What it is: Planbook EDU is a great cloud-based (a.k.a online) lesson plan book. Because Planbook EDU is hosted in the cloud, all you need is an Internet connection, your plans travel with you. Planbook EDU is listed in the Google Apps Marketplace and is a natural fit for schools already using Google apps for education (email, calendar, documents, etc.). The free version of Planbook EDU has nothing to install, let’s teachers access their planbook from any internet connection, is easy to use with word processor like editing, is fully customizable, works in all major web browser and is iPad/iPhone supported (word processor editing doesn’t work on these devices).
How to integrate Planbook EDU into the classroom: I am a big fan of organizational tools, they let me organize my thoughts so that in the fire hose of ideas what is important (the learning goal) doesn’t get lost. Planbook EDU is a simple way to organize and plan units and your school year. I love that it is cloud-based so that I can access my plans from anywhere and any time. The basic features are robust enough to get your planning in place and the extras that can be added on make it VERY useful.
The premium version allows you to embed your planbook directly in your classroom website…very handy for keeping students and parents up to date with what is coming!
Tips: For $25/year, you get all of the free features plus- attach files to lesson plans, assign Common Core Standards, embed your planbook on any website, share lesson plans with anyone, print from your browser, export to Microsoft Word or PDF, built-in spell check and enjoy access to unlimited planbooks each school year. EVERY user gets a free 14 day trial of all the premium options from Planbook EDU.
Please leave a comment and share how you are using PlanbookEDU in your classroom!
Thanks for the great post.
If anyone has any questions or comments about PlanbookEdu feel free to contact me directly.
Matt Curry
Founder, PlanbookEdu
matt@planbookedu.com
I have been using this tool for over a year and love it. I have the premium version and it has been a life saver. Don’t know how I did it without it.
Thanks! As someone who hates writing lesson plans, this makes my life so much easier! I love the fact that I can add files. Will let you know how it works out when the new school year begins.
Thanks for the input from someone who has been using it Kathleen. We could all use more of those tools that make life easier!
I’ve always liked PlanbookEDU.
It is one of the best of its kind, but a few more options can be seen here…
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/103054.aspx
Third-year teacher and first time user of both Planbookedu and Edublogs. I am going to try to convert as many people as possible to both services, as they add value, are efficient, and affordable. My real curiosity is how well my entire year’s planbook will copy to next year with slightly different start dates and holidays. If it goes smooth, this thing could be a must-have for every teacher.
Best thing I ever bought for my classroom!