Tool #9 Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices as Tools for Learning

It is important to tie technology to the objective because the kids are growing up in a world of technology. We will integrate technology into education and content objectives, the kids are so use to using technology outside of the classroom and it will bring everything together. They will want to download the apps that we have in the classroom at home and keep the practice up at home.

Technology is used in my classroom during literacy workstations and math tubs. I feel that it is very important for a child to be in charge of his or her learning. With established rules and routines, the students will gain a sense of responsibility for their own learning.

Some apps that I found for the iTouch include:
Houston Zoo (Helps navigate when you are at the zoo, but also gives animal specifications. It also helps with the Map skills and reading a map with cardinal directions.) We visit the Houston Zoo each year and this app will be a HUGE success with my children.
Funny Flash (This one is neat because it morphs animals and then spells them out verbally and in print.) This will be a great app for those ESL students.
Math Drill (Addition & Subtraction - primary grades.) Awesome for students learning their math facts!
Sight Words (Great way for students to learn their sight words.)
The Weather Channel (Keep current with weather conditions anywhere. Goes well with our Seasons/Graphing Weather Unit.)

I use the iTouches during math and literacy stations. I plan to use them for to differentiate learning. The Brainpop app is great and plan to add this to my apps on the iTouches. The sight word apps will be used for my ESL students to review the English language.