Augmented Reality

     Augmented Reality simulations are changing the environment inside the elementary classroom. AR allows students to explore deeper into lessons through simulation. Augment Reality allows students to interact with a multimedia-enhanced world, while also learning subject content. I believe students can relate to AR because it is very similar to real-life video games. Today’s students are very familiar with technology. This is a great way to motivate students to travel deeper into lessons. I can see myself using AR in my classroom, especially for science lessons. For example, I can motivate my students to learn about the solar system by allowing them to use an AR simulation to explore the galaxy. AR can also help students learn critical thinking skills. I love that AR helps students collaborate and communicate with each other while using the simulations. I believe that Augmented Reality is a creative way to make the “boring” lessons into exciting lessons that will have the students motivated to learn more. I can only imagine how much I would have enjoyed using AR simulations as an elementary student. I look forward implementing Augmented Reality into my classroom to inspire students to dig deeper and learn more. Who is ready to go on this exciting adventure with me?

Greenscreen in the Classroom

                                                                        

     Do you want to take your students France, Great Britain, or Washington D.C.? What if I told you there is a way teachers can take their students to any place around the world? Years ago teachers could not have dreamt of taking their students to these distinct places. Teachers today now have the opportunity to bring any destination inside their classroom by using green screen. There are so many different ways teachers can incorporate green screen in their classroom. A green screen is a green background where moving people in front are filmed. The green background allows any image to be added to the background. This is a great resource to use in an elementary classroom. Elementary teachers can allow students the opportunity to be a news reporter for the day. Green screen has endless opportunities that teachers can use in their classroom. One effective app to use with green screen is the DO INK app. DO INK is the most recommended app for green screen in the classroom. This app includes different features and options that engage students to use their critical thinking skills.  Green screen is a creative way to let students collaborate and communicate with one another. I plan to have a green screen in my classroom so students can have fun while enhancing their knowledge.

Edpuzzle and Blendspace

     Are you looking to change things up in your classroom? Edpuzzle and Blendspace might just be the answer you are looking for. Edpuzzle allows teachers to select videos, edit them, assign them to students, and quiz the students as they watch. Edpuzzle is creative way to expand students critical thinking skills. Another great tool to use in your classroom is Blendspace. I love Blendspace because it allows teachers to gather all their resources into one place and assign it to their students. All teachers have to do is come up with a topic, search the internet for videos, websites, or even pull documents saved on your on computer to create a lesson for your students. I can definitely see myself using Blendspace in my classroom to simplify my lessons for my students. I believe teachers in the elementary classroom can become more organized and less stressed when they know all of their resources to teach a lesson is in one spot. Both Edpuzzle and Blendspace are creative ways to promote collaboration among students in your classroom. Students are able to communicate and use their critical thinking skills to learn on their digital devices. I look forward to incorporating both of these apps to simplify my classroom!

Student-Led Conferences and Digital Portfolios

     I am in love with the concept of student-led conferences! A student-led conference is basically just a parent conference that is led by the student. However, it is the teacher’s responsibility to guide the student through the conference. I believe parents love the idea of their child showing them their progress throughout the school year. A student-led conference gives students responsibility, promotes critical thinking, independence, and improves presentation skills. I can only imagine how much better my presentation skills would be today if I had the foundation that a student-led conference provides.  Another tool that I am in love with is a digital portfolio. A digital portfolio is a continuous collection of a student's performance on a digital device. Portfolios not only make learning more accessible, but they also show student growth over a long period of time. I plan to use both student-led conferences and digital portfolios in my classroom when hosting parent conferences. I believe parents will be impressed to watch their child present their growth over the school year themselves. Both student-led conferences and digital portfolios are a creative way to let students collaborate and communicate with their guardians. I cannot wait to jump on board and use these awesome ideas in my classroom!

Apps to Increase Reading Comprehension in Children with Autism

     Children with autism sometimes struggle comprehending meaning from text. However, reading comprehension is extremely important because it allows students to determine their own opinion and reasoning of the story. I recommend using engaging technology with children with autism because certain colors such as blue, dark yellow, and green can be used to enhance their memorization and attentions skills.  I believe technology can be used as a great tool to intrigue and improve reading comprehension for children with autism. For example, certain apps can hold children with autism attention longer. A great app I plan to use for children with autism in my classroom is Visual Reading. Although the cost is $16.99, it is worth every penny. I believe this app has the resources to improve reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. Another great app I plan to use in my classroom to help children with autism is Reading Comprehension Grade 3. I love how this app guides and rewards students, which helps motivate them to learn more as well.  Additional apps for children with autism include: Inference Clues, Same Sound Spell Bound, Opposite Ocean, Picture the Sentence Lite, Noodle Words HD, and Smarty Ears. Elementary teachers can use these apps to motivate students to create, communicate, and collaborate with their peers. 

                Click For More Visual Reading Apps

SMORE Newsletter

Powerful Tool for the 21st Century Classroom

What is digital storytelling? It is a fun and creative way to tell a story by incorporating a variety of multimedia such as audio narration, video, still images, and music. Digital storytelling develops creativity and critical thinking. It also improves students communicative skills. For example, this would be great way for shy kids to speak their minds. Digital storytelling is being used in classrooms all over the country and students love creating a story of their own. Below are some great apps to help get you started on your digital storytelling adventure.  

APPS:

- My Story ($2.99)

- Toontastic (FREE)

- Pic Collage (FREE)

- Tellagami (FREE)

- Sock Puppets (FREE)