An Example From Our Classrooms
While learning about how authors include text features to support the information provided in texts (RI.4.7, RL.4.7) the teachers were able to display two images from non-fiction texts. Only one of the images included a caption that explained it's relation to the information on the page. The teachers facilitated a discussion about which image was more beneficial the students' understanding of the information and evaluated the text feature accordingly.
Students then read through informational texts on their reading level to identify a text feature they wanted to evaluate. Using PicCollage, students took a picture of the text feature, described its purpose (why the author included it) and whether or not it helped the reader understand the text. For text features that were not useful, students had to include information about how the author could change the feature to make it more beneficial to the reader.
Students shared their PicCollages with each other in small groups. This lesson helped our students gain an understanding of what makes text features useful. This knowledge was then applied later in the year when the students had to create text features for their own informational articles. The teachers were able to remind them of what qualities they found to be useful and which qualities were just "fluff". Student created text features were a much higher quality after evaluating the work of other authors.
Students then read through informational texts on their reading level to identify a text feature they wanted to evaluate. Using PicCollage, students took a picture of the text feature, described its purpose (why the author included it) and whether or not it helped the reader understand the text. For text features that were not useful, students had to include information about how the author could change the feature to make it more beneficial to the reader.
Students shared their PicCollages with each other in small groups. This lesson helped our students gain an understanding of what makes text features useful. This knowledge was then applied later in the year when the students had to create text features for their own informational articles. The teachers were able to remind them of what qualities they found to be useful and which qualities were just "fluff". Student created text features were a much higher quality after evaluating the work of other authors.
Higher level thinking
We want to use apps to encourage the highest level of thinking for all students. While understanding and applying are important parts of learning, we know that using apps for evaluating and creating will push all students to the highest levels of achievement.
We will use Bloom's Taxonomy as a guide for planning lessons and use of apps. Whenever an app lends itself to the highest level of thinking, our students' learning will be optimized. |
Apps and web tools for increasing achievement
There are many creative ways to use apps in the classroom to increase student achievement. Below are just some of the ways apps will be used in literacy. As literacy teachers, we naturally integrate all subjects into our lessons.
Apps that are used will need to allow for differentiation. Because of the range in our classrooms, readers from B to Z, all of the apps used must allow for the student to access information and produce products in their range of learning. Apps will also need to have a feature that allows students to save work. Because we teach in blocks, students in block one and two will have to share an iPad. Apps will be required to be "student friendly" and easy to navigate without too much teacher help.
Apps that are used will need to allow for differentiation. Because of the range in our classrooms, readers from B to Z, all of the apps used must allow for the student to access information and produce products in their range of learning. Apps will also need to have a feature that allows students to save work. Because we teach in blocks, students in block one and two will have to share an iPad. Apps will be required to be "student friendly" and easy to navigate without too much teacher help.
- Spelling City will be used for Word Work. Students will enter their spelling lists and practice their spelling pattern of the week in numerous formats, including matching the definition to the word.
- QR Codes will be used to quickly share websites with students that we'd like them to visit.
- iBooks allows for PDFs to be stored. Students will learn how to search for books on Reading AZ on their level and download them onto their iPad.
- Sticky, Evernote and inClass will be used for students to keep track of their comprehension strategies while they read and other note taking uses.
- Gloss allows students to fill out graphic organizers. Students can also manipulate the page to highlight, write notes in the margins and more.
- Using Safari and safesearchkids.org will allow students to complete research on kid friendly sites. This research will be used for PBLs. Students can save articles they find useful for their research in Pocket.
- Tools like Skype and Facetime will allow students to collaborate in the school, state and world. Distance learning, like the program students completed earlier this year, allowed students to travel to the Grand Canyon and learn about ancient life and fossils.
- Prezi is an excellent tool for students to present information in different formats. Students can share information about the books they've read or topics they've researched.
- Popplet is an excellent tool for creating timelines, graphic organizers and classifying information.
- PicCollage has a variety of purposes. It is an excellent tool for students to evaluate information, such as whether a text feature is effective in delivering information or not. It also allows students to create things such as text features to go along with their nonfiction articles.
- Educreations can be used to create videos teaching science topics and processes. Students can draw or write in the app and then record themselves explaining the information. It is excellent for students to apply knowledge they've gained as well as teach other students about their topic.
- Quick Voice and Audio Boo is a tool that is used for students working on fluency. Students can record themselves reading a passage or book and keep track of how quickly they read it, showing faster reading and improved accuracy over time.
- Nearpod is used for sharing presentations. The student logs in with a code provided by the teacher and can follow along on their own individual iPad as the teacher shares the content of the lesson. Students can also be quickly assessed on the content by submitting multiple choice answers or even drawing their answer within the app.
- Mastery Connect allows teachers to track student achievement on individual standards by uploading assessments. Students can take their assessment using the Bubble Sheet app. This allows teachers to have real time data and results. As students complete the assessment, their score is automatically uploaded to show whether the students have mastered, near mastered or not mastered the standard. This allows the teacher to quickly apply the results to creating reteaching and enrichment groups.
- Gaggle is an excellent app for students to use to submit work. By simply taking a screenshot of their completed work, they can use Gaggle drop box or email to send it directly to the teacher. This saves the teacher paper and time. Students can also use the blogging feature to share what they are learning in the classroom and comment on their peer's work too.
- Haiku Deck allows students to make stunning presentations by inserting pictures and text. Students can learn about different genres and then use the app to create a book of that genre. Applying their knowledge of the genre to make their own takes learning to the next level.
- Book Creator is another way students can create books. Students who require telling stories through words and pictures can use this app to show what is happening in their story along with telling the story.
- Discovery Education has many different uses and is an excellent way to provide lessons tailored to science units. Teachers can create lessons that guide students to view various videos, complete digital labs and complete assignments pertaining to the information they've learned.
- RazKids is an invaluable tool for the literacy classroom. Using this app allows students immediate access to a library of books that are leveled. Students' reading level can be entered and they must take and pass quizzes in order to advance to the next level. When students read a book, record themselves reading or pass a quiz, they receive stars that can be spent in RazRocket. RazRocket is an excellent motivator for encouraging them to earn stars and keep reading!
- Puppet Pals and Sock Puppets are highly motivating and engaging apps for students to share learning. With many puppet choices and funny voices, students love sharing knowledge they've gained on these apps.
- Videolicious allows students to record their voices and insert images and video. The short time limit of 60 seconds requires students to thoughtfully plan their video prior to recording. Students can record themselves teaching concepts to other students, share book reviews, share summaries, recap a science lab, teach vocabulary and generally share knowledge they've gained throughout a unit.
- Padlet and Today's Meet are excellent ways for students to collaborate on ideas. The teacher can pose a question or ask students to share something they have been working on. Students can read each other's work. This allows other classes in the building to access the Padlet or Today's Meet, or even classes across the country or world. Collaboration has no limits in a 1:1 classroom. Students can do real time sharing and hold real time conversations. It's also a great tool for quick assessing.