Tech Play 4

Options 2: Content Objects

I decided to choose this option because it allows me to explore more apps that can be used in my classroom in the future. I am always looking for new ways to improve technology and learning outcomes in my classroom, so I figured that by taking this opportunity to explore content apps would help with technology improvement in my classroom.

Teachley: Addimal Adventure (Math)

This app is free and it is for grades k-3 and it can be used on iPads. Teachley: Addimal Adventure is a math app that helps kids learn single-digit addition using these strategies: count all, count on, doubles, tens, and memory. Kids begin by listening to a brief comic book story about a city named El Sumado that's been destroyed by the evil Professor Possum. By completing addition facts, kids earn golden blocks to help rebuild the city. Teachley: Addimal Adventure teaches students different strategies for learning addition facts are an excellent way to build conceptual understanding. It is an excellent interactive way for students to build a conceptual understanding of addition while having fun with silly jungle animals.

Reading Rainbow (ELA)

This app is free and is for grades k-4, it can be used on iPads and Kindle. Reading Rainbow is a digital library of over 500 books and videos. Students visit reading islands that organize books by theme (animals, awesome people, and more) and choose books to download to their backpacks. Students can read a book on their own or have it read to them, and each book has a few simple animations within and an associated game. Backpacks hold up to five books; when students are done reading, they deposit their books in the return slot, just like at a library. Students can also look at the video field trips that explore history, science, animals, and more. Videos are originals, classics from the TV series, or clips from National Geographic Kids. Grownups can search for books by author or title and see a simple report of which books kids have read and how much time they spent reading

One Globe Kids - children's stories from around the world (Social Studies)

This app is for grades k-4, it can be used on iPads, iPhones and iPods touch. One Globe Kids - children's stories from around the world centers on "a day in the life" stories told by individual kids from different countries. From Aji in Indonesia to Luna in New York City and almost a dozen other kids, One Globe Kids introduces students to kids in other cultures through these photo- and audio-based stories. Kids can also hear a bit of each storyteller's language (and record themselves saying a few words, such as counting to 10), record themselves answering related questions ("How do you get to school?"), and learn general geographic and cultural facts about each country. One story is free to try; all others require $1.99 in-app purchase.

Likes: Reading Rainbow (ELA)

I liked the Reading Rainbow the most because it helps students with their reading. Students can access hundreds of videos and real books, all in one easy-to-use app on a single device. This app is a wonderful and practical way to get students excited about learning and reading. Students can lead their own reading adventure and choose their own books, and then have them respond in some way: draw a picture, write a summary, and make up a different ending. They can use the video field trips to enhance science and history units. Also students can find books that match a theme like holidays or other cultures. The reason I chose this app over the other apps is because a lot of my students struggled with reading and if I could integrate this app into my reading instruction then this could possible motivate my students and get them engaged in reading.

Dislikes: Reading Rainbow (ELA)

What I disliked about this app was that this version was made for home use, so it supports up to five different accounts on iPad only, and has limited progress data available. But the educators' version is in the works and should have more helpful features for classroom use.

Content Goals/Objectives

The goal of using this app is to motivate students to read and to help fill those independent reading gaps most students struggle with. The objective is for the students to recognize and learn new words to help improve literacy skills. Students could learn more about reading independently if they could see the words highlighted as the narrator reads them. Seeing the worlds highlighted as it is being read helps the students recognize and learn new words.

Different Tool: Teachley: Addimal Adventure (Math)

I believe if I used Teachley: Addimal Adventure for math I would be able to accomplish math objectives. This app would help motivate students to learn math because it’s a fun and innovative learning tool that engages students. While students think they are having fun they are learning different math facts to be able to advance in the game. Teaching students different strategies for learning addition facts is an excellent way to build conceptual understanding. Teachley: Addimal Adventure is a fun way for students to learn or practice single-digit addition. The strategies in the tool round help students develop a conceptual understanding of addition that goes above and beyond straight memorization. By using addition strategies, such as counting on, while working on memorization of addition facts, students can build a strong foundation for essential math skills.