The Whopper.

Hey Y'all!
Welcome Back.
At Burger King, you can "have it your way."  Do you want a Whopper with onions, ketchup, and mustard, or would you prefer a Whopper with tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles only?  What makes your taste buds happy?

There are so many options on the technology software and apps "Menu" that teachers can literally "have it their way", too.  What lessons are you working on?  Weather, Thanksgiving, adjectives, telling time....  just take your pick on how you want your students to use technology while learning.  Following is a list of different types of software and an example that can be used in the classroom to tickle your students' taste buds brain cells:

• Drill and Practice:  http://quizlet.com/9425839/4th-our-solar-system-flash-cards/

Quizlet is a website that allows students to make flashcards or review information for upcoming tests.  This website does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but just basic flashcard style review on multiple subjects. I would encourage students to make their own quizzes to submit for other classmates' review.

• Tutorial:  http://www.math.rice.edu/~lanius/fractions/frac.html

This tutorial teaches the beginning concept of fractions by using the real life applications of making and sharing pizzas.  I would use this tutorial at the beginning of our fraction lessons.

• Simulations:  http://smithsonianeducation.org/idealabs/walking_on_the_moon/index.html

This simulation allows students to tag along as an astronaut takes a walk on the moon.  I would use the simulation as a teaser to pick students' interests during Space Week.

• Instructional Games:  http://www.gameclassroom.com/game/44778-3537/telling-time/stop-clock

Students match analog and digital times on clocks using this software.  I would use this game for practice and review during telling time unit or throughout the year to keep the concept fresh.

• Problem Solving: http://www.thekidzpage.com/freekidsgames/games/ngames/games-for-kids/find-suspect-game.htm  

This problem solving game allows students to think like a detective by remembering relevant information and not jumping to conclusions prematurely while trying to remember what a suspect looks like.  As the game progresses, the difficulty level increases.  I would use this to help students' memory or during an author study of David Adler who writes the Cam Jansen (detective) easy chapter book series.

• Integrated Learning Systems:  Examples include Starfall and Odyssey. 

Many times Integrated Learning Systems are found in a school's computer lab.  Students work through a sequence of levels to master content.  Reports are printed and given to teachers to demonstrate levels and progression.  I would use these systems to work on math, spelling, and grammar skills.

While we are on the topic of "have it your way", I would like to share another favorite place to eat blog that I enjoy reading called Technology Tailgate.  Just the name makes me want to shout Roll Tide!  But anyhoo...  Technology Tailgate is a network of technology blogs that posts useful information approximately twice daily for teachers with specific uses for technology in the classroom.  There are currently 20 "coaches" who contribute to Technology Tailgate.  This almost sounds like my kind of tailgate party.  Check out the blog here.  Technology Tailgate was one of the blogs awarded Top Education Technology Site 2012 by Online Ph.D. Program.  You can also find Technology Tailgate on Pinterest here.

The Technology Tailgate blog is as good as onion rings and zesty sauce followed by a Hershey Sundae Pie! Yummy! 

What's your favorite educational software? 

Thanks for stopping by!

Do you like pickles?

Dana ;)