Tech Talk

Here’s a quick, fun, and FREE resource that Rachel Belong recently shared with me. It’s called ClassroomScreen, and it has a very simple purpose. It was created by Laurens Koppers, a teacher in the Netherlands, and is designed for educators to use as a teaching screen in their classrooms. Simply connect your device to a projector, launch a browser, and go to the website.

Each of the icons below represents a tool that you can use on the screen. These tools are perfect for classroom management and interaction. From left to right, the tools are:

• Language – Yes, you can have the content in a multitude of languages.
• Background – This tool lets you select from a wide variety of stunning images or upload your own.
• Random Name – Create a .txt file with all of your students’ names and upload it, or enter names manually. Then this tool will randomly select a student. This same tool also lets you roll one, two, or three dice for a random number.
• Sound Level – Follow a few simple steps and allow the site to use your computer’s microphone one time. Then set the maximum noise level you want in the classroom. This tool will show a red or green progress bar to help your class know when they need to get quieter. And it’s good to know that the site does not record any sound or save any of the noises.
• QR Code – BEST TOOL!! Type in a URL you want your class to access and it will automatically create a QR code for it. It’s so simple!
• Drawing Tool and Upload Image – Use this to bring up a drawing screen that includes simple pens and shapes and white background. Upload an image and annotate over it for everyone to see.
• Text – Insert a text box on your screen with basic word processing tools. This is great to use for simple instructions you want the class to follow.
• Work Symbols – This pulls up a reminder for the students about how they are working in class today, whether it is in Silence, Whisper, Ask Neighbor, or Work Together.
• Traffic Light – Want to remind your students about their noise level? Bring up this stoplight and tap on either green, yellow, or red to show them the current room condition.
• Timer – This opens a simple hour-glass timer that you can set for however long you want and it will count down. It also includes a lap timer and a stopwatch, for PE teachers, as well as a loop function.
• Clock and Calendar – This is a simple clock that also shows the date.
• Exit Poll – This new feature allows you to edit an already-created sample poll with your own question. Students can then select one of the five face choices to indicate their responses. Access to the exit poll is through a new, small icon on the far right side of the screen; it is not in the toolbar across the bottom.

Email: blwilliam@deweyk12.org
Website: www.deweyk12.org
Phone: (918) 534-2214