PebbleGo is an early elementary-friendly database. Here, students can research animal, math and science topics. students can either type in their interest or click through categories. It has a read-aloud feature for all text on the screen, making it user-friendly for students who are not strong readers yet. This would be a great resource to use in my second grade classroom for a research project!
Friday, July 22, 2022
Nicholas Cook Home Improvement AVL
Home Improvement is the resource I chose to do my screencast on and the reason I made Home Improvement was because of the inflation of Materials. The reading allows you to learn why prices are up or down. Bill for materials required to build an average-size new single-family home increased by 42% from 2018 to 2022. The material continues to rise through the year causing the sale of homes to slow down.
Jean Hudson McQueen AL Demonstration
Jean Hudson-McQueen AVL Demonstration - YouTube
My video showed how to navigate through PBS Learning Media. I chose this resource because I have never used it before. PBS is a name that students are familiar
with. I accessed this resource through the website http://www.avl.lib.al.us/. PBS Learning Media is a free resource for students. However, some of the activities require the parent, student, or teacher to sign up to access other parts. What is offered for free is excellent for students. PBS Learning Media delivers research-based,
classroom-ready digital learning that engages students in exploring concepts
aligned with national standards. This resource provides videos and
interactive lessons in reading, math, science, social studies, and art.
It is tailored for grades K-12. Students and parents can also find videos offered
in five languages other than English.
In my classroom I would use this resource with my struggling students, students needing remediation, and students that are just in search of further enrichment. I would encourage my ESL students to use this resource because it offers videos in five other languages. This would also be a great opportunity for my English-speaking students to click on the videos offered in other languages because they teach that language in the videos. What better way for us all to communicate than to take an interest in learning our neighbor's native language.
Thursday, July 21, 2022
AVL Demonstration - Encyclopedia of Alabama (Megan Kreitlein)
AVL Demonstration - Encyclopedia of Alabama
As a fourth grade teacher, I am amazed at the wealth of information that teachers and students can access for free in the Encyclopedia of Alabama! The focus of this resource is basically every little detail about the state of Alabama from state symbols, to history, to the famous people who have been affiliated with the state in some way. This is perfect for fourth graders and above, because fourth graders learn state history. Shamefully, I must admit that before grad school, I didn't utilize the AVL in my classroom because I had no clue what was available. I have definitely shared the Encyclopedia of Alabama with my fourth grade team members, and my students have it bookmarked for easier access. My students will use this resource for projects, research, and more.
Mary Harper AVL Presentation
I used the Book Connections resource, which can be used in Elementary, Middle, and High School. There are even resources for students for homework help and homeschooling resources. Book Connections includes thousands of resources on thousands of books for all ages. There are fun games for students, author videos of book readings, audiobooks, author and illustrator interviews, book trailers, etc. This also has professional resources for teachers and librarians such as book clubs, library analysis, library programming, pre-made summer reading lists, reader's advisory, diverse books, and even professional exploration. You can search books, browse books, filter for different types of books. Basically this resource is a literary teacher's dream come true because it is all free! I will definitely be using this in my reading intervention classes, my English Language Arts Classroom, and of course as a future librarian. This resource is meant to help teachers and students foster the love of reading by providing free and useful resources on thousands of books. Book Connections has resources specific for librarians to use because it includes an entire section on library programming. Book Connections even includes help to pronounce author and illustrator names and a follow up game to help students pronounce their names, which is a blessing! Instead of using Youtube, TeacherTube, Audible this resource combines all great resources in a safe and secure space for educations and readers for free.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Alabama Virtual Library-Allison Williams
https://watch.screencastify.com/v/yxy1FCEzUsmcUqFGlmpp
I have shared a video showing you all how to navigate through the Brittanica Learning Library. This database includes access to fiction and nonfiction books in various subjects. Students and teachers can use this site to read books online ot download them onto a device. There is also a bookshelf in which you can categorize the book that you are interested in for future use. This site also has a downloadale app which can be downloaded onto you device, such as a smartphone or tablet. I plan to use the Brittanica Learning Library in my classroom this year. It is a valuable tool for teachers and students!
AVL Screencast
The Encyclopedia of Alabama is a
free, online reference resource on Alabama’s history, culture, geography, and
natural environment. The resource has a plethora of resources that would be
able to be used in the 4-12th grade classrooms. It would be
recommended that students are old enough to navigate webpages but the resource
is very user friendly. The categories that you will find in the encyclopedia
are as follows: agriculture, arts & literature, business & industry,
education, folk life, geography & environment, government & politics,
history, peoples, religion, science & technology, and sports &
recreation. There are even galleries and features on prominent things and
people in Alabama. As a civics and geography teacher the options for this
resource in my classroom are endless. It puts the research in one place for my
students. Once you have clicked on a link within the encyclopedia to the right
of the page there are external links that will allow you to dive deeper into
whatever content you are exploring.
In my classroom I would use this to
have students complete standard 4 in civics that reads as “Describe structures
of state and local governments in the United States, including major Alabama
offices and officeholders”. I would have students use the resource to look up
the roles of the governor of Alabama. Then I would have them use the external
links to pick either the current governor or an old governor and research
whether or not they fulfilled those roles and policies that they enacted as
governor. This resource would make a great addition to the civics and geography
classroom but I could see it being used with different contents and grade
levels of social studies.
AVL Screencast
Lori Deerman's AVL Screencast of Pebble GO!
Pebble Go is a content hub for younger elementary students. It is has informational articles, activities, read-aloud features, and illustrations that support young readers. It is an engaging resource for research projects done in grade levels kindergarten through second grade. It focuses on science and math subject areas while allowing students to practice reading and research standards. I love how child-friendly this resource is for children who are beginning readers and scientists!
Saturday, July 16, 2022
AVL Screencast - Academic Search Premiere
Katelyn Walker - AVL Screencast
I chose to highlight Academic Search Premiere through the Alabama Virtual Library. This is an EBSCO database that is widely used by scholars and students, and it is most appropriate for use in a college or university setting. This database provides access to journals ranging in focus from science to the arts; it's a multi-disciplinary, full-text, scholarly database that really provides incredible access to content. I would use this database to introduce students to the research process, to help students find information about an author I'm teaching in a course, or to find analysis on a literary text.
Friday, July 15, 2022
Navigating AVL: Book Connections
Navigating the AVL: Book Connections
The database that I reviewed was Book Connections (TeachingBooks), located in the "College and University" tab of the Alabama Virtual Library. The focus of this resource is children/young adult literature, and it gives users access to numerous resources that can be accessed by students and teachers to better understand and connect with the text and author of each book. Available to Alabama residents via the Book Connections database are links to author interviews, teaching lesson plans, informational PDFs, supplemental YouTube links, etc. The age group for this source is varied; there are texts suitable for K learners as well as high school and college learners, plus parents, teachers, and anyone wanting to learn more about books they love. As for my career, this database would be useful in a lower-level college course (it would have been great when we taught The Hate U Give" had I known about it), and it could also provide courses like Young Adult Lit with a plethora of resources.
Saturday, July 9, 2022
AVL Demonstration
Geraldine Mendiola - AVL Demonstration of Alabama Legal Forms
For this Alabama Virtual Library demonstration, I chose to demonstrate how to locate and access different types of Alabama legal forms. I chose the Alabama Legal forms because I was curious about what types of forms are available to anyone needing legal information or who just needs forms for certain things. This site is easy to navigate with useful tools such as helpful topics, frequently asked questions, as well as legal definitions. I believe this site would be helpful and useful to anyone needing legal forms.
J Hudson-McQueen Apps Review
ISTE: Standard 4. Innovative Designer
Students
use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve
problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.
www.sitejabber.com/reviews/classroom.google.com
https://classroom.google.com
You must have a google email account to be connected to Google Classroom. Google Classroom accounts for teachers and students are free, however, your education institution must register for the Google for Education platform. Google Classroom allow the teacher to create, organize, and communicate with the students involved in that class. Google Classroom is simple to use and was huge during the pandemic. During the pandemic collaboration was extremely important. Teachers were able to add students by name and send them a code to join the class. After the teachers created a class to provide assignments with students and students were able to complete and return the lessons for a grade. Students can see what assignments are listed when the assignments are due. Google Classroom can also be used in the classroom and whole group participate. With Google Classroom teachers can send messages and post announcements to everyone in the class on the “stream” page. Google classroom can be used from grades Pre-K through 12 grade.
A free trial for
Parents: https://go.brainpop.com ›
access-free-stuff › family
Educator access code: https://educators.brainpop.com
www.sitejabber.com/reviews/brainpop.com
Brain
Pop is used world-wide by teachers. Dr. Avraham Kadar founded Brain Pop in 1999
as a creative way to explain difficult concepts to his young students. BrainPOP
provides engaging learning games, animated movies, and activities. BrainPOP
provided reflective learning by challenging students to reflect, make
connections, and engage in deeper learning. Brain Pop is provided through BrainPOP
Jr. (K-3). BrainPOP and BrainPOP ELL. Brain POP Jr encourages young learners to
ask questions and form their own ideas through STEM, Social Studies, Reading,
Writing, Health, and Arts. BrainPOP provides resource such as STEM, Social
Studies, English, Art, Health and Music for upper elementary and middle school
students. BrainPOP ELL provides an English language learning program in
vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, and writing for all ages. BrainPOP
provides animated movies that engage students through narrative, humor, and
characters who speak in a voice student can relate. BrainPOP encourages self-focused
learning and further exploration through Science, Technology, Engineering,
Math, Social Studies, and Reading. I would and have used this app during
science and social studies. It is an awesome tool with assisting students with
comprehending topics.
www.trustpilot.com/review/ixl.com
IXL
is an education platform that can be used at school and at home. Most
educational institutions must pay for a subscription for IXL. Teacher set up students with a username and
password. Student will sign in with that username and password. IXL is useful
to bridge gaps in education. I provide certificates of achievement for
completed and mastered exercises. IXL
provides subjects by grade levels Pre-K trough 5th in math, reading,
science, and social studies. On the teacher view, the teacher can see the
growth of each student, which students are working, and which are not. Teachers
can assignment lessons to students based on their particular needs. A teacher
can get a visual of the students’ knowledge with IXL's Real-Time Diagnostic
that identifies the students' level of proficiency in key math and English skills.
I use IXL frequently. Being special education teacher, most times there are skills
that need to be revisited. This is a great tool to use. The students love
receiving the rewards and certificates.
It's
difficult to choose between these apps. I really love them all. I would choose
IXL because it provides so very many skills and skills levels. It also provides
all the subjects. I love that it provides instant rewards and certificates to
the students which make them more excited to continue practicing. IXL lets you
view real-time activity that is going on with your students, even if you are at
home and the students are at home. IXL allows you to allow you student to work
of skills that are on their functioning grade level.
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Allison Williams-Apps Review
16.) A.B1.2-learn and apply critical thinking skills.
ScratchJr
This app was made for children ages 5-7. It allows kids to create their very own interactive stories and games. They are able to put together graphical programming blocks to make characters perform many tasks such as moving, jumping, dancing, and singing. The characters in the story can be modified by chnging the characters in the paint editro. They can also add their own voices and sounds. Pictures of themselves can be inserted into the character.
ScratchJr was developed to match cognitive, personal, social and emotional develpment in young children. It is a free app for IPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks. More information can be accessed at scratchjr.org.
https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/poptropica.com
[DLIT] (2) 9 :3) Construct elements of a simple computer program using basic commands.
Poptropica
Poptropica is an app made for children ages 6-12. While playing this game, kids can is based on immersive and interactive storytelling. Poptropica Worlds can be created in which each kid gets to be the hero of their own story. This app sparks childrens' natural curiosity while cultivating a child's knowledge and skills. Learning is fun with Poptropica. It also allows children to learn literacy and problem solving, along with many other skills catered to their interests.
Poptropica is free, however a monthly paid membership offers many extra features. It can be downloaded through the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. It can be downloaded on iPads, Android tablets, and chromebooks.
22 ) Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. [RF.1.3]
Teach Your Monster
Teach Your Monster is an app develped for ages 3-8. This app improves students phonics and reading skills. It builds these skills without children even knowing that they are learning. Teach Your Monster includes sight words and phonics skills that teach children to read using games and activities. Individual progress is monitored so that each child can keep up with their own progress.
Teach Your Monster is a free app on your computer, but has a low cost on the iPad.
Favorite App:
My favorite app that I reviewed was Teach Your Monster. This app was very impressive because it is free to all ages. It provides children with a way to learn how to read using interactive games and activities. When children are able to play and have fun, they learn without even realizing it. I also love that not only does this app teach reading, it also teaches about numbers and mathematics. The graphics on this game are kid-friendly and engaging.
Teach Your Monster is research based. It uses a synthetic phonics approach. Not only is this program great for students, it is also helpful for teachers. It provides teachers with lesson plans, worksheets, and assessments. Teach Your Monster is an app I definitely plan to use in my classroom in the future.
App Review - Megan Kreitlein
Standard chosen from the Alabama Course of Study - English Language Arts (2021) Grade 4
R3. Use digital and electronic tools appropriately, safely, and ethically when researching and writing, both individually and collaboratively.
Jamboard is a digital whiteboard for collaborating. Students and teachers can see shared presentations in real time and collaborate from anywhere. It is completely free and intended for any age. It can be used on a Jamboard device, in the Google browser, or downloaded as an app on an IOS or Android device, though touch screens are more compatible. It is ideal for schools who use Google Education Suite because files are easily saved to users' Google Drives. I chose Common Sense as the review site because it is a leading trusted organization with professional and peer reviews.
Classkick is similar to Jamboard as it is also a digital whiteboard used for collaborating. Students and teachers can see shared presentations in real time and collaborate from literally anywhere. There are both paid versions and teacher/district paid versions available. It can also be used in a web browser or downloaded as an app on an IOS or Android device, though touch screens are more compatible for this app as well. Again, I chose Common Sense as the review site because it is a leading trusted organization with professional and peer reviews.
Canva is an app meant for creating visuals. Students can create presentations, posters, cards, social media posts, artwork and more. There are paid and free versions of the app. I personally pay $12.95 per month for the pro version because I use it for my school's social media posts, presentations, posters for my classroom, and so much more. The intended age group is 10+ and it can be used in a browser or downloaded as an app on an IOS or Android device. Finally, I chose Common Sense as the review site once more because it is a leading trusted organization with professional and peer reviews.
While I absolutely love all three of these apps, the one I choose as best is Classkick. Classkick has ideas and pre-made lessons for teachers. The activities can be as interactive as the teacher wants them to be, and the assignments can be used for assessments as well as engagement. There are also many accessibility features, specifically an audio tool that students find extremely helpful.
Mary Harper App Reviews
APP reviews
Sora from Overdrive
AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Learner V.A.1 Reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write and create for a variety of purposes.
• This APP is for school libraries to help provide e-books and audiobooks for students, faculty, and staff outside of school, as well as public libraries. Many school had access to Sora prior to the pandemic, but many schools subscribed to Overdrive and this app during the shutdown in an attempt to keep students reading at home. This app is easy to use, but accounts and settings must be first set up via a desktop or laptop computer. Patrons of this app can also connect their public library cards to this app and access e-books and audiobooks from their public library as well. The app is free for users and schools and can connect to public libraries, there is no subscription fee. E-Books and/or audiobooks. Some books may be offered for free, but school libraries and public libraries pay for specific e-books and audiobooks, they can use Marketplace to select books and even transfer books to Sora that were purchased elsewhere (like on Marketplace). My school library uses Sora for students and I have been using it all summer to read for one of my classes. Students/ staff members use their school provided email address to sign in to login, and can easily login from their phone or tablet as well. This app is available on Apple and Google Devices. When adding a public library students/ staff members just type in their library card (our library card is the telephone number connected to the account). Sora is easy to use for all people and free. Any school aged student can use this app if taught how to use it properly. You can even connect your phone to Bluetooth and listen to audiobooks in your car or on a speaker. Patrons of this app can also access the app online if they do not have access to their phone or tablet. You can change the color settings, change the font in the app to dyslexic font, use high contrast mode, change the language settings, etc..
Libby from Overdrive
AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Learner V.A.1 Reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write and create for a variety of purposes.
• https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
• Libby is another ebook and audiobook provider that is focused on public libraries. Some public libraries prefer to use Libby over Sora. Prior to the creation of Sora, Libby is what many school libraries used for their online catalogue including e-books and audiobooks. This app requires a library card to sign in, and prior to Sora, students could search their school library and sign in using their school email address. However, now that Sora exists and connects with public libraries, Libby is not used for school libraries, just public libraries. Libby, much like Sora is free to download and free for libraries to use. Public Librarians can select the e-books and audiobooks they prefer and pay for those specific e- books and audiobooks. With Libby users can read across devices, have offline access, listen for your car, or even transfer to Kindle. This device is available for Apple, Google, and Kindle devices. Any age group can use this app if taught how to properly. Another school system I was in previously used Libby and I did like it. One downside to the system I taught at before all the schools used the same collection of books from the Overdrive selection. Schools in that system did not allow school librarians to select their own boos for their own school library. Since it is intended also for Public Libraries only now, it is less useful for school libraries. Overall, it is a useful app for library patrons that love e-books and audiobooks.
Good Reads
AASL Standards Framework for Learners
Learner V.A.1 Reading widely and deeply in multiple formats and write and create for a variety of purposes
This app is a book recommendation app that can connect to social media and friends. You can sign in using Facebook, Amazon, Apple, or email. You can search for books using the search bar by title, author, or ISBN. You can get book recommendations off what you read (or want to read) through the app or Amazon. You can join challenges and rate books. I would recommend this for older students, like high school students who are able to join social media and may be more responsible with this app. This app also only allows patrons to join that are 13+, so it could work for eighth graders. This not an educational app, so there could be issues using this app in classrooms or school libraries for privacy reasons. Teachers can use this app beautifully with colleagues. In the app one can look for books or scan your library, Discover new titles, Search for books, etc. This app is 100% free with no in app purchases, but if you connect to the app using your Amazon or Apple account, you can purchase books from there. I chose this app because sometimes students (and teachers) need encouragement to read and recommendations for new books to read. You can also just use this website to research books prior to reading. This app can be downloaded from Apple or Google for cellphones and tablets and can be also be accessed from a desktop or laptop.
Of these three apps I think the best one for schools and students to use is the Sora App. I think it is great because it is easy and safe to use, it can be used to access school libraries as well as public libraries. Sora also has great settings that can be helpful for students that have trouble seeing and/ or reading the text with the different color options and the dyslexia font. This app is free for students and reasonable for school libraries as well as public libraries to use. I have found that many local libraries in the area are also connected to Sora, which is very helpful when I am looking for a specific book. It is safe for students of all ages to use without privacy concerns. I also think that students can broaden their reading choices using this app.
Katelyn Walker - App Reviews
App Reviews
The ISTE Standards for Students include a category for student collaboration. ISTE Standard 1.7 identifies that students should learn to be “Global Collaborator[s],” wherein “Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally” (2022).
The following apps would be appropriate to use with college students in my courses in order to achieve ISTE Standard 1.7:
1. Flip
Third Party Review:
https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/flip
Flip is an app that allows recording short videos or discussions and sharing with groups. It could be used for continuing class discussions after class or used for students to contribute to discussions using videos. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android. I’ve used Flipgrid with my students in classes before, and this is the updated version of Flipgrid, developed by the same creators. It’s provided for free and would be suitable for really any age, but for my purpose, it is suitable for college students. The commonsense.org website is non-biased and provides the name of the author of the review. Both criteria make this a reliable review.
2. WordPress
Third Party Review:
https://www.getapp.com/website-ecommerce-software/a/wordpress/
WordPress is an app that allows for students to create blogs and share content; it includes options for aesthetic design, as well as embedded videos and photos. This is a great tool to use for students to use for a semester-long course project. I might ask students to use this space for publishing their writing and sharing with peers. It is offered for free with limited storage. The app would be suitable for college students and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, with a web-based version, as well. The website getapp.com provides comparative reviews of software options. It is non-biased.
3. Wrike
Third Party Review:
https://www.getapp.com/project-management-planning-software/a/wrike/reviews/
Wrike is a mobile app that allows for collaboration on large and small projects. As a classroom tool, it could be used for group projects, allowing members to organize a timeline, assign tasks, and upload work for all members to see. Additionally, the editing feature would provide students a chance to review and contribute to a group paper project. Wrike is priced at $9.80 per month but also includes a free option, and it would be suitable for college students. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, and also has a web-based version. The website getapp.com provides comparative reviews of software options and is non-biased.
All of these options would be suitable for meeting the need for mobile collaboration with college students, but I really like the option of using WordPress. It seems like a pretty advanced app for creating blogs and websites, and I like the fact that it provides a web-based platform for students to access for more detailed creation of content. Yet, the mobile option would provide student the chance to work on their content with their phones, as well.
Resources
ISTE Standards: Students. ISTE. (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students
Wednesday, July 6, 2022
App Review - Hailee Miradakis
The standard I chose is a second grade ELA writing standard number 40. Write a personal or fictional narrative using a logical sequence of events, including details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings and providing a sense of closure. For this assignment, I will concentrate on creating a fictional narrative using a logical sequence of events.
https://edpuzzle.com/media/628552f08f242940e7995e69
To begin my lesson, I would assign an EdPuzzle. EdPuzzle is
a website where you can assign interactive videos. Each student can watch the
video at their own pace. These can be great for stations since they do not have
to be completed whole group. Within the videos, there will be questions the
students must answer correctly to move forward. If the students do not know the
answer, they may rewatch the previous section of the video. The teacher receives
live data of how the students are doing on the assignment. You can create your
own interactive videos, upload videos from YouTube and add questions, or chose
from a large library of already created videos. It is free to teachers, or
school systems can upgrade to a larger package. EdPuzzle can be used with all ages.
https://www.storyboardthat.com/
Next, as a class we would brainstorm a general story,
allowing the students to come up with their own details. Then, the students
would write their story. Once they have written their story, they would create
a comic strip on StoryBoardThat to go with their story. They would be required
to create three scenes (beginning, middle, end). In StoryBoardThat, students
start with a blank template. They can choose a background, characters and
objects. They can position each character, choose their facial expressions and
what they look like. The student can also add speech bubbles to the scene (this
is also great for teaching quotations). Once finished, you can download and
print out the comic strips. Teachers have a 14 day free trial, but must pay
$9.99 a month after that or the district can buy it for whole schools. StoryBoardThat can be a bit complex so I would not suggest using it with students below second grade.
https://info.flip.com/about.html
To finish the assignment, my students would present their
comic on Flip (formally known as FlipGrid). Here. I would have the students
show their comics one scene at a time and read what they have written to go along
with it. On Flip. A student can record themselves. They can record themselves
as many times as they like. What I like about flip is how simple it is. In second
grade, it takes a lot of time to introduce new apps to students. With Flip, it
is simply hit record and stop. This app is definitely geared towards lower
elementary, although I have used it with fifth graders before. Once the students
are finished, they upload their video, and the teacher and other students can
watch. If the teacher chooses, students can even comment and like each other’s
videos. Students do not need an account. The teacher has a free account and
simply shares a code with the students.
For my students, writing is not a strength. Considering the
majority of students are still learning to speak English, writing it is even
more difficult. This can be made easier through the creation of comics and
video recordings. I believe the most useful application would be FlipGrid. Through
this app, the students can record themselves reading their story and critique themselves.
They can hear out loud some of the grammatical errors they make, and revise and
edit their own work. This also encourages them to do their best because once it
is published, other students can watch their video.
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
App Review-Mica Mecham
The standard I am going to research apps for will pertain to the Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders since my current job centers around working with teachers in higher education and giving them tools to take back to their college classrooms. See original source here: alabamagms.blol.core.windows.net
The standard reads as follows: “To realize the
mission of enhancing school leadership among principals and administrators in
Alabama resulting in improved academic achievement for all students,
instructional leaders will be held to the following standards:”
Standard 3: Rationale This standard addresses the
need for instructional leaders to recognize quality professional development as
the key strategy for supporting significant improvements. Instructional leaders
are able to articulate the critical link between improved student learning and
the professional learning of teachers. Skillful instructional leaders establish
policies and organizational structures that support ongoing professional
learning and continuous improvement. They ensure an equitable distribution of
resources to accomplish school goals and continuously improve the school's work
through the ongoing evaluation of staff development's effectiveness in
achieving student learning goals. They make certain that employee annual
calendars and daily schedules provide adequate time for learning and
collaboration as part of the workday. Instructional leaders also distribute
leadership responsibilities among teachers and other employees. Distributed
leadership enables teachers to develop and use their talents as members or
chairs of school improvement committees, trainers, coaches, mentors, and
members of peer review panels. These leaders make certain that their colleagues
have the necessary knowledge, skills, and other forms of support that ensure
success in these new roles.
1. Diigo: Diigo - Better
reading and research with annotation, highlighter, sticky notes, archiving,
bookmarking & more. Consumption App
Third Party Reviews:
Diigo Website
Review | Common Sense Media
Diigo is a free social bookmarking browser extension and application for phones and tablets that help users to save, organize, annotate, and share useful websites across multiple devices. The tool can be used by students or teachers, but for my purpose, it would be used by educators. The most useful feature in this app for teachers/leaders attending professional development is the annotation feature that has the ability to add highlights and sticky notes to texts on web pages and PDFs. The bookmarked pages with annotations can be shared through email and IM. This app allows for easy collaboration and there is a version for teachers that also allows them to share pages and sites with students, so it has versatile potential. This is not an app I have personally used, but I think I may give it a go. I have so many sites that I save on my browser, and I may see how this app performs.
2. Genius Scan: Genius
Scan - PDF Scanner - Apps on Google Play File Management App
Third Party Reviews:
Genius
Scan Plus Review | PCMag
Genius
Scan - PDF Scanner App Reviews 2022 | JustUseApp Reviews
Genius Scan is an excellent app that lets users scan
documents and store them as multi-page PDFs.
There are actually multiple Genius apps (Scan, Fax, and Sign) that integrate
seamlessly with each other. The basic app is free and seems to do a great job
with few limitations, but it does have the option for users to upgrade to have
documents synchronously scanned into cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox,
OneDrive, etc., automatic image cleanup, access to all three app features in
one (the ability to scan, fax, and sign), etc.
This is an app I personally have used for a long time and is excellent. It is user friendly, and I love that I don’t
have to convert the files into PDF myself. This is an excellent app for
everyone of every age needing to scan documents and save them. It was actually
a fellow educator who introduced me to the app years ago, and I still use it in
the classroom and in my professional career.
3. Splashtop: Splashtop
Remote Access Screen Sharing App
Third Party Reviews:
Splashtop
review—highly specialized remote access tools | TechRadar
Splashtop
Personal - Remote Desktop - Download (softonic.com)
Splashtop is an app that allows users to remotely access
their desktop computer from anywhere on the go. This program is known for being
easy to use and the personal access unlimited version is free for users to
access the desktop, but to access your main computer files from a device while away
from your desktop, users will need to upgrade to the $1.99 monthly subscription.
In-app subscription purchase includes access to everything from anywhere,
anytime across platforms, including access to files, online gaming, music, etc.
Reviews for this app appear to be all positive and customer service appears to
be strong. This app would prove useful for educators when it comes to
simplifying what you have to carry with you while working and the ability to
share information with others from any of your devices. This app would be best
suited for adult professionals, teachers, or college-aged students.
Apps Review
The first app I have chosen is called IXL
and this app will allow teachers to set the standard by being able to approve
certain lesson plans for students or kids that are working from home and intervention
and enrichment, and parents use IXL at home to maximize learning. It’s a comprehensive
curriculum that helps with K-12, with content from science, math, language art,
social studies, and Spanish IXL’s curriculum has been recognized as The
SIIA Cordie award winner for Best Math Instructional Solution for Grades PK-8,
Best Advanced Mathematics Instructional Solution, Best Foundational English
Language Arts Instructional Solution, and Best Reading/Writing/Literature
Instructional Solution for Grades PreK-8 The EdTech Digest Cool Tool award
winner for Best Language Arts Solution How to Home school’s top Online
Homeschool Curriculum & Resources. The Alabama Statewide Efficacy https://www.ixl.com/research/Impact-of-IXL-in-Alabama.pdf
is a credible site that gives a review of the IXL app for students. Their contact
is Call (855) 255-8800 or email orders@ixl.com.
1-year classroom license plan with 25 students.
ABC Mouse is one I have used a few times
for my own kids while preparing them for the next grade level. It is a full
online curriculum for ages 2-8 and they can advance to Adventure Academy and
their ages are 8-13 in Reading, Math, Science, and Art. The price is $12.99 a
month until you decide to discontinue the subscription. It's easy to see how
much progress your child is making with the ABCmouse.com Progress Tracker. In
addition to the display of the total number of learning activities completed in
each category (books, songs, puzzles, games, and art), there are easy-to-read
graphs that show progress both by academic level and by curriculum subject. ABC
Mouse focused on achieving results—positive educational outcomes for
kids—rather than awards, Age of Learning is proud to have been consistently
recognized for the excellence of our products, receiving numerous national
awards from education, parenting, and media organizations. The
multi-award-winning ABC mouse curriculum, the leading and most comprehensive
digital learning resource for children ages 2–8 have been honored with awards
since its launch in 2010. And all of our newer tech products—Adventure Academy,
ABC mouse Mastering Math, Reading, and ABC mouse Assessment Center—have also
been singled out with awards for their educational excellence. Contact ABC
mouse @ https://support.abcmouse.com
Mind Play is an individualized reading
intervention that features virtual reading teachers. These "reading
coaches" emulate one-to-one tutoring instruction and support. Instruction
is direct, explicit, and quickly targets reading gaps that prevent accurate and
fluent reading. The program is used for 30-minutes a day, five days a week
minimum, and improvement in basic reading skills is seen in the first month.
The average student using the program at home improves one grade level every 10
weeks (20 hours). Mind Play was selected for the 2018 Awards of Excellence Tech and learning and in
2020 they were recognized for their contribution to helping kids learn to read.
https://mindplay.com/mindplay-named-finalist-for-2020-tech-edvocate-award.
Mind Play is only $25 a month. Contact: 800.221.7911
I have never used Mind Play but I think it would be the app I would purchase because of the pricing, award-winning learning, and they have a private couch that can be scheduled to assist the students if needed.
Monday, July 4, 2022
App Reviews- By Lori Deerman
ISTE Standard 1.1- Empowered Learner- Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.
1. eSpark-
eSpark is research based and data driven. It uses a student's NWEA or Star assessments to create an individualized learning plan for each student in grades k-5. iPads with iOS 12 or later are supported. iPads running on iOS 11 or earlier are not supported or recommended. On iPads, students can access eSpark through Safari browser by typing eSpark.eSpark sets students on a quest where they take a pre-quiz. Then they are exposed to several different learning apps, videos, or songs correlated to the standard assigned to the quest. Upon completion, they will take a post quiz and make a video synthesizing all that they have learned during the quest. Student progress reports help teachers identify learning gaps, areas for remediation, and class trends on standards. eSpark can easily be used during center time. It is also differentiated for small group environments. eSpark offers 24/7 online support and $2,000 for schools professional development. The pricing is determined per student so it is catered to each individual school and requires a quote. From experience, I know that it is pricey but well-worth it. The average growth for students consistently using eSpark is 20% per subject area.
2. Blooket-
Click here for Blooket reviews
Blooket is a trivia or review game. It can be played whole group to encourage active participation with students in k-12. The teacher can pick from a library of question sets or compose a unique set. Players are given a game code to log in. Once all players are logged in, their device becomes their game controller. Players will answer questions to help them win. This game is very engaging. It is a completely customizable, motivating, innovative way for students to learn. The free version allows teachers to create and host games. The paid plans are $4.99 monthly or $35.88 yearly for reports, copying of question sets, priority support, exclusive features and early event access, and student game tokens.
3. iStation
Click here for iStation reviews
iStation is intended for students in Pre-k-8th. It is a supplemental learning system for reading, math, and ELL students who need a focus of language. Students complete a monthly assessment which monitors and reports growth. It also adjusts the student's instruction based on their progress. The iStation program is compatible with iPads, Chromebooks, Macs and PCs. Pricing varies based on choice of learning program, number of student accounts and features. Pricing can vary from $5.95-$39 per student or campus-wide prices range from $1,500-$11,500 per campus.
Of the three apps, I love eSpark. It is the most engaging app for young learners. Student instruction is based off of student assessments and data. The dashboard is easy to access and the data is clearly presented. I like that it has a component for the student to tell how they are feeling each day. That tool can give the teacher insight on a student's mental wellbeing each day. Students grow substantial amounts after using eSpark and they enjoy using it.
Saturday, July 2, 2022
Theories of Critical Thinking
Theories of Critical Thinking
There are always new educational methods introduced to
change the teaching and learning in education. Deep learning allows students to
acquire skills to make room for creative thought and gain problem solving skills.
When comparing new ideas to the ones of the past, there is accuracy, transparency,
and learning potential. Newer forms of teaching strategies are emerging. In the
past an assessment of a teacher was based on their ability to deliver the
content of a lesson. Now technology and teacher delivery strengthen and
encourages student success.
Library Media Specialists and classroom educators are collaborating
to bridge the gap of literacy. New and improving types of literacies are
constantly developing. The world is ever-changing, and it is vital to change
with it. In order to keep up with times, it is important to acquire as much knowledge
and skill as possible. It is not optional anymore; it is necessary to stay up
to date with technology. When using digital and media literacy, it is vital to
include the following: the use of texts and technologies to access information;
the skills of critical thinking and evaluation; creativity; and the ability reflect
ethically and individual and collaboration.
In 1948 a group of educators classified goals and
objectives into three domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The general
idea of the taxonomy is that what educators want students to know can be arranged
in an order of less difficult to more difficult. The levels are designed so
that one level must be mastered to reach the next level. The original taxonomy levels
by Bloom presented verbs and behavior statements for each level. In 2001 Anderson
and Krathwohl modified Bloom's taxonomy to switch the names of the levels from
nouns to active verbs and reversing the order of the highest two levels. Students
learn about topics at various levels. Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs is used in
classrooms worldwide. It is used to help progress learning objectives that describe
the learning process. Before you can comprehend a concept, you must memorize
it. In order to apply an idea, you must understand it. In order to assess a
process, you must have analyzed it. In order to produce an accurate decision,
you must have completed a detailed assessment.
Progression in education and technology had provided
numerous ways to meet the individual needs of students. When learning about
taxonomies, several important classifications have been used to plan, organize,
and evaluate programs. The helpful are
those that have gone through long and careful research goes into these
classification systems. Educators are most comfortable with the simple version
of the cognitive levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. When collaborating to develop a
lesson plan, teachers can use a format that include learning taxonomies and
multiple intelligences. With the limited time that teachers have, technology provides
teachers with more ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of each
student’s learning style.
Social status differences exist between the two individuals
act to impede effective communication. It is a difficult task to educate a student
that is not mentally ready to receive information that is provided. It may be
difficult for a teacher to comprehend or have empathy for a student who has
other things to think about than schoolwork. There needs to be a way to bridge
the two worlds.
References
Fullan, M.
& Langworthy, M. (2014). A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep
learning. London: Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/one-dot-com/one-dot-com/global/Files/about-pearson/innovation/open-ideas/ARichSeamEnglish.pdf
Hobbs, R.
(2011). Empowering learners with digital and media literacy. Knowledge
Quest, 39(5), 12-17.
Huitt, W.
(2011). Bloom et al.'s taxonomy of the cognitive domain. Educational
Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/topics/cognition/bloom.pdf
Kuhn, M.
S. (2008). Connecting depth and balance in class. Learning &
Leading with Technology, 36(1), 18-21.
Rogers, E.
M. (1963). The adoption process II. Journal of Cooperative Extension,
1(2), 69-75. https://archives.joe.org/joe/1963summer/1963-2-a2.pdf
Friday, July 1, 2022
App Reviews - Geraldine Mendiola
EIM 505 App Reviews
Common Core Standards: Designed to ensure that students graduating from high
school are prepared to take credit courses in a two or four-year college
program or to enter the workforce.
1. IXL -
https://www.ixl.com/
IXL is an app to assist students with learning different subjects such as
math, English language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish from grade
Pre-K to 12th grade. This site is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome
OS. It is also compatible with iPads, iPhones, Android tablets, android phones,
and Fire tablets. IXL gives questions and explanations of how to solve
thousands of math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish skills.
Students are also given rewards for their achievements along the way for
meeting challenging tasks. Membership is available for this app for family use
which starts at $9.95 per month. I find this app to be helpful in school as
well as at home for students or even little ones who are willing to
learn.
2. BrainPOP -
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/brainpop-featured-movie
BrainPop is an app to assist students with learning different subjects such
as math, English, science, social studies, arts & music, health & SEL,
and Engineering & Tech from grade Pre-K to 12th grade. This site is compatible
with Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS. It is also compatible with iPads, iPhones,
Android tablets, android phones, and Fire tablets. BrainPOP's content
changes daily, so the student or child would be engaged with different
activities daily. There is a two-week free trial. If you decide to
subscribe, their prices range from $14.95 to $19.95 depending on which plan or
combo you prefer. I find this app to be helpful in school as well as at home
for students or even little ones who are willing to learn.
3. Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox -
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/kahoot-algebra-by-dragonbox
Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox is an app that is used for visual and intuitive
learning. This app is built to visualize math in ways kinds can better
understand. The characters see what numbers are and how they behave in the ways
they related to each other, but in a way that kids can understand more easily.
This app is compatible with iPads, iPhones, Android tablets, android phones,
and Fire tablets. It is free to try for 7 days and then you have an option to
subscribe for $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year. I find this app to be helpful
with students struggling with math concepts or even numbers.
I believe the app I like the best is IXL because it challenges a student to
better themselves. The student is given a task to complete and if they are
unsuccessful, they can continue with explanations of what or how to complete
the task. After the task has been completed the student receives rewards for
their achievements. The student can continue to the next level and so on. I
have seen and worked with students on this IXL app and see that it does assist
the students with their studies. Teachers can follow their progress and assist
them where needed.
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