EdTech Resource: Teacher Tap

This is another new resource I stumbled across for this blog. Welcome to Teacher Tap 

At first glance this webpage does not seem like all that much, and in 2016 - it looks like it out of date...well it kind of is...

Teacher Tap was last copyright in 2007 (Nearly 10 years now) But here is why I think it is still might be worth a look, especially if you are new to the teaching profession, or are just starting to dabble into online teaching, and your students either know more than you; or are having trouble answering student questions. 

The landing page does have a warning statement that they are in the process of updating the resources, so there is a mixture of newer and older resources. 

Teacher Trap is free , professional development resource that helps educators and librarians address common questions about the use of technology in teaching and learning by providing easy access to practical, online resources and activities.

As an English teacher, I was excited for the Literature and Literacy page; however, the links for Informational Inquiry are all dead...(the cons of an older resource). Otherwise, the page breaks down some of the digital basics for students, such as copyright information, and plagiarism, and how to safety and accurately surf the internet. 

While these may seem like basic digital literacy skills, many students till lack these skills, and only learn of their lack of digital literacy once they reach Post-Secondary and cannot find valid internet sources. 

That is the section on Information Skills and Digital Ethics would work perfectly or Digital Literacy lessons starting at a Grade 9 level.  

The Page of Technology Tools actually gives a basic breakdown of the majority of software students will encounter in school and at home. Basics like how to navigate a PDF file, to how to use email, and filters to your advantage. 

Overall - if you are already a Technology Teacher, Teacher Tap is not for you. It will be well below your level of understanding and the lesson levels are probably below the ones you already have developed. If you are a new teacher and looking for a kick-start to your own lesson portfolio, Teacher Tap may be able to give you a hand.