located in this section. This section has an abundance of materials and products for teachers to use in their classrooms. A kid free stuff section offers many audio products that can be downloaded in digital formats as well as video products to stream online. All are beneficial assets in creating or enhancing a technologically savvy classroom.

Educators in the 21^st century need to be knowledgeable of and incorporate technology in their classrooms. They should be one step ahead of their students in this area in order to effectively teach them. Learn Out Loud enables teachers to do this with their free E-Magazine that keeps you updated on the newest audio and video technologies. They also offer numerous free learning articles to enhance your learning of specific topics.

LearnOutLoud.com is a great resource for the classroom teacher and anyone with an appetite for knowledge. This easy to navigate site is achieving its mission successfully. ‘Dead time’ will become a thing of the past as there is something of interest for everyone to find for ‘learning time’.

Create Your Own Website in a Few Easy Steps at Tripod.com

Kate Pappano

ED638 Dr. Rivera

Would you like to create your own website or blog for your home or classroom? Tripod will help you get started for free! Activating an account is free and easy once you get past the small difficulty of reading and entering the validity code. From there you can easily navigate the site to create your own domain, website or blog.

Tripod offers several payment options including free service if you are willing to tolerate pop-up ads at your website. To avoid pop-up ads other payment options include the Plus program for $4.95 per month and Pro for $8.95 as well as pricier subscription services.

Tripod has a variety of web building tools that are easily accessed from the homepage. The tools are designed to meet the needs of everyone, from the novice to the expert web designer. The site builder tool helps you create pages with just the click of your mouse. However, for those with more experience in web design and who are capable of creating and understanding code, an HTML editor is also available.

A free image gallery with over 10,000 images and clip art is on hand to enhance your blogosphere. JavaScript and CGI libraries offer codes to make your sites fun and interactive. Once your site is up and running visit the tools page to create more interactive fun like a guest book and reader polls.

Creating a classroom blog or website is the perfect opportunity for a teacher to maintain open communication with parents. By posting homework assignments and images of classroom activities parents will have a stronger and more open connection to their child and the classroom. A classroom blog introduces students to technology and enhances their communication and interaction skills. With Tripod's tools and image gallery you are just a few clicks away from bringing your classroom into the 21st Century.

If creating a website seems a bit overwhelming, Tripod also has Blog Builder and Tripod Photo Albums. Both come with professionally designed templates for the beginner and advanced customization properties for the HTML savvy. Sharing your digital photos with friends, family and classroom parents has never been easier!

Fast, easy and affordable, visit Tripod today and create a world all your friends and family will enjoy!