Classroom Communications
Edmodo is a site that is similar to Facebook except what is posted can only be seen by a small selected group of people and cannot be accessed by the outside world of the internet. The site is set up so it is contained to a single classroom. Parents can also join the group. Edmodo is a site that can be used to communicate with a class and their parents. Like Facebook what is posted by one person can be seen by the whole group. If someone posts something then other people can respond to it. Videos, pictures and links can also be posted. Unlike Facebook you cannot comment on other peoples comments which could limit discussions.
Uses: This tool can be used to communicate with just students and used in the classroom and at home, or it could be used for students and parents to keep the parents in the loop of what is happening at the school and what their child is learning. The teacher could post homework assignments such as articles to read and comment on, or reminders of which assignments are due. The teacher could also post step-by-step videos showing how to solve problems, or links to fun safe learning sites.
Reflection: I am not sure if I would use this tool but I think that for some teachers it could be a great tool that is used regularly.
Uses: This tool can be used to communicate with just students and used in the classroom and at home, or it could be used for students and parents to keep the parents in the loop of what is happening at the school and what their child is learning. The teacher could post homework assignments such as articles to read and comment on, or reminders of which assignments are due. The teacher could also post step-by-step videos showing how to solve problems, or links to fun safe learning sites.
Reflection: I am not sure if I would use this tool but I think that for some teachers it could be a great tool that is used regularly.
Poll Everywhere an easy way to create a poll. The site is set up so each question is separate so if you have multiple questions you will have to create each one as a separate poll and close one before opening another. Participants can answer either by text or by using a computer. The site does not require that you sign up but you will be limited if you do not create an account. Even without an account you can create a poll that can be answered by forty people and that will be saved for two weeks. You can create a free account and have your polls saved or you could even pay for more options if this is something that you plan to use regularly. The site is easy to use and creates the polls quickly. Simple type in the question and then select the type of response. Responses can be open ended, true/false, or multiple choice. You decide what type of answer if you chose multiple choice you pick how many possible answers their will be and type them in. The site creates the codes that will be used in to selecting each choice. The poll can be viewed and answered immediately or saved.
Uses: This tool can be used to as an exit ticket, or as a way to learn how students feel towards an assignment or task that the students just completed. The students can answer with their phones of with tablets, and computers. Students are going to have phones so this is one way to make them a learning tool and not just a distraction in the classroom.
Reflection: I like how quick and easy it is to use this site. If I wanted to quickly learn how my students felt this would be a great tool to use. This tool may have more possibilities than it seems and would be something I would like to try in my classroom.
Uses: This tool can be used to as an exit ticket, or as a way to learn how students feel towards an assignment or task that the students just completed. The students can answer with their phones of with tablets, and computers. Students are going to have phones so this is one way to make them a learning tool and not just a distraction in the classroom.
Reflection: I like how quick and easy it is to use this site. If I wanted to quickly learn how my students felt this would be a great tool to use. This tool may have more possibilities than it seems and would be something I would like to try in my classroom.
Nearpod used to create interactive lessons. The teacher uploads a PowerPoint, PDF, or images and the students can see each slide on their screen as instruction progresses. The teacher can insert quizzes, polls, and link video. The teacher can also search for already completed lessons. The teacher can see the results of all quizzes immediately and can see reports at the end or instruction or assessment.
Uses: A great way to create a lesson or quiz. This tool also allows a teacher to quickly create an interesting and high quality presentation and deliver instruction to students by pushing content out to multiple devices at once. The teacher is always in control of the presentation from a master device, while students follow along on a class set of iPods or iPads. Instruction can also be made more interesting by embedding questions, polls, quizzes, and videos.
Reflection: I like this tool it has a lot of uses in one app. I like that it is quick and easy to insert videos, and quizzes into the lesson. Interactive lessons where students follow along on their own device are a great way to engage students. I think that tool could also be used to assist struggling students.
Uses: A great way to create a lesson or quiz. This tool also allows a teacher to quickly create an interesting and high quality presentation and deliver instruction to students by pushing content out to multiple devices at once. The teacher is always in control of the presentation from a master device, while students follow along on a class set of iPods or iPads. Instruction can also be made more interesting by embedding questions, polls, quizzes, and videos.
Reflection: I like this tool it has a lot of uses in one app. I like that it is quick and easy to insert videos, and quizzes into the lesson. Interactive lessons where students follow along on their own device are a great way to engage students. I think that tool could also be used to assist struggling students.