Technology+Reviews

Below you will find some of the best and most useful technology reviews that I encountered during the last eight weeks of this course. These reviews reflect on the needs to my classroom and content areas.

[|QuestGarden] By Caleb Abraham I chose to include this review because it deals with a website that I have used extensively in the previous weeks since discovering it. Students in all of my science classes have embarked on webquests and the results have been amazing. The students learn while they participate and have fun as well. It also allows for them to get out of the normal classroom setting and in front a computer, immediately making an impact on their willingness to participate. I look forward to using this website more in the future to help my students learn in an engaging fashion.

[|Electrocity] By Caleb Abraham This simulation is a great way to get students thinking about alternative forms of energy. The game is both fun and educational, as it encourages students to learn not only about energy resources, but also economics, government, environment, and strategic planning. I have shown the game to a few of my students and plan to have all students use it in the near future.

[|ePals] By Caleb Abraham This free service allows students to converse with other students around the globe. The teacher sets everything up and monitor all contact that students have through the safe and secure network set up by ePals. I plan on using this in my writing class to work on proper letter writing form, as well as internet etiquette and safety.

[|ChemBlaster] By Adam Paape This is a great resource for reviewing chemical symbols. I did show this to a few of my students who needed some extra practice outside of class. I would not recommend it for students who know them already, since it is a very basic game. Thanks to Adam Paape for finding this game!

[|Little Bird Tales] By Hope Nolte I chose this resource because it seems to be easy to use, student friendly, and one of the best digital story telling creators I have seen. It allows students to use their own artwork to create digital stories. I hope to give students an opportunity to explore this service soon, with the goal of each student making their own unique digital story that can be shared with the class, school, parents, and community.