QR Codes and a Flipped Classroom

         

Technology Talk

      Throughout the education program we have talked about QR Codes and how important they are to our classroom. These codes eliminate lengthy web addresses to sites we want our students to visit with a simple code for the students to scan with a QR code reader. These not only are perfect for students with challenges, but also our class as a whole. This would work great if you are teaching using stations that have web linked content. This would help the stations move more efficiently. 

We all know children like to explore, but the internet is not somewhere we want them to explore freely. QR codes take away from the wandering on search engines and misspelling of web addresses to lead to sites that students do not need to see.  

  Flipped Classroom is a new way of teaching that I myself only heard about last semester in Lit Block. This basically means that the students are given content to view at home then when they come to class they teacher addresses misconceptions and digs deeper into the subject. It also allows students to get the content material at home so they can have more time to work in class on things they might need help with. Flipping the classroom allows the teacher to have more time with the students actually doing the work then teaching and giving the work for homework. You might ask "What if a student doesn't have a device at home?". Flipping the classroom could be modified in those cases. The student can view the content before going home, or even get a print out of what is on the digital tool. Sending them home with a QR code that sends them directly to what they need to do that night is also another great idea.

        

Social Stories

      Social stories are a great technology tool to use in the classroom when you have behavioral issues or need students to know what is going on in the classroom that they might get upset about. Social stories are a great way for students to see desired expectations, be prepared for an event that is about to take place, or reiterating a desired concept. These stories are great for all students, but especially those with ADHD,ADD, and Autism. These students connect well with using the iPads. The iPad and

other digital devices help the student communicate what they want you to know without feeling intimidated by talking to you.  Some students need literal experiences and instruction's instead of vague cues other students might pick up on. These stories are acted out by the student, a script might be provided by the teacher to help the student keep their thoughts focused. Although iPads are great for students on the spectrum we must not let them get to consumed by them. Social Stories can work in the classroom setting or even in your own home. 

Here are some apps that you can use to create your own social stories! 

• Little Bird Tales
• My Story 
• Kid in Story 
• iMovie
• Videolicious 
• Move and Match(Creating daily schedules with images)

Digital Story Telling

Alabama State Technology Education Standard

2.) Publish digital products that communicate curriculum concepts.

Examples: Web pages, videos, podcasts, multimedia presentations

About the Lesson

This lesson was my Social Studies read aloud. My students had just finished up their unit on the Civil War. I used the book "Dadblamed Union Army Cow" by Susan Fletcher for this lesson. This book is on the notable tradebook list, which was a requirement for the lesson. This lesson involved me reading the book, questioning throughout, and then a short writing prompt with sentece stems for the students to answer. They enjoyed the book very much. I chose this app because it allows you to take a picture for your background, so you can see the book. I also chose this app because it was a little more mature for my 6th graders. The project went great and I was very happy that the student could tell the story by using Tellagami. 

Digital Storytelling Reflection

       

 Digital Storytelling Reflection

   Digital Storytelling is allowing students to use pictures, audio, and drawings to tell a story using a digital tool. Digital story telling is a great way for student's to be hands on and creative. This is not only technology but uses all steps of the writing process as well. Student's who tend to be shy in the classroom will open up by using the voice changing audio tools. Apps like these are a great assessment tool to use in the classroom among many other uses. Here is a list of the apps I learned about tonight. 

• My Story
• PicCollage
• Tellagami
• Screen Chomp
• Shadow Puppet 
• Sock Puppets 
• Little Bird Tales 
• Solar System AR Cards 
• Hello Crayons
• Feltboard

Follow my blog to see some of the exciting ways I use these apps in my practicum setting and future classroom!