Gallery of Links & Applications
Being a teacher in the 21st century, part of our job is to introduce new tools and resources that can help students build knowledge and explain their thinking. I currently work in a district that is 1:1 with iPads so I have become familiar with many useful links and applications to help further my students' success. Below you will find some of my favorite links and applications to use in the classroom divided into three categories: Literacy, Classroom Management, and All Subject Areas.
Literacy
Epic
Epic is a collection of over 35,000 digital books, videos, and quizzes. It has a wide collection of levels and genres and also provides a large collection of audiobooks and books that are read aloud to the student. If given the option to read a paper book or use Epic I would say 85% of my classroom would choose to use Epic. It is a great tool to use because it provides my students with more choices of not only what books they can read but how they would like to read it.
Book Creator
Book Creator is an engaging app that allows students to create their own books. The students love using this app in their free time, but I often use this app for writing assignments. Every year my students are required to do a research paper and they complete it using Book Creator. The app allows students to type their thoughts and include pictures and diagrams. They are also able to draw their own pictures if they would like.
Vocabulary Spelling City
Spelling Vocabulary City is an app that is used to help kids practice their spelling and vocabulary words. Teachers are able to download lists of words or create their own. You are also able to assign tasks and tests to assess your students’ knowledge. It also has a grouping feature so you can assign different word lists to different learners.
Typing Club
Typing Club is a web-based tool that teaches kids how to type using a keyboard. Students are given lessons to complete and when they reach five stars they are able to move onto the next lesson. This tool is used to give the students practice using a keyboard since this skill is needed not only in the real world but for standardized testing as well. Many of my students prefer to use keyboards when completing their work on their iPads so using Typing Club to get practice is a huge benefit.
Classroom Management
Apple Classroom
Apple Classroom is a classroom management tool that teachers can use to monitor students while they are working on their iPads. With this app, a teacher can launch the same app on everyone’s device, lock screens, share their screen or another student’s screen, or navigate them to a website. It also has the capability to see all students’ screens at the same time in real time. This way the teacher can monitor student work and make sure students are using the technology the way it is intended to be used.
Class Kick
Classkick is a tool used to give feedback in real time. When the teacher uploads an assignment they are given a six-digit code for the assignment. The students then log into their device using the six-digit code. Students can immediately begin working on the assignment and the teacher can simultaneously see all students’ work being completed in real time. Teachers can see when a student is stuck or can redirect a student if they are on the wrong track. Teachers can write on and give individualized feedback in real-time.
All Subject Areas
Kahoot
Kahoot is another fun web-based game that can be used to review material learned in class. The teacher can find a preexisting quiz or create their own. Kids log into the system using a code on the board. When you are ready to start, the multiple choice, true or false, or timeline questions will appear on the board. Students use their device to choose the correct answers. After each question, the answer is revealed and a leader board appears showing the top five students who answered it correctly and used the least amount of time.
IXL
IXL is a web-based tool that can be used to get more practice in the areas of math, science, social studies, and language skills. The practice problems that are given align with most state standards. While having a membership gives you unlimited access to practice problems and other capabilities, the basic trial does include access to one set of ten questions each day. I use this tool to give kids practice before I give them my own assessment.
Photo Attributions
Epic! courtesy of:Â https://www.getepic.com
Book Creator courtesy of:Â https://bookcreator.com
Vocabulary & Spelling City courtesy of :https://www.spellingcity.com
Typing Club courtesy of:Â https://www.typingclub.com
Apple Classroom courtesy of:Â https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/classroom/id1085319084?mt=8
Class Kick courtesy of:Â https://classkick.com
Its Learning courtesy of:Â https://itslearning.com/us/
Kahoot courtesy of:Â https://kahoot.com
Padlet courtesy of:Â https://padlet.com
IXL courtesy of:Â https://www.ixl.com/?partner=google&campaign=1264&adGroup=IXL+-+General&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrMbx4NbG4AIV0LXACh1a1Ac8EAAYASAAEgLlq_D_BwE