This course forced me to really evaluate the purposeful use of technology in my classroom. When technology is incorporated purposefully students have the opportunity to collaborate, create, and really direct their own learning. As a teacher we always feel like we don’t have enough time! I always say “ If only I had more time.”  Taking this course forced me to make time for technology. In the past I would make excuses and say there just isn’t enough time for that! However, after making time and actually creating our letter sound video, I realized the benefits that come when you make time for technology. My students were engaged, excited and in control of their learning. They worked together with their peers and were proud of the work they produced. Technology transforms learning from passive to active. It helps create an authentic learning environment and allows students to be the creators instead of passive consumers.

Watching everyone present their scenario projects was incredible. It gave me a lot of new ideas to try in my classroom. I’m interested in trying QR codes for books and audio recording. Also, using Connected Classroom to learn about other communities and parts of the world. Students would be engaged and excited to skype and directly speak to kids in other communities, rather than just read a book about it or hear their teacher talk about it. Technology brings learning to life! I learned a lot about the app SeeSaw and I can’t wait to actually implement it in my classroom. It is a great way for students to connect with their parents. Technology really opens the door for new connections and learning to happen, that wouldn’t be available without it.

In First Grade, addition and subtraction fact fluency is a huge piece of their mathematics. It is important that they develop automaticity of addition and subtraction facts. When we practice fact fluency in my classroom I try to keep it fresh and exciting for students. However, the reality is that it eventually becomes redundant, whether we are playing a dice game or doing a worksheet. Currently, the only ipad app I use for math is Reflex Math. Most of my students enjoy it, but just like a dice game, the excitement eventually goes away. Therefore, I decided to search for a variety of apps that allow students to practice their fact fluency. I believe if I have a wider range for them to choose from, then perhaps the excitement will not disappear so quickly.

While I was searching and testing different apps, I looked for parts that would be appealing to students in First Grade and require some problem solving skills.  I also considered if the app (technology) allowed students to do something different from our traditional math. I found the following apps to be engaging for first grade and allow them to practice their fact fluency.

Math VS Zombies

This game requires you to zap the zombies with math facts and turn them back into humans. It also has counting and other number sense practice. This app is $4.99 so it will probably only be available on my classroom ipad for kids to use, not on our ipad cart.

Math Heroes

This app was easy to navigate ( even for me). I think my students will really enjoy the ninjas fighting. There are different levels to choose from and each level has about 10 problems, so it moves quick.

Motion Math: Hungry Fish

This app challenges kids to select bubbles with numbers to add up to the amount

on the fish. They have to find the correct numbers and attach the two bubbles, then feed the fish. There is also a subtraction component. This app is $2.99 so it will probably only be available on my classroom ipad for kids to use, not on our ipad cart.

Sushi Monster- This app requires students to solve a series of addition problems. There are numbers that show up on sushi plates and are fed to a sushi monster. Students must choose the correct sum of a combination of sushi plates to solve the equation. This game is timed and the quicker they solve problems the higher their score goes. I would use this app later in the school year. Some of the target numbers are 22 and 24.  There is a multiplication component as well. I did not find one with subtraction.

I haven’t tried all of these apps with my students yet, but I believe they will provide some extra motivation. Fact fluency is not an exciting topic for first graders. I think incorporating technology(apps) and providing diversity and different choices will help keep my students engaged in the learning process.

ISTE Teacher Standards

Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

2c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

I really enjoyed the speed geeking this weekend. I learned about a few apps that I could use in my classroom. I’m excited to try PicCollage and morfo. I think it would be neat to have my students use PicCollage to document some of their learning and then post it to their seesaw blog. I would also like to use the morfo app with my shapes unit in first grade. I think I could use it as a final representation of what they have learned and know about shapes (how many sides, vertices, etc). I also enjoyed learning how to use Imovie and hope to use it to create my promo video and put together my final product for my scenario project! This was my first time trying mystery skype and it was a neat experience. I would like to use it with my students to explore other cultures around the world. However, I’m still wondering what that will look like at a first grade level.

The online work Thursday night was interesting. It made me realize how vital it is to allow students to be creators not just consumers. I’m trying to be brave and just try something! I want to incorporate more maker model activities in my classroom. I have a few ideas,but need to just go for it and try something out! :)

Tinkercad Creation: Caterpillar

Students are interested, determined and excited when they are provided with maker movement activities. They see a purpose in what they are doing. They are invested because their own natural curiosity is guiding their learning. Their learning becomes unlimited because they are engaged and enjoy what they are studying. Another benefit of the maker movement is promoting growth mindset and learning through trial and error. It encourages kids to be resilient and learn through their mistakes. Providing students with opportunities to learn by doing is powerful!

This weekend helped me remember the importance of using technology with a purpose.  At first, I had a hard time coming up with a Transformation Scenario for my class. Every idea I had seemed to be at the substitution level. I wanted to find something that couldn’t happen without the use of technology. Although I am not as comfortable and confident as I would like to be with using technology with my students, I know I have to start somewhere and learn with them as we go. I learned about a new app called SeeSaw and I am really excited to try it out with my students. It was nice to have some time to mess around and learn how to use it today. I think my transformation scenario is focused on improving collaboration, creativity and engagement in my classroom.

I also enjoyed reading the different scenarios from One Best Thing. They gave me a lot of new ideas for implementing technology purposefully in my classroom. I learned about the importance of choice and how to provide students with choice in digital and non-digital ways. It reminded me that when we give students choice, it lets them know that we value their decisions! This weekend I was brave and tried new technology devices (blogs, twitter and seesaw). Although, I’m still trying to figure out when, where and how to purposefully use technology in my First Grade Classroom, I’m ready and open to learning, even if it’s messy!