Let’s use this area to discuss and brainstorm Replacement Ideas.
How might this resource replace outdated elements and/or provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience? Provide an explanation of the kinds of outmoded practices this technology might replace.
Replacement Ideas: I have used many forms of technology within my classrooms. I have used gmail accounts where students completed work on the computer and would turn it in through their Gmail account for grading. I have used the Promethean Boards and Activ Slates for students to become more interactive with the lessons. I wanted to research a new idea for this so that I could find new and exciting tools to use in the classroom. I found a website that allows students to create their own books online. They are able to type in their story and include pictures to go with the story. Once they are done, their story can be shared through the web or printed and bound together. It does cost money if students were to try this at home, but there is an option for teachers to register for a free account, and work that each student does on a school computer can be shared through the web for free. This would encourage students to write more because they have a chance to publish their own book, and students are always more excited to do an activity when it is on the computer. Students would still have to use the writing skills they are learning about, but this is a much more entertaining way to practice writing skills than to just write with a paper and pencil! I plan on implementing this into my classroom as soon as possible! http://www.tikatok.com/classroom Courtney
Here are a few ideas for replacement ideas: During my research I came across a couple of great ideas for new replacement ideas using 21st century tools. For example, the first great technology tool I found was a part of Gmail. In order to get to this tool you must type in Google and create an account. This tool is great, however, in order to use this tool you must become a member of Google, which includes e-mail. Once, you created an account you will have access to "Google Docs", which allows students to create, collaborate, and share PowerPoint presentations, word documents, and so much more. The days of needing Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer is over. However, once again, students also have to create an account. After the students created an account they can use their Gmail and Google docs to send their teacher their work. The teacher receives their documents/presentations and can provide feedback to the students, all without even being in the same room! It is a wonderful tool that incorporates the use of technology and can replace outmoded practices of paper and pen communication. It will provide faster feedback to students and allow students to send teachers their work at home. I tried this with my students and they loved it. It captured my student’s attention and provided them the opportunity to create their own work using technology instead of paper and pen!
At our school we have something called e-Chalk. It was purchased by the school. Each student has access to their own account. They can save files on their own account and they have e-mails as well through e-Chalk. We have a classroom page. I can put assignments, resources, etc. My favorite thing about it is that students can submit assignments. They do not have to turn in paper copies and it will give them a code letting them know they have successfully submitted an assignment. We can even have blog on our class page. For an upgrade, we can have a place to put grades on their as well. Parents can also have access to their student's webpage. They can also submit their own e-mail so that teacher can e-mail them directly. I have used my e-Chalk account with a lot of success with my Honors and Advance Placement courses. My regualr classes use them sporadically. It really depends on whether or not if students have access to computers and internet.
I found other great resources to use for classroom lessons. Another great tool is "PreZentit", you can find this site on “Web 2.0 Cool Tools for Schools”, and click on Presentation Tools. This is a wonderful tool that helps students create PowerPoint presentations to share with their class. Teachers can use this assessment instead of an outmoded test strategy! During my research, I also came across a wonderful video creator; I found this site on “Web 2.0 Cool Tools for Schools.” It is called “Dvolver” and it is free. On the website students are able to create their own video, including pictures, people, captions, and more. This is a great way for students to share what they learned in a fun and interesting way! Katie
I have always assigned indexcards for a review practice. There is a lot of vocabulary that students are required to know. I have toyed with finding a program on line that would help or create index cards for students. I would like a program that would allow students to create index cards and that would also allow me access to those same cards so that I can check their progress. I would want to make sure that students would have an option that would not allow other people to see the index cards (for example other students in the class.) I found the following website: http://www.flashcardmachine.com/
I like that I can create my own flashcards and I can allow my students access to those cards. I would have to have students use the website more to see if they can give me access only. I also like that students can add images and audio. There is also a podcast option. Students use their ipods all the time. The other thing I like is there are other set os flashcards that students can use.
Marsha
Fact Monster...
Fact Monster has so many different elements, that there really is a large number of replacement ideas. One replacement idea that I want to begin with my advanced students is math flash cards. This technological upgrade puts a new and fun spin on this old school drill and practice method. Students can choose from levels 1 to 7 in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. As a students answers a card correctly, he or she will get a star. When the student gets 10 stars, he or she has completed the level and can actually print out a certificate that shows mastery of that level. I know my students would be so excited about this! I think this would be a wonderful resource to use for partner work in math small groups.
In addition to this replacement idea, there are also several ideas for assessment replacements on fact monster. For example, a student can participate in each day’s spelling bee on the site and print out his or her results. There are also quizzes on popular books such as Harry Potter that the students can complete in addition to Accelerated Reader Tests.
Other Ideas...
Whether for writing brainstorming or showing cause and effect relationships, flow charts and diagrams have always been a useful tool in any classroom. I found a wonderful website called Gliffy to replace our standard pencil and paper flow charts and graphs. The address is http://www.gliffy.com/. You can use this resource to create diagrams to share with your class, or older students can use the website to create their own diagrams and then share. I also noticed that there is an option to create square charts such as s KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned). Instead of writing it out on chart paper, you can use the site to create a very neat, 21st century upgraded chart!
If you have a Promethean Board or SmartBoard in your classroom, this is an especially beneficial resource. Students can display their charts on the board, and then use the writing tools to make any changes or additions. Another benefit is that you can save every diagram or flow chart that you create with Gliffy. So, at any time you are able to pull up any past charts for reference. I think this is a wonderful website that would definitely benefit teachers and students alike.
How might this resource replace outdated elements and/or provide a more engaging and motivating learning experience?
Provide an explanation of the kinds of outmoded practices this technology might replace.
Replacement Ideas:
I have used many forms of technology within my classrooms. I have used gmail accounts where students completed work on the computer and would turn it in through their Gmail account for grading. I have used the Promethean Boards and Activ Slates for students to become more interactive with the lessons. I wanted to research a new idea for this so that I could find new and exciting tools to use in the classroom. I found a website that allows students to create their own books online. They are able to type in their story and include pictures to go with the story. Once they are done, their story can be shared through the web or printed and bound together. It does cost money if students were to try this at home, but there is an option for teachers to register for a free account, and work that each student does on a school computer can be shared through the web for free. This would encourage students to write more because they have a chance to publish their own book, and students are always more excited to do an activity when it is on the computer. Students would still have to use the writing skills they are learning about, but this is a much more entertaining way to practice writing skills than to just write with a paper and pencil! I plan on implementing this into my classroom as soon as possible!
http://www.tikatok.com/classroom
Courtney
Here are a few ideas for replacement ideas:
During my research I came across a couple of great ideas for new replacement ideas using 21st century tools. For example, the first great technology tool I found was a part of Gmail. In order to get to this tool you must type in Google and create an account. This tool is great, however, in order to use this tool you must become a member of Google, which includes e-mail. Once, you created an account you will have access to "Google Docs", which allows students to create, collaborate, and share PowerPoint presentations, word documents, and so much more. The days of needing Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer is over. However, once again, students also have to create an account. After the students created an account they can use their Gmail and Google docs to send their teacher their work. The teacher receives their documents/presentations and can provide feedback to the students, all without even being in the same room! It is a wonderful tool that incorporates the use of technology and can replace outmoded practices of paper and pen communication. It will provide faster feedback to students and allow students to send teachers their work at home. I tried this with my students and they loved it. It captured my student’s attention and provided them the opportunity to create their own work using technology instead of paper and pen!
At our school we have something called e-Chalk. It was purchased by the school. Each student has access to their own account. They can save files on their own account and they have e-mails as well through e-Chalk. We have a classroom page. I can put assignments, resources, etc. My favorite thing about it is that students can submit assignments. They do not have to turn in paper copies and it will give them a code letting them know they have successfully submitted an assignment. We can even have blog on our class page. For an upgrade, we can have a place to put grades on their as well. Parents can also have access to their student's webpage. They can also submit their own e-mail so that teacher can e-mail them directly. I have used my e-Chalk account with a lot of success with my Honors and Advance Placement courses. My regualr classes use them sporadically. It really depends on whether or not if students have access to computers and internet.
I found other great resources to use for classroom lessons. Another great tool is "PreZentit", you can find this site on “Web 2.0 Cool Tools for Schools”, and click on Presentation Tools. This is a wonderful tool that helps students create PowerPoint presentations to share with their class. Teachers can use this assessment instead of an outmoded test strategy! During my research, I also came across a wonderful video creator; I found this site on “Web 2.0 Cool Tools for Schools.” It is called “Dvolver” and it is free. On the website students are able to create their own video, including pictures, people, captions, and more. This is a great way for students to share what they learned in a fun and interesting way!
Katie
I have always assigned indexcards for a review practice. There is a lot of vocabulary that students are required to know. I have toyed with finding a program on line that would help or create index cards for students. I would like a program that would allow students to create index cards and that would also allow me access to those same cards so that I can check their progress. I would want to make sure that students would have an option that would not allow other people to see the index cards (for example other students in the class.) I found the following website: http://www.flashcardmachine.com/
I like that I can create my own flashcards and I can allow my students access to those cards. I would have to have students use the website more to see if they can give me access only. I also like that students can add images and audio. There is also a podcast option. Students use their ipods all the time. The other thing I like is there are other set os flashcards that students can use.
Marsha
Fact Monster...
Fact Monster has so many different elements, that there really is a large number of replacement ideas. One replacement idea that I want to begin with my advanced students is math flash cards. This technological upgrade puts a new and fun spin on this old school drill and practice method. Students can choose from levels 1 to 7 in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills. As a students answers a card correctly, he or she will get a star. When the student gets 10 stars, he or she has completed the level and can actually print out a certificate that shows mastery of that level. I know my students would be so excited about this! I think this would be a wonderful resource to use for partner work in math small groups.
In addition to this replacement idea, there are also several ideas for assessment replacements on fact monster. For example, a student can participate in each day’s spelling bee on the site and print out his or her results. There are also quizzes on popular books such as Harry Potter that the students can complete in addition to Accelerated Reader Tests.
Other Ideas...
Whether for writing brainstorming or showing cause and effect relationships, flow charts and diagrams have always been a useful tool in any classroom. I found a wonderful website called Gliffy to replace our standard pencil and paper flow charts and graphs. The address is http://www.gliffy.com/. You can use this resource to create diagrams to share with your class, or older students can use the website to create their own diagrams and then share. I also noticed that there is an option to create square charts such as s KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned). Instead of writing it out on chart paper, you can use the site to create a very neat, 21st century upgraded chart!
If you have a Promethean Board or SmartBoard in your classroom, this is an especially beneficial resource. Students can display their charts on the board, and then use the writing tools to make any changes or additions. Another benefit is that you can save every diagram or flow chart that you create with Gliffy. So, at any time you are able to pull up any past charts for reference. I think this is a wonderful website that would definitely benefit teachers and students alike.
Jessica :)