Tool # 9: Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices as Tools for Learning

1. Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?

Students today do not know a world without cell phones, computers, Internet, and so on. Technology is important but the bottom line is technology doesn't teach. Teachers do! The technology tools we choose to use in the classroom will not work unless teachers have a strong understanding of best instructional practices and classroom management. It would be a waste of time showing the students a cool web tool without solid lesson plans, expectations, modeling, guided practice, and a way to assess. Teachers must know what they will be teaching first; the technology piece is a way to get to the desired outcome. Teachers must sharpen their teaching skills and then use technology for a little help.

2. Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?

Stations are a way for students to practice and apply with they have learned. What is the point if students are not held accountable for the time they spend in a station? Students need to know the expectations and guidelines before they go to a station. This is the time for them to show what they know. It is also a good assessment tool for teachers. Teachers can see who needs more help and who is ready for something more challenging.

3. Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites. Which ones did you like? How could use them in stations?

I looked through several of the websites. I liked Study Ladder and Thinkfinity. They seemed to have more literature and reading games than the other websites. I think games have a place but students who struggle with reading need to be reading. I would be selective on what games I would allow students to use and they would be held accountable by having to complete a graphic organizer or reflection after they complete the station.

4. List 2 or 3 apps you found for the IPad/IPod Touch that you can use in your classroom.

Many of the apps that are free are the lite version. There are several geography and map skill apps that are okay. They are GeoPlay, ShakeEmUp, and USA Free. I see these being used for social studies. Students could be held accountable by having to create some type of technology project based on what they learn in playing the games.

5. What are some other ways to use the IPad/IPod Touch?

I like some other apps that are not free. These are Lit2Go and Tales2Go. Students are actually reading books and poems. I also like Penzu. This is an online digital journal. Teachers can create an account for the students. Then students can respond to literature they have read with the teacher and other students.

I also see the IPad being used to create presentations. One tool I like is Prezi. It is like a PowerPoint only more spiced up. Prezi is an online presentation tool that takes the audience from idea to idea in a nonlinear way. Students get to be creative on how they create their presentation. It also forces students to organize and prioritize their information. Students must really know the topic they are studying so they can choose what key words and images will best convey the information they are presenting. The account is free for educators. The website is

http://prezi.com You must then click on the Student/Teacher Licenses in the yellow box.