Technology allows endless opportunities for students to showcase what they know, what they are learning and provides systems of support to them when they are struggling.
1.Nearpod
Nearpod is an interactive content platform that can be customized to your needs. You can create your own lessons and add in multimedia elements like diagrams and videos. The “Climb to the Top” features allow you to input questions into their competitive game mode, to set a challenge for students to answer questions quickly and accurately against one another. Another great feature in the collaborative board, which is essentially a digital sticky note whiteboard. When students share their thoughts to your questions or statements it is added to the collaborative board so everyone can see it and interact with it, by liking the post.
2.Kahoot
Kahoot is a game-based platform in which students compete against each other for speed and accuracy to any topic of questions. You create the questions and style on delivery, either live game mode or self-paced mode. They are a great way to incorporate technology into lessons and for review. Students who struggle can practice the Kahoot ahead of time. Kahoots can also be set to independently complete, instead of a live game mode, so students can self-pace their work. This is great for early finishers who are ready for a new task or students who need more time to work through the content. If you add the deluxe features to your account, you can track student progress through each lesson to target interventions and reteach concepts.
3.PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoints are a great way for students to present information about what they are learning. The various multimedia elements allow for students to display their creativity in their presentations. Create a rubric with your must have’s and allow student creativity to flourish. Presentations are a great way for students to practice oral and listening skills and work in collaborative groups. It also teaches important research and digital discrepancy skills, as students sift through reliable and valid sources and different points of view on various topics. This allows them to become critical consumers of information in the digital age.
4.Video Recordings
Video recordings on an iPad, tablet, or other device allow for a new element for students to show what they know. For students who struggle with writing or presenting information to the whole class, they can demonstrate their learning through oral presentation. Video recording is great for teachers too. You can record a lesson for students to go back and review as many times as necessary if they are struggling with a concept or send it to students who missed class. Students who need enrichment can be the “teacher” by recording a video to explain concepts in “kid talk” to teach their classmates about a topic. You can host video debates, and use pauses for other classmates to chime in.
5.Microsoft One Note
Digital notebooks are a great way to track data and information on students and keep it easily accessible. No more forgetting paperwork at school or tracking student data by hand. You can track reading conferences, small group instruction, and anecdotes about student performance all in one place. This is a great tool for comparing data too, you can track trends in student achievement and compare to peers to see where gaps may be.
