This week I chose to explore different apps I can use for teaching. I teach first grade. Some apps I have read about others using seem good but not a good fit for my class. There are many good learning apps to choose from. For me I feel as if I need to choose one or two and become comfortable with them before adding half a dozen to my classroom playlist.
I have used Kahoot in professional development but not in class. It brought a break from “sit and get” training and allowed for teachers to collaborate and answer questions. I know other teachers have used it and their kids enjoy it. I also like the program STMath. STMath is a tutorial for teaching or reinforcing math concepts. The ST stands for spatial temporal. Students are introduced to math concepts with game play. They can manipulate math manipulatives to solve puzzles. There are no verbal directions. Teachers are encouraged to help students’ problem solve and think about what they need to do in order to find a solution.
Kahoot is a quiz game.
Students can answer questions and get points for correct answers. The questions can include pictures or just text. There are different answer types. Ones that I have seen in use are true false questions, put answers in order, or type in an answer. The quizzes can have up to six answers. The answers are color different colors and include different shapes. This allows nonreaders or low-level readers to participate easily. Students can play in groups or individually. Teachers can create games or use ones that have already been created. Teachers can type in a subject they are looking for to review premade quizzes.
I would like to use this as an independent review for students before an actual assessment. The teacher sets the pace and can stop to review if they see many students didn’t get the correct answer. This would only be augmenting what can be done in class. This could be moved to redefinition if the students created their own questions. I don’t think my first graders are ready for that. But I won’t know unless I try.
Currently I am teaching coins. I could use this with questions and pictures of real coins. Questions could include name the coin, name the value, determine the total value of the group of coins. This type of review could easily incorporate the TPACK model. Kahoot blends technology, pedagogical, and content knowledge to advance student understanding. The content would have been taught already. Students would demonstrate that they understand the content and receive positive reinforcement for their answers. Teachers will also get feedback concerning students understanding because the answers are displayed in a graph. If the teacher needed to reteach or reinforce during the quiz it could easily be done. Students would be able to feel as if they were successful.
STMath –
Math concepts can be explored prior to the actual lesson in the curriculum. Or incorporated as part of the unit of study. Teachers can model using the program to show how it aligns with the standard being taught. I would use this in an upcoming lesson on measurement. In first grade we use nonstandard units of measure. This program also uses nonstandard units. Students could have independent practice after the I introduce linear measurement. Students would be able to manipulate the units of measurement to determine how long certain objects are. This is another example of the TPACK model. The technology supports the content presented by the teacher. Students get several tries to demonstrate mastery. If they need assistance they can virtually or in real life raise their hand for assistance. I think STMath modifies the way students learn. In some instances, redefines the learning experience because students are using manipulatives on the computer or tablet that they wouldn’t be able to in the classroom. https://www.stmath.com/