Apps for the iPad

I looked into five different apps for the iPad. I am pleased with what I found and I think all five could be useful and be considered meaningful learning. My apps I downloaded were for the core subjects and one for art.
 My first evaluation is the: Critical Evaluation of a Content Based Mobile App-Art Puzzles 2-it has great colors but there is only 5 puzzles on it. This would be good for curriculum connection, feedback, differentiation, user friendliness, student motivation that would be the (yes) part of the evaluation. The (no) part would include reporting, sound, support page I didn't find it helpful. Bloom's Taxonomy this would fall into remembering. The summary of the app is that there should be more puzzles. I think students would benefit more from a variety.   It has a 3 star rating.

Second evaluation: Rubric for iPad Apps-Hangman defiantly under the all the domains. I think it would be great for students to learn the definition of words through this game. It is also good to reinforce words. I think if you pair up students they would get more use out of it. I was thinking even making a worksheet to go along with the words and definitions. It has 3 stars.

Excel

Excel is not a bad program to use. I could see myself use this in my future classroom. Right now I don't get to do to much with these programs. I do look forward to using them though.

Today I made a classroom arrangement. I'm sure it could be better then it was but I tried. I am pleased I can figure the programs out. Now if I could get a grip on research papers I would be GOLDEN!!! HAHAHA!!!




 

Research Paper (Cyber Bullying)

My paper was on cyber bullying and college students. I found out that cyber bullying doesn't go away when you get to college. It can  actually can get worse for students. College students report it less than middle school and high school. Being in college you are considered adult so why report it.

I feel like colleges and student have a miscommunication. No one wants to say any thing for the fear of the after math. I can understand that but it's sad for students. I want college students know that their voice counts and they should be heard.

There is not much research on the effects college students have with cyber bullying. I don't think people actually think it's a problem. Because college students are adults now. I am worried how many students will leave college because of cyber bullying. We should have an open communication with college students about this issue.

I had a hard time finding information on college students and cyber bullying. I think I did okay with the paper. But not wonderful with it because I never wrote in APA style and researching. 

Movies and Websites

First I have to tell you that I had to watch that in a professional development training class. I used to work for BOCES II for about 5 years. They had us watch the movie because we were teacher aids. What I liked most is the adults understanding what it meant by learning disabilities. Most adults have no clue what that term means. Yes they joke and kid around in the video but it made since to do so. I worked with students who felt like outcast and had no way of communicating. I liked the one exercise about learning disability with no volunteers. LD's don't like surprises.

Take a bunch of people not in education and see how they do. What do you think would happen today? I don't they could handle it. Being a teacher aid and now a teacher I understand children and disabilities better. I would love to try this same exercise and see what happens. The 21st century still has the same taboo around LDs.

I just finished my 40 website interactions. It was long and grueling. I think it's wonderful we get the chance to explore these sites. Some I heard of others NEVER would have. Now I can see why enjoy stumble upon.com so much. I always go to sites I would never look for.

Inspiration

I really enjoyed the inspiration I did. I like that you can add pictures and shapes to whatever content your working on. I think students who have IEPSs and 504 plans would benefit from this kind of visual.

Having students make their own visuals in learning is also helpful. Students will remember much better if they do it themselves.  They could use their own colors, text, shapes, and how they feel it all connects to the main topic.  Students can print the imagine out and use it as a reference for a quiz or test. I once did a personality test with 5th graders and found most students to be visual learners. So I tried to make sure I made more visuals then talking at them.  

I don't like to be talked at either. Show me visuals and I will remember more. I also believe in hands on experience with myself and students. I have a hard time remembering everything a person tells me to do, if they showed me what they wanted. I am more then willing to catch on.  

 Example, It is like when you learn a job, the trainer needs to show you what to do.  Not have you read a book then go figure it out. I think school should be more hands on then sitting at a desk. Students want to be imersed in their leaning.  Using the inspiration I bet they would remember the steps to a math problem.  Showing is better then talking at them.