Tech Play 4

I chose Option 2 for this assignment of Tech Play 4. I explored several tools involving technology that would be helpful and useful in the classroom.

Lumosity is a website that I found that involves brain games and brain training. The purpose of the site is train memory and attention, and deals with five different sections: Attention, Flexibility, Problem-Solving, Speed, and Memory. The age range for this site is set for 16 years old and older, although in doing research with the site, I found it to be true that any age in elementary and junior high and above may, in fact, benefit from the tools this website offers. I am focusing on Special Education in my teaching career and so I was thinking that this site would be GREAT for kids who deal with ADHD.

Another tool I found and navigated was an app for a technological device such as a smart phone, computer, or tablet. It's called Read Me Stories and it was created for a much younger age group than the previous tool I discussed. This app is free for devices and is a library that is compiled with dozens of sample books in a library. The different books are categorized according to theme and touching the characters expands the storyline. This allows smaller children who are unable to read yet, to begin the primary stages of learning to read by mentally putting the picture and the word together. I have a 2-year-old nephew that likes this app, but it is still a little advanced for him. However, it does help him with memory, picture recognition, and letter sounds.

I am very interested in Sign Language, as I have taken several classes over the years, beginning in childhood and spanning to college. I would love to incorporate Sign into my classroom, especially if I am able to work with Special Needs students like I am working toward. I believe that tools such as this app that I have found will come in handy, as they would be able to use it at home to practice with, or in the classroom during class. This particular app is called Signing Time ASL and can be purchased for $2.99 on technological devices. Scientific studies suggest that the earlier a child is able to communicate, the more easily he or she will adjust to the world around him or her, and ultimately, perform better in school and so on. The benefit of using this app is that it's merely a Sign Language dictionary containing 145 flash cards used to jumpstart the learning process for young children. This is focused on more of the younger population as a general rule, but can also be used for older students as well.

The last tool I researched for this assignment was one called Quick Graph. I was particularly interested in this one because it's for High Schoolers and it involves Math and can be used with Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. When I was in High School, I was not good at Math. For class, we were encouraged to purchase graphing calculators, such as a TI-83, but this app seems to offer everything the calculator does, plus more. We didn't have iPhones or anything like it back then, but now, I think this is a great opportunity for anyone in Math classes. Most kids already have tablets or smart phones. They could easily have access to a great tool to help them learn!

The way that each of these educational tools would fit into the TPACK model is that each of them individually and uniquely incorporate Pedagogy, Content, and Technology. In the previous paragraphs, I briefly highlighted each one, explaining a background of these topics. Each of the tools would be beneficial to students, of any age, at home while working on homework, or in the classroom working on individual work or class work as a group.

Creativity Tools

I looked high and low this week in search of various creativity tools that would come in handy in the classroom. I tried out several free apps myself, had my husband try some, and even had my 2 1/2 year old nephew try some. I had a lot of fun with this assignment. Finally, I decided to settle with creating a short Children's book in video form. You will find the link below.

http://animoto.com/play/tTYSmVillSFe8Azg911N1A

The importance of various creativity tools is endless in the world of educational technology today. There are pros and cons, just like with everything, but after researching and studying, and being a current student myself, I see that the positives far outweigh the negatives regarding the subject on Creativity Tools in the classroom. They really give students, regardless of age or subject matter, a new/different way to learn, an outlet to express themselves, a break from the classroom, and the list goes on.