Tool: Cnet.com (http://www.cnet.com/) Cost: Free Who's doing the writing & publishing? Products are tested in cnet labs, then reviews are written about various products by technology experts. Reviews are overseen by editors at various locations around the world. Cnet writers include blogs, tweets, and other social media reports in their reviews, along with customer input. Cnet is owned by CBS Corporation. Interesting Attributes: CNet doesn't just offer reviews of products, but also offers how-to videos and articles, news articles, and a site to download freeware. Overall Thoughts: CNet provides a lot of reviews on a wide variety of products. They also provide a safe place to download freeware, like Audacity. They are a general review tool, though, and review products beyond technology tools, which can make the site overwhelming (but is great if you're in the market for a new car, washing machine, or TV). Also, they are a review site for the general public, so they do not typically consider educational aspects in their reviews.
Tool: eSchool News (http://www.eschoolnews.com/) Cost: Free Who's doing the writing & publishing? eSchool News is a digital magazine that contains a variety of articles on educational technology. These articles sometimes include reviews, and are written by a variety of authors with a background in education, technology, or both. Authors include superintendents, teachers and media specialists, along with technology experts from outside the education sphere. eSchool News is published by a company called eSchoolMedia. Interesting Attributes: eSchool News is focused completely on educational technology. The articles included best practices and practical advice for integrating technology tools, in addition to reviewing them for general use. The magazine can be delivered to your email inbox for free as well. eSchool News also provides webinars, funding/grant information, and conference information. Overall Thoughts: eSchool News is a great source for educational technology information. It provides great tips, tricks, practical examples, and up-and-coming examples of educational technology from teachers, principals, etc. who are actually working "in the trenches." As a review site, it is a little harder to use because there isn't a specific spot for reviews, they are embedded in the magazine articles themselves. They can be searched, however, and a search for "video software" or "apps" usually turns up several articles that are reviews of different classroom options. On the slightly-annoying side, every time I clicked to a new page a pop up video advertisement showed up, which was tiring.
Tool: Games for Educators (http://www.g4ed.com/stories/) Cost: Free Who's doing the writing & publishing? Games for Educators articles and reviews are written by a variety of contributors, some with a background in game design, some with a background in education, and some with a background in both! It is a relatively small operation, with only 10 contributing authors. It is published by authors Mary Couzin and Patrick Matthews, who also publish the e-newsletter Games in Education. Interesting Attributes: Games for Educators obviously has a strong bent towards utilizing games to engage and instruct students. They include reviews on popular games, articles on the benefit of different games in education, and podcasts on strategies for including games in the classroom. There is also a "Toy and Game Finder" that lets the user look at an alphabetical list of games (or search for a specific game) and see the estimated cost, where to buy it, and a brief description. The descriptions seem to be written by the game creator, and don't seem to be reviews by Games for Educators. Overall Thoughts: The writers on this site are obviously writing about a topic that they are passionate about, which means they make an effort to find and review the best of the available games. This site would not be much use if you were looking for reviews on specific technology tools, but for games of all varieties this would be the first place I would look. In passing I read reviews and descriptions of several games I'd like to look for to include in my classroom!
Tool: MacWorld (http://www.macworld.com) Cost: Free online articles, digital all-access pass for magazine is $19.97, plus there are "super guides" published as ebooks that cost between $1-$10 for in-depth coverage of specific topics Who's doing the writing & publishing? The reviews on MacWorld are written by a variety of contributors, who all seem to have a strong background in technology in general, and Apple products in particular. MacWorld (along with PCWorld, TechHive, and greenbot) is published by a company called IDG Consumer & SMB (Small/Medium Business). Interesting Attributes: MacWorld provides reviews that are easily searched, but also offers an e-newsletter that users can subscribe to. They also provide a significant number of how-to videos and articles, along with general Apple news. Reviews are organized by type of product (i.e. iPhone, iPod, cameras), and can be searched. Overall Thoughts: The reviews on MacWorld seem very user-friendly and have a good combination of technical jargon and translation- they give you the specs and tell what it means for the end user. Additionally, there are reviews for a ton of products, and it's nice to have them broken down by category. Obviously, MacWorld only reviews Apple products, however, so PC schools will be out of luck at this site. However, since the same company owns PCWorld (see below) there is an option for PC schools. Also, this is a review site aimed at the general public, so it does not have information specific to the world of education.
Tool: Internet@School (http://www.internetatschools.com/) Cost: Hard copy subscription is $49.95, but online edition appears to be free Who's doing the writing & publishing? Internet@School has a staff of writers, reviewers, and editors, but it also uses current/former teachers from a variety of areas and subjects. Internet@School is published by Information Today. Interesting Attributes: Though there is a subscription fee for the actual magazine, the articles appear to be available online as well. There is a resource bank down the left sidebar where articles (past and present) are arranged by topic. Users can also search for a specific keywords using the search box. Cyberbee's Web Pick is a daily website picked because it is applicable to classroom use. Articles include reviews along with educational technology news, practical tips, and columns. Overall Thoughts: Internet@School seems very similar to eSchool News, and would be just as useful. I'm not sure I would spend the money on a subscription if the online version is free. However, it would definitely be a good resource, since it has both reviews and news, and is aimed specifically at educational technology.
Tool: PCWorld (http://www.pcworld.com) Cost: Free articles online, digital version of magazine $19.97 (available on Android, Kindle, and iPad, as well as a pdf version) Who's doing the writing & publishing? The reviews on PCWorld are written by a variety of contributors and editors, who all seem to have a strong background in technology in general, and PC products in particular. PCWorld (along with Macworld, TechHive, and greenbot) is published by a company called IDG Consumer & SMB (Small/Medium Business). Interesting Attributes: In addition to the "reviews" section, there is an extensive how-to page, videos, and pages devoted to information on several different types of products (laptops, tablets, phones, software, etc). There is also a page with industry news articles. Reviews page is sorted by category and an also be searched. Overall Thoughts: Essentially, I have the same thoughts as when I looked at MacWorld - a valuable resource for reviews and news for PC products. Reviews do include technical aspects and can occasionally be difficult to decipher, but usually the reviewers include the technical jargon and the practical application for the end user. Also, this is a review site aimed at the general public, so it does not have information specific to the world of education.
Tool: Teach With Movies (http://www.teachwithmovies.org) Cost: Free Who's doing the writing & publishing? Teach With Movies writers encompass a wide variety of individuals, most of whom have advanced degrees and backgrounds in education. The site was founded, and is still run, by James Frieden and Deborah W. Elliot. Interesting Attributes: Teach With Movies is obviously focused on using movies within the classroom. They include reviews of the movies (including potential problems for parents), activity suggestions, learner guides, and even permission slips to send home to parents for movies that might be questionable. The movies are divided into subject areas, but can also be searched, or looked up in an alphabetical index of titles. There is also a link to look up movies based on age. Overall Thoughts: This would definitely be a good place to come look at a video before showing it in class to see what potential issues there might be. Also, it would be a good way to add a little extra educational benefit to movies watched in class. Would also be great for those days when a teacher is unexpectedly absent and/or doesn't leave sub plans! The librarian who had one of these videos with a worksheet/plan would be a lifesaver, at least for a few hours!
Tools: Free Technology for Teachers (http://www.freetech4teachers.com) Cost: (as the name suggests) Free Who's doing the writing & publishing? Free Technology for Teachers is written and published by Richard Byrne, a former high school social studies teacher with a strong background in educational technology. Interesting Attributes: Free Technology for Teachers is a blog written by Richard Byrne that addresses issues, news, products, and other aspects of using educational technology in the classroom. Byrne reviews different products, which can be searched using the search bar on the site. Additionally, he talks about different ways to create videos in classrooms, how to create/use a blog or website effectively, and some free downloadable guides to different technology tools. As a heads up, many of the links across the top that look like different pages (iPad Apps for School, Android 4 Schools and several others) are actually links to different websites, all written/published by Richard Byrne. Overall Thoughts: This site has some really good information, particularly for a teacher who wanted to integrate more technology but wasn't sure where to start. It's always best to start with some free integration before starting to ask for money without support/buy-in. There are a lot of ads on the page, which are kind of distracting, but the information is good and I would definitely use this page if I was looking for a free product. On a personal note, he did provide a link to a website that I've used before and been unable to remember the name of it (xtranormal), so I am VERY relieved to have that mystery solved! :)
Tool: Common Sense Media (https://commonsensemedia.org/reviews) Cost: Free Who's doing the writing and publishing? Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that uses research-based guidelines to determine age-appropriateness of different forms of media for different ages. Interesting Attributes: Common Sense Media has an amazing amount of information about different movies for educators and parents. The reviews include the newest movies and are very specific about storyline, characters, and issues of concern. There is also a good section on what is developmentally appropriate for different ages, which is a nice general guideline when thinking about movies and shows for kids, both for parents and teachers. There are tons of resources on this site for parents and educators. Overall Thoughts: This may be my new go-to before I show a movie to my students (or my own kids). It has so many reviews that are very clear and straightforward. Also, I would definitely use the information literacy and safety resources that are included for educators. This one definitely gets bookmarked...
Tool: Cnet.com (http://www.cnet.com/)
Cost: Free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? Products are tested in cnet labs, then reviews are written about various products by technology experts. Reviews are overseen by editors at various locations around the world. Cnet writers include blogs, tweets, and other social media reports in their reviews, along with customer input. Cnet is owned by CBS Corporation.
Interesting Attributes: CNet doesn't just offer reviews of products, but also offers how-to videos and articles, news articles, and a site to download freeware.
Overall Thoughts: CNet provides a lot of reviews on a wide variety of products. They also provide a safe place to download freeware, like Audacity. They are a general review tool, though, and review products beyond technology tools, which can make the site overwhelming (but is great if you're in the market for a new car, washing machine, or TV). Also, they are a review site for the general public, so they do not typically consider educational aspects in their reviews.
Tool: eSchool News (http://www.eschoolnews.com/)
Cost: Free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? eSchool News is a digital magazine that contains a variety of articles on educational technology. These articles sometimes include reviews, and are written by a variety of authors with a background in education, technology, or both. Authors include superintendents, teachers and media specialists, along with technology experts from outside the education sphere. eSchool News is published by a company called eSchoolMedia.
Interesting Attributes: eSchool News is focused completely on educational technology. The articles included best practices and practical advice for integrating technology tools, in addition to reviewing them for general use. The magazine can be delivered to your email inbox for free as well. eSchool News also provides webinars, funding/grant information, and conference information.
Overall Thoughts: eSchool News is a great source for educational technology information. It provides great tips, tricks, practical examples, and up-and-coming examples of educational technology from teachers, principals, etc. who are actually working "in the trenches." As a review site, it is a little harder to use because there isn't a specific spot for reviews, they are embedded in the magazine articles themselves. They can be searched, however, and a search for "video software" or "apps" usually turns up several articles that are reviews of different classroom options. On the slightly-annoying side, every time I clicked to a new page a pop up video advertisement showed up, which was tiring.
Tool: Games for Educators (http://www.g4ed.com/stories/)
Cost: Free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? Games for Educators articles and reviews are written by a variety of contributors, some with a background in game design, some with a background in education, and some with a background in both! It is a relatively small operation, with only 10 contributing authors. It is published by authors Mary Couzin and Patrick Matthews, who also publish the e-newsletter Games in Education.
Interesting Attributes: Games for Educators obviously has a strong bent towards utilizing games to engage and instruct students. They include reviews on popular games, articles on the benefit of different games in education, and podcasts on strategies for including games in the classroom. There is also a "Toy and Game Finder" that lets the user look at an alphabetical list of games (or search for a specific game) and see the estimated cost, where to buy it, and a brief description. The descriptions seem to be written by the game creator, and don't seem to be reviews by Games for Educators.
Overall Thoughts: The writers on this site are obviously writing about a topic that they are passionate about, which means they make an effort to find and review the best of the available games. This site would not be much use if you were looking for reviews on specific technology tools, but for games of all varieties this would be the first place I would look. In passing I read reviews and descriptions of several games I'd like to look for to include in my classroom!
Tool: MacWorld (http://www.macworld.com)
Cost: Free online articles, digital all-access pass for magazine is $19.97, plus there are "super guides" published as ebooks that cost between $1-$10 for in-depth coverage of specific topics
Who's doing the writing & publishing? The reviews on MacWorld are written by a variety of contributors, who all seem to have a strong background in technology in general, and Apple products in particular. MacWorld (along with PCWorld, TechHive, and greenbot) is published by a company called IDG Consumer & SMB (Small/Medium Business).
Interesting Attributes: MacWorld provides reviews that are easily searched, but also offers an e-newsletter that users can subscribe to. They also provide a significant number of how-to videos and articles, along with general Apple news. Reviews are organized by type of product (i.e. iPhone, iPod, cameras), and can be searched.
Overall Thoughts: The reviews on MacWorld seem very user-friendly and have a good combination of technical jargon and translation- they give you the specs and tell what it means for the end user. Additionally, there are reviews for a ton of products, and it's nice to have them broken down by category. Obviously, MacWorld only reviews Apple products, however, so PC schools will be out of luck at this site. However, since the same company owns PCWorld (see below) there is an option for PC schools. Also, this is a review site aimed at the general public, so it does not have information specific to the world of education.
Tool: Internet@School (http://www.internetatschools.com/)
Cost: Hard copy subscription is $49.95, but online edition appears to be free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? Internet@School has a staff of writers, reviewers, and editors, but it also uses current/former teachers from a variety of areas and subjects. Internet@School is published by Information Today.
Interesting Attributes: Though there is a subscription fee for the actual magazine, the articles appear to be available online as well. There is a resource bank down the left sidebar where articles (past and present) are arranged by topic. Users can also search for a specific keywords using the search box. Cyberbee's Web Pick is a daily website picked because it is applicable to classroom use. Articles include reviews along with educational technology news, practical tips, and columns.
Overall Thoughts: Internet@School seems very similar to eSchool News, and would be just as useful. I'm not sure I would spend the money on a subscription if the online version is free. However, it would definitely be a good resource, since it has both reviews and news, and is aimed specifically at educational technology.
Tool: PCWorld (http://www.pcworld.com)
Cost: Free articles online, digital version of magazine $19.97 (available on Android, Kindle, and iPad, as well as a pdf version)
Who's doing the writing & publishing? The reviews on PCWorld are written by a variety of contributors and editors, who all seem to have a strong background in technology in general, and PC products in particular. PCWorld (along with Macworld, TechHive, and greenbot) is published by a company called IDG Consumer & SMB (Small/Medium Business).
Interesting Attributes: In addition to the "reviews" section, there is an extensive how-to page, videos, and pages devoted to information on several different types of products (laptops, tablets, phones, software, etc). There is also a page with industry news articles. Reviews page is sorted by category and an also be searched.
Overall Thoughts: Essentially, I have the same thoughts as when I looked at MacWorld - a valuable resource for reviews and news for PC products. Reviews do include technical aspects and can occasionally be difficult to decipher, but usually the reviewers include the technical jargon and the practical application for the end user. Also, this is a review site aimed at the general public, so it does not have information specific to the world of education.
Tool: Teach With Movies (http://www.teachwithmovies.org)
Cost: Free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? Teach With Movies writers encompass a wide variety of individuals, most of whom have advanced degrees and backgrounds in education. The site was founded, and is still run, by James Frieden and Deborah W. Elliot.
Interesting Attributes: Teach With Movies is obviously focused on using movies within the classroom. They include reviews of the movies (including potential problems for parents), activity suggestions, learner guides, and even permission slips to send home to parents for movies that might be questionable. The movies are divided into subject areas, but can also be searched, or looked up in an alphabetical index of titles. There is also a link to look up movies based on age.
Overall Thoughts: This would definitely be a good place to come look at a video before showing it in class to see what potential issues there might be. Also, it would be a good way to add a little extra educational benefit to movies watched in class. Would also be great for those days when a teacher is unexpectedly absent and/or doesn't leave sub plans! The librarian who had one of these videos with a worksheet/plan would be a lifesaver, at least for a few hours!
Tools: Free Technology for Teachers (http://www.freetech4teachers.com)
Cost: (as the name suggests) Free
Who's doing the writing & publishing? Free Technology for Teachers is written and published by Richard Byrne, a former high school social studies teacher with a strong background in educational technology.
Interesting Attributes: Free Technology for Teachers is a blog written by Richard Byrne that addresses issues, news, products, and other aspects of using educational technology in the classroom. Byrne reviews different products, which can be searched using the search bar on the site. Additionally, he talks about different ways to create videos in classrooms, how to create/use a blog or website effectively, and some free downloadable guides to different technology tools. As a heads up, many of the links across the top that look like different pages (iPad Apps for School, Android 4 Schools and several others) are actually links to different websites, all written/published by Richard Byrne.
Overall Thoughts: This site has some really good information, particularly for a teacher who wanted to integrate more technology but wasn't sure where to start. It's always best to start with some free integration before starting to ask for money without support/buy-in. There are a lot of ads on the page, which are kind of distracting, but the information is good and I would definitely use this page if I was looking for a free product. On a personal note, he did provide a link to a website that I've used before and been unable to remember the name of it (xtranormal), so I am VERY relieved to have that mystery solved! :)
Tool: Common Sense Media (https://commonsensemedia.org/reviews)
Cost: Free
Who's doing the writing and publishing? Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that uses research-based guidelines to determine age-appropriateness of different forms of media for different ages.
Interesting Attributes: Common Sense Media has an amazing amount of information about different movies for educators and parents. The reviews include the newest movies and are very specific about storyline, characters, and issues of concern. There is also a good section on what is developmentally appropriate for different ages, which is a nice general guideline when thinking about movies and shows for kids, both for parents and teachers. There are tons of resources on this site for parents and educators.
Overall Thoughts: This may be my new go-to before I show a movie to my students (or my own kids). It has so many reviews that are very clear and straightforward. Also, I would definitely use the information literacy and safety resources that are included for educators. This one definitely gets bookmarked...