Hello!
My first post is based on an article located from eSchool News: Daily Tech News and Innovation.
The article I read was titled, Educator: These are "My Tech Essentials".
Full Text Article
The article focuses on three applications that are great to use in the classroom, especially with English Language Learners. It allows for a blended classroom. This means that technology is not just being used; Blended learning is when technology is being partnered with the classroom learning. Students are engaged and using technology as a resource to help them learn and succeed.
1. ThinkCERTA - This application aligns to the Common Core Standards and helps students focus on the skills needed for reading and responding to informational text. The application focuses on strengthening the student's skills in annotation, summaries, and paragraphing. The articles are written with students' interests and needs in mind to help keep them engaged and successful in reading. This is a great tool to use when helping English Language Learners prepare for standardized testing.
2. NewsELA - This is a great application for readers of all ages and levels! There are many current and exciting articles on here at multiple reading levels. This allows for teachers to assign the same article to every student, but it can be differentiated based on the reading level and language barriers. The articles are interesting to students and keep them engaged throughout reading the material. Through these readings, great classroom discussions can take place afterwards.
3. Read180 - This tool is used primarily with lower level reading students and English Language Learners. This application uses diagnostic assessments to measure their lexile level and reading skills. The program uses the data and creates independent reading assignments and activities, software, and small group resources. This application allows students to develop their reading skills through independent work as well as in small group with a teacher. It is consistent for the students because it is all from the same application.
For my 2nd grade classroom, I would really like to try NewsELA in the next week. I think this would be a fun and engaging application for my students to use. Being able to assign the same article to multiple levels is genius! As all my teacher friends out there know, the last week of school can be a rough one! Hopefully this application allows for fun, pressure-free reading activities to keep them engaged and working through Friday!
Thanks for reading!
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