Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus

Thinkmap Visual Thesaurus is an excellent tool to increase vocabulary and writing skills.  Visual Thesaurus is an interactive dictionary and thesaurus that allows the user to map word webs with meanings, pronunciations, and synonyms.  Visual Thesaurus gives proper grammar usage of unfamiliar words as well.  In my classroom, students access visual thesaurus for the word of the day and create a word web.  Throughout the week, my students will learn five new vocabulary words and apply them in their daily writing assignments.  One does have to subscribe to the tool, but this is an excellent source for building vocularly, using words precisely, improve grammar and spelling, and exposure to other languages. 

Screencast-O-Matic

I have started to use Screencast-O-Matic a lot in my classroom. This site allows you to record video of whatever is on your computer and your voice. You can then upload it to YouTube or save a file. I have used for when I will be gone. I will record my lecture before hand and the sub just needs to play it. I have also made videos for review. I have posted them on YouTube and showed my students how they can access them at home to review any materials. I plan to flip my classroom in the future and will use this for that as well.

BYOD benefits

Bring your own device (BYOD) is a grreat program to implement into the schools.  Students are able to bring their own device (i.e., Kindle, Nook, iPad, Tablet, iPod) to utilize in the classroom.  Students are able to use their independent reading books from their device.  In my classroom this past year, my students were bringing in their devices every day.  I noticed during math class, when the students had completed their homework, they turned to their device and read their independent reading book.  I proivded my students a list of free apps that our class would utilize (Dictionary.com, Quizlet, audiobooks) and directions for downloading the apps.  Students were able to use the comfort of their device while using the apps in the classroom.  In my classroom, I observed a lot of benefits for utilizing this technology to engage and enhance student learning. 

I have attached a website that provides other articles on the benefits, parent questions, other schools using the programs, and more! http://www.teachthought.com/technology/20-byod-resources-for-21st-century-school/

Activ Expressions

One technology component I utilize in my classroom is the Activ Expression. These handheld devices provide immediate feedback to students. They work with Promethean  software and are similar to any other "clicker" device that is used in the classroom. Students can answer questions in various formats, such as, multiple choice, T/F, Likert Scale, etc. Their favorite feature allows them to actually text in their answers. I also have a self-paced addition and multiplication program that works on these devices. Students can track their progress, and I can print out results. 

Overall this technology keeps students engaged and on-task. It also gives me a clear picture of who grasps the concepts being taught.

Vernier Sensors

The science department at Sheyenne in West Fargo purchased motion detectors and temperature probes for our physical science classes. These sensors can plug right into a computer and automatically creates graphs with data that the student gathers during an experiment. I love the sensors because students have the opportunity to manipulate graphs to help understand graphs, which students struggle with. I know there are quite a few different sensors and students as young as fourth or fifth grade have used them. Check them out. Vernier Software and Technology

Welcome!

Welcome to this blog! This blog is for any teacher to share what technology they use in the classroom. Hopefully teachers can learn new types of technology and can create ways to implement the new technology into their classroom.