Top 10 Tech Tools I Can't Live Without!

Since completing this technology class, there are several technology tools I do not want to do without.  These are all tools that can be utilized to motivate students and promote creativity.

1.  Animoto
2. Glogster
3. Concept Mapping
4. Blogs
5. Wikis
6. Voki
7. twitter
8. Blabberize
9. classtools.net (game generator)
10. classtools.net (Fake Book page)

Mobile Apps

I am a self-contained 3rd grade teacher, so I teach all subjects.  There are a number of apps that can be used in all subject areas.  One of my favorites for math is Cash Cow; with this app students are having to use problem solving to create a certain amount of money.  The money is displayed in rows and columns.  The objective of the game is to collect the designated amount of money, but you can only use coins that are connected in the rows/columns.  All the while students must be adding various coins to equal the designated amount of money.  Another great app is Stack the States for Geography/social studies.  This app reinforces facts about the states, the shape of the states, and the abbreviation of the state.  World Book is another app for social studies.  This app offers an interactive calendar for "This day in history."  It also provides video clips of special events involving the nation and politics.  For science there is NASA App HD; this app offers images, videos, live streaming, mission and launch information. 

Digital Citizenship

Having a good digital reputation is the same as your reputation in the real world.  Once it is tainted, the damage is done.  It doesn't matter what you do; you never can really "delete" it.  The difference is in the digital world  millions are reached.  There is always someone looking to steal your identity or even worse victimize a naive user.  Providing basic rules for kids and implementing parental controls is critical.  Becoming part of the digital world comes with a lot of responsibility.  The best thing to do is set a good example and make users aware of potential problems.  It is crucial that all users know the consequences of bad choices.  As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  Anticipate and teach those around you to think before acting.  Teaching good digital citizenship is everyone's responsibility.

Material Generator Tools

It is quite difficult to choose only three material generator tools.....  My students have used Microsoft Publisher to create brochures for field trips when we researched famous landmarks in Alabama.  The kids were "travel agents" and developed a trip that included a detailed brochure of one of Alabama's landmarks, an itenerary, and the projected cost of the trip.  I have considered but have not taken on allowing collaborative groups to develop a web page on topics covered in science/social studies. Many of the web page design software tools are not user friendly, so I have put this project on hold.  I use rubrics to grade, and would really like for the students to try one of the rubric generators to create their own rubrics.  I feel like this would really develop ownership of the project at hand, and they are often more critical than I am.

Software

Software is defined as a computer program intended to provide instruction or assist with instruction.  Software can be placed into two categories - tool software or instructional software.   While tool software may enhance instruction, today's primary focus is on instructional software.  Instructional software can be classified by teaching function: (1) drill-and-practice, (2) tutorial, (3) simulation, (4) instructional game, or (5) problem-solving program.

Drill-and-practice uses a direct strategy.  It provides problems/questions to be answered and the student receives feedback.  An example of this software is Xtramath.  Through drill-and-practice students "race the teacher" while practicing math skills and developing automaticity.  Skills covered include addition, multiplication, subtraction, division.  https://www.xtramath.org/

Tutorials also use a direct strategy.  With this software, all the necessary information is provided to the students along with instructional activities for mastery.  What a wonderful tool for students who are absent.  Math tutorials is a wonderful example of an instructional software site.  http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Lessons

Simulations use both a direct and a constructivist strategy.  Simulations provide lifelike models to demonstrate how a system operates.  If funding does not allow for the purchase of necessary materials, the next best thing is simulation software.  An example of simulation software is Digital Frog.  http://www.digitalfrog.com

Instructional games also use both a directed and constructivist strategy.  This instructional software provides the opportunity to practice through gaming.  What a wonderful motivational tool!  There are many sites which offer instructional games.  Social studies games can be located at http://playinghistory.org

Problem solving software also uses a direct and constructivist strategy.  Problem solving software provides direct instruction and helps the students develop problem-solving skills by providing opportunities to solve problems.  This is a wonderful method to help students learn how to think. 
Triana Open-Source Problem Solving Environment offers this site: http://www.trianacode.org

Web 2.0 Tools

Using Web 2.0 tools are one of my favorite things to incorporate in the curriculum.  What a wonderful motivational tool it is!  I have used Glogster, Blabber, and Voki in the past, and I love them.  My new favorite  is Animoto.  My students are going to love having another option as a culminating project.  I have such a passion for learning how to use these wonderful tools.  I actually plan on learning how to use the other "choice" Web 2.0 tools as well.  I thought all of the tools were very user friendly, and providing the tutorials for older children will serve as a wonderful teaching tool, thus saving the everyone a whole lot of time.


http://animoto.com/play/jaKJ08obtlt3XNCDndZFhQ



http://christyholland.edu.glogster.com/glog-6812/



http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8298083&height=267&width=200


http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=8298235&height=267&width=200

To play or not to play?

To Play or Not to Play?

 

 

I definitely think using software games is appropriate.  Kids relate to gaming; it is exciting and fun.  These games are similar to the video games kids are so engrossed in these days.  Using games to motivate and reinforce skills is a wonderful way to reach out to children in school and at home.  I encourage parents and students to access web-based games.  The children are learning, but the games are entertaining so the kids do not even realize that they are learning while they are playing.  What a marvelous concept!  Many of my students come in telling other students about the game(s), which escalates the excitement to a whole new level.  It is critical as educators to relate to students, and what better way than to use what they love in an educational manner.

My name is Christy, and I am from Scottsboro, AL (near Huntsville).  I am currently pursuing my degree in Library Media.  I have taught for 11 years and am looking forward to finishing my degree and getting a position as a library media specialist.  I have 2 young children whom I adore and a wonderful husband who also teaches and coaches.  I have a real passion for utilizing technology in the classroom, so I am excited about learning how to incorporate it even more.  Good luck to all!