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Web Based Site #11 - CADventures in Tinkering

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  CADventures in Tinkering Last weeks blog was about using the website code.com.  This allowed students to learn how to well code, or using directions/clues to tell the computer (in this case the games) what to do.  By coding, students are learning how computers work and the process of how video games are created.  Since technology is becoming a huge part of our world, coding is a skill that students should have an idea of what the concept is and how it works.  This week, I would like to stick with the same theme.  I remember back in the early 2000s (yes that is when I went to school) going to library meant reading a story with the class, doing a mini project/lesson about the book, and then students go look for books.  Today, that is not the case.  Going to library means learning how to use technology, how to find/use databases, and learning how to use sites to make presentations and apply the information you learned into a project.  This wee...
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Web Based Site #10 - Crack the Code

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  Crack the Code Last week's post was about a reading site for kids.  The site is the kid's version of Goodreads, where students can track their own and their friends reading, while also getting recommendations from both teachers and parents.  Although it is not a true game, there were challenges that students can complete to earn badges and can even challenge their friends.  This week, I would like to go back to another game type site that students can play on.  In the library setting, we discuss a lot about using computers and how to create the things that they create.  Well, in order to create these projects, there must be a foundation to do so within the computer.  This is where students can learn to crack the code and learn about coding.  In essence, coding is computer programming or giving instructions to a computer so it knows what to do and when to do it.  A prime example of this is video games.  Programming tells the characters ...
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Web Based Site #9 - The Biblionasium Workout

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  The Biblionasium Workout   I hope everyone has been able to keep up with all the different sites to make learning more fun for your students and maybe even you!!  Most of the sites have been technology based focusing on lesson plans, engagement, and presentations with a little mix of games students can play.  As technology becomes more prevalent in our society and classrooms, sometimes we forgot the main function of the library.  What might that be you ask?  Well it's books of course!!  Did you forget that??  I'm glad I reminded you if you did!  One of the library's main functions of its many, is encouraging students to read more.  Studies show that reading, helps students developmental skills in, but not limited to: social skills, cognitive thinking, emotional development, increase in vocabulary, and so much more.  The trouble is, a lot of students hate to read.  When thinking about reading, it is usually assigned books...
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Web Based Site #8 - Gimme That Gimkit!

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  Gimme That Gimkit! Wow I cannot believe we are on our 9th blog post already!!!  I hope that everything we talked about so far has been useful to you and your students.  We have talked about presentation sites, sites to help with classroom lessons, and most recently sites to help students learn in a fun way while playing games to do so.  Last week's discussion was about Prodigy, a site geared more towards helping students develop math skills, but also has an English side.  There are a countless number of sites like Prodigy out there waiting to be explored.  This week, I have uncovered a new one - Gimkit!  Gimkit, like Prodigy, is an educational gaming site for your students.  Have you heard of Kahoot?  The best way to describe Gimkit is if Kahoot and Prodigy got married.  Let me explain! After logging into Gimkit, there are two options: Gimkit Live (which I will be discussing) Gimkit Ink which is where students can create and publish th...
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Web Base Site #7 - OMP! Oh My Prodigy!

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OMP! Oh My Prodigy! The past weeks I have been talking about sites that your students can use to apply information to presentations and for teachers to use during lesson plans.  I also discussed a site that students can use to find information for these projects.  Today however, I'd like to talk about a site that students can use to help them apply information that they learned.  This site is not for making presentations or finding information, it's for playing games!  Yes, you heard that right, students can play and learn things at the same time.  The site that I am referring to is called Prodigy.  Prodigy is a site for both educators and students, that has games focused on math and English.  Using this free site, your students can play games!  Yes you heard right, games!  Just what you want right, more things to distract your students.  However, these aren't just any old games, they are educational games, that your students will beg yo...
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Web Base Site #6 - PebbleGo and Grow

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PebbleGo and Grow Lately, I have been discussing sites that focus on teachers and students using presentation sites for well... presentations, but also lesson plans.  These sites make learning more engaging and fun for students.  I hope over the last few weeks you have been enjoying trying out these sites with your students.  This week, I would like to talk about a new site.  This is a site that would be a great way for students to get the information for their presentations.  The site of the week is PebbleGo.  PebbleGo is geared towards elementary school students to focus on literacy and research skills.  Information is broken down into sections and is very easy for your students to read.   After you log into PebbleGo, there are 5 options students can choose from: animals, biographies, health, science, and social studies.  Students can also use the search bar to find exactly what they need.  Once they pick the topic they need, the ...
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Web Base Site #5 - Near-Pod, Wherever You Are

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  Near-Pod, Wherever You Are If you tried Padlet last week, I hope it was easy for you to use, and I hope it was a fun way for your students to connect.  This week I would like to talk about another site that allows your students to connect in a fun way.  Just like in Padlet, this site can be used after class or during lessons.  This week's site is called Nearpod.  Nearpod is a site that is used to engage both students and teachers in many interactive ways.  The great thing about Nearpod is that you do not only have to use it with your students; you can use it during your meetings as well with your other co-workers.  Not only can it be used to show presentations, but also includes videos, quizzes, polls, open-ended questions, and may even have an option for virtual reality.  This is a great way to get real time feedback on how your students are handling the information and taking quick assessments.  Nearpod not only allows for whole group par...
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