Tool #9

1. The purpose of having computers and devices in our rooms is to integrate technology into the curriculum. It should not be something we are just simply adding, but using it to replace something that we have normally done with pen and paper. For example, in the science curriculum students were to choose a project to demonstrate their knowledge of the three states of matter. Some of the project choices were to make a poster, write a story,etc. I tweaked these choices to integrate technology. Students could create a poster on Glogster, make an Animoto, or write a story using Google Docs. Students need to see the value of these devices as aiding in their learning....not just something to use when they finish work early or if they are good.
2. Holding students accountable for work completed during centers/stations lets them know that they are expected to stay on-task. Yes, going to a website or using an app is fun, but you must be recording information on work completed during this time. I have never had a problem with students not recording information during math stations whenever they use the Activboard, iTouch, or Netbook. They know the consequence is will be not using the devices during station time & they will do book work. I also check their station work weekly.
3. TESiBoard is great to use as an Activboard station. When I use my Activboard as a station, they know to come with their math journals.Students take turns coming up to their board. Dual pens allows 2 students to come at once. I like the function machine game. Students would record numbers going in and out and describe the function in their journals.
4. Thinkfinity is another awesome website. Everything is tied to standards and provides you the objective and learning plan. The "Exploring the Value of a Whole" lesson plan and interactive website is the same activity I used this year when teaching fractions. I can print the activity sheet for students to complete as they use the pattern blocks program on the iPad or Netbooks.
5. Math Bingo is very popular with my students. iLiveMath Oceans is a word problem app. Students write the word problem, solve it, and write their answer statement.
6. The iPod Touch or iPad can be used to watch a BrainPop together, listen to a podcast, or watch a Discovery Education clip that would normally be watched whole class.