For my first tech tidbit, I wanted to share something simple that most of you will be able to use.  Do your students or children have difficulty with memorizing math facts?  I know that this is a large area of concern for me and many of my colleagues.  I stumbled upon this website at the beginning of the summer.  Parents and teachers can set up a FREE account with XtraMath.org.  The program can be set up for an entire class or one child.  Each will have their own unique password to enter.  The program will perform an evaluation and then support the child in gaining automaticity in their math facts through a series of activities and drills.  My daughter has been doing it through the summer and loves it.  She gets so excited to see her progress as it is charted after each session.

If you have just a teacher computer in your room, you can have students rotate in using the program.  A mini-lab in your classroom would be ideal, allowing students access on a more regular basis.  If you only have a class lab that you can schedule, it will still be a great opportunity for your students to practice.  Go to XtraMath.org and peruse for yourself and give it a try.  I think free is at least worth a try!  This one is Thrifty and Techy!