Chatzy!
Chatzy is a free website where users can create private chat rooms. It can be used in classrooms to create group discussions between students and teachers. Chatzy could be used in my class to have classroom discussions about the books the class is reading together, while at the same time implimenting new technology for students to learn from. Students can discuss the same things they would in a reading circle, but online. I believe that this would benefit quiet students because they are more likely to voice their opinions over the computer rather than in class discussion.
Storybird!
Storybird is a website used to help students read and write better, in a creative way. They are able to create their own stories and add pictures and text in their own original way! It allows teachers and students to see each other's stories and give feedback to one another. I would use Storybird in my classroom in various ways, such as to promote students to write creatively and to write research "books" with. This website could help my class in their reading and writing proficiency and promotes positive feedback and peer review!
iClicker!
Iclickers are tools used in classrooms that ask students questions through question and answer polling. Iclickers are helpful because they allow teachers to have instant feedback on what the students know, and what they need more instruction on. It also allows students to know the correct answer as soon as they have answered a question. The Iclicker could be used in various ways and in various subjects. With my focus on language arts, I would use the Iclicker to test students on their spelling and grammar skills by asking which word or sentence is correct or incorrect out of five choices.
ToonDoo!
ToonDoo is a site that allows students to create their own cartoons! They can make characters and tell stories through comics. It allows for a lot of creativity and can help students with their reading and writing skills in a fun way! I would use this website in my classroom as an extra, fun thing for students to do in their free class time. It is a fun website, but at the same time it also allows for a lot of learning to take place! I believe it can get students excited and interested in creating and writing stories, and adding art into their writing!
ABCYa!
ABCYa is a website with many free educational games and activities for elementary- aged students. All games have been pre-approved by certified teachers. It is a fun way for students to learn a number of different subjects! There are many games based around Language Arts such as a word search creator and Word Clouds which are graphical representation of words! I would use ABCYa in my classroom for students to use during their free class time! If students are done with their work, they would be encouraged to pick a game to play. ABCYa is fun, and educational
NETWORKING WITH TEACHERS
Networking with teachers and collaborating ideas can be very beneficial when attempting to locate and plan new technologies in the classroom! It is impossible for one teacher to research all of the various technologies that are out there. With networking, teachers can get feedback from one another once the technology has been tested so that educators can be aware of the pros and cons of technologies before choosing to implement them in the classroom. Technologies can seem very helpful and useful at first glance, but when it comes down to it if they are not effective in helping students learn then they are not worth the time of getting used to the technology and introducing it to students. Networking can take away the trial and error period of finding out which technologies work well in the classroom! It is the most beneficial for me, as a teacher, to network with other teachers who are most like me. It is important to network with educators who teach around the same age group as I do, have some of the same curriculum, and have common classroom and learning goals in mind!