TWITTER CHAT

On our first week of class, we were asked to join a Twitter chat that interested us. I chose #spedchat to learn more about special education. In the first few weeks, I was disappointed because this hashtag didn’t have a very active chat. I was hopeful that other educators would post recourses or tips for teaching special education, but this hashtag usually didn’t contain that information and posted a lot of job opportunities. Over time and as I explore the hashtag longer, I found tweets with useful information that I could use in my student teaching next semester. Overall, I wasn’t impressed with my Twitter chat or using this as a resource to connect with other educators. I find blogs and podcasts more helpful.

Here are some tweets that sparked my interest:

All students are welcome. All students are recieving learning supports in your class as to the greatest extent possible. More @ "How to Include and Teach Students Who Are at Different Academic Levels in Your Classroom" https://t.co/7iw8VB1amS #teach #learn #spedchat #SEL pic.twitter.com/7q6aKmwwLK

— The Inclusive Class (@Inclusive_Class) November 11, 2020

10 things to do to set the tone for inclusive education. #edchat #inclusion #spedchat pic.twitter.com/rXjyhZB3wX

— Brookes Publishing (@BrookesPubCo) October 26, 2020

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY- SNAP & READ

Snap & Read is an extension added to a device to assist many reading needs at different levels. This program shows up on internet browsers tool bars and can be added to Chromebooks, Macs, Windows, and iPads. Snap & Read’s features include:

• Read aloud- on websites, files, and Google Drive
• Translation of text in other languages
• Dynamic text leveling- can change a sentence or phrase different terms without changing the meaning
• Remove distractions
• Record yourself reading- can track progress
• Dictionary- click on word for meaning, also has a picture dictionary
• Data collection

This program is trainable and individualized to students needs. With the data collection feature, Snap & Read can learn vocabulary the student is struggling with or how to pronounce certain words. Any student could benefit from this technology tool, but can be extra beneficial for English language learners and anyone with a learning disability. The proofreading tool, text to speech, and definitions can assist students to better comprehend information.

An important feature this program is missing is font size. I believe many people like or need to change the font size to be bigger, especially visually impaired people or struggling readers. The program is also expensive for a family purchase. Luckily, school districts can buy this program at a better price and add to numerous students devices to support their learning needs.

snap-and-read-reviewDownload

Gamification Tools for Early Education

1. Class Dojo

Class Dojo is a popular classroom management tool commonly used by elementary school teachers. The main use of Class Dojo is receiving points for good behavior. Each student gets a little cartoon version of themselves on this site and can get points as an induvial or a whole class. When points are received, a upbeat noise goes off which excites students and gives them a positive reinforcement to keep doing their best. Class Dojo allows parents to check their child’s progress throughout the day as the teacher updates the site. Teachers can also post pictures throughout the day for parents to feel apart of the classroom community. As a future early education teacher, I would love to use this for my class’ behavior chart. It is easy to update throughout the day and allows parents to see how their child is doing. When a certain amount of points is received by each student or class, I would give rewards which I would establish with my students.

classdojo-evalDownload

2. Wordscapes

Wordscapes is a crossword style game to improve vocabulary. The player is given a few letters they are asked to connect to make words to fill out the crossword puzzle. There is numerous levels that players can move up to while learning new words through the built in dictionary. I know about this game through the boy I babysit for, we play it together often! We both love it and compare what levels we are on. I help him learn new words and try to explain to him the meanings. I would suggest this game to my higher level students in my class to work on their spelling and vocabulary.

wprdscapes

an example of my daily puzzle in Wordscapes!

3. Kahoot!

Kahoot! is one of the most popular gamification tools. Students join the game via a code on their own devices and the game is usually shown on a Smart Board in front of the class. The score is shown after every round for students to see where they are compared to their peers. Teachers can make their own Kahoots or use ones already made on the site. The game can be played through academic subjects or fun subjects like sports and movies. Students love this game because it is fun and competitive while playing a catchy tune!

kahootDownload

OzoBots

introduction video of OzoBots

OzoBots are tiny toy robots used to introduce students to coding. Students can see their coding efforts come to life with the help of the robot. The robot is linked to an app where students enter their coding, where they can make the bot do numerous things. On the OzoBots website, there are many lesson plans teachers can choose from in subjects including ELA, art, music, math, social studies, and science. Lessons can be searched through classroom or distance learning as well. The website makes it very helpful and easy for teachers to find a lesson on a subject of their liking. When in a classroom with limited technology, the teacher can use OzoBots to do group learning or projects. If a student is interested in coding and robots and wants to do more independent learning, there is an online summer camp!

Ozobots introduces coding to students at their level. I believe coding and robots are good for older elementary grade and older. I could see younger children having a lot of issues with this if they were doing independent learning. It is important that students learn how to use various forms of technology for their future learning and careers. Bringing robots into a lesson can excite students on “boring” subjects to keep their interest!

ozobotsDownload

Nearpod > Pear Deck

Nearpod is a platform used for students to do lessons, formative assessments, and more independent learning. This platform is free for teachers and students to use and I was amazed with all the resources it provides. The Nearpod library is AMAZING! This library has endless content. Teachers can search through state standards, subjects, and grade levels. Lessons and videos for different holidays and events going on in today’s world are also available. I was surprised that the Calm App, which I use for meditation, was on the Nearpod library. Now more than ever, students of all ages need to be taught how to destress and the Calm App is a great introduction to meditation and mindfulness.

Here is an introduction to meditation for grades k-2!

Teachers can use Nearpod to give assessments through different question formats including open ended, polls, quizzes, drawings, and collaborating work with other students for group projects. Lessons along with different homework for can be assigned to students at their skill level. Live lesson can be taught as well with interaction from students. Nearpod offers hundreds of virtual field trips, which is perfect for today’s world and regulations during Covid19. Collaboration between students can be done, similar to GoogleDocs. Students posts can be liked by their peers and teachers.

Nearpod is a platform I would love to use as an early education teacher. It is easy enough to navigate for young students and their parents, with a lot of fun learning options so students will never be bored. Students could even explore Nearpod on their own time for their own interests.

nearpodDownload

SEESAW REVIEW

Seesaw is a digital portal used for students to showcase their work. The homescreen for students is broken into 3 main categories- journal, activities, and inbox. Under journal and activities, students would find their classwork. Teachers can add links, worksheets, and videos and ask students to share their work via pictures, videos, or uploads. Inbox is used for communication between students and teachers. Seesaw also has a folders section for different educational subjects.

I found Seesaw easy to navigate. I like that the site has numerous sharing options between teachers and students. As a future early education teacher, I believe Seesaw is easy enough to understand for young students working with an online schooling model. I nanny for a boy in 2nd grade and his class uses Seesaw for their hybrid schooling model. He was able to navigate the program within the first week of using it. Everyday, his teacher asks him to fill out a daily mood chart. I love this idea because it is important to check on students mentally even though they are not always physically in the classroom anymore! I would love to do something similar with my students someday soon.

educationaltechnologyvalueevaluation__2___1_Download

Connected is my educational technology rubric. The only con I saw about Seesaw online was that it takes a while for teachers to set up their class’ online portal. But with time and dedication from loving teachers- Seesaw can benefit students learning goals!

TWITTER PROFILES

Amanda Davis – @MandiedavisAd

A1: Being a connected educator has helped me grow outside my comfort zone as my #pln has "pushed" me to try new things that I would not on my own. #edu4513

— Amanda Davis (@MandiedavisAd) July 14, 2020

Our professor, Amanda Davis, is explaining the importance of a PLN as an educator. It is so important to be connected to others in the same profession to explore new things.

Emily – @sattlercyber

As we get closer to school, I see my feed filling with anxiety. This #agoraproud virtual teacher is here for you. If you need ANYTHING, want to bounce ideas, vent, problem solve, etc, please reach out. You are not alone. #cybersisters #kitfamily #distancelearning 💜🤩

— Emily (@sattlercyber) July 18, 2020

I love this tweet because I know how hard online learning has been for teachers and it is so sweet that @sattlercyber is reaching out to others for support! Teachers have been working so hard during this pandemic!

Melissa-Ann Pero – @melannpero

I regularly read aloud to my 12th graders. They were more engaged in the story (& they told me I made the best character voices!) #tryrinserepeat #amreading https://t.co/6pYmmo7WwC

— Melissa-Ann Pero (she/her) (@melannpero) August 2, 2020

I picked this tweet because I love reading and it is so important to intergrade reading into the classroom as much as possible. Students of all age benefit from being read to!

Mike Marrotta – @mmatp

Hear Dave Grohl Defend Teachers, Remote Learning in ‘True Stories’ Audio Clip https://t.co/7Dn6kIDRwf via @RollingStone

— Mike Marotta (@mmatp) July 22, 2020

I love to see famous people supporting teachers!

Dr. Sam Fecich – @sfecich

Looking a little different today, I wanted to share that we explored #virtualreality in class. We checked out several sites & discussed how we can use #vr in the classroom. Want to know more – just drop 👋in the comments! @googleartsculture
#isteten #pstpln #EduMagic #gccedu pic.twitter.com/noVb6hkIt3

— Dr. Sam Fecich ✨#EduMagic✨ (@SFecich) October 23, 2020

This is such a cool art filter! I explored the @googleartsculture site which had a lot of viral museum tours and different kinds of art. When I followed Sam Fecich, she followed me back and DMed me shortly after about my future as a educator. I was so surprised she reached out to me!

The Teaching Factor-  @teachingfactor

Talk about information overload, 2 days back in school and there is WAY TOO much information being thrown at teachers. Imagine the stress Ss are going to feel next week

— ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴀᴄʜɪɴɢ Fᴀᴄᴛᴏʀ (@teachingfactor) September 2, 2020

This tweet shows the stressful side of teaching. Many things have changed this school year and teachers are feeling overwhelmed. We are all in this together!

Torrey Trust – @torreytrust

Wondering how to enhance asynchronous online discussions? Check out this infographic (inspired by and co-constructed with @ClaraBauler)

PDF version: https://t.co/KVDSaHTltt#remoteteaching #highered #distancelearning #edtech #isteten #onlinelearning #academictwitter #edchat pic.twitter.com/2wLZZRwXU2

— Dr. Torrey Trust (@torreytrust) September 11, 2020

Online learning has big a huge adjustment to both teachers and students. I found this tweet helpful on how to have an open discussion with students instead of only focusing on right and wrong answers. Class discussions should allow students to express their thoughts in a casual way without any pressure!