1. http://www.quia.com/hm/80390.html
I previewed a Hangman game found on gamequarium. This is an online version of an old favorite. I found that it was effective in presenting review for my content area, while not extremely engaging or entertaining. Students receive feedback for both positive and negative actions. It is easy to use, and the goal is to recall figurative language terms by use of a clue. Students love the challenge of this game even though it may not have all the “bells and whistles” that other video games may have.
2. The Nobel Prize game site was very thorough, especially the science games. I enjoyed the extra information and attention given to the literature games, although fewer than the science games, students could benefit from the information about the author. I played” Lord of the Flies” a game that required recall from book elements.
The aim of this game is to introduce some basic analytical aspects of the book and to challenge the reader's memory through play. The game is interesting if you have read the book. It is an excellent character analysis, and student can reach the goal by trial and error if he/she does not remember the character/story well. I feel this would be a great review for students after reading the story and could be used in my class. It was fun, if you had read the book, the graphics and sounds pertinent to the topic, with the goal being to analyze character and plot, by moving objects or quotes from the story to elements of characters and plot.
"Lord of the Flies". Nobelprize.org. 24 Oct 2011 http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/literature/golding/index.html
3. WordStash “Half flashcard, half dictionary, and full awesome!” http://wordstash.com/
As a language arts teacher, I found this the most intriguing game, as it may or may not be called a game. This site provides teachers with a free account, where you can create word lists and flashcards with your students or search for lists to copy and use. I found a list of figurative language terms that I can use tomorrow in my classroom. This is going on my favorites list.
Students can find the definition, practice with matching and multiple choice games. It even has a learning mode that can be set to remember what you need more practice on. It is engaging, and gives student feedback by way of further practice for missed words. It has a time component that counts up. I especially liked the Waterfall game that had fill in the blank, which is a quick comprehension element. Students can monitor their own understanding, and take charge of their own learning of content words and their meanings. It also had an audio feature that would benefit esol students.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
One of the difficulties I find in my practice is discouragement by others about using technology in the language arts classroom. Finding clear instructions and ideas for professional development is important in aiding "newbies" or seasoned teachers in feeling confident to try. I find that because of my age, and my efforts to share the technology that I am using in the classroom it helps others think that maybe they can try also.
The embedded video found on youtube is a good tool for reluctant or hesitant teachers to begin using in the classroom. It gives reasons a blog can be used in the Language Arts Classroom, and the benefits to students. This video is good in giving the listener/learner time to reflect on the ideas put forth. One idea that I think I could sell to teachers not currently using technology in the classroom is the posting of "Book Review" on blogs stating the ease of teacher reply to students. (Integrate Blogs in English-Teacher Professional Development, March 10, 2011)
The embedded video found on youtube is a good tool for reluctant or hesitant teachers to begin using in the classroom. It gives reasons a blog can be used in the Language Arts Classroom, and the benefits to students. This video is good in giving the listener/learner time to reflect on the ideas put forth. One idea that I think I could sell to teachers not currently using technology in the classroom is the posting of "Book Review" on blogs stating the ease of teacher reply to students. (Integrate Blogs in English-Teacher Professional Development, March 10, 2011)
Uploaded by Simplek12Team on Mar 10, 2011
Blogs In The Classroom - http://tinyurl.com/tlc-nowSunday, October 2, 2011
In Search of the perfect WebQuest
I am in search of a webquest to use in my 6th grade language arts classroom. My search is for an engaging lesson, that employs cooperative interactions while providing stimulating active participation in knowledge research, and has an end product that shows student success in learning the concept. Below find 3 reviews from my most current research.
I have rated each on a scale of 6 pts.
2pts. each for Overall Design, Ease of Use, and Useage of HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=109744
Preview of Holes webquest found on zunal.com:
While visually appealing to students with video and pictures from the motion picture by the same title, this quest designed to “broaden students understanding of the novel” falls short. Students are asked to make a copy of a word search and complete, take a multiple choice test then create a test for a peer, and write a short essay from a specific character’s point of view. It fails to require students to work cooperatively. I would not use this quest in my practice as I feel it did not challenge students in their thinking. While, as a writer I like the idea of students writing a point of view essay, no directions were given as to use of materials (paper or word processor). I give this webquest a score of 3. 1 for overall design, 1 for ease of use, and 1 for use of HOTS. (Higher Order Thinking Skills).
http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=107136
Preview of: Improving Reading Comprehension, Fluency, and Accuracy
The title of this webquest gave me hope that it might be beneficial to my students who are struggling in the area of fluency. Aside from practice reading passages, this quest did not meet my expectations. Students have opportunities to practice reading and then show comprehension by completing a multiple choice test to show accuracy. This page was the least appealing visually of the 5 or 6 that I looked at from the zunal webpage. It looked as if this was a cover sheet for a classrooms curriculum. Navigation was difficult causing students to search for the accuracy pages. It made me feel as if a new coat of paint was put over the old textbook activities. I would not use this in my practice. Overall score of 1. 1 for design, 0 for ease of use (difficulty knowing which passage and tests corresponded.) 0 for use of HOTS.
http://questgarden.com/104/00/2/100522123141/index.htm
Preview of: Figurative Language Museum
This webquest has it all; students are engaged in cooperative group and partner discussions. Students are given quality sites for research and practice sets to cement their learning. Then students work together to create a product for others to enjoy and learn from, while able to practice their own learning and exhibit knowledge skills in a carousel walk. I loved the story line that draws students into the quest. The colors and graphics were inviting and flowed with the theme of creating museum artifacts. Navigation was smooth and explanations and directions clear. A special teachers page included standards and a timeline for the project. I will definitely use this quest with my students, as we are just now beginning to work on figurative language. I am writing this one in my plan book today! Overall score of 6. 2 for design, 2 for ease of use, and 2 for use of HOTS.
I have rated each on a scale of 6 pts.
2pts. each for Overall Design, Ease of Use, and Useage of HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=109744
Preview of Holes webquest found on zunal.com:
While visually appealing to students with video and pictures from the motion picture by the same title, this quest designed to “broaden students understanding of the novel” falls short. Students are asked to make a copy of a word search and complete, take a multiple choice test then create a test for a peer, and write a short essay from a specific character’s point of view. It fails to require students to work cooperatively. I would not use this quest in my practice as I feel it did not challenge students in their thinking. While, as a writer I like the idea of students writing a point of view essay, no directions were given as to use of materials (paper or word processor). I give this webquest a score of 3. 1 for overall design, 1 for ease of use, and 1 for use of HOTS. (Higher Order Thinking Skills).
http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=107136
Preview of: Improving Reading Comprehension, Fluency, and Accuracy
The title of this webquest gave me hope that it might be beneficial to my students who are struggling in the area of fluency. Aside from practice reading passages, this quest did not meet my expectations. Students have opportunities to practice reading and then show comprehension by completing a multiple choice test to show accuracy. This page was the least appealing visually of the 5 or 6 that I looked at from the zunal webpage. It looked as if this was a cover sheet for a classrooms curriculum. Navigation was difficult causing students to search for the accuracy pages. It made me feel as if a new coat of paint was put over the old textbook activities. I would not use this in my practice. Overall score of 1. 1 for design, 0 for ease of use (difficulty knowing which passage and tests corresponded.) 0 for use of HOTS.
http://questgarden.com/104/00/2/100522123141/index.htm
Preview of: Figurative Language Museum
This webquest has it all; students are engaged in cooperative group and partner discussions. Students are given quality sites for research and practice sets to cement their learning. Then students work together to create a product for others to enjoy and learn from, while able to practice their own learning and exhibit knowledge skills in a carousel walk. I loved the story line that draws students into the quest. The colors and graphics were inviting and flowed with the theme of creating museum artifacts. Navigation was smooth and explanations and directions clear. A special teachers page included standards and a timeline for the project. I will definitely use this quest with my students, as we are just now beginning to work on figurative language. I am writing this one in my plan book today! Overall score of 6. 2 for design, 2 for ease of use, and 2 for use of HOTS.
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