February 12, 2016
Volume 4, Issue 12
Key Apps to Differentiate
WVTIS
As professionals it is always a challenge to find ways to differentiate instruction within our classrooms. Here are a few tools that make this challenge a little more manageable.
Inside this issue: Keys to Differentiate 1 Presentation Tools
2
Eye Strain/ Ergonomics
2
Blended Learning
3
Calendar
4
Meet the Authors
4
Special points of interest: Differentiate your world How does it look? Presentation tools Eye Strain and the Classroom Blended Learning in the Classroom What is happening in February?
join.me is an online collaboration tool that can be used in the classroom, computer lab, or with a small group. Students take on the role as the “instructor” in presentation mode and can share with others what is on the screen of their device. This would be great for sharing information or presenting virtually. This is a useful tool for the teacher as well because of the lab mode feature. When students are in lab mode the teacher can see what each student is doing on their individual devices without walking around the room to check on them. It provides accountability and extra support to the students. Join.me is available in IOS and Android.
iSpeech allows an individual to speak or type into a device and that device will then speak your word or phrase back to you. This tool can be used in the classroom by students to help with communication and language barriers. iSpeech is a great tool for ESL students, visually impaired students, and students with communication disorders as it gives them an opportunity to have a voice or to read a text. Words can be read aloud to the student so they learn to speak the work correctly. Text can be converted to speech and they will be able to hear it when visual impairments prevent them from reading the text. (IOS and Android)
Osmo only works with iPads or iPad mini’s, but is a great app! In order to utilize this tool in the iPad is placed in a base that sits it up vertically and a mirror is placed over the camera. This allows the iPad to view what is on a desktop and instantly manipulatives can be used with apps that come with Osmo. The apps included are numbers, words, tangrams, newton, and masterpiece. Words allows the teacher or student to upload his or her own set of practice words. Each kit includes all the pieces needed to use manipulatives in the classroom for a truly hands on learning experience.
MobyMax provides individualized instruction in the academic areas of math, fact fluency, number sense, early words, writing, and stories, vocabulary, reading skills, language/grammar, writing workshop, state test prep and science. Students take a placement test in each of the subject areas then they begin review of the skills they struggled with based on information gathered from their individual placement test. It is very easy for students and teachers to use. Reports are available for IEP writing, parent teacher conferences, and to track progress in each subject area. Moby Max is geared for grades K-8 but can be used as a remediation tool at the high school level. There is currently no IOS app for moby max but it can be accessed through safari on an IOS device.