The following poll was created using a FREE site:  Polldaddy.com. Did I say FREE?  Yes!  And see how easy it is to use, to gather data, to provide immediate feedback?  Imagine how many ways you could use this in your class? 

Come to the Tech Break(fast) and we can share how we could use this in your class with your students.  You can even set up a class quiz with this.

But your first task:  Take the Poll!  Then click on the "view results" option and see how your peers voted.  No fair voting twice!  Polldaddy won't let you, anyway.....  (looks like I need to serve food!)

And you may also want to check out YouTube: Creators' Corner. 

Check out this site from YouTube

GoAnimate GoAnimate is a fun app that lets you make animated videos, for free, in just 10 minutes, without having to draw. You can even create your own cast of characters. 
Click here to start  GoAnimate

Stupeflix Video Maker Tell a story with your digital content. Mix pictures, videos, maps, text, music and watch Stupeflix produce a stunning video in a few seconds. It's fast, easy, and free
Click here to start  stupeflix

Xtranormal Movie Maker Xtranormal lets you to turn anything you type into a fully-animated CG movie. Set up your scene, type in your script, and animate it instantly. Easily share something funny
Click here to start  Xtranormal

Smilebox.com:  electronic scrap-booking on  steroids.

For teachers, I suggest you check out the Smilebox Teacher's Toolbox.  You'll need to complete a brief application, but if approved, Smilebox will give you a wealth of resources FREE for one year; then, you can decide how much you enjoy using it.  (a $49.00 value)

The example created in this blog, using my teacher toolbox membership,  could be used to teach titles, headings, bullet lists, ordered or numbered lists, main idea, vocabulary, literary devices, illustrations, maps, on and on.  The advantage to using the Teacher's Toolbox is the options for full screen as well as no advertisement. 

How many text features can you find in this example?  Music is optional.

How to get it
single click non-intrusive direct download buttons for FLV, 3GP, MP3, MP4, 720p HD and 1080p Full-HD qualities.

Click Here for Firefox Add On

When to use it
Websites (blogs-like this one)
Presentations (such as PowerPoint or Keynote), for
Classroom activities (no need for Internet access, save in iTunes)

Example:  Fun for all ages! 

Make  your projector, laptop, and  speakers work for you.  Command the technology in your classroom.

The short, informational video clips from the The Future Channel are interesting ways to keep students engaged during those transitional moments throughout the day. Or check out the LPS Media Center’s Digital Content Resources for more ideas.

The Future Channel is a great resource, especially as many LPS students begin research projects or continue to search topics for the research projects. Some video clips require a paid subscription; however, there are many that do not.

Technology in the classroom does not necessarily need to be a 20 or 30 minute lesson or chunk of time inserted into your day.  As you begin to use technology in your class, don’t allow the technology to become overwhelming; rather, learn to use short bursts of two-three minutes throughout the day.  A brief video clip might be just the tool needed to help your class re-focus.

Let the technology work for you.  Small learning, creating, motivating steps.  One step at a time.

How are YOU using the projector in your classroom with less than five minutes?  Please post your comments and ideas to share with others.

It's a funny name, granted. However,  Weebly is a fine tool for  creative classroom communication!  Check out the recommendations from one of my favorite sites:  Free Technology for Teachers as well as  Creating Blogs and Websites.

If you are still indecisive, and wonder if Weebly is your best web editor choice,  Click HERE for an Algebra Teacher’s example.  And then, read this Weebly Review.  Finally,  I leave you with one more link to explore:  Best Websites for 2010

= endless possibilities! 
Leave a comment and share your creative idea. 

Another example created by a grade 5 Calvert Teacher.  Also provided are a  few helpful hints if you are using this as a class project:  

1. Have your students write their descriptive words on an electronic sticky note (F4).  Then, if they accidentally lose their work,they will at least remember their words!
2. Students may want to use electronic dictionaries and/or thesaurus to help them come up with creative words!
   
3. When students finish, have them email it to the teacher to save and then the teacher can reply with a comment! 
4. Older students could create visuals for younger student classrooms.  Example:  academic vocabulary

posters.

Remember  rainy days spent putting puzzles together?  Now your students can create and work their own puzzles--without ever losing a piece! 

Students create a list of facts  matching a person or place  in history, current events, or an activity in your school.  Find an image or create an image, collage, etc. to go with the clues and make your puzzle. 

Find it at JigsawPlanet.com. 

 Clue 1:  It's my 75th birthday in 2011.
Clue 2:  I am a National Park
Clue 3:  You can visit me in California
Clue 4:  There are only 158 desert fan palm oases in North America; five are located in me. 

Read more about me HERE.

Visit Poster-Street and find yours.

Choices are  good.

Spend 15-20 minutes meeting  with colleagues as a small group before school.  Or maybe  you  simply choose to browse the Tech Break(fast) blog  in the quiet of your  classroom.  Perhaps you will join our discussion by  leaving a comment with your ideas.

No matter how you choose,  the choice (and the company) is  always good.