Some of my favorite lessons I have tried this semester have involved technology in math class. There are several review days built into the pacing of each unit, so I have found students enjoy spending those days on computers when they are available. Here are two websites I have really enjoyed:
1. Geoboard by The Math Learning Center
I created a jumpcode (my first one!) that took students to this website: http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/web-apps/geoboard/.
I first modeled how to use the site on my computer. I showed how symmetrical shapes could be created. Students were very excited to try it! When we got out the Dell computers, students knew just what to do. However, we did run into a small problem. The settings on the Dell computers did not show the rubberbands on the geoboards right away. I had to show students how to zoom out on the website so they could see the rubberbands. They were very patient as we walked around and helped students that needed help. Students drew their favorite symmetrical shape and eagerly asked if they could create more. This lesson was a hit and I even shared the jumpcode with my team and the parents of my students.
2. Quizizz.com
The other website I used was quizizz.com. This website is similar to Kahoot, but I like this website better because students can see the questions and the answer choices all on one page. I created a 10 question quiz for my students to take independently on their computer at school. Prior to this, I made several shorter quizzes that we completed whole group. This allowed 1st graders to become familiar with the set up and the directions. The 2nd time I tried this whole group, I forgot to turn some of the settings to "off." Therefore, students were distracted by how many points they earned and the funny picture that pops up when they answered correctly. I found that this website is best for first graders when the settings are set to "off" because they can focus on the questions and answers instead of the distractions.
I created a jumpcode that took students to the quiz. I was surprised how quickly some students completed the quiz. It also took other students almost the entire class period. My favorite aspect of this website is the feedback it gives to the teacher. I was able to see how many students answered each question correctly.
I plan to use this website for other subjects such as well. I think it would be great to review vocabulary words and grammar skills.
Beth-
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to have students engaged on the math review days. It makes it easy to pull groups and reteach as needed! I will have to try Quizz izz and Geoboard in the future. Here are a couple more sites that I like for math:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-addition.html
http://mrnussbaum.com/clockworks/
https://www.prodigygame.com/USA/
I put my math games on a symbaloo and let them work! :)
What a great way to review for math. My students love it when I bring in the lap tops and review for math with different sites. Congrats on making your first Jump Code. They are so easy to make....it's just finding the time to look for great sites.
ReplyDeleteI made my first jump code this week too and couldn't believe how easy it was! I am glad to hear you liked Quizizz, it's on my list to try. Your Geoboard lesson sounded like a fun lesson for the kids too.
ReplyDeleteI too just tried out my first jump code this week when having the students do a Diamante poem on ReadWriteThink. It works pretty slick! I've heard a lot of good things about Quizzizz and can't wait to try it out with my 5th graders!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for how to use those review days. And you are so good at sharing what you create with our team at Kooser. I remember life before knowing about jump codes. I'd have to get all the computers set up prior to the lesson, or bookmark the page on the toolbar, or write the website on the board for kids to retype. Oh the headaches! And now the kids are pros at using jump codes. What a time saver!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to try Geoboard and Quizizz in my classroom next fall. I really like the features that Quizizz has for the teacher to control. Are the jump codes just for Lincoln Public Schools? They sound so easy for students to navigate webpages!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use you review time with students. I'm impressed by your creative ideas for integrating technology.
ReplyDeleteBeth- I also like quizizz.com! You make a good point, though, about turning off the settings to reduce distractions. Thanks for sharing!
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