iPad applications in the Classroom

Every child loves to play games.  Whether it be video games on an Xbox, the computer, their parent's phone, or iPad/tablet.  We already know that our students would rather be playing games than doing homework or anything school related.  So why not get them to play educational games.  There are so many different applications out there, kids won't even know they are learning while the play.  However, it is suggested that before we allow our students to use these applications, we should play them ourselves to make sure they are actually fun for them.  If they are, is the application easy to use?  If so this is the perfect game for them to play and learn.  App stores and Google Play stores have so many different options for different curriculum.  The possibilities are endless!

Smart Notebook

Smart Notebook is a great way for the students to interact with the lesson.  As I am still learning about the software as well, there are so many different ways to make every lesson interactive.  I think one of the most helpful aspects is the template guide provided.  This template guide will bring up tons of ideas to help inspire your own creative ideas, or you can simply download and edit others if it works for your lesson.  Another feature I find helpful and useful is that you can create items to become and infinite clone.  If you ask students to come to the board and drag a certain number of objects to a location there is no need to have them pre-done.  You can use as many items as you need and then reset the presentation for the next time you use it.  I am incredibly excited to create my own lessons using Smart Notebook to make my students feel more engaged.

Personal Learning Network (PLN)

A Personal Learning Network, or PLN, can be used for more than just bookmarking your most used sites.  Say you're looking at articles about how to better engage your students, or you find a really cool website with educational games for your students, instead of saving it and never remember what it was you can put it in your Google Bookmarks!  This allows you to put a description of what you are saving for future use.  You can also categorize each site you save whether it is for your personal use, educational, or maybe even a good cooking recipe!  You can also inform parents about all of the sites being used in the classroom through a newsletter or monthly email.  This will allow parents to also take a look at what their child is exposed to through the internet when they are not able to monitor them.

Week 3: iMovie usage

During class this week we were able to learn about using iMovie in the classroom!  Once I began to think about the different ways I could incorporate this type of technology in the classroom I couldn't stop! This technology can be useful for any subject.  If students are home from school it's a great way to make sure everyone stays up-to-date on important information.  Parents may find this helpful as well!  For example, if we are discussing the different body systems, such as immune, muscular, and skeletal, iMovie can be used as a guide before class for both students and parents.  Students will be able to learn important information before they come into the classroom and be ready for further instruction and exploration.  I personally cannot wait to use this method of teaching in my future classroom!

Social Media in the Classroom

I never thought I would be questioning the different ways to incorporate social media in the classroom.  However, after discussion and reading different articles many new ideas came to mind.  Facebook, for example, can be a great way to engage parents in what their children are learning.  Having a group Facebook page for my students will be helpful to expand their knowledge by uploading articles, links, or videos.  Students will also be able to contact one another and discuss what they have learned.  This will also be a great way to update any classroom news for both parents and students!

The 21st Century Classroom

During class discussion this week, many enlightening ideas came to mind for using a class blog.  Before class, I never thought about using a blog; however; after reading the article provided about blogging in the 21st century classroom, I began to think about different ways I can engage my future students while improving their literacy skills and involvement in class discussions.  As the article stated, many of the quieter students were able to get their ideas across, which many of the other students appreciated.  This truly seems like the perfect way to involve all students.  One idea I have for my future students is to write about what they think was the most important topic talked about during class.  Another idea, when class time is spent on a certain topic; take science for example, the solar system; while taking into consideration was discussed in class, students can make their own discoveries about the solar system through the internet.  Then by uploading posts to their blogs, with links, other students will be able to learn about new information as well.  This can also be a great way for parents to see what their child is learning about in class and find out something new themselves as well!