Technology in the Classroom
Below I have listed five favorite technology tools that I will incorporate into my future classroom. I have used these apps throughout my professional development classes and in my field placements as well. They have shown to effectively increase student participation and engagement. I am fully aware that while these apps may be great to implement in the classroom as of now they may not be as effective in the future. Technology tools will keep advancing and improving, therefore, I will adapt and learn new apps and websites that will enhance my students' learning.
Plickers is an app that allows students to take online quizzes/tests. The great thing about this app is that teachers are able to collect formative assessment data without the need for students' devices! I was able to implement this app in one of my field placements as a pre-assessment tool in order to plan a lesson according to students' prior knowledge. It was very helpful since it also includes charts/percentages of students' responses. I will definitely keep using this tool!
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Kahoot is similar to Plickers in that both are used to create online quizzes/games, but Kahoot requires one to one technology for students. The great thing about Kahoot is that it is very easy to use and gives automatic feedback to students right away. Smaller children are able to quickly answer questions just by identifying the shapes for each answer. I used this app in a kindergarten and middle school classroom and all students loved it. I believe this app is great for all levels!
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KidBlog is a safe online blogging site that allows students to publish their writing and share visuals, videos, and projects with their classmates. The teacher is able to monitor and approve all students' comments/blogs before posts are publicly open for students to see. I would definitely use this app in 3-6th-grade level classrooms to build a community of learners who are able to express themselves about what they are learning through online discussions. I created my own blog for my Early Childhood Education class on anxiety in the classroom. Check it out!
Popplet is a great app to create different types of graphic organizers for students to use. This app is easy to use and allows students to include visuals. Students are able to create their graphic representations in whatever way they learn best. I would use this app to enhance my students' comprehension skills on expository complex texts. This app could be used in any subject area and can be easily used to grade as a formative assessment.
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Class Dojo is a fun app that can be incorporated into grades K-4th! Students get classroom and individual points for completing specific tasks, demonstrating certain skills, and for behaving appropriately. This tool can be used as a reward system to motivate students to keep making good decisions. I have used this tool in my Kindergarten placement and students still loved to hear the points sounds after hearing them a thousand times!