Apps for Learning

Many smart phone and tablet computer apps are available for us as students to use in our teacher education programs at Anderson University. I have viewed the online textbooks available; however, I find using the physical textbook to be easier for me to read from. Even though it is easier, the online texts are very convenient to use on a tablet. Another app I use is my planner. It helps me to keep up with dates and assignments. Using different apps as a student has helped me to become more organized and I can use my materials with more convenience. Another positive thing about apps is they can be a good financial investment and help to save money, which is important as a college student. I view smart phone and tablet computer apps as both tools for teachers and instructional devices for students. Teachers use them daily; however, since they are using them to direct the students I see the apps as being primarily for students. I would use apps in teaching to make learning more interactive in my classroom.

Life Before Computers

Before computers and the widespread use of technology existed people did not have the luxuries of email, online banking, cell phones, and etc. The U.S mail system received a lot more business during this time because people were more prone to write letters at the inconvenience of not having cell phones, email, or texting. Before online banking and shopping people had to physically travel to the places they needed to business with. Since then so much has changed. Online access has given people the advantage and convenience of saving precious time that we all value. One thing that has remained the same is our constant need to interact with people, but it has changed to online interactions as well. 

 

App Store

            When using different search engines teachers get different information depending on what they search.  Depending on what information one is trying to research, they will want to use the best-fit search engine. For example, Fact check encyclopedia allows the learner to find the clearest information when comparing facts and articles. Different keyword search terms can change the results. More precise descriptive words can create a more accurate result. When researching different information, I found .org, and .net to be most accurate when compared to .com and .gov.

            When evaluating Wikipedia I found that it has more weaknesses than strengths. Online textbooks are more reliable because it has credible sources. However, in some cases Wikipedia can be more up to date than a textbook. I see textbook being more reliable to students because it has the standardized material and information that they should be searching for. To make textbooks more accessible I would recommend an online text that is updated with current events.

            Technology When it comes to technology and Internet sources I use the internet most when it comes to social media. I use it to communicate with others.  However, it does come to great use for current events and research. The internet has opened up many learning opportunities for people today. There is a wide variety of instructional and curriculum implications available today. Online text books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and google are all major information sources. 

google.com

Social Book Marking

By social bookmarking with Diigo I was able to save many different websites under one topic or group by bookmarking them. The website also allowed me to tag the websites under certain key words that linked them to even more networks.

         Before social bookmarking I would save paper copies or handwrite websites in my agenda. Organizing my materials and information online has provided such an easier and more accessible way of working. In the future I plan on using social bookmarking for teaching and organizing my educational information. This will allow my lesson plans to run a lot smoother.

         As a teacher I envision myself using bookmarking tools such as Delicious and Diigo. Not only will I use the tools but I will share my new found knowledge with my co-workers and students. The tools will allow the entire grade level to collaborate as one. 

http://www.ebizmba.com/articles/social-bookmarking-websites

"Evaluating Digital Games for Learning” Reflection

What educational games and learning games are new to you?

Educational games such as ones found on funbrain and other kid friendly websites are new to me. When I was in school we had RA points. We could take quizzes and receive points which could be turned in for free time. These websites encourage students by competition with levels and goals. After trying these games I found that they were successful. By creating competition it motivated me to not only win but learn the correct way to solve problems so that I could win. I recommend adding funbrain to the school website so that the students can improve in all subjects.

What additional online sites can you find for math problems?

Math Blaster is an additional website that allows students from 5-k to fifth grade to play age appropriate math games. The website is both interesting and rewarding for the students. For example, a fourth grade math level game is “Cat and Rat”, a fun geometry worksheet that illustrates for kids how to create their own maze using only a grid and some tracing pipe. When determining the value of a math resource, it is important to make sure the games meet the standards and match up with the way the teacher is teaching the material in the classroom so that the students are not 

http://www.arcademics.com