Alabama Virtual Library Demonstration

Thomas AVL Demonstration

Alabama Mosaic

As a music teacher, I am not familiar with the AVL. After searching the AVL and experimenting with the resources, I think it is an excellent tool for students and teachers to use for academic research. I chose the Alabama Mosaic database to explore. The Alabama Mosaic resource is a database that allows users to locate digital content that is specific and unique to Alabama history, places, people, and culture. You can find historical pictures, newspaper articles, sheet music, recordings, and more through the Alabama Mosaic database. This database would be useful to high school and college aged students as well as anyone that enjoys Alabama history. I am using the Alabama Mosaic database to collect information for a project I will be doing with my band students. The project will be based on the music of Alabama and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration. This would be a fantastic resource for an Alabama history course as well.

Alabama Virtual Library Demonstration

AVL Training

The AVL resource that I used was the Training Resource. I am not familiar with AVL being a mathematics teacher and I used this resource to help guide me through the website. The AVL Training Resource can be accessed by clicking on the training icon at the top of the toolbar. This will open up the training options that you can participate in. The AVL Training Resource has on-site training for you to use and it also has live webinars that you can participate in. The resource that helped me the most was the recorded webinars. These webinars were categorized by primary school, middle and high school, and even advanced searching. These are to assist you in the grade level that you teach or for whatever you may be needing help on. These are short videos that will guide you though the AVL and how to use it. There is also a resource guide that is a clickable link that provides a document summarizing all of AVL's resources.

I know most of you are choosing a database to explore but I chose a different route and used the training resource to help me. This was great for me to explore through the options that the AVL can provide. I hope this video and tutorial was helpful in guiding you through the available resources that AVL offers.

Alabama Virtual Library demonstration

Explora Middle School database
The AVL database I chose was the Explora Middle Schools database. The Explora database is an interface of the EBSCO host site. Explora provides information to students in various forms such as articles, magazines, books, videos, etc. There are several different versions that students could use. These include Explora for  Primary schools, Secondary Schools, Canadian Schools, and Public Libraries. Explora Middle Schools targets 6th-8th grades. There are many features that Explora Middle School provides. The ones that I believe will interest teachers or students are the audio tool, the reading level tool (Lexile Indicator), text to speech, text can be translated, can integrate Google classroom, and it also provides lesson plans and handouts for teachers. This in one tool I would use in my classroom. At our schools, students will receive information about an upcoming project. The science teachers always chooses research tools for students to use. We demonstrate tools and have instructional time that allows students to research their topic. I will use the scavenger hunt and the video I recorded to help students become familiar with using this database. By going through the categories and completing a basic search, I found several topics that related to the upcoming DNA research project. This database will be one of the tools we require students to use.

Alabama Virtual Library Demonstration YouTube Video

Charlie Boyd's Demonstration

The database resource that I selected for my students is "Cloud Computing" by Nayan B. Ruparelia. I chose this resource for a class of high school students in the age range of 16 to 18 years of age, that may find themselves interested in the way that technology works in a cloud-based environment. This resource simplifies the technology in that it is written from a user's point of view. The writer explains what the cloud is, how it works and how one might find themselves in use of cloud technology. I would develop a lesson plan that incorporates technology that most of my students already have in mobile phones, tablets, and computers. The lesson would teach students how to create cloud-based accounts and storage areas for documents and pictures. 

Alabama Virtual Library Demonstration

AVL Demonstration Video

I chose to look at the GALE PowerSearch Resource. When looking at the available resources this specific resource seemed to offer a great deal of flexibility with its search while also having access to a great deal of academic writings, videos and etc. This resource would most likely benefit those that are high school or above. I do not feel that students who are younger than high school would be able to understand exactly how to utilize the resource to get the most out of it, which is why I say high school and above. I know for myself I will use this resource to search different Health topics for my health classes to help give up to date articles, information and statistics since the text book that we currently use is extremely out of date.

Alabama Virtual Library demonstration

Alabama Virtual Library demonstration
The resource I chose to demonstrate is the Britannica resources. I focused on the Britannica High School because it provides information that high school students would use in research projects. The website provides primary sources that students and teachers can both use. The focus on this resource is to provide students and teachers with up-to-date resources on a variety to topics. There is information available for all curriculum that students might need. While I chose to focus on the high school site, there are also resources available from Britannica for elementary and middle school students. I believe that I can encourage my teachers to use the website while they are working on research projects. Because of the wide range of information on the site, all of our teachers will be able to use it. As I expand my knowledge in the library media center, I will continue to encourage faculty and students to use the free resource to research for projects.

App review

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.A.5
Given a geometric figure and a rotation, reflection, or translation, draw the transformed figure using, e.g., graph paper, tracing paper, or geometry software. Specify a sequence of transformations that will carry a given figure onto another.

Notability. 

http://gingerlabs.com

iOS and Android compatibility.  Several positive reviews.  I chose this app because of how easy it is to construct geometric shapes.  The app lets you draw perfectly straight lines from points to perfect slope.  I Like the fact that the app let’s you draw on grids like that of a coordinate plane. That makes it easy for students to create an x and y axis to create their constructions on.  Cost is $9.99.  A stylus of some kind is required.  I have been using this app on an IPad Pro with an Apple Pencil and the two work together seemlessly.  One extra added benefit is that the app allows you to make multiple pages on the same note.  It really is a terrific app.  Students, parents, and teachers are all equally able to use the app.  For ages 4 and up.

Geogebra.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geogebra-geometry/id1232591335?mt=8

This app is very good for constructing shapes, angles, and planes.  It is compatible with iOS and is recommended for ages 4 and up.  It is a free app which makes it even more popular with teachers and students.  The app allows for search for activities from within it and allows save and share ability for work that is created by a user.  Family sharing is a feature where the same app can be used on multiple devices. Getting used to dragging points might inhibit new users but once that skill is mastered the app is very easy to use. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of it.  It is compatible with iPhone but I had a better experience using it with an iPad simply because of the larger screen to work with.  

Geometry Pad

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geometry-pad/id517461177?mt=8

Another cool app is the Geometry Pad app.  I liked this app because of the tools it includes that help users construct bisectors and other difficult items.  The basic app is free but there are in app purchases available for 6.99.  Teachers might find these tools worth paying for but for students the free version will suffice nicely.  The app is iOS and Android compatible and a stylus is required for the apps best work.  Better and specific support for the Apple Pencil would be a nice feature but the app is not optimized for that.  Better optimization could be had for those using a 12.9 inch iPad pro as opposed to a 10.5 inch screen.  The app is recommended for use for those 4 and up.  The app requires iOS 9 or greater and has multi language support.  

  I am a geometry teacher and I use these apps regularly in my classroom and with my students.  Many of my students struggle with use of traditional pencil and paper construction of geometric shapes and these tools have been a great help to give the students the exposure of the concepts of construction.  They also incorporate technology and principles that the students use on a daily basis.  The learning curve for the students is not as big as it could be. Students these days struggle with the conceptual largely because of their dependence on technology.  That is why Geogegra is my favorite.  It creates an opportunity for the students to work any manipulate things like size, position, length, orientation and see how things are put together and work in conjunction to visualize geometric principals and theorems.  Geogebra also lets the students share their work. This is the selling point for me! I highly recommend it.  

App Review

Common Core: Standards for Mathematical Content 3.OA.A.1

Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division. 

Understanding Math

This app is helpful when learning mathematical concepts. It can be used as a supplemental activity to better explain the process of multiplication and division. This app allows students to play individually or compete in a game format. There is a training session that can be used to practice multiplication and division. There is also an duel section. Students can compete against peers or parents. Each player is set up on their own difficulty level to allow a level playing field. In a duel, players answer questions quickly. The first player to get the correct answer receives a star. First player to 5 stars wins. The app is available on any IOS device. Cost is $2.99 and recommended for ages 4 and up. 

Fun Math Games

This app is so much fun. This app offers more than 100 different games to help students enhance their math skills. A number of different topics are covered including multiplication and division on numerous grade levels. Students can play individually and complete against other students or siblings by moving up the leader board. The app if free, but does have in-app purchases. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 

3rd Grade Math Testing Prep

This app was designed to assist in the preparation of students for standardized testing. It covers a wide variety of topics in quiz formats. Students can test their knowledge and allows educators and parents to see where the student is when referring to knowledge. Students are encouraged to continue to work through various quizzes to expand their knowledge and increase their scores. The app is $1.99 and is designed for 3rd grade students. IOS compatible. 

This school year I have watched my 3rd grade son struggle to understand common core math. He has gone from an all A student to a struggling math student. As a parent I have struggled to assist him as the new way to do math is much different than I was taught. I am constantly looking for ways to once again make math fun, and help assist him obtain the necessary skills to succeed. On one hand he is asked to throw out answers quickly, yet show his written problems in a lengthy way. We both enjoyed the Fun Math Games app. As we worked through the different skills, I saw things begin to click. Where he once hated the thought of working any math problems, he actually asked us to play it again. This will definitely be an app we continue to use in our household. I think this will also be a fantastic app to recommend for parents to use. It would be difficult to use in a classroom as a free version due to possible ads. If used in a classroom setting you would have to purchase an ad free version is available. 

EIM 505 App Reviews

ISTE Standards for Students

3. Knowledge Constructor- Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students: a. plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.

c. curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.

d. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

Tonal Energy

Tonal Energy is a tuner/metronome app that was designed for musicians at any level from beginner to professional.  The app can be used to tune instruments and function as an ear trainer for musicians. The metronome is  handy in setting music tempos and for practicing scales/music. The app saves information so that musicians can record and share their daily progress. The Tonal Energy app is listed on iTunes for $3.99. It is appropriate for any age musician.  It is available for iOS and Android devices. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

SmartMusic

Smart Music is an interactive practice app that allows musicians to record practice sessions and play along with professional musicians. The app is designed for any musician at any level from beginner to professional. The app can be used to create portfolios and as an assessment tool for teachers. Users have access to a huge collection of method books, concert literature, and solo literature. SmartMusic is available on all platforms.  The SmartMusic app is offered on iTunes for free but to use the full app, a valid subscription must be purchased. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

GarageBand

GarageBand is an Apple product. It is used to compose music, add music to movies, and function as an on the go recording studio. This is a great app to use when introducing students to music composition. It is also user friendly and easy to navigate.  The app is appropriate for any age musician from beginner to professional. GarageBand can only be used on iPhones and iPads. The GarageBand app is available on iTunes for free. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

Out of the three apps I listed, I use the Tonal Energy app daily. I encourage all of my students from sixth grade to high school to purchase the app. We use it in every band class and students are already familiar with it. I have found it to be one of the best tools to teach students how to tune their instruments and train their ears. It is great for visual and auditory learners. It is easy to use and students find it engaging, and a fun app to use.

App Reviews

ISTE Standard: 

Designer: Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability

5a
Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.

Nearpod

Nearpod is an app that supports engagement through presentation. Lectures are no longer one-way boring presentations but have built in engagement that can be shown on students’ devices. This is highly beneficial for collaboration. Quizzes can be created to immediately survey student comprehension and to gain feedback, and results can be shared with the class in an anonymous way. The main use of Nearpod is to break up content from lectures or presentations by combining presentations slides and engagement slides. You can insert polls, quizzes, open-ended questions or even interactive drawings. The cost of Nearpod varies. For the Silver edition, it's free if you use presentation that are already created. If you create your own presentation, you can get up to 5 free self-created presentations. The Gold membership cost $120/year, Platinum membership $349/year, and the prices vary if the school or district purchases Nearpod. Nearpod lessons can be used for grades K-12. Nearpod can be used on any device that uses the latest version of Google Chrome. Commonsense.org is a up to date site, it's authored by J. Steyer, a very professional site and writing, and a credible domain.

Classkick
Classkick is an app that allows teachers to create their own lessons using their own worksheets, drawings, text, images, audio, links, and videos to provide instruction or create assessments. Teachers can see the whole class working at once on his/her device and see how each individual student is performing. The teacher can identify struggling students or students who are too shy to ask questions. And, students can work at their own pace. Students can ask questions and raise their hand privately by just clicking on a button. The teacher can even reteach a concept on the device so the whole class can see. ClassKick also allows students can help their peers. Students can even use ClassKick from their device at home. Classkick is a free app. Its lessons can be used from Pre-K to higher levels of education. Classkick can be used in a web-browser, Chromebook, or iPad. This review site is a trustworthy site because its domain is controlled by the University of Massachusetts. 

Educreations
  Educreations is an interactive white board or screencasts that allows teachers to create and share their lessons and use other lessons from a central archive. Educreations allow teachers to record their voice, handwriting and allows to insert pictures to produce their own personal video lessons that they and their students can share online. The lessons are stored online and can be accessed by students on any computer or iPad. This allows students to pause, rewind, and listen to their teacher again. This is a free app. Its lesson can be used from grade K-12. Educreations can only be created on an iPad 2 or newer but can be viewed from an iPad or web browser. Commonsense.org is a up to date site, it's authored by J. Steyer, a very professional site and writing, and a credible domain.

I believe that all three a very good apps to use in the classroom. Of the three, I believe that Classkick is the best. This app allows students to learn the material at their own pace. It allows teachers to use all learning styles in the classroom. This app does personalize students' learning.  This app also allows teachers to their students’ questions. It shows teachers exactly what their students are doing and who needs help on a specific part of their assignment. This helps students to stay engaged and provides meaningful learning for the students.