As part of our class, each of us were responsible for finding ways to integrate technology in our future classes. We were able to present what we all discovered.

One group found the following:

  • ClassDojo – it is like a portfolio program. There are features to post what is happening in class, make assignments, and communicate with parents. I liked that it was student-friendly with the layout and ability to create their own character. However, this setup is probably not something that I would use for middle and high school students and I wonder if there is a feature that can be changed.
  • Google Sites
    • Classroom Screen – I really liked this website. I particularly liked the noise level monitor to help keep a handle on that as well as the group maker. It is just another feature that can be easily used and in conjunction with the other available features. One thing to remember is that to use it for free, nothing can be saved.
  • Jot Form – One specific feature that I really liked about this was the ability to create permission forms online and allow parents to sign and submit the form online. This will really help with students losing these forms going to and from school or not giving them to parents. I would also do this along with a hard copy for parents who might not have technology, see it in time, or want to have their signature and permission online.
  • See Saw – This is the current portfolio program that is used in the school district that we are in. It is something that I think would be nice to use if it is something that is integrated into lessons and works with the technology available in the classroom.
Graph comparing ClassDojo, Google Sites, Jotform, and See Saw.

Resources:

https://www.classdojo.com/

https://sites.google.com/

https://www.jotform.com/

https://app.seesaw.me/#/login

Another group looked at how to support diverse learners.

They looked at the following technologies:

Seeing AI

Some of the things that I liked about this app are that it:

  • scans and uploads documents to digital copy and
  • can describe a photo.

Eye Gaze Technology

It is a technology that is special to students with specific needs, but is really neat.

  • It is a communication program used through tracking the student’s eyes.
  • Things can be chosen through the use of a switch, blinking, or dwelling (on one thing for _ seconds).
  • It can be used to help with diagnoses through the communication bit.

Immersive Reader

It is an extension that can be used and:

  • highlights parts of speech,
  • puts text to speech and is thus auditory and visual for learners, and
  • students can change the background color to help students learn or focus better.

Breathe Think Do with Sesame Street (app)

It is an app for students who are having a hard time with their behavior or managing their emotions.

  • It follows through a character’s frustration, makes them breathe deep with them, find solutions to the problem, and pick one of the solutions.
  • It is a great way to help teach Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom.