Technology in the Classroom
Integrating technology in the classroom is essential for education in today's society. This page contains reviews for technology that I found that could be utilized to enhance curriculum, manage classrooms, or enable more effective teacher planning. Each reference will have a link to the website, so please visit and see if this technology is right for you.
Moby Max:
This wonderful website provides a common core placement test that students can take via computer, ipad, or android device. The placement test assess student knowledge based upon the current common core standards. When the testing is complete students are provided with lessons to enhance the areas in which they struggle. Students earn game time for working on their academics. This site is for K - 8 in mathematics and also contains other core subject areas. This site also provides assessment tools for teachers. There is a free package and an enhanced pro version for $99 per year for the teacher.
Classroom Dojo:
Classroom Dojo provides a very cool way to handle classroom behavior. I have not had the chance to utilize this in the classroom, but it is on my list of must try's. Teachers sign up and input their students name and assign them monster avatars. Teachers can then award points for good behavior or take away points for bad behavior in real time. Currently CD works with SmartBoards, iPod touches, and Windows Computers, so as a teacher you can utilize this in real time and have an updated visual display for the students to see how they are doing. Great for teachers who want to replace the color system. Even better, you can email students' parents a score report when you want so they know their child was awarded points for being helpful and kind or points were taken away because their child didn't do their homework. Right now it is free for teachers to use who are apart of the Beta test groups.
Khan Academy:
I love Math and it is the subject that I really aspire to teach. It is one of my favorites! If you haven't already heard of Khan Academy this will make your day. Khan Academy enables teachers or students to play videos concerning specific math problems. For instance, are you having trouble with slope intercept? There is a video for that. Do you want to show students another instructional way to teach polynomials? There is a video for that. Khan Academy provides videos for mostly secondary and college level students, but there are some videos that are great for middle school mathematics. My own children use Khan Academy at home to help them with their Algebra homework. It is a valuable resource for teachers and students alike. Did I mention it is FREE?
Study Ladder
Study Ladder is an internet based program that teachers can access for free. This program covers content from all core subjects as well as some electives. Teachers can choose to utilize printable worksheets for their students, but there are also online games as well as games that can be utilized on the SmartBoard if a teacher has one in the classroom. Teachers can in turn sign up their students and utilize the games for students to play.
Virtual Nerd:
Virtual nerd is a great site of searchable videos for mathematics skills for multiple grade levels. Unlike Khan Academy most videos have a teacher working on a problem at a white board. This website is very effective especially for students who need that extra review. I've utilized this many times for students who need to review fraction operations.