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.
Page 2
TIS & THAT
How Does it Look? Presentation Tools for the Classroom “Click the waffle” in Office 365 to find Microsoft’s newest presentation tool that students and teachers quickly produce clean, professional presentations. Users add content on “cards” that can be rearranged. Sway can suggest images to go along with the text using a built-in Bing image search. The images are even filtered for Creative Commons usage! Select from some simple formatting options, and these cards are turned into a presentation without getting bogged down in formatting. Sway’s are easily shared and mobile-friendly!
This tool is used as presentation software. It contains web-based animation software that allows the user to create animated presentations. It has precreated designs, samples, music, images, etc. that the user can manipulate. The user has the option of inserting his or her own voice throughout the presentation. The software is user-friendly and quick to learn. At the beginning of the school year, PowToon offers free educator accounts that allow up to 60 student accounts. You can try it out at powtoon.com.
The classic presentation tool continues to be updated to remain a powerful multipurpose presentation tool. Find PowerPoint Online in Office 365 to make collaborative presentations. Get inspired at goo.gl/M4FSfr! Office Mix brings multimedia tools to PowerPoint. Insert audio, video, live web sites, quizzes and more. Record your presentation and publish it for all to see. Explore wvde.state.wv.us/office365/ for more.
Prezi (prezi.com) is a zooming online presentation tool. Prezi can help create visually appealing, dynamic presentations. Don’t let your Prezi become a PowerPoint with motion sickness! Try these ideas: 1) Use the “big picture” view as a graphic organizer that helps your audience see where you are going and know when you have arrived. 2) Start with a “sneeze” Prezi by splashing ideas onto the canvas first, then organizing them into a presentation.
Want engaged learners who can produce professional videos? If you do Animoto is the tool for you! Quick and easy video templates allow you and your students the opportunity to convey information in an interesting and exciting manner. Teachers can apply for an educator account for free and have access to develop 50 student accounts! Visit animoto.com, or see their guide to getting started with Animoto in your classroom at goo.gl/aaXwJ6. Apps are also available for iPad and Android users.
Page 3
TIS & THAT
Eye Strain/Ergonomics As students use computers and mobile devices more and more in schools, we can work together to make sure our student’s reap the benefits of technology and avoid physical harm from it. Some thoughts include:
Take frequent body and brain breaks, getting up to stretch and look far away (especially outdoors).
Consider allowing students to work at standingheight counters or desks for a larger variety of work positions.
Set up computers or hold mobile devices so that users keep their backs and heads level. Looking down at your phone all the time is not good for your neck!
Work where your shoulders can be relaxed, upper arms hanging at the side of your body, elbows bent at 90 to 120 degrees, and your hands, wrists, and forearms are aligned and level with the floor.
Blended Learning Blended learning has many models from the in-class blend to synchronous online learning. Regardless of the model teachers have chosen, finding the right learning management system (LMS) and the best online tools for instruction are key to success. Schoology, Engrade, and Canvas are just a few of the LMS available to teachers that are easy to use and cost effective. Choosing the right LMS depends on your budget, as well as need. Regardless, an LMS is essential to developing a successful blended learning environment. Another aspect for teachers to consider when developing effective blended learning is the use of websites that help engage and assess. Blendspace and URcast allow teachers to effectively create and deliver instruction. While, Formative, Exittix, and Kahoot allow for teachers to easily assess students in the blended learning environment. Teachers also will need students to demonstrate understanding and Animoto, Prezi, ThingLink, and Powtoon are just a few great presentation tools that are wonderful for those who are interested in blended learning.
February Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 National Freedom Day
2 Ground Hog Day
3 The Day the Music Died
4 Thank a Mailman Day
5 National Weatherman's Day
6 Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
7 Super bowl Sunday
8 Clean out Your Computer Day
9 Toothache Day
10 Umbrella Day
11 Make a Friend Day
12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
13 Get a Different Name Day
14 Valentine's Day
15 President's Day
16 Do a Grouch a Favor Day
17 Random Acts of Kindness
18 National Battery Day
19 National Chocolate Mint Day
20 Love Your Pet Day
21 Card Reading Day
22 International World Thinking Day
23 Tennis Day
24 National Tortilla Chip Day
25 Pistol Patent Day
26 Carnival Day
27 Polar Bear Day
28 Public Sleeping Day
29 Leap Day http://bit.do/ februaryholiday
This Edition Brought To You By: Sarah Darnall is a special education teacher at Tennerton Elementary School. She also assists in her building as the CST (Computer Support Technician).
Scott Soderholm is the TIS and Academic Coach at Clay-Battelle Middle/High School in Blacksville., in Monongalia County. ssoderholm @k12.wv.us
sdarnall@k12.wv.us
Traci DeWall is the TIS for Gilmer County Schools and works at Glenville Elementary, Normantown Elementary, Sand Fork Elementary, and Gilmer County High School! tdewall@k12.wv.us