Ten Cool Online Tools For School Counselors & Educational Consultants

As School Counselors, Educational Consultants, and Coaches, we are always trying to find ways to reach the kids we work with.  One of my favorite ways is by engaging students through technology.   

Below are some of  the Cool Tools I have used in the counseling process: 

1. Glogster is a free, online learning tool with many uses that allows you to create a digital, interactive poster.  Glogster allows its users to be creative, and engaging; and it excites learners, espeically those who like technology based leaning and/or fun.  Glogster is internet based, and allows you create a free teacher account that can be saved on Glogster, and shown anywhere.  My students have created glogs using Glogster as part of classroom guidance lessons, in small group counseling, and with individual counseling. I have also used Glogster glogs to parent and school based newsletters. 
2. Mp3 Cutter

With the free services provided by the "Mp3 cut" website, the mp3 cutting process has become much more simple, fast, and convenient to use. To get started, press the "Upload mp3" button, choose the desired file, and wait until the file is uploaded and ready for processing. As soon as the file is available for editing (which depends on the speed of your Internet connection), the track will become pink slightly below the indicated button, and the play button will become red. Now, you are able crop mp3. You will see two sliders, which indicate the beginning and the end of the song fragment. When you're ready, press the “Cut mp3 and Download” button. The download will start immediately. Save the file and use it in any of your presentations. Don’t forget the copyright rules of no more than 10%, or 30 seconds, maximum length.
3. Pinterest is a content sharing service that allows members to “pin” images, videos, and other objects to a pinboard.  Imagine the old cork board that we used to pin up pictures, notes, or memories.  This is a digital version that allows you to save lots of ideas and organize them into multiple cork boards. I save a lot of ideas by category; and, then when it is time to develop a lesson, I have a bank of visual ideas that I can quickly see and remember. Pinterest can also be used by students you're working with in creating dream boards, inspirational quote boards, and more! In the past, I have allowed students to create their own topic specific boards through my Pinterest account. The student names the board without using his/her name; so confidentiality isn't an issue.

4. Edmodo

1. Edmodo provides a safe, and easy, online format for you to connect and collaborate, share content, post polls, calendars, and much more.  Emondo looks and acts like Facebook, but is much more secure, and was created specifically for giving educators a way to collaborate, communicate, with students, parents, and one another.  To access any content on Edmodo, a group has to be created. Then, an assigned pin number is used for others to join the group.  I have used Edmodo to create groups for the counselors in my previous district, peer mediators, parents, and other specific student groups.  Edmodo offers a way to request, and share, information.  Another way I have used Edmodo that has proven extremely successful has been through the creation of small groups for students to participate in discussion about the current topic.  With Edmodo, content can be shared, giving a parent access to information their child is working on and posting.  With Edmodo, you also have the ability to share files stored in a library, share a calendar with meeting dates or assignments, or create quizzes and polls.
5. Blogger With Blogger, anyone can create their own personal content sharing website, or blog, and can write about anything.  The user can write as frequently, or infrequently, as he or she chooses. Bloggers can add pictures, videos, links, and comments to their blog posts. With Blogger, posts can be kept private, or can be made public, helping counselors easily use this writing format for almost anything without having to worry about confidentiality.
6. Smart Notebook Express
SMART Notebook is a collaborative learning software.  With Smart Notebook Express, you are able to view, save, and interact with SMART Notebook files online, at no charge.
7. Tagxedo turns words into a visually stunning word cloud. Words individually sized appropriately to highlight the frequencies of occurrence within the body of text. With Tagxedo, you can make your word clouds into different shapes, using different colors and save them as a picture to use later. Tagxedo is great for individual counseling, small group counseling, and even large group counseling.
8. Storybird uses short, art-inspired stories users make to share, read, and print. Your counseling participants can read them like books, play them like games, and even send them like greeting cards. Storybird is a fun way for students to share what they have learned.

9. Prezi
Prezi is a cloud based presentation software and storytelling tool for exploring and sharing ideas on a virtual canvas. Prezi is distinguished by its zooming features, which enables users to zoom in and out of their presentation media. Prezi allows you to insert images, videos, and hyperlinks to websites, which allows the user to take Powerpoints to the next level
10. YouTube has many videos that can teach, motivate, or reinforce lessons and counseling sessions.  Make sure you watch each video all the way through before sharing with children.  Some videos may be edited and replaced with inappropriate material.

Additional Techology Tools:

iPad Apps

Nearpod - allows teacher to control student’s iPads, very interactive & engaging

Prezi - zooming presentations

Doceri - control your desktop from your iPad

Socrative Teacher - students can answer quizzes from their iPad

TeacherKit - allows you to create groups/classes, pics of students, keep attendance

Noteshelf (not free) - great for keeping notes organized

iMovie (not free) - great for students to teach/share with others

Stop Go! -young childrens’ timer

Spin the Bottle - Great for selecting students sitting in a group circle

Stick Pick (not free) - for picking students

Sock Puppets - great for younger kids to make puppet plays

Moody Monster - great for younger kids to understand feelings

Fluid - helps students calm down and relax

Scribble Press - create a digital book

Educreations - interactive whiteboard for the iPad

Word Salad - create word clouds on the iPad

Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC

School Counselor & Supreme Court Approved Mediator

512-704-5265

Make Time For Mindfulness

Take a moment to be mindful

Image: Canstock

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment, such as how the air smells and feels as you walk your dog, or how a bite of bread tastes with dinner. The ultimate goal is to help shift your thoughts away from your usual preoccupations toward an appreciation of the moment and a larger perspective on life.

Scientific examination of mindfulness shows that it can improve both physical and psychological symptoms, improve learning, and create positive changes in health, attitudes, and behaviors.

Here are two mindfulness exercises that you can try on your own.

Basic mindfulness meditation

1. Sit on a straight-backed chair or cross-legged on the floor.
2. Focus on an aspect of your breathing, such as the sensation of air flowing into your nostrils and out of your mouth, or your belly rising and falling as you inhale and exhale.
3. Once you've narrowed your concentration in this way, begin to widen your focus. Become aware of sounds, sensations, and ideas.
4. Embrace and consider each thought or sensation without judging it as good or bad. If your mind starts to race, return your focus to your breathing. Then expand your awareness again.

Mindfulness in everyday moments

A less formal approach to mindfulness can also help you stay in the present, and to fully participate in your life. You can choose any task or moment to practice informal mindfulness, whether you are eating, showering, walking, or playing with a child. With practice, this sense of awareness will become more natural.

1. Start by bringing your attention to the sensations in your body.
2. Breathe in through your nose, allowing the air to move downward into your lower belly. Let your abdomen expand fully. Then breathe out through your mouth. Notice the sensations of each inhalation and exhalation.
3. Proceed with the task at hand slowly and with full deliberation.
4. Engage your senses fully. Notice each sight, touch, and sound so that you savor every sensation.
5. When you notice that your mind has wandered from what you are doing, gently bring your attention back to the sensations of the moment.

Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC

School Counselor & Mediator