EDT 510- Choosing a Course Development Tool

Moodle:

I decided to choose Moodle because it is a tool I have not used before.  In addition, since the population in my class is very young, I thought this would be the best possible option for providing a guided on-line learning environment, which is easy to use.  My students need very concrete and direct instructions on how to complete tasks.  This course development tool appears to be the easiest way to present a concise and concrete virtual learning experience.

Using Moodle, I will create "Day" blocks, which the students will need to complete in order to go to the next "day".  Each block will include links or projects the students will need to complete in order to receive credit for the day.  Moodle will help me to ensure that all my students are completing the necessary components of the curriculum project.  Basically, I will use Moodle to resemble a Webquest type of learning project.  Each day, as the day before is completed, a new set of tasks will become available.

iPad App Review

Hello all!  Sorry for the late post of this assignment-- I was out of town for a wedding since Wednesday and didn't realize I would not have internet access.

Phonics Tic-Tac-Toe Interactive Game

Made by: Lakeshore

Review of Application:

This application provides students an opportunity to learn in a game format.  Students can play in groups of 2 or more, as it is a 2 person game.  Each player gets to answer a question on the tic-tac-toe board.  If they get the question correct, their symbol shows up on the game board, if they get the question wrong, the question is still up for grabs.  Students play until they get a tic-tac-toe (or 3 in a row).  One issue with this application is that it does not read the questions and clues to the students.  Often, I have found myself reading the questions for the students until they begin to associate the words.  An additional downfall is that the questions repeat every 3 (or so) games.  Overall, I really enjoy this app as it keeps the attention of my students, they enjoy playing the game (and even ask to play it!), and they are learning while having fun and being engaged!  I would give this application 4 out of 5 stars due to the 2 downfalls I listed above.

Screenshots of Application:

Related Links:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-tic-tac-toe-interactive/id465184366?mt=8

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/mobile_apps/mobileApps.jsp

EDT 510 step 2

Above is a flow chart created for the next step of the project for EDT 510.  This project is requiring us as educators/students to create a unit plan that is based on technology.  Since I currently work in a school which has very low level readers, I decided to make a unit plan based on literacy skills.  Many of the "activities" which will assist with learning are games on the internet.  While I did not include all activities, as some are not computer based, I made sure to include the activities which involve technology.  In addition, I would like to incorporate the iPad 2 and literacy apps into my learning project.