Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: http://www.commoncurriculum.com/
What is it and how can this help me in the classroom?
Common curriculum is a free lesson planning tool that allows you to create lesson plans online. The thing that makes this tool different from other lesson planning tools is that it allows you to input information quickly via templates, and a click and drag interface. With this tool, you don’t have to worry about locating lesson standards as all you have to do is click on the state/national standards you want and then they are automatically put into your lesson template. The drag and drop interface allows teachers to adapt lessons on the fly, and the various weekly, monthly and yearly templates let teachers save what works so they don’t have to start from scratch every unit. You can also collaborate with other teachers, as well as add files to your templates. Your files can be uploaded from google, dropbox or your personal device. This tool will work on any Internet enabled device including smart phones and tablets.To see how this tool works click on the videos below:
Since both sites offer the same product, it really is a matter of preference which site you prefer to use. Both sites allow you the ability to plan and organize your lesson plans and have them in one location. This is very useful because it gives you the ability to change, reuse and adjust lesson plans as needed. No more copying and pasting content into Microsoft word. These tools also allow you to have a running record of what was done in class through the year making portfolio/curriculum mapping a piece of cake.
Hmm….cake….now I am hungry! Until we meet again at the café!