Below you will find recommendations for software that is suitable for most subjects to use, much of which can also be used to support AFL. Note to FHES staff: For software that needs installing or for websites that need unblocking raise a ticket in the help desk, remember, students have a different level of access to us so do not assume that if a website is viewable to you that students will be able to access it.
Please keep checking back as I am always finding new software that I will add (newest additions will be at the top of the list).
- Weebly - The best easy to use, free website builder I have used. I have used it with Year 7 students and they found it very easy to work with.
- Audioboo - a mobile & web platform that effortlessly allows you to record and share audio for your friends, family or the rest of the world to hear. For instance, students could take a picture of their work and evaluate it and then share it via a range of options.
- Big Huge Labs - A very versatile online toolkit fro making all sorts of fun resources for displays, promotions, roleplays etc. From badges to posters to maps to calendars and loads more.
- Drop Box - the best way for sharing files and storing in the cloud; an app is available for most mobile platforms. For guidance on how students can use it: http://www.cybraryman.com/dropbox.html
- Tiki-Toki Nice looking time line software
- Qwiki - A resource that collates, images and information. A very visual research tool which also has a narration function so good for a range of SEN students. An app is available for this as well.
- Zondle This is a really easy to use and effective online game maker. You can create your own quizzes/questions and very easily generate loads of game variations using your questions. You can alse embed in your blogs or VLE.
- Aniboom Make animations
- Free-3D-Photo-Maker Make 3d photos!
- Live Binders Collect resources in an online folder. Great for organising and presenting research.
- Masher Lets you create videos by mixing together images, video and audio
- Glogster - make posters Create posters
- Newspaper generator Create newspaper clippings
- http://en.linoit.com/ Superb online stickies site. Great for collaboration and AFL
- http://debut-video-capture.en.softonic.com/ Create videos showing what is happening on your computer screen and add your own audio. Good for creating tutorials or exam brief talk throughs etc.
- Purpose Games Hundreds of trivia games across many subjects and ideal for tutor activities. you can also create your own.
- thisMoment Create and share moments of your life either individually or collaboratively.
- Create Debate Online debate forum and social network community built around ideas, discussion and democracy
- Stixy: Think of Stixy as your online bulletin board. Create as many Stixyboards as you like, one for each project.
- Evernote Put your thoughts, ideas, inspiration, and things to remember all in one place. Use Evernote for work, for play, and for everything that’s noteworthy. This is effectively a free alternative to Microsoft's OneNote. Ideas for how to use evernote in teachingYou can also down an Evernote app for Apple and Android devices. Simply visit Itunes or Android Market place and download for free!
- Zooburst This is so much fun - it allows you to create virtual pop-up books and by using a webcam you can even be in the book (augmented reality) .
- Kizoa - Web based presentation software - I LIKE THIS A LOT!
- QR Code generator You are probably wondering what a QR Code is! click here to learn about QR codes And How to use QR Codes in the classroom Learners will need to downlaod a barcode scanner app for their smartphones to scan the QR Codes.
- Futurelab A superb blog with lots of innovative ideas and case studies
- Wordle Create word clouds. Also, see Ideas how to use word clouds
- Tagxedo: similar to Wordle but creates word pictures
- Bubbl: Collaborate on online mindmaps
- Xtranormal "xtranormal’s mission is to bring movie-making to the people. Everyone watches movies and we believe everyone can make movies. Movie-making, short and long, online and on-screen, private and public, will be the most important communications process of the 21st century. Our revolutionary approach to movie-making builds on an almost universally held skill—typing. You type something; we turn it into a movie On the web and on the desktop. To see examples of xXranormal in use, view their You Tube channel click here.
- Issuu: Convert any document into a book
- Show My Homework Show My Homework is a simple online application that enables school teachers to post homework, display it in a simple calendar form, and even asses it online.
- Wall wisher: Virtual sticky note generator. Great for sharing ideas/AFL. For ideas how to use in the classroom click here
- Stupeflix: Online video slideshow program. For ideas how to use in the classroom click here
- Comic master:Create comics
- Toondoo: Another comic strip tool which allows you to publish a collection of strips as a comic book.
- Bitstrips: Yet another comic strip tool; this one has the most content.
- Maple Simulator Fun animation software
- Twitter Fountain Use as a good entry to lesson engagment activity. This allows you to filter images and tweets via Flikr and Twitter simultaneously. Only use this with KS4 as you can't be sure that something inappropriate won't pop up!
- Cooliris You need to look at this to see how 'cool' it is. It makes browing images on the IWB like navigating an iPad and allows you to set up slideshows of google images etc.
- Voki (avatars)
- Allows you to create your own speaking avatar. Have found these useful for engaging students who have little interest in computers/ screen (an animated figure saying their name can get them looking to see what happens next!. - 280slides "Create beautiful presentations, access them from anywhere, and share them with the world. With 280 Slides, there's no software to download and nothing to pay for – and when you're done building your presentation you can share it any way you like."
- Prezi A non-linear, zooming presenter. takes a bit of getting used to but looks very cool.
- classtools.net -Create free educational games, quizzes, activities and diagrams in seconds!
- http://www.teachers-direct.co.uk/resources/quiz-busters/index.aspx -Create blockbusters style quizzes
- Classmarker - Create quizzes that are marked online
- Khan Academy Khan quit his job and set up this online 'school' of which Bill Gates is a great fan. His videos cover maths, science, business, humanities and more. Inspirational man who might be able to get through to some of the students you struggle with. Try linking videos to your VLE and 'plugging' students into a PC with headphones to work through a short lesson (this could be done on a rotation basis using the teacher PC - good differentiation)
- Ted Talks Okay, so this isn't technically a teaching resource but it is a collection of fascinating videos of inspirational speakers covering just about every subject going, Many of which are subject related and could be used as a starter or debate trigger.
Free-3D-Photo-Maker
