Saturday, June 29, 2013

Mobile Technologies and Apps are Growing, Week 5!




In the video, first grade teacher Kristina Kellogg discusses the benefits of iPads and iPod touches in her classroom. She said that she is using the iPads and iPod touches to enhance fluency instruction. Kellogg also discussed how the students lacked confidence in reading before the iPads and iPods were implemented in the classroom. Through self reflection, voice recordings, and being able to listen to themselves read, the students have gained confidence in their reading ability. Kellogg explained how teachers need to me in the right mind set to embrace this technology world. She admitted that a lot of work that went into making the project happen. There were technical difficulties, trouble with finding apps, and trouble with getting all of the apps on all of the equipment. However; once implementation started Kellogg said, "It was better that I ever expected." From the video, you can see that it clearly enhances her instruction. Kellogg is not giving typical paper/pencil tasks, she is allowing the students to complete activities on the equipment and getting the data she needs from how the student does. Kellogg stated that she has never been able to differentiate her instruction like this, she is able to assign specific activities to meet the needs of all of her students. What she is doing for reading fluency could be integrated in to all subject areas.

I see myself using the iPad and iPod touches in my classroom in a very similar way. Kellogg made sure to first teach the material, she did not want to take away every aspect of a typical education. Whether it be science, math, social studies, or reading instruction; it is the teachers’ job to first teach the material and then use technology to enhance the instruction. In my classroom I would use iPads and iPods as centers or activities for students to practice what we just learned or where they are lacking. An example of this would be, after a math lesson on multiplication, my students who grasped the understanding of multiplication could participate with a multiplication app, whereas my students who struggled with multiplication can participate in a repeated addition math app. This allows me to differentiate my instruction for all students. This is very beneficial to me because a teacher is only one person, and sometimes all students’ needs are not met every day. The use of iPads and iPods in a classroom will help any teacher tremendously.
Apps:
  1. Nearpod is an app that allows teachers to present a presentation while controlling all of the student equipment. The teacher determines what is going to appear on all of the iPads or iPods. This is a great app to use for lesson where the students would be accessing the world wide web. My mother personal uses this app in her classroom each week. She loves doing math quizzes because she is able to see what every student does and then able to display it for further discussion. Here is a link to more information on the NEARPOD App!
  2. Vocabulary/Spelling City is a great app for students to practice their current spelling words and vocabulary definitions.This app goes hand in hand with our reading series in Bibb County. There is a link to every lesson and it provides opportunities for the students to prepare for their weekly reading and spelling tests. I allow students to use this app during reading centers. Here is a link to more information on the Vocabulary/Spelling City App!
  3. Word Monster is a great app for teaching children how to read. This app comes filled with levelized readers, for the younger grades. I have found this app very useful during the after school program at my school, where I have kindergarten through second grade students at one time. To find our more about Word Monster, click HERE!
  4. Everyday Mathematics is a wonderful app that covers all math skills. I use this app in my classroom as a math center. Students are able to access math practice at any level of math needed. Here is a link to the wonderful app Everyday Mathematics!
  5. Talking Tom is just a fun app to have in the classroom. Students can use this app to record their reading and have it played back to them. The voice of Talking Tom does change for the male voice or female voice, however; it is not the students true voice. This app is not used for specific education purposes, but I do think students enjoy it! Here is a link to Talking Tom!
Chapter one in our text discusses the big picture of technology. Roblyer and Doering, 2013, stated "As we look today at what is happening with technology--and what the future promises--in classrooms across the country, we see that some of the most innovative and promising practices in education involve technology, and the promise of even more exciting capabilities foreshadows great benefits for teachers" (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.1). Roblyer and Doering could not have said it any better. Technology has come so far in the past few years, and has so much more to gain. The big pictures of technology encourages us to reflect on the past, consider the present, and look ahead to the future. (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p.4) Chapter four of our text digs a littler deeper and discusses the benefits of using software in technology. Software tools can help improve productivity, improve appearance, improve accuracy, and support interaction/collaboration. In education teachers use word processing software, spreadsheet software, and presentation software. Not only is the software benefiting the teacher, it is also helping prepare the students for their future.

Chapter seven of our text describes distance learning. "The United States Distance Learning Association defines distance education as structured learning that takes place without the physical presence of an instructor" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 206). I know that distance education is benefiting me as I type, however; I am not sure how I feel about distance education in the role of elementary students. I personally like to use technology as a tool to enhance my instruction, not as the tool that guides my instruction. The text also discusses the benefits of the internet and I agree with that. The internet has made it possible for us to have an abundance of material at the click of a button. When using the internet as a tool in education, there is always something to learn. One way I included internet in my classroom this past year was through Skype. A friend of mine from college teaches second grade in Key West, FL. Our classes became pen pals, and at the end of the year our class skyped her class. Chapter nine in our text discusses issues and problems in English and Language Arts, and gives ways for teachers to step up their instruction in this area. I thought that writing friendly letters to pen pals and including Skype, was a great way to motivate students to write. "According to the Standards for then English Language Arts (1996), technology not only enhances students' motivation to write, but also encourages them to assume greater responsibility for their learning" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 217).






Reference
Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Fifth  Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon

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1 comment:

  1. CarolynJuly 3, 2013 at 12:20 PM

    Great post and very informative! I think it's interesting that most of us chose the iPad/iPod as a useful tool in the classroom. They are so user friendly, and a lot of children have access to one at home these days, so they are already familiar with the use of them. And I agree with you, they should NOT be used to replace the teaching... only to supplement. I would also use them as a center activity to practice previously learned skills. I will have to do some research on your apps. You listed some I've never heard of and they sound very interesting!

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