Assistive Technology Assignment

Disabilities & Technology

The inclusion of technology in the classroom does wonders for motivating students, for bringing resources into the classroom, for remediation purposes, and for many other beneficial purposes.  One of the most beneficial purposes for technology is the assistance that it can give Special Education students.  Through the recent advances in technology, teachers can provide these students with specialized software, websites, and hardware in order to meet their specialized needs.  Due to No Child Left Behind and inclusion, teachers can expect to have students with a wide array of abilities and disabilities in their classrooms (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 402).  Special Education students with mild disabilities, moderate and severe disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, at-risk behaviors, and those with gifts and talents can all receive specialized instruction that is tailored for their needs through different technologies.

            Those students with mild disabilities usually struggle in learning how to read and write.  This type of disability is the most common of the disabilities; therefore, teachers will encounter these students and will need to know how to best assist them (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 406).  For the students who struggle with handwriting, the Neo Writer is a great piece of hardware that assists students by offering large keys and many other beneficial features.  Students who struggle with reading and writing can also benefit from using software that is designed for their needs.  Students, who have Dyslexia and other types of reading disabilities, can use WYNN Literacy Software.   This particular software is helpful as it highlights certain parts of the text and it speaks to the user. 

            Students who have moderate and severe disabilities need to learn how to take care of themselves.  They need to be taught how to function in today’s society.  For example, teachers focus on teaching them how to dress according to the weather, how to use money to purchase groceries, etc.  Teaching of the basic subjects is not so much of a focus with students with moderate and severe disabilities (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 408).  These students learn well from watching videos and through interacting with specialized software.  The Go Talk NOW iPad App is perfect for aiding those students who struggle with communication (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 408).  This app features big symbols and audio capabilities.  The Talk Trac Wearable Communicator is a device that’s worn on the wrist.  The device assists wearers with beginning conversations.  This device is perfect for students who need assistance with communicating appropriately.

            Students with physical disabilities are those who have complications in moving.  Students may have problems with fine and/or gross motor skills (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 408).  These students can be accommodated by using certain devices that help them perform the same tasks as the other students are doing in the classroom.  Students with physical disabilities often use switches in order to manipulate computers (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.408).  A Pal Pad  is a type of hardware and can be connected to computers and is triggered by touch.  IntelliTools is software made specifically for students with disabilities.  Students with physical disabilities can learn the required educational standards as well.  The software can be manipulated with special switches and keyboards.

            Students with sensory disabilities are those that have a loss of hearing or vision.  Students that fall in this category may be blind, deaf, or impaired in seeing or hearing (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 409).  A device that can aid the vision-impaired is the MagniLink Vision.  This hardware magnifies reading materials, photos, etc. that are placed under the lens.  OpenBook Scanning and Reading Software changes text into electronic speech for those who are visually-impaired.  For those students who are hearing-impaired, the Prime Link Classroom Audio System amplifies the teacher’s voice so that he/she can be heard by all.  Software for the Deaf teaches children through the use of American Sign Language. 

            Students with at-risk behaviors are those who don’t have a Special Education diagnosis but struggle in one or more academic areas.  These students may be behind in reading, writing, math, etc. These students learn well when the software and websites are motivational and presented in a fun way (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 409).  The website, BrainPOP, offers videos on an array of subjects.  These videos are presented by interesting characters that make learning fun.  Tom Snyder Products offers software that focuses on intervention in math, science, reading and language arts, etc.  Students with at-risk behaviors can benefit educationally from these two resources because they are motivational and provide intervention in important academic areas. 

            Students with gifts and talents are typically those students who are achieving academic success at a higher rate than those of their own age (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 411).  These students can be academically challenged through the use of technology.  These students and their parents can gain valuable information and resources from the website titled, Duke TIP.  Through this link, subject-related resources can be purchased in order to challenge gifted students.  These resources enable students to work independently and at their own pace.  Instructional and learning tools can be purchased for gifted students from the website titled, Hoagies' Gifted Education Page.  Games, books, toys, software, etc. can be purchased from this site.  As with all students, those with gifts and talents need to be challenged in order to bring out their full potential. 

            In conclusion, it is an educator’s duty to do all in his/her power to insure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are being educated appropriately.  Upon high school graduation, all students are expected to be responsible citizens.  This can only be achieved if their potential is realized and brought out through effective teachers. 

Google Reader Reference While reading through blogs, I came across a post titled, "First Browser for Autistic Children: Zac Brower," on the blog, A Media Specialist's Guide to the Internet.  The blog post provides a link to a tutorial on a browser that was designed specifically for children with Autism. The browser (Zac Browser) was created by the grandparents of an Autistic child named Zac.  They wanted Zac to be able to manipulate the computer in a way that was conducive for a child with Autism.  This post touched my heart.  I love to read about families who fully support their child's needs.  This blog post can be found by clicking here.

           

References

BrainPOP (2013). In BrainPOP. Retrieved from http://www.brainpop.com/

GoTalk NOW iPad App (2013). In Attainment Company. Retrieved from

            http://www.attainmentcompany.com/gotalk-now

 Greller, J. (2013, April 8). First browser for autistic children: Zac browser. In A Media 

             
             Specialist's Guide to the Internet [Web blog]. Retrieved from           

             

             http://mediaspecialistsguide.blogspot.com/2013/04/first-browser-for-autistic-children-       

             zac.html?utm_s

Independent Learning Products (2011). In Duke TIP. Retrieved from        

            http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/63

Instruction (n.d.). In IntelliTools. Retrieved from http://www.intellitools.com/instruction.html

Magnilink Vision (2010). In Vision Cue. Retrieved from    

            http://www.visioncue.com/MagnilinkVison.html

Neo 2 (2013). In NEO Direct. Retrieved  from http://www.neo-direct.com/default.aspx

OpenBook Scanning and Reading Software (2013). In Freedom Scientific. Retrieved from            

            http://freedomscientific.com/products/fs/openbook-product-page.asp

Pal Pads (2013). In Adaptivation Incorporated: The World at a Touch. Retrieved from   

            http://www.adaptivation.com/product_detail.php?ID=44

Prime Link Classroom Audio System (2010). In Audio Enhancement. Retrieved from     

            http://www.audioenhancement.com/products/receiversamplifiers/prime-link-classroom-     

            audio-system/

Products & Services: WYNN Literacy Software Solution (2013). In Freedom Scientific:            

            Learning Systems Group. Retrieved from    

            http://www.freedomscientific.com/LSG/products/wynn.asp

Roblyer, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching 6^th

           
            edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson.

Shop Hoagies! (2012). In Hoagies' Gifted Education Page. Retrieved from          

           
            http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/shop.htm

Software for the Deaf (2012). In All Educational Software: Educational Software for Learners of    

            All Ages. Retrieved from http://www.alleducationalsoftware.com/software-for-the-           

            deaf.html

TalkTrac Wearable Communicator (2013). In ablenet. Retrieved from     

            http://www.ablenetinc.com/Assistive-Technology/Communication/TalkTrac

Tom Snyder Productions (2013). In Scholastic . Retrieved from http://www.tomsnyder.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Bookmarking Assignment - Diigo

Diigo- Prior to this assignment, I knew nothing about social bookmarking.  Where have I been living?  Under a rock?  This tool is a must for teachers!  How else can teachers keep up with all of the wonderful websites, apps, and other resources that are available to enhance instruction?  Often, I have found myself doing a Google search or asking a friend about a website that I've used before but just can't remember how to get back to it.  Well, Diigo is the answer to that dilemma.  I love how it's so easy to use.  I'm more likely to use a technology if it's very easy to use and this fits the bill.  I have enjoyed exploring new websites and resources through this assignment.  I found most of my bookmarks while reading blogs and through completing assignments.  I purposely explored websites and resources that would benefit my first graders.  I have already shared some of my newly discovered resources with my class.

My list of my bookmarks can be found by following this link: Tabitha Brown's Diigo Account

Web 2.0 Resources

Links to my Web 2.0 Resources:

Reduce, reuse, recycle!  My unit is titled, Caring for Our Earth.  In this unit, I focused first on teaching my first graders about natural resources.  I then taught my students that our natural resources can be protected by practicing the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle).  Our school participated by setting up recycling bins in the hallway.  My students love to bring items from home and when they unpack in the morning, they put the items in the appropriate bins.  We also had a very special guest a few weeks ago, Auntie Litter!  Our students loved learning from her and they learned so much about how they can help protect our Earth.  For my technology projects, I made a Glogster poster, an Animoto video, a mind map using Bubbl.us, and two Vokis. 

Glogster:  I enjoyed making this Glogster poster.  The graphics are cool and hip!  I can see why students enjoy working with this tool.  My teenage son walked in the room while I was making it and he said that they make them at school and that he really enjoyed the process.  He actually taught me a thing or two that really helped me.  Through my poster, my students can watch a video about the 3 R's, they can follow two links to other websites where they can receive information about the 3 R's, and they can read some simple information pertaining to the 3 R's.  Follow this link to view my Glogster: Glogster Poster - Caring for Our Earth.

Animoto:  This is a cool tool to use with students.  It's quick and easy to do.  The end result is rewarding to watch.  For my Animoto video, I walked around the school and took some pictures that pertained to my unit with my iPad.  I also got a few of the pictures from a copyright free website.  With this technology tool, my students can be reminded of the 3 R's.  Follow this link in order to view my video:  Animoto Video - Caring for Our Earth.

Voki:  I love how easy Voki is to manipulate!  I had a lot of fun making two characters.  I made a smiley face and a female that resembles me.  For this technology tool, the students can learn important information through watching fun characters.  I played them for my students and they loved watching them.  Out of all of the technology tools that I experimented with for this project, this is my favorite for my first graders.  The program is easy enough for them to use.  Follow these two links in order to view my Vokis:  Voki 1 and Voki 2.


Mind Map (Bubbl.us)

Google Reader Reference:  I have really enjoyed following educational blogs this semester.  This was my first opportunity reading blogs and I have really learned a lot of practical things that I have already incorporated into my classroom.  Education is a tough profession at times with its many demands.  It is beneficial to learn from others who are going through similar situations.  Follow this link in order to read about my Google Reader Experience: My Blogging Experience.

My Blogging Experience

I'm a Blogger!

These are three words that I thought I would never type because I usually shy away from experimenting with technology.  I use technology in my classroom because I know it's a beneficial teaching and learning tool but I'm not the type of person who gets excited about technology integration.  However, through following and writing blogs and through the hands-on use of many different types of technology during the past six weeks, I have learned so much that I now find myself excited about technology. 

2 Additional Blogs That I've Been Following

Edutech for Teachers This blog is written and maintained by a teacher and technology coach in Pennsylvania.  The fact that it is written by a teacher is one of the main reasons why I chose to follow this blog.  I think that teachers can learn so much from each other.  Who better to take advice from than someone who is walking in your shoes?  The author shares sensible resources that teachers can actually use in their classrooms.  For example, the author shares educational apps, educational websites, and insights into how to incorporate technology into the classroom (Forshey, n.d.).  Check this blog out at http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org/.

Smart Classroom Management: Simply Effective Tips and Strategies This site offers basic advice to teachers about how to effectively manage a classroom.  It also discusses useful practices that teachers can do to make their lives in and out of the classroom the best that they can be (Linsin, n.d.).  When browsing through potential blogs to follow, this blog caught my attention right away when I read the post titled, The Most Common Speaking Mistakes Teachers Make Part 2.  I read a few sentences and found the information to be beneficial to my current situation in my classroom.  I am teaching a class whose overall behavior is sometimes a challenge for me; therefore, I have been examining how I manage my students.  Other topics that I have found to be helpful include: dealing with students who argue about going to time-out, dealing with students who are not motivated to learn, and how a teacher's general interactions with students effect the atmosphere of the classroom (Linsin, 2013b).  I love this blog because every topic seemed to hit home with me.  Sometimes I felt like the author had me in mind when he wrote the posts.  I plan to continue to follow this blog even after this class ends.  Check this blog out at
http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/.

My Favorite Blog
Out of the 2 additional blogs that I have been following, my favorite is Smart Classroom Management because of the practical information that I receive.  I am able to apply what I learn from this blog into my life as a teacher. 

Out of all of the blogs that I have been following, my favorite blog has to be Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day because of the shear amount of valuable information that Larry Ferlazzo shares.  Through this blog, I have been exposed to many new concepts in technology and in teaching.  The author's personality comes through in his posts and I can tell that he "walks the walk; not just talks the talk."  He is also very knowledgeable about the many subjects that he writes about.  He shares a wide variety of educational resources such as apps, websites, lessons plans, etc. that are helpful to classroom teachers.  I particularly like the fact that he shares educational resources for holidays and current topics.  For example, he has provided links for Easter, Earth Day, Arbor Day, and Mother's Day.  These links provide teachers with a ton of resources for enriching their lesson plans (Ferlazzo, n.d.).  I think the thing I enjoy most about his blog posts are the quotes and statements that he shares about current worldly topics and educational topics.  These interesting quotes break up the monotony for me while I read his posts and those of others.

My Favorite Blog Post
I have read many posts that have provided me with beneficial resources and advice.  Therefore, it is hard for me to choose just one as my favorite.  The post that has proved most beneficial to me is titled How to Handle Sleepy, Unprepared, and Unmotivated Students from the blog, Smart Classroom Management.  This post addressed how to effectively motivate those students who regularly come to school not prepared for the day, those who are tired and those who have no inner motivation to accomplish the tasks at hand.  This post intrigued me because every year I have a least one student who doesn't complete their homework, doesn't participate in whole-group instruction, doesn't complete work on time, doesn't make and keep eye contact while I'm teaching and who often puts his head on his desk throughout the day.  The suggestions that are offered to motivate these kinds of students are simple and doable.  They make sense.  When I read the post, a particular child came to mind.  I decided to try out one of the suggestions with him.  The suggestion was to meet the child at the door and give him/her a task right away.  This gives the child an opportunity to wake up and get his/her brain working before the day starts (Linsin, 2013a).  I now have this particular child go to the office and check my mailbox and go to the lunchroom and fill my cup up with ice.  I know this sounds simple but it has seemed to help motivate him to start his work once he arrives in the classroom and it makes him feel special.  It's the little things!

References

Ferlazzo, L. (n.d.). In Larry Ferlazzo's websites of the day. Retrieved from
            http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/
 
Forshey, J. (n.d.). In Edutech for teachers: Cool tools for the 21st century classroom. Retrieved from
             http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org/
 
Linsin, M. (2013a, April 20). How to handle sleepy, unprepared, and unmotivated students. In
             Smart Classroom Management: Simply Effective Tips and Strategies [Web blog].
             Retrieved from http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2013/04/20/how-to-handle-
             sleepy-unprepared-and-unmotivated-s
 
Linsin, M. (n.d.). In Smart Classroom Management: Simply Effective Tips and Strategies. Retrieved
              from http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/
 
Linsin, M. (2013b, March 16). The most common speaking mistakes teachers make: Part 2. In
              Smart Classroom Management: Simply Effective Tips and Strategies [Web blog].
              Retrieved from http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2013/03/16/the-most-
              common-speaking-mistakes-teachers-make-p
 

First Grade Mobile Apps

Apps for Education

App is a new vocabulary word for me.  However, for children it is just another word.  I've noticed that you can get an app for just about anything.  For example, you can get apps that allow you to compare prices of items against other stores.  How cool is that!  Wow, how the world has changed and will continue to change due to the addition of technology! 

Educational apps are abundant for iPhones, iPods, and iPads.  What's even better is that most of them are free.  If they aren't free, they are very inexpensive.  Apps allow our students to practice grade-level skills without a teacher's guidance.  Not only do apps allow our students to learn but they allow them to learn in a fun, game-like way.  Most of the times, children don't even realize they are learning.  I have noticed that the iPads and iPods are the "go-to" devices at our school when the students are given a choice.  They would rather learn with apps than learn on websites in most cases.  It has to be due to the bright graphics, rewards, cool characters and settings that apps offer.  Listed below are the titles and links to the apps that I like for first graders.


Splash Math App - First Grade (iPhone, iPod & iPad):  This app is free and fun to play!  The graphics are very colorful and they really draw the students in and motivate them to play and learn.  It covers many of the first grade math skills that students need to learn.  In fact, it covers over 200 math skills!  It begins out easy and progressively gets more challenging.  The questions are multiple choice.  This makes the app easy for young learners to manipulate.  It provides the students with extra practice putting their subtraction and addition facts to memory.  It also reinforces other important first grade math skills such as telling time, counting groups of coins, graphing, etc.  I have this app on our classroom iPads and it's one of the students favorites.  Another great feature of this app is that teachers can tract how their students are doing on these particular skills.


ABC Writing Zoo Animals Game HD - Listening, Reading, & Writing (iPad):  This app has a free version and a complete version for $1.99.  In this app, the students are told a letter or word and they write the letter or word correctly.  This app is fantastic for first graders because it allows the students to practice basic skills such as how to write and form letters correctly.  This is BIG in first grade and to me!  I encourage my first graders to write correctly every time they write so that they don't form bad habits early on.  As the students write the letters, they are able to hear how to pronounce the letters correctly.  This also reinforces phonemic awareness (which is also big in first grade).  This app motivates students to learn through the incorporation of zoo animals.

iSpy Phonics (iPhone, iPod, iPad): This app is $1.99 and is great for young children; therefore, this app would be perfect for pre-school through first grade because it's focus is on phonics.  It is an app that resembles the iSpy game that children love to play.  You know the one.  For instance, the child says, "I spy something big and red."  Well, with this app, the child will "spy" the letter of the sound that is pronounced.  This act reinforces phonemic awareness.  Most importantly, it prepares children to read.  This app is colorful and interactive in the fact that students can add their own pictures and voice to the app as they "spy" letters and sounds.  Don't worry about the child messing up the settings.  They can be easily reset.  In my opinion, this is a nice feature of the app.


TeachMe: 1st Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Spelling, & Sight Words) (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch):  This app is $1.99 and has the most precious graphics ever!  It won the Best Elementary School App.  This app features four first grade subjects:  addition, subtraction, spelling and Dolch sigh words.  Being a first grade teacher, I am really interested in this app because it appears to follow first grade standards.  The students can put to memory addition and subtraction facts to 20.  I also like that it provides students with exposure to Dolch sight words.  Sight word recognition is a must for learning to read. The spelling practice is awesome as well!  This app requires the students to write (get a stylus) their answers.  This app recognizes if the letters and numbers aren't written correctly and if they aren't, it provides assistance to the student. 

Google Reader Reference: The use of apps as an educational tool is a wonderful way to encourage students to learn and practice skills that they must master.  While reading the blogs that I am following, I read an interesting post on the blog, Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day, titled "Some New iPad Resources."  In this particular blog, he provides three links that deal with iPad inclusion in education.  The link that I am most interested in highlights the 10 best apps of 2011.  You can find out what these are by clicking here.  Out of these ten apps, the app that best fits my students' needs is called Huddlestone.  This app can be downloaded on iPhones and iPads.  This app aids young students in letter recognition.  The letters are hand-drawn and have a classic feel to them.  This type of app is typically not needed at the end of first grade because first graders are reading fluently at that point.  However, the app would be beneficial at the beginning of the year for those students who need practice with letter recognition.


References: 

ABC writing zoo animals game HD - for iPad (2008). In AppShopper. Retrieved from
               http://appshopper.com/education/abc-writing-zoo-animals-game-hd-for-ipad

The 10 best iOS apps of 2011 (2011, December 22). In The Telegraph. Retrieved from
              http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/huddlestones/id471390040?mt=8

Huddlestones (2012). In iTunes Preview. Retrieved from
              http://tunes.apple.com/gb/app/huddlestones/id471390040?mt=8

iSpy phonics (2013). In iTunes Preview. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ispy-phonics/id376809609?mt=8

Splash math - 1st Grade - Comprehensive Math App (2011). In iHeartThisApp. Retrieved from
               http://iheartthisapp.com/splash-math-1st-grade-comprehensive-math-app/

TeachMe: 1st Grade (2013). In iTunes Preview. Retrieved from
               http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teachme-1st-grade/id355940964?mt=8
             

Instructional Software

Computer Software

This week, computer software is what I'm reading and thinking about.  Instructional computer software is yet another beneficial technology that teachers can use as a valuable resource in their classrooms.  Computer software comes in many different types.  These types of software differ in the manner in which they deliver skills and in the manner in which the user manipulates the software.  The most popular types that are used in educational settings are: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and integrated learning systems.  There are needs for each of these in the classroom.  However, before a teacher chooses a software, he/she should first identify the students' needs and then go from there.  The software will only be effective if it is what the students' need. 

Drill and Practice:  The Quarter Mile Math encourages students to solve math problems quickly in order to increase fact fluency.  In answering math facts quickly, students can put the facts to memory.  The format is set up in a way that motivates children as they work independently.  The motivation comes from fun images that provide positive reinforcement for the children.  The skills progress as the students move through the program.  It's used by parents who home school and by teachers.  In my classroom, I would use it as an intervention tool for those who need extra exposure to addition and subtraction facts.  It could also be beneficial for helping all students put addition and subtraction facts to memory.

Tutorial: Math Tutor Educational Software is designed for students who are learning a mathematical concept for the first time or it can be used as a review of a previously taught skill.  It allows students to work at their own pace.  This software keeps the students' attention with fascinating graphics.  In my classroom, I would use it as an intervention or as a way to advance students in math.

Simulation: Solar System 3D Simulator shows an accurate model of the solar system.  It also shows the planets, sun, and moon in three-dimensional form.  The model can be used for many science applications including demonstrations, experiments, projects, etc.  In my classroom, I would love to incorporate this software into a unit on the solar system.  What better way to learn about the solar system than to experience it in a realistic way such as this!

Instructional Games: JumpStart Phonics-Read & Rhyme  provides teachers with a fun, colorful way to immerse their young readers in phonics instruction.  The software allows the students to practice all of the aspects of phonics (long and short vowel sounds, beginning and ending consonants, diagraphs, blends, and letter and word recognition skills) that are taught in most first grade classrooms.  In my classroom, I would encourage all of my students to participate in this program in center rotations.  

Problem Solving: EMTeachline Mathematics Software covers many mathematical topics for all ages.  The skills range from basic to advanced; therefore, this software is perfect for grades K-12.  The neat thing about this software is that it recognizes the user's weaknesses and goes back and reviews that skill.  Now that is awesome!  I would love to have this software for use with my first graders because the skill of problem-solving is one that needs to be practiced a lot.  I would install it on my computers that are in my computer center for students to manipulate during math center rotations.

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS): Success Maker provides practice in math and reading for elementary, middle, and high school students.  The curriculum in the program follows grade-level standards.  The software teaches lessons and then the students practice.  An awesome component to this software is that teachers are supplied with detailed reports on the students' progress.  We use this software at our school for our students who need intervention in reading and/or math.  It has been very effective with our students.

Google Reader Reference: Sheppard Software  offers a wide array of resources for many subjects and ages.  I mean, there is everything on this site!  There are resources for health, math, science, and many other subject areas.  I am excited to see what I can incorporate into my lessons.  This site is colorful and laid out in a user-friendly manner.  It's great for little learners!  Check this site out and read more about it on the blog, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, under the post titled, "Teach This: Teaching With Lesson Plans and Ideas That Rock."  I'm sure you'll love it.

References:

Features and benefits (2009). In EMTTeachline Mathematics Software. Retrieved from

                 http://www.emteachline.com/eng/index_mainhtm

JumpStart phonics-Read & rhyme (2008). In Software For Kids. Retrieved from

                 http://softwareforkids.com/children-software/preschool/42986.html

Overview (2009). In The Quarter Mile Math. Retrieved from http://www.thequartermile.com/

School versions (2012). In Math Tutor Educational Software. Retrieved from http://www.mathtutor.com/

Solar system 3D simulator (n.d.). In Download.com. Retrieved from http://download.cnet.com/Solar-System-

                 3D-Simulator/3000-2054_4-10477538.html

SuccessMaker: A digital learning curriculum (2013). In Pearson. Retrieved from

                 http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZkBo
 
Teach this: Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock (2013, April 17). Retrieved from
http://www.mentormob.com/learn/i/interactive-whiteboard-resources/sheppard-software-fun-free-online-learning-games-and-activities-for-kids

                

               

 

 

 

 

Classroom Technologies

Keyboarding Skills
Last week, I had poetry on my mind.  This week, I have keyboarding on the brain.  Decent keyboarding skills are needed in today's high-tech world in which we live.  Teaching correct keyboarding skills to students can't start too early.  Just as our students need to know how to read fluently, how to add and subtract, and how to write legibly, our students also need to know how to type fluently.

Our school has recently been blessed with a computer lab that contains 30 computers, a teacher work station, and a Smart board.  My class has the opportunity to visit the lab 3 times a week.  During this time, the students have access to educational software or they can access educational games on the Internet.  My students, who need intervention in math and/or reading, have access to a program called Success Maker.  This program targets their weak areas in these subjects.  Recently, our principal mentioned the need for our students to develop correct keyboarding skills.  She expressed her desire for the students to practice keyboarding skills on one of the days that we visit the lab.  So, we began to research and look for free websites that the students could manipulate.  We found some free sites that the children enjoy and are learning from while having fun at the same time.

On my search for resources that would aid me in teaching my first graders good typing habits early on, I found an app for the iPad that I like.  I also found some websites on the blog, Free Technology for Teachers, that my students can manipulate on netbooks, and I located a YouTube video that highlights a popular, educational keyboarding software called Typing Instructor.  Through manipulating these resources in the computer lab and in our classroom during center rotations, the students' keyboarding skills should improve so that they feel comfortable using word processing software to express their thoughts. 

Google Reader Resource

While reading the blog, Free Technology for Teachers, I found a post titled, "10 Free Typing Practice Activities for Students."  I almost squealed when I clicked on the links for these games because they are perfect for my first graders!  My students can manipulate these games while in the computer lab in addition to the others that they are currently using.  My students can also learn from these games while participating in the computer center that is in our classroom.  In addition to a classroom computer center, I also have iPads that the students can manipulate during center rotations and as enrichment when they have completed their assignments.  These games provide the students with an entertaining, rewarding way in which to learn. 

This link will take you to this particular blog post where all ten websites are listed:  Keyboarding Activities

Below are 2 of the websites that have me excited:

• Typing Rocket - This game is perfect for young fingers!  The objective is for the students to burst the fireworks by typing the letter on the firework before it disappears from the screen.  As the students get better, the game progressively gets harder.           
• Power Typing- This site provides the students with 5 fun games that can enhance their typing skills.          

References
R Byrne. (2013, April 7). 10 free typing practice activities for students [Web log post]. Retrieved
          fromhttp://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/04/10-free-typing-practice-activities-

Typing lesson (2010). In Power Typing. Retrieved from http://www.powertyping.com/

Typing rocket (2012). In ABCYa.com. Retrieved from http://www.abcya.com/typing_rocket.htm

Web Resources

YouTube Video (Typing Instructor)
This YouTube video highlights the software, Typing Instructor.  The software is aimed at teaching students how to type correctly.  The software can be purchased for use in a computer lab, classroom, or most any other educational setting.  This video is very informative and explains all of the interactive features of the software.  It portrays the software as an adventure that the students participate in as they learn keyboarding skills.  As they venture through the game, the students learn all of the major components to keyboarding correctly and quickly.  The software begins with teaching the students proper posture and hand placement; therefore, this software is perfect for young students.  The software progressively gets more difficult as the students progress through the software.  It's perfect for all ages.

Reference:
Typing instructor for kids platinum 5 (2011, November 21). In YouTube. Retrieved from
             http://youtu.be/ShxTUnNY9xg


iPad app (Typing Class Game)
My students love to play apps on the iPad.  One of the centers in my classroom includes 3 iPads.  This center and the computer center are favorites of the students.  My students love technology and they are not afraid to dive into something new (unlike their teacher).  I try to add educational apps on the iPads that reinforce our curriculum.  This app, Typing Class Game, further reinforces keyboarding skills.  This app has 4 fun, engaging games that instruct players to type accurately and quickly.  Check out this game's features at iPad App: Typing Class Game.

Reference:
iPad app: Typing class game (2010, October 25). In Free online typing games. Retrieved from
               http://freeonlinetypinggames.com/typing-resources/typing-class-ipad-typing-app/