Tech Blog

I’ve been feeling quite apprehensive about this tech blog, because as the weeks have gone by, I realised that I don’t really use ‘tech’ in my classroom.  In fact, in my day to day teaching I use none.

As I’ve mentioned (potentially ad nauseum) my school doesn’t want us using any kind of worksheet, hand out or any kind of  ‘image’ that is from movies or popular culture.  SO for school, if I’m making flashcards or something – I usually just use word and google for images.

Some websites I do use, for finding reading passages etc:

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com - I think we paid for this site, but there are some free readings that you can access.  The good thing is that the reading passages have comprehension questions attached – which prove useful for TD, TDBU and BU ideas.

Another site for reading passages that I use is https://www.readworks.org.  I signed up for this one, free, and it allows you to search for reading passages by grade level, lexile level, reading skill etc.  The passages also have questions attached – so it’s a good resource when you’re reviewing.

For the younger kids – I have (in the past – when my boss isn’t looking) used this handwriting wizard to make specific words and/or sentences for the children to copy: http://www.writingwizard.longcountdown.com/handwriting_practice_worksheet_maker.html It seems like something small – but it has helped some of my children who really struggle to use the lines.

Sometimes Mums call in asking for websites that they can use with their children at home to practice letter sounds etc.  A colleague of mine told me about this website - http://www.starfall.com.  It’s an interactive website that gives children the chance to learn while listening.  I’m never sure about the effectiveness of this given that I’m not sure how mothers use it with children (if at all).  Yes, it’s colourful and exciting to look at, but it also (in my opinion) isn’t suited for children without some guidance, and follow up.  Also – I find some of the recorded sounds a little ‘off.’  Still, though, the interface (wow – that’s an “Information Systems 101” term that may not be used anymore…) is user friendly and interesting for the children – so if used as a review strategy, I think it’s good.

In my International Class, we made our own TedTalks – and the girls (who both brought their school MacBooks to class) were able to record themselves during ‘practice’ rounds.  We used iMovie for the final projects – but I will admit – they were much more adept at it than I was, then.  Now that I’ve been uploading videos to Youtube in this course – I feel like I know my way around the app better.

One thing that I have always wanted to try with my students, is a video journal, or video storytelling.  I was at a KOTESOL conference a few years ago and went to a presentation where it was introduced.  At the time I didn’t have any classes that I thought would be able to carry out a project like that – but as I’m starting to realise…if I planned the activity correctly I could make it heterogeneous (e.g. describing a picture – or making a story.)  I’ve been looking around online and I’ve found one site that may have something promising to use in class.  Here is the website: http://www.speak-a-message.com/en/voice-diary.html

In this app – it appears you would be able to set up images and could let students add in their own text, as well as a voice over.  I know I haven’t tried it – but I will definitely try this at some point.  I downloaded it pretty easily - it seems you can download a free version - but (uh oh) it doesn't run on Macs...so I guess this would be a drawback for me - but we do have a class computer at school.  That means the project would have to be collaborative (if students weren't able to bring in their own laptops.)  We have just started a book on Greek Myths, and I think this will be a good opportunity to introduce the tool.  Students could retell a story from a myth using their own drawings, or pictures scanned or uploaded from the net.  I think this would be a great way of engaging them in a project - especially as they often find "writing" to be "a drag" (their words...)  As soon as I try this out, I’ll let you know!