Tech Matters

Technology tips and teaching strategies aligned with PowerUp WHAT WORKS.
May
21
2015

OpenEd and PowerUp What Works Form Partnership to Bring Together Comprehensive Online Educational Resources

PowerUp What Works has joined forces with OpenEd to bring educators a comprehensive suite of online educational resources! We’re working together to connect  the 1000’s  of online, high quality educational resources—including videos,... More...
Apr
20
2015

Our Top Picks: Apps for Fractions

Fractions are often a difficult concept for students to master. Luckily, there are a lot of great apps that can help! The PowerUp technology experts have put together a list of our favorite, free and low-cost apps that are proven to help struggling... More...
Apr
13
2015

An Abundance of Riches for Lesson Planning

I planned a lesson using two outstanding—and free—teacher-friendly websites that perfectly complement each other. PowerUp What Works offers standards-aligned, evidence-based practices in English Language Arts and Math, with suggested technology... More...
Apr
2
2015

Travel Brochures: Let's Go!

Parents, grandparents, and guests filed into the 3rd grade classroom.  They “oohed” and “aahed” over each student’s tri-fold travel brochure about a different state. This creative activity, which could be appropriate across... More...
Mar
17
2015

Invigorate Your Personal Learning Network with the PowerUp Challenge!

Earlier this year, on the Tech Matters Blog, we shared our thoughts on Personal Learning Networks (PLNs). These PLNs consist of groups of professionals who share knowledge, best practices, and resources with one another in a particular... More...
Feb
20
2015

Using Smartphones for Summarizing

How many of your students have a smartphone tucked, away according to school rules, but really never far from reach? Surprise them! Have them take out their smartphones and use them to build summarizing skills. Summarizing requires... More...
Feb
11
2015

Google Maps to Build Math Skills

I am currently traveling outside of the U.S. in an old city with a zillion winding streets, all of which have names I can’t pronounce. Google Maps has become my best friend. Given that there are multiple ways to spell the same street name,... More...
Feb
2
2015

PD Opportunities in February

Looking for more ways to expand your professional learning? Each month, we’ll highlight a variety of free, online PD opportunities to help you dig deeper into the topics and ideas covered by PowerUp WHAT WORKS. This is just a small selection of... More...
Jan
27
2015

NEWS FLASH! NEW RECIPE FOR FLASH CARDS

We’re all familiar with the tried and true recipe for creating flash cards. You start with a pack of index cards. You add a term or question on one side. On the back, you put the definition or answer. Once you shuffle the deck, you’re... More...
Jan
21
2015

Potential of Podcasts

Dictionary.com defines a Podcast as being, “a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.” Podcasts containing news, stories,... More...