Other+Tools+or+Software

=**Share how you or your students use other tools or software?** **(Click on "Discussion" above to add a comment.)**= > The projector and laptop I have been using to throw up classcapes or other relevant teaching webpages to review and practice specific goals in math, reading or science. > We have just recently purchased one class set of ipads, so we will be using those soon after we get our students instructed in their proper use. > We also use the academic program such as AR for reading proficiency and Lexile growth along with Successmaker, and KidBiz to prepare for EOG's. (Sylvia Wheatly) include component="comments" page="Other Tools or Software" limit="50"
 * My Students that have some physical disabilities are using switches vis USB switch interfaces to interact with the classroom computers since they are not able to use the mouse. We also have others students using touch screens.
 * There are also several students throughout the county that are using text to speech software to access reading material that is difficult to read but by using this software they are able to understand necessary content. In addition, some of these students are using Bookshare.org to obtain digital media.
 * I use it to have my students take the Star Reading Test, to take A R tests, to take the Scholastic Reading Inventory and to do ClassScapes as well as have students do research for a research paper. (Ann Willer)
 * I like to make interactive games in PowerPoint to review skills that my students have been learning. There are several benefits. I use it as formative assessment and I can adjust my instruction based on how they perform. They love using the computers and competing against each other in "Jeopardy!" type games. It's great at promoting instant recall and gives instant feedback. I use my digital projector so it's large and everyone can see it, and then I can raise the screen and use the dry-erase board to show how to solve problems as they are being projected onto it. Two more great tools for technology are the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives and Shodor's Interactivate. Both have interactive activities that can make abstract concepts a bit more concrete for the students. (April Smith)
 * The document camera is my all time new favorite! We use it for introducing math concepts, grammar lessons, etc.
 * I use a tutoring program that I use for students who are out or need more instruction. We also use study island and other programs. (Claudia Goodwin)