What are Tammy's Free Web Tools?

Tammy Worcester is one of the featured presenters in the TCEA 2011 Conference. Tammy's sessions have often been well attended by many teachers since her sessions focused on the meaningful use of technology in content areas. She demonstrates how technology can help teachers save time, be productive and efficient with available technology resources, and integrate technology seamlessly in everyday teaching and learning experiences (the real deal! *grin*).

Let's face it, technology is here to stay. We need to keep up with the changes and be able to understand as to how technology resources can facilitate and enhance instruction. With the thousands of web-based resources, online tips and tricks, and applications available for intellectual consumption, it is quite overwhelming! Teachers cannot afford to waste time exploring and finding resources that they can use in the classroom, especially if they teach in a test-driven environment. They need help and we need to recognize and support them in whatever way we can. Tammy is able to help address this constant problem by bringing technology resources that she has used, tested, and evaluated for teacher use. As a veteran in the education field, her vast experiences in classroom teaching provide authenticity and reliability on the resources she has selected for teaching and learning.

Now, what are Tammy's favorite FREE web tools and resources? Here are a few that you can use in your classroom that I find interesting (and believe me...there are many to explore! *smile*):

• JamStudio is a free web tool that allows you to create music with the help of notes and instruments that are ready for use. You don't need to be an expert musician to make your music. This web tool makes it easy for an ordinary person, like you and me, to create background music, short music snippets, and songs without the hassle of knowing how to play an instrument or memorizing the musical scale.
• MyAvatar is a free web tool that allows students and teachers create their "Wii-ish" avatar that can be applied in virtual environments. Cool isn't it?
• QR Codes. First time I heard and saw QR Codes, I wasn't really sure if I was seeing scanning codes just like in grocery stores and shopping malls, or an encrypted message that will require deciphering. The instructions for QR Codes Part 1 and Part 2 are available in the provided links.
• GlogsterEDU is a free web tool that I believe many teachers will enjoy. It allows you to create online posters or glogs that can serve as a medium of individual expression, creativity, sharing of knowledge and ideas, and collaboration of skills.
• Picnik is a free web tool that provides Photoshop-like tooks to edit photos and add creative perks to make photos have that extra touch!
• Befunky is a free web tool that allows you to do many amazing and wonderful things with your photos.