Tool #9

It is very important to tie technology with the objective in order to keep students enthusiastic and focused on the learning. It is visual and can be very interactive which always supports learning.
We should always hold students accountable for work in workstations otherwise students may not care about their learning and will possibly not follow all of the directions and therefore not learn the objective.
Sites visited
Learning Games for Kids: This site was easy and might be something used for students who need more review. Since there are printables students can be held accountable by turning in these pages. I don't necessarily like this idea but understand that this could be helpful to some students who are struggling.
TES Board: This site seems more challenging and can aid in encouraging deeper thinking for those who are ready for this. Students can blog their findings to help in holding them accountable.
Study Ladder: This is very similiar to a program we use now and can help if you know exactly what you need the students to work on. This one is very overwhelming to the eyes but can be useful when looking for specifics. Again students can blog or write in Wiki their reflections in order to hold them accountable.
I might use the first 2 listed as stations where the kids can look for items to work on or all three if I have specific areas for them to complete while in stations. They might work in pairs or with individually.

Apps. found and liked:
Dictionary: During reading groups students could use this app. to help look up unfamiliar words so students can continue reading and checking for meaning without help from others (meaning teacher)
Discovery Channel: This one is always good when wanting to learn more about specific topics, history or people.
Free Word Warp: This has fun ways to practice spelling and find words within words. This can be during word work time and they have finished assigned lessons.
On This Day: Is an app that kids who LOVE their birthday and want to know the history of this special day. Then they could share tis new foud information on blogs, wikis and emails to friends.

Having this technology in the class will help kids continue to learn while the teacher is working with other students. This will also help kids stay ahead of the technology curve.