November 1, 2014
ThingLink
ThingLink
October 29, 2014
Google Forms |
Using Google Draw was a great way to allow all my students to have a worksheet without having to run off 17 copies. The students are able to access the worksheet through their Google account. Currently, the students in my school do not have Google accounts. I am unable to take advantage of this until my school provides the students with a Google account. Using Google Draw is a sure way to avoid students from losing their homework or classwork. Also, having their assignments online, provides students with resources to use if they need assistance via the internet. I have not seen Google forms used in a classroom, but I have seen it being used with teachers within my school. It is a great tool to use to keep work organized and safe. Creating a drawing was simple. I really liked having the ability to search for images if needed without leaving the drawing.
November 2, 2014
Prezi |
I really liked using Prezi to introduce a new spelling pattern to the different groups in my classroom. This presentation tool allows me to show the words in the sort with corresponding pictures. Prezi has a search for images. This makes using pictures in the presentation much easier and less time consuming. Having picture aid will provide my ESL students more opportunity to participate with more confidence. I like having pictures with the new words because it challenges the students to figure out the new spelling pattern. With the use of Prezi to present the new sort, the students can collaborate to determine what the new sort may be and justify their thinking. I found it simpler to create a new Prezi rather than use a prepared template. Going through the Prezi too quickly could cause some dizziness. Another feature I liked was that I was able to embed a link to a quick assessment of the new spelling pattern that was just introduced. Introducing the new word sorts using a presentation tool like Prezi helps build self help skills in the classroom. If the students forget the spelling pattern, they can access the Prezi at any point during their five day rotation with that sort.
November 19, 2014
iBooks Authors
iBooks Authors
I liked using iBook to create a book on a topic I am an expert on. This tool, iBook, was very easy to use and had many options to add features to make the book interactive. This is a great way to allow students to publish their final pieces of writing for different units in Writers Workshop. I would like to use this with my current unit, Writing About Informational Text. This would be a great unit to start using this tool because it calls for students to write about a topic they know enough about to produce a book without researching the topic. Traditionally, the students would write and draw this nonfiction book, but I feel this will appeal to many more students. My students will enjoy using iBook because creating an iBook is similar to using Keynote. This would make using iBook a seamless transition. Having creative book template already prepared will be beneficial to students who are not as experienced with technology. Those students who have the experience would have the option to create their own. These books can be brought to life by incorporating media into the book.
November 25, 2014
AudioBoom
After taking sometime to play with AudioBoom, I think this would be a great tool to be used in the classroom at an elementary level! I often find myself struggling with providing directions in a way all my students can process. Often, I will orally give the students their directions and send them off to work independently. Within minutes, I would have students who are approaching me claiming they do not understand. Most times I have found it is not the activity they do not understand, but it was how the directions were delivered that they could not process. Using AudioBoom, I can have directions prerecorded for the students. The tool is very user friendly for both the students and the teacher. Having the option to embed the audio or using a direct link will allow the students to access the directions through the class website. After modeling how to use the tool, there are many other ways the students can use this tool to enhance their experience. Other ways I see myself using AudioBoom in my classroom is for fluency check-ins. The students will read a fluency passage and then will be able to listen and rate their fluency. With this activity they will be able to create goals to become a more fluent reader. I love the idea of using AudioBoom for giving book reviews or giving students the option to use this as their final product when they have completed their persuasive writing.
After taking sometime to play with AudioBoom, I think this would be a great tool to be used in the classroom at an elementary level! I often find myself struggling with providing directions in a way all my students can process. Often, I will orally give the students their directions and send them off to work independently. Within minutes, I would have students who are approaching me claiming they do not understand. Most times I have found it is not the activity they do not understand, but it was how the directions were delivered that they could not process. Using AudioBoom, I can have directions prerecorded for the students. The tool is very user friendly for both the students and the teacher. Having the option to embed the audio or using a direct link will allow the students to access the directions through the class website. After modeling how to use the tool, there are many other ways the students can use this tool to enhance their experience. Other ways I see myself using AudioBoom in my classroom is for fluency check-ins. The students will read a fluency passage and then will be able to listen and rate their fluency. With this activity they will be able to create goals to become a more fluent reader. I love the idea of using AudioBoom for giving book reviews or giving students the option to use this as their final product when they have completed their persuasive writing.
December 3, 2014
WeVideo
WeVideo
I was not successful with creating a video using WeVideo. The program would not upload the video I created. I tried uploading the video from my computer and from Dropbox. The video I prepared was a video of one of my students explaining the topic she chose for her expert book. In the video, my student stated each heading and then discussed the information that would be included under each heading. If I could get the video to upload it would be one of three videos for this writing unit. I would have like to captured the process of writing and expert book. This video discussed the very early stage of brainstorming, the next video would cover the first draft, and the final video would be the student presenting their published piece. I would be able to use this video in the future with other students. Having student samples prepared to show the class is a great way to motivate the students.