Technology

 As stated in my previous blog, I plan to incorporate learning tools for my students such as KaHoot and iReady, to help stimulate their young minds. The result of instant rewards will release the dopamine rush to keep them engage in whatever exercise we are currently working on. And especially with KaHoot, the incentive to win will compel the competitive spirit many individuals possess. KaHoot is a game oriented learning tool, so even if some of my students are unsuccessful, the disappointment will come from losing the game and not receiving a bad grade. It’s essentially low stakes with high rewards. Additionally, I will be able to see which students need more help on the material we are reviewing based on their ranking after the game.

IReady holds a similar premise to KaHoot. It’s lesson is perfectly targeted to whatever level of understanding a student is at, ergo it helps review material that the student might be struggling on. Furthermore, if a student were to due poorly on the lesson, they would be able again before taking the quiz portion. Additionally, the quiz portion is crafted to mirror the lesson perfectly, to negate any common complaints that students state when taking tests, such as “This wasn’t in the book” or “When did we learn this?” Also, the quiz comes immediately right after the lesson, so. The students are more likely to do better, since the information is fresh in their minds. I will be able to monitor the success of each of my students, by viewing the speed they complete each lesson and how many tries it took to get a passing a grade. 

Noredink was one of my favorite learning tools, and I think it is most useful in classroom setting do to its importance for grammar. The English language is not the most simple when it comes to grammar, and depending on my grade level, I know some students may struggle with their there, their, and they’re. However, Noredink mirrors iReady, by focusing on the weaknesses of the student. It is structured where the student cannot finish the lesson until a certain number of questions are answered correctly in a row. It even has a section for note taking, so the students can review their material before or during the quizzes. I believe Noredink is the most fundamental technological advancement for my classroom. Three out of the four subjects involve basic grammar skills. Many teachers put more emphasis on it as the grade levels progress. I don’t want to mark points off of my students for their grammar, as that would be hypocritical. I myself still struggle with grammar rules to this day. However, I do want to develop good grammar habits from an early age, so my students won’t have to struggle learning them later on while also learning pre-algebra and why U.S. history. Noredink is also similar to iReady, in where I can see the progress level of each of my students and how far along they have come on their assignments. 

As I previously stated the goal of my learning curriculum is to have my students base their success on understanding their material, no just the percent they receive on an assignment. To ensure they understand two to three activities will be given each week, varying from simply Vocab.com assignments, iReady lessons and Noredink. Depending on the length of each lesson, it may vary from one-two. We will also have end of week games with KaHoots, Jeopardy’s, and Quizzzes, before a quiz or test to brush over any questions and go over the material earned. I hope I found much success with my students. Let’s go far, reach for the stars, and show the world who you are.🤗