Jeopardy game-maker— www.superteachertools.com
Instructional Game
This
website allows the teacher to create his or her own Jeopardy games for in-class play. The site appears relatively easy
to use, providing step-by-step instructions for first-time users. I have had
success in using Jeopardy in past
classroom experiences. Robyler &Doering (2013) assert that “appeal of games
seems to center around students’ desire to compete and play” (p. 96). I would
use this game-making technology to include Jeopardy in my classroom, using it
to build vocabulary, review key terms, and study for literature examinations.
Drills for language arts -- http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_vocab.htm
Drill and Practice
This
website offers a plethora of games to choose from, covering key language arts
areas like vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. While some of the games are
interactive animated games, the site also includes flash cards for students
preparing for important examinations. The games seem fun; however, the games
did not offer enough feedback, which, according to Robyler &Doering (2013)
is essential for drill and practice software, as students need to be “debugged”
of erroneous ways and to be able to retain the information for the long-term (p.
84). The games are targeted to a younger audience, so the site would benefit
middle school students most, and I would certainly consider using the games to
reinforce concepts covered in class.
Flash card creation – http://quizlet.com
Drill and Practice
This
site allows students to study vocabulary and other items by using interactive
media. Gone are the days of sore hands from scribbling on tiny note cards;
students will relish the experience to create their own games and vocabulary
drills. The site not only tests vocabulary memory but also the student’s
spelling. This site would be fun and easy for students to use, motivating them
to learn. Robyler & Doering (2013) note that “drill software is both more
efficient and often more appealing to students” than traditional note cards (p.
84). Using this program would save both my students and I tons of time, and
help in the acquisition of essential classroom concepts.
Cloze Worksheet Generator -- http://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your-own/fill-in-the-blank/
According
to Robyler & Doering (2013), cloze exercises are “comprehension exercises
with certain words removed and students fill in the blanks” (p. 150). These
exercises would help ESL students grow more familiar with the parts of speech
in the English language. Further, I could use this software for any of my
students as reminder of what a pronoun is, for example, and where it goes in a
sentence. I would utilize the worksheets to drive home the importance of
sentence construction and cohesion.
SurveyMonkey – http://www.surveymonkey.com
While
I have some teaching experience, I will always be interested in learning what
is or is not working for my students in class. I would utilize this site to
generate surveys based on in-class instruction. This software tool, like others
mentioned in the text, would help in, according to Robyler & Doering
(2013), “getting organized, producing instructional materials, and
accomplishing paperwork tasks” (pp. 112-113). SurveyMonkey would be yet another
weapon in my arsenal of strategic and successful uses of technology in my classroom.
the jeopardy game sounds really neat, but if I used it in my classroom one day I think I would use it as more of an award than a learning tool. Just because I don't think they would retain much of while trying to play a game.
ReplyDeleteThe Jeopardy game caught my eye as well, I have seen teachers who used it get good responses from their students. I definitely think that getting students competitive natures involved in learning, helps keep them excited and involved. What all subjects have you incorporated in the Jeopardy game, did any work better than others?
ReplyDeleteI like your article on using games in the classroom. Many times, students get caught up in the action and don’t even realize they are learning. I always enjoyed getting to play games during class time. The worksheet generator seems like it would be a helpful tool for teachers, but worksheets are not always the most engaging way to learn. Survey Monkey also sounds like a useful software tool and it could be used to find out how well worksheets work as opposed to other options. Like you, I would be interested in learning what is or is not working in my classroom. It seems like you carefully considered how to utilize these and did a great job relating the information to your teaching field. The poem activity, in the book, would be great for you to use as well. Didn't it mention publishing software? I remember making books, in several classes, and really enjoying it.
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