How many methods can you use to reinforce or teach spelling? I don't think there is a definative answer to that question, but lately I've been introduced to a number of APPs that do just that, reinforce spelling and all I can say is, make mine Scrambled. An added bonus to using these APPs is engaging the grey and white matter which is needed as the years pass by.
Scramble With Friends
You can download this APP for FREE and begin playing within minutes. Like Words With Friends, the free version is riddled with ads. For $2.99 you can upgrade and get them out of your life and the game. You don't need to nominate a friend to play, you just begin a game, and an unknown opponent will take up the challenge. In the classroom you could have students share their Usernames. This way you are keeping it within the classroom. Read more ... | |
It feels like I'm part of an APP revolution at the moment and the EduCreations APP is looking like a winner. By using Twitter and Facebook, I am being informed by other teachers of what and how they are using APPs in their classrooms. I know not every student has a smart phone or iPad, however, I don't think this technology should be avoided. I also know that some teachers don't feel comfortable with this technology or with explaining how to use it in the classroom. There is an answer to use this without avoiding this technology (no not aversion therapy), download and use it. I have found the majority of APPs are fairly straightforward and they offer instructions on
how to set and use the technology. You will need to register with either Apple or the Android provider, but the benefits far outweigh your or your students' registration, and it's FREE. If you are security conscious and don't give your credit card number online, then you can purchase the PREPAID cards to access the APPs.
| EduCreations
In a nutshell, EduCreations created a recordable whiteboard APP for iPads and web browsers that captures everything you write and say, in real time, as you explain a concept. The image on the right is the startup screen. This is so user friendly I found all that limited me was my lack of drawing skills. | |
Have you been Aurasmaised yet? This is one condition you may like and it won't cost you a thing. I came across this APP when reading another educational blog and, to put it bluntly, I think it has incredible potential as a
learning tool.
Who or what is Aurasma?
AURASMA is billed as "...the world's first visual
browser". The developers explain how it works.
"Using the
smartphone's camera, GPS, compass, accelerometer and internet connection, the technology combines image recognition and a conceptual understanding of the 3D world to recognize objects and images and seamlessly merge augmented reality actions into the scene. Without the need for barcodes or tags, the APP is able to see its surrounding environment and make it fully interactive." (http://www.aurasma.com/what-is-it)
This APP will enable you and your learners to capture a video of
an object with sound. Not just any sound but you, or your students, describing
or naming an object. Great tool to assist learners with -
> word recognition
> spelling
> language development ESL
> demonstrating processes
> finding co-ordinates in a language / geography treasure hunt
> listening comprehension
> showing cause and effect.
Read more ...
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