Week 6

Apps for my IPhone are something that I do not know how I've lived without. I wish I had an IPad and a cord to connect to my projector, but that's something I'm looking into getting soon. My favorite apps to use in my classroom are the Socrative, Edmodo, and Animoto. Socrative is the one I love the most. There are quizzes already created, but I usually create my own and use them as pre-tests to see what the students know before I begin a unit. The app grades the tests instantly and I can either make the students enter their names or I can get a collective summary on how the students did quickly. It's so quick that I can even discuss the results with students right after they take the quiz. Our school district has started this new initiative "BYOD" or Bring Your Own Device. We can't afford to supply every student with a mobile device so we can encourage students to use their own. I allow students to use my stuff, some kids will bring multiples, or we just take turns sharing. Students love it! Edmodo is an app that is very similar to the Facebook app. Students can post questions, the teacher can post assignments or critical thinking questions, and everyone can instantly interact like Facebook or Twitter. This makes learning more enjoyable. Finally, Animoto is a tool I was introduced to my first year of teaching. Students can make a quick video on their topic for free. I think it's best for the teacher to create a quick video to use as an icebreaker for students. I would love to find more Apps that do wonders for the history class. I only wish that ALL of my students could have an IPad and that would make life so much easier.