Without tying technology to objectives, then there is no real purpose. Using Technology in and of it's self is not the goal in education. Learning is the goal. Technology is a tool to reach that goal but not the goal itself. It is a means to an end. Therefore having clear objectives and expectations is critical. It is not so important that students create an animoto. However, creating an animoto that shows their learning on a given topic is relevant.
Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?
Accountability is the name of the game these days and that most certainly includes students. Stations/centers are an opportunity for students to practice and apply what they have learned. They are an opportunity for students to create and go beyond. They are not playtime. Therefore, it is important for students to be held accountable for this time during the day of learning. Accountability can take many paths but students should have some way to account for themselves and what they have done. More Importantly, accountability is also another assessment tool for teachers. It becomes a way to measure learning and then identify what needs to happen next for students.
Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites or apps for your content/grade level. How would you use them as a station?
I looked through several websites. They are probably very good for other content areas but for reading, just ok. I am a teacher of reading and work mostly with students who struggle. The bottom line for students when it comes to reading is that in order to get better they have to read. While games and skill help have a place, spending more time on that then actually reading will not help students improve their reading. Therefore, I am not a huge fan of "reading games". It becomes too easy for students to spend more time with "games" than reading.
So as far as apps and links go for reading. I LOVE 
There are many stories, plays, and poems for all grade levels to read. The new STAAR test will include drama and poetry. This site has plenty of that. They can be downloaded to read on a device, read as a webpage or printed out in PDF. You have the option of reading along as you listen, or read it to yourself. For accountability, I usually have students respond in a reading response journal. However, other possibilities include; wallwisher, blogger, googledocs, big huge labs, and many others.
There are many stories, plays, and poems for all grade levels to read. The new STAAR test will include drama and poetry. This site has plenty of that. They can be downloaded to read on a device, read as a webpage or printed out in PDF. You have the option of reading along as you listen, or read it to yourself. For accountability, I usually have students respond in a reading response journal. However, other possibilities include; wallwisher, blogger, googledocs, big huge labs, and many others. 
is another app I love. It is not a free app, but PTA was able to donate through an itunes card. Once you've purchased a subscription, you are able to download the app on up to 5 different devices for the same account. Tales2go has just about every book imaginable for students to listen to. It's especially good for students to listen to stories they may not be able to read yet which in turn is one of the best ways to build vocabulary. It's like a read-aloud. Accountability, again the same as above. Multiple choices for responding either through technology or paper. I took a look at "Studyladder" and few others and they are ok. I don't think I'll use them however. For other content areas, they are great. But, again, I would rather students read, whether it is something online or an actual book or article. However, technology comes in through student responding to the literature. 
is an online journal site that students can respond to also. An account must be created. I would create 1 account for the class or in my case, small group of students, to use and treat this as a "dialogue journal". What's better though, instead of a dialogue between teacher and student, it becomes a dialogue between multiple users on the same topic. This I will use. It can also be accessed through mobile devices, so student can easily respond on an itouch or ipad. This can even be used as a follow up from a story read in a guided reading group. This becomes another way for the itouch/ipad to have a meaningful use in education. I would encourage others to give this a try.
is an online journal site that students can respond to also. An account must be created. I would create 1 account for the class or in my case, small group of students, to use and treat this as a "dialogue journal". What's better though, instead of a dialogue between teacher and student, it becomes a dialogue between multiple users on the same topic. This I will use. It can also be accessed through mobile devices, so student can easily respond on an itouch or ipad. This can even be used as a follow up from a story read in a guided reading group. This becomes another way for the itouch/ipad to have a meaningful use in education. I would encourage others to give this a try. 
Soaring up to Tool 10...
1 comment:
I just hope we move into the temp. school soon so that I can get the library unpacked so that kids have books to read!
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