I have been searching through my iPad for useful apps for an assignment in my Math Methods class. I cannot believe how many there are! The options are endless.
One thing I have found tricky is determining the usefulness of the application, and how effective they would be in the classroom. Many of them have great potential, but only offer so many questions before they begin to repeat themselves. I guess that's what you get for refusing to purchase apps and only looking for the free options. It would be great to have the full features of a paid app for free.
In the app store, however, there are options to clearly separate the apps according to topic. This, I have found to be very useful. If I am ready to teach time, I can navigate to the Measurement category within Math Education. You can even search by grade. As a future teacher, this is key. If I am teaching second grade, I do not have the time to page through apps of a different age level. So that feature is very useful as well.
Whatever you need on the App Store, you can find. And in most cases, you can find it for free.
Friday, April 4, 2014
DynaVox
I have observed in a MDS classroom over the past few weeks. During this time I have learned about many different types of technologies offered to aid students with disabilities. Of these devices, I have been most fascinated with the DynaVox.
The DynaVox is ultimately an iPad but attached is an eyetracking device. This eyetracking device works miracles for students who do not have the independent ability to reach and select specific things on the device. The DynaVox requires users to hold a gaze for a set time to make a desired selection. The time can be changed according to goals and ability to hold a gaze. The device allows for greater independence for students and I have seen great success with it.
One negative I have seen with the DynaVox is that the students can lose concentration and it will track his or her gaze to activate the settings, and this will interrupt the selected activity. If there was a way to block certain aspects of the device when used by students it would have greater success.
The DynaVox is ultimately an iPad but attached is an eyetracking device. This eyetracking device works miracles for students who do not have the independent ability to reach and select specific things on the device. The DynaVox requires users to hold a gaze for a set time to make a desired selection. The time can be changed according to goals and ability to hold a gaze. The device allows for greater independence for students and I have seen great success with it.
One negative I have seen with the DynaVox is that the students can lose concentration and it will track his or her gaze to activate the settings, and this will interrupt the selected activity. If there was a way to block certain aspects of the device when used by students it would have greater success.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Scholastic, a teachers best friend
Time and time again, I find myself at scholastic.com. Whether I am trying to write a lesson or trying to find an activity to go along with a lesson, Scholastic has provided my searches with endless ideas. It is set up in an organized way and provides teachers with various aspects of teaching. If you search a book, Book Wizard appears and lets you know the appropriate reading level. Not only does it tell you the reading level, it also links you to lesson plans that may incorporate the specific book. Also, on Scholastic there are MANY free printables that can go along with so many lessons or activities in the classroom or curriculum. Scholastic.com is a great aid for teachers, and future teachers.
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