Wikis
According to Robyler & Doering (2013), “Wikis are a collection of web pages located in an online community that encourage collaboration and communication of ideas by having users contribute or modify content…” (p. 223). The wiki I found was from a school district called Patterson http://patersonprekessentials.wikispaces.com/home I really like it. The link has all kind of information for what they call “preschool essentials” and goals that all preschoolers are expected to meet in their program. There are also all sorts of resources for students, teachers, and parents as well. “Many instructors use wikis both in their classes for their students to develop their own wikis or they develop wikis to communicate their own content” (Robyler & Doering p. 224). I feel like the link listed does a wonderful job of communicating their own content as a representation of the previous definition. This is definitely something I could see myself creating and implementing for my preschool students and parents.
Translation Widget
I think this could be very useful especially when it comes to teaching Spanish. This can be an excellent tool for teaching basic spanish conversational phrases and topics. Plus it is very hands on so students can learn and discover new words and phrases independently and efficiently.
Notepad Widget
This widget can be used in class for note taking. Students could also use it to follow along with lessons and to take down instructions for in class assignments.
Web-based Lesson
According to Robyler & Doering (2013), "Teachers have developed many variations of online group development of products" (p. 239). This point also ties into distance learning, teachers all over the country are learning to merge technology into learning. "For example, students write papers, develop concept maps, and develop presentations collaboratively online..." (Robyler & Doering 2013, p. 239). By being able to collaborate with students who are studying similar lessons the knowledge received and exchanged expands, more than it would have in just one classroom. My example I choose is the electronic penpal program http://www.epals.com/#!/main According to Robyler & Doering (2013), "Teachers link up each student with a partner or penpal in a distant location to whom the student writes letters or diary type entries" (p. 239). This is a great way to merge social studies and english. On one hand the students get to learn about another culture and lifestyle that is different from their own experience. On the other hand students get to practice their grammar and reading comprehension skills. With the proper supervision I think this is a wonderful concept.
Robyler, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
I agree, I think the penpal assignments are excellent ways for students to learn about how different students live and it also helps them with grammar. After reading Roblyer & Doering it is clear students need to be engaged and technology seems to be a great way to do that (2013).
ReplyDeleteJasmine I am overjoyed about your translation widget! I have used google translator for ages, and now Samsung phones (my S4) has a built in app to translate. "A hot topic right now is how educators can use mobile devices and apps within the classroom." (Roblyer & Doering 2013.) With our world becoming increasingly bilingual, its an integral part of our core curriculum to encourage our students to know and or learn another language. I like that you made this widget a part of your wikipage. Do you think you'd have an easier time teaching with this wiki at primary ages vs secondary students?
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