App Smashing

This app smash assignment was fun to create. I could visualize how I wanted to app smash and with the multitude of apps I have been using since starting this course, I could create something that made sense for my ninth grade English class. I learned that it takes time to play with the apps and make sure that you can trouble shoot any questions students may have in the process. I don’t think one needs to be an expert on each app, but you do need to have some basic understanding. My students feel comfortable looking things up on You Tube and asking one another, but some often want to take the easy way out, so will avoid things that don’t come easy. 

The apps provided could be easily incorporated for the most part. There was a couple that I would need to play around with more, but overall, they are easy to use. 

Sharing the projects may be a challenge. I will probably have students share to You Tube, but I know last year when I did use Explain Everything, one of the frustrations I had was students sharing with me. If I have them share to YouTube, they should be able to provide the link with me on E-backpack. If not, air drop is also an option. Some teachers, shy away from projects like this because sharing can be a challenge, especially if that teacher has 90 students. 

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Student creation

Students recently did a research project using the topic of justice. This particular student chose Japenese relocation during WW2. The standards for this project included utilizing research skills, examining resources and synthesizing information. Students could choose any product to display their information. This student chose Google Sites. It was successful for this student because she is creative, organized and motivated. Aspects of the assignment that were stressful was that it required many steps and products, which for half of the students, was difficult because it requires focus, time managent and good use of class time. Students were engaged because they could choose a wide range of topics, but they struggled with notetaking, evaluating sources and synthesizing information. Technology enhanced the project. In the past, this project used to be a five paragraph essay, but since adding more options on products and app choice, student engagement and work completion increased, even though it isn't always done on time. 

Creation can happen across content areas and with all ages. In math, it can be challenging because students are used to worksheets and computation and have to think differently when creating with math. 

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Week 2

Our district has been very supportive with training on technology in the classroom. When students had mac books, my students used wikis and blogs quite a bit. Both lent themselves to collaboration. In addition, students used iMovie for digital stories. Last year, students received iPads and I feel like mostly I have used it for things like word processing. I have had students use apps such as Storehouse, Notability, Explain Everything and iMovie, but am looking forward to adding many more app selections to the units that I teach. I also want students to do more publishing and collaborating with one another in the classroom using iPads.

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