Wacom raises the bar!

I have been a Wacom (Wah-kom) user and supporter for a long time.(My first review of one of their products was in 2009!) As a company, they listen to their customer's comments and come up with ways to enhance their product lines to meet and surpass the needs/wants of their customers.

Wacom is particularly good at creating products to support both teachers and learners. They design products which allow teachers to create content and teach more easily, and ones that help students take advantage of new technologies and showcase their acquisition of content knowledge by creating!

One of the cool things about the Wacom products is that the company uses industry-standard technologies whether the product is intended for a second grader or a CEO of a large company. Their products all offer different features, but allow the user to "graduate" through the levels of complexity offered through to the enterprise products. In the PreK-12 setting, the students learn skills that will allow them to move to the next level product when they are ready, and they will feel comfortable with the new interface.

Wacom One is the product line targeted to the education market. I reviewed the products back in 2021, but jumped at the chance to try out the next generation of the Wacom One line of tablets and displays.

Wacom studied the customer requests sent in about the previous products, and came up with various innovative options for anyone who wants to use a Wacom One product. Their focus was on customization and compatibility. Wacom also added touch to the 13" display and bluetooth and USB-C to the Wacom One M tablet. 

Wacom has come up with a clever way to introduce their new personalization and à la carte  options for purchase. They are calling the program the "Wacom Adventure Program" which includes three components.

Personalization

• Choice of pens and colors (or no pen if you already have one)
• Choice of connections to ensure the tablet or display will work with your model of computer
• A cool portable stand, if you want one, and other accessories, too

Applications

• The applications that come bundled with the devices are selected to allow a broad range-of-use cases
• The applications include adequate trial periods to allow for extensive testing by the end-user, as well as learning videos for most.

Onboarding and Engagement

• There are several videos of different use cases included
• In addition, there is a suite of 70+ learning tutorials to support users at any level of expertise.

Below is a overview of the Wacom One product family.

Tutorial for finding a "missing" Web site

 

Below is a quick tutorial about locating a Web page which is no longer on the Web.

The X-MAKER 3D Printer: Fostering creativity in the classroom

I had so much fun exploring the features of the AOSEED X-MAKER 3D printer and all the fun assets and support material for students! This easy-to-use 3D printer takes all the guesswork out of the process. It  works perfectly every time. 

The X-MAKER 3D printer makes loading the filament easy, and automatically does the slicing of the object. It builds a raft and supports for the printed objects. The teacher and students don't have to worry about anything except printing cool items from the assets or designing something new to print!

However, this fun little printer is not all this package includes! 

If you are curious about 3D printing and how it can support teaching and learning, AOSEED provides overviews and case studies for various grade levels using 3D printing. Those can be found here.

The X-MAKER printer has apps for iOS 14+, Android 10+, and Windows 7+. The X-MAKER app creates a WLAN connection to the printer. If there is no WLAN network available, the hotspot on the printer can provide Internet access to the App.

The printer is easy to set-up, but the X-MAKER 34-page User Manual is included in the app, too, in case you have any specific questions. (I did not use the User Manual, just the little three-fold set-up guide!)

The image below shows the labeled parts of the printer from the user manual.

MODEL LIBRARY

There is a huge 3D model library (called Things) with various categories of assets like toys and games, creativity and fun, household, and education. You can see just a few of the "things" students can print.

I printed a business card holder and a soap bubble wand.

The process was easy! First I threaded the filament.

Next, I simply picked the item from the Things library and brought it into the X-MAKER design software to view it from different angles and then just pressed print. 

THEME LIBRARY

The second component of the AOSEED X-MAKER ecosystem is the Theme Library. This library includes items that are targeted for gamification and 3D design. Students can customize the gadgets, and using kits of materials, make their gadgets come to life!

I received a packet of material with the printer. You can see what it included below.

Here are the fifteen current assets in the Theme area of the X-MAKER App.

I decided to create a WINDER. I chose to print the snake which would be attached to the walker toy that came with the kit I received. I added a bow to the snake's head for decoration.

Here is a still shot of the finished product.

And a video of my walking snake!

In addition, in the EXPLORE area of the X-MAKER app there are User Guides to support each of the Theme projects, as seen below.

DESIGN TOOLS

The third component of the X-MAKER 3D printer app is the Design Tools. One tool is a 3D modeling tool for kids and the other tool is a 3D sculpture modeling tool. These tools were not available for my iPad. 

However, the X-MAKER Print software was available for my Windows PC. This software allows the student to upload their own creations to print to the X-MAKER printer.

CONCLUSION

The X-MAKER 3D Printer and all of these creativity assets would make a great addition to any classroom! The ability for the younger students to easily print out an object to support a classroom activity would give them a sense of great accomplishment. 

Middle school students would love the Themes area and the ability to customize their own "gadgets". 

Middle and high school students would also benefit to having software (Windows only) to be able to import move, scale, and rotate their own objects. In addition, the X-MAKER Print software includes the ability to slice their objects for printing and includes its own User Manual, too!

For more information about the printer or ordering, contact AOSEED at overseas_sales@aoweidg.com or visit their page at https://en.ime3d.com/xmaker.

AI generated post: Online Tools for Classroom Teachers

I used TinyWow's Article Writer to produce an article entitled "Online Tools for Classroom Teachers."  

This is what it was supposed to create.

• Intro
• Headings(with H2 tags)
• Subheadings (with H3 tags)
• Conclusion
• FAQ

The AI Writer did a decent job of pulling facts together (although I changed the word "integrate" to "infuse").

However, it is pretty bland and I would easily be able to tell it was not written by one of my graduate students. It certainly read like a robot had written in, IMHO.

I especially disagreed with the section below because online tools should not be supplemental, but infused into the curriculum in a meaningful way to support teaching and learning.

How to Infuse Online Tools into Classroom Instruction

Teachers can infuse online tools into classroom instruction by using them to supplement traditional teaching methods. For example, teachers might use online resources to provide additional practice problems, create interactive quizzes, or offer virtual field trips.

However, the next paragraph following that one stated: 

Guidelines for Effective Use of Online Tools in the Classroom

When using online tools in the classroom, teachers should be sure to select tools that are age-appropriate, aligned with learning objectives, and accessible to all students. Additionally, it's important to provide clear instructions and support for students who may be unfamiliar with the technology.

The paragraph above almost seems to contradict the paragraph before.

You can read the full text of the "essay" below. 

I have also posted this same query to other AI text engines below, like Bard By Google, and ChatGPT, to see what happens!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Article Writer: Online Tools for Classroom Teachers

Online tools have revolutionized the way we live, work, and learn. In today's digital age, classroom teachers can take advantage of a wide range of online tools to enhance the teaching and learning experience. From communication and collaboration tools to assessment and curriculum development resources, online tools can help teachers streamline their workload, boost student engagement, and achieve better learning outcomes. In this article, we'll explore some of the most effective online tools for classroom teachers, along with best practices for using them in the classroom. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher looking to infuse technology into your classroom, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of online tools for education.

Introduction to Online Tools for Classroom Teachers

In today's digital age, technology has become an essential part of education. As a result, teachers must adapt to the use of online tools to enhance their teaching skills and make learning more efficient and enjoyable. Online tools offer teachers various benefits, including easy communication, collaborative learning, efficient assessments, and digital classroom management.

Why Online Tools Are Important for Teachers

Online tools provide a range of benefits for teachers, including convenience, ease of use, efficiency, and access to a wide range of resources. They allow teachers to better engage and connect with students, facilitate collaboration and communication among students and teachers, and provide new and innovative ways to assess student learning.

Challenges of Using Online Tools in the Classroom

While online tools offer various benefits, they may also present some challenges for teachers. Some barriers to the use of online tools in the classroom include accessibility concerns, technical issues, privacy and security concerns, and the need for teacher training and support. It is essential to address these challenges to ensure that online tools are adopted effectively and efficiently.

Communication and Collaboration Tools for Teachers

Benefits of Online Communication and Collaboration Tools

Online communication and collaboration tools are essential for teachers as they facilitate efficient communication and collaboration between students and teachers. They are an effective way to ensure that students stay connected with their teachers and peers, even when they are not in the same location. These tools can also be used to create a more collaborative environment in the classroom.

Examples of Online Communication and Collaboration Tools

Examples of online communication and collaboration tools include Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. These tools allow teachers to communicate with their students through video conferencing, instant messaging, and other types of online messaging. They also enable students to collaborate and work on projects together in real-time.

Online Assessment Tools for Teachers

Benefits of Online Assessment Tools

Online assessment tools are an excellent way for teachers to assess their students' progress efficiently. They offer various benefits, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Online assessments also provide instant feedback and personalized learning for students, which can help drive better learning outcomes.

Examples of Online Assessment Tools

Examples of online assessment tools include Kahoot, Quizlet, Google Forms, and Edmodo. These tools can be used to create quizzes, polls, and surveys to assess student understanding. They also offer various features like gamification and adaptive learning to make assessments more engaging and fun.

Digital Classroom Management Tools for Teachers

Benefits of Digital Classroom Management Tools

Digital classroom management tools are essential for teachers as they enable them to manage their classes efficiently. These tools offer various benefits, including time management, student monitoring, and behavior management. They also provide teachers with a more organized and streamlined way to manage their classroom activities.

Examples of Digital Classroom Management Tools

Examples of digital classroom management tools include ClassDojo, Nearpod, Google Classroom, and Seesaw. These tools allow teachers to manage their students' assignments, monitor their progress, and communicate with them more effectively. They also provide various features like gamification and interactive lessons to keep students engaged and motivated.

Online Resources and Curriculum Development Tools for Teachers

In today's digital age, classroom teachers have a wide range of online resources and curriculum development tools at their disposal. These tools are designed to make lesson planning, content delivery, and student assessment more efficient and effective. Online resources and curriculum development tools offer many benefits for teachers, including saving time, providing access to a wide range of educational materials, and promoting student engagement.

Benefits of Online Resources and Curriculum Development Tools

One of the key benefits of using online resources and curriculum development tools is the ability to customize lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students. These tools provide access to a wealth of educational materials, such as lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities, that teachers can use to create engaging and relevant curriculum. Additionally, online resources and curriculum development tools can save teachers time by automating routine tasks, such as grading and recording student progress.

Examples of Online Resources and Curriculum Development Tools

There are many online resources and curriculum development tools available for classroom teachers. Some popular examples include Google Classroom for managing online classrooms, Khan Academy for providing interactive instructional videos, and TeachersPayTeachers for sharing and downloading educational resources.

Professional Development and Teacher Support Tools

In addition to online resources and curriculum development tools, there are also a variety of professional development and teacher support tools available to help educators stay up-to-date with the latest teaching strategies and best practices. These tools are designed to provide ongoing support and training for teachers, helping them to improve their skills and become more effective in the classroom.

Benefits of Professional Development and Teacher Support Tools

One of the main benefits of professional development and teacher support tools is the ability to stay current with the latest teaching techniques and technologies. These tools provide access to expert advice, peer collaboration, and ongoing training opportunities.

Examples of Professional Development and Teacher Support Tools

Examples of professional development and teacher support tools include Edmodo, which offers professional development courses and forums for teachers, and TeacherVision, which provides lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom management tools.

Best Practices for Using Online Tools in the Classroom

While online resources and curriculum development tools can be tremendously helpful for classroom teachers, it's important to use them effectively. To get the most out of these tools, teachers should integrate them into classroom instruction in a thoughtful and deliberate way.

How to Infuse Online Tools into Classroom Instruction

Teachers can infuse online tools into classroom instruction by using them to supplement traditional teaching methods. For example, teachers might use online resources to provide additional practice problems, create interactive quizzes, or offer virtual field trips.

Guidelines for Effective Use of Online Tools in the Classroom

When using online tools in the classroom, teachers should be sure to select tools that are age-appropriate, aligned with learning objectives, and accessible to all students. Additionally, it's important to provide clear instructions and support for students who may be unfamiliar with the technology.

Choosing the Right Online Tools for Your Classroom Needs

With so many online resources and curriculum development tools available, it can be difficult for teachers to know which ones to choose. To make the best decisions, teachers should consider a range of factors when evaluating online tools.

Criteria for Choosing Online Tools

Important criteria to consider when choosing online tools include the tool's relevance to the curriculum, ease of use, flexibility, and cost.

How to Evaluate Online Tools for Classroom Use

To evaluate online tools for classroom use, teachers should try out the tool themselves, gather feedback from other teachers, and assess how well the tool aligns with the needs of their students. It's also important to consider how the tool fits into the overall curriculum and teaching philosophy.In conclusion, online tools offer a wealth of opportunities for classroom teachers to enhance teaching and learning. With the right tools and strategies, teachers can engage students, facilitate communication, and streamline their workload. By keeping up with emerging technologies and incorporating them into the classroom, teachers can help students succeed in today's digital world. Whether you're an experienced educator or just starting out, incorporating online tools into your teaching toolkit can help you unlock new possibilities for your students and yourself.

FAQs

What types of online tools are available for classroom teachers?

There is a wide range of online tools available for teachers, including communication and collaboration tools, assessment tools, digital classroom management tools, online resources and curriculum development tools, and professional development and teacher support tools. These tools can help teachers boost student engagement, facilitate communication, and streamline their workload.

How can teachers choose the right online tools for their classroom needs?

When choosing online tools for the classroom, teachers should consider the specific needs of their students and the learning outcomes they want to achieve. They should also evaluate online tools based on their reliability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. It's important to choose tools that integrate well with existing teaching practices and that teachers feel comfortable using.

What are some best practices for using online tools in the classroom?

To use online tools effectively in the classroom, teachers should consider the needs and learning styles of their students. They should also create clear guidelines for how online tools will be used and communicate these guidelines to students and parents. Additionally, teachers should infuse online tools into existing teaching practices and assess their effectiveness in achieving learning outcomes.

How can online tools help enhance the teaching and learning experience?

Online tools can help teachers engage students, facilitate communication, and streamline their workload. By using online tools, teachers can provide interactive and collaborative learning experiences that can help students better understand and retain information. Additionally, online tools can help teachers save time on administrative tasks, such as grading and creating lesson plans.

________________________________________________________________________________

Bard by Google: Online Tools for Classroom Teachers

There are many online tools available to help classroom teachers in their teaching and learning. These tools can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Communication and collaboration: Online tools can help teachers communicate with students, parents, and colleagues more effectively. They can also be used to collaborate on projects and share resources.
• Assessment: Online tools can be used to assess student learning in a variety of ways, such as quizzes, surveys, and polls. They can also be used to track student progress over time.
• Instruction: Online tools can be used to deliver instruction to students in a variety of ways, such as video lectures, interactive activities, and simulations.
• Classroom management: Online tools can help teachers manage their classrooms more effectively by providing features such as attendance tracking, behavior management, and gradebook integration.

Here are some of the most popular online tools for classroom teachers:

• Google Classroom: Google Classroom is a free online learning management system (LMS) that makes it easy for teachers to create and distribute assignments, track student progress, and communicate with students and parents.
• Edmodo: Edmodo is another free LMS that offers many of the same features as Google Classroom. It also has some additional features, such as a social media-like platform for students to connect with each other.
• ClassDojo: ClassDojo is a behavior management tool that helps teachers track student behavior and provide positive reinforcement.
• Flipgrid: Flipgrid is a video discussion platform that allows students to record and share short videos with their classmates and teacher.
• Quizizz: Quizizz is a game-based quiz platform that makes learning fun and engaging.
• Kahoot!: Kahoot! is another game-based quiz platform that is similar to Quizizz.
• Padlet: Padlet is a collaborative online whiteboard that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as brainstorming, sharing ideas, and creating presentations.
• Google Docs: Google Docs is a free online word processor that allows teachers and students to collaborate on documents in real time.
• Google Sheets: Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet application that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as data analysis, tracking student progress, and creating gradebooks.
• Google Slides: Google Slides is a free online presentation application that can be used to create presentations, slideshows, and infographics.

These are just a few of the many online tools available to help classroom teachers. With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be a tool that meets the needs of every teacher and classroom.

___________________________________________________________

ChatGPT: 

Online Tools for Classroom Teachers

As an AI language model, I'm happy to provide you with a list of online tools that can be used by classroom teachers to enhance their teaching and engage students. These tools can help with lesson planning, classroom management, student assessment, collaboration, and more. Here are some popular ones:

1. Google Classroom: An online platform that allows teachers to create, organize, and distribute assignments, announcements, and resources to students. It also facilitates communication and collaboration among students and teachers.

2. Edmodo: A social learning platform that enables teachers to create a virtual classroom, share assignments, quizzes, and resources, and communicate with students and parents.

3. Kahoot!: A game-based learning platform that allows teachers to create interactive quizzes, surveys, and discussions to engage students and assess their learning.

4. Padlet: A virtual bulletin board that allows teachers and students to collaborate by sharing notes, images, and documents. It's a great tool for brainstorming, discussions, and collaborative projects.

5. Quizlet: A digital flashcard tool that enables teachers to create and share interactive flashcards for vocabulary review, study guides, and assessments. It also offers other learning activities like quizzes and games.

6. Nearpod: A multimedia presentation tool that allows teachers to create interactive lessons with multimedia content, assessments, and virtual field trips. It also facilitates real-time student engagement and feedback.

7. Seesaw: A digital portfolio tool that allows teachers to collect, organize, and share student work. It's a great tool for student reflection, feedback, and assessment.

8. Flipgrid: A video discussion platform that allows teachers to create video prompts for students to respond with short videos. It's a great tool for promoting student voice and collaboration.

9. Canva for Education: A graphic design tool that allows teachers and students to create visually appealing presentations, posters, infographics, and other visual materials to enhance learning and creativity.

10. ClassDojo: A classroom management tool that allows teachers to track student behavior, communicate with parents, and share class updates and resources.

These are just a few examples of online tools that can be used by classroom teachers. There are many other tools available that cater to different subject areas, grade levels, and teaching styles. When choosing a tool, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, data privacy, and alignment with curriculum standards. Always ensure that you are using online tools in compliance with your school or district's policies and guidelines.