Web 2.

0 Bibliography Bibliography Math Websites (Elementary Level)

Elizabeth Schrecengost

1. ADAPTED MIND: A BETTER WAY TO LEARN MATH (http://www.adaptedmind.com/ )Adapted Mind is a neat website that has several different ways for children to practice their math skills, including fun games and printable worksheets. It also includes videos that help students learn the material. In addition, it tracks the students progress which allows the teacher to determine strengths and weaknesses, thus making sure the student is on course with state standards. Overall, this is a great website for teachers and students because it helps them both in several ways. As a teacher I would use this website for my math classes because I would want to track my students progress in order to alter my instruction methods to meet their needs. I would allow students to log on to the website to complete practice problems and play math games once a week (preferably a Thursday) after I have taught the material and before a quiz or test. By allowing them to use this website to practice I will be able to know which areas I need to go over in order for them to succeed. I would also use the instructional videos this website provides as an introduction to the lesson, which in my opinion will be motivating. 2. AAA MATH (http://www.aaamath.com )-AAA Math is an interactive website that can be used by both students and teachers. It is for grades K-8, and the layout of the entire website is beneficial and so easy to follow. It allows the user to select a grade level, then it lists all of the topics that should usually be taught at that grade level, then it has a brief introduction to the lesson. It also has practice problems and extra resources such as games the students can play to practice and links to other websites that might help as well. Another neat item about this website is that there is a Spanish version of the website for those students who may struggle to understand the material in English. Overall, this is a great interactive website that provides a lot of opportunities for students to learn math in a simple, effective way. This website would definitely be implemented in my classroom, mainly used for lesson planning. With the simple lesson plans this website provides I can create my own lesson plan accordingly and perhaps using some examples from the website. I would also pull up this website on a Smart board (if available) and allow students to come up and perform the practice problems that go along with the lessons. I will attempt to do this for some math lessons as practice before moving on to the next topic. By allowing them to come up to the front of the class and practicing their math it will let them know that it is ok to make mistakes and it will instill teamwork ethic because the class will help each other out if one of their peers gets something wrong. 3. IXL (http://www.ixl.com )- IXL is a great website to use after teaching a lesson because it provides the students with great practice problems. It also keeps track of the students progress which allows the teacher to target problem areas. This website also aligns student progress with state common core standards which is highly important. This website is easy to maneuver and very effective because not only do teachers have access to student progress but parents have access as well, thus allowing them to be active members of their childs academic life.
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

Similar to the last website, I will use IXL before tests or quizzes as extra practice for students. This website also allows me to see and track student progress which I can print out and show parents during parent-teacher conferences. This website provides one practice problem at a time for each lesson, thus it can be used as a game for the entire class to play. The class will be divided into two teams and each must solve the problem provided. Although this website is beneficial to students it must be used moderately so as not to bore the students and make it repetitive. 4. MATH GOODIES (http://www.mathgoodies.com )- Math Goodies is by far the best website Ive explored so far simply because it provides a quick simple lesson for different areas in math. It provides quick links that lists common core standards from all states and from there it takes you to a specific grade level and then to a specific lesson. It also provides examples step-by-step and extra resources and links to different websites that allow students to play games to practice their skills. In addition, it has links that provide teacher with homework assignments, worksheet generator, puzzles and even articles that teachers can read if they want more information on a specific math topic. As a teacher I think Math Goodies will be my main source for lesson plans, worksheets and other useful resources for my math lessons. This website will not only align my lessons with the Common Core standards but it will also give me plenty of activities to do as a class and individually. I will use a couple of worksheets provided from Math Goodies for some lessons and will print out puzzles for the students to complete as individual practice. In addition, for harder material (i.e. fractions, exponents, etc.) I will use the WebQuests found in this website as well. For example, when teaching exponents and scientific notation I can use the Exponents and Scientific Notation WebQuest found at Math Goodies, which provides extra excellent resources, and can be completed as a class. Reading Websites (Elementary Level) 1. BOOK ADVENTURE: READ, CLICK, WIN (http://www.bookadventure.com )- Although this website may require teachers and students to become members it is a great website for both. It provides an opportunity for children to have fun when they read, and even be rewarded for it. It also provides a Kids Zone, Teachers lounge, and Parents Place. The Kids zone is the place where kids can pick books they want to read, read them, take a quiz, and win a prize. The Teachers lounge provides a place where teachers can keep track of student progress, create booklists, and approve student prizes. Parents can be involved as well through the Parents Place where they can monitor their childs reading progress, help their child choose a book and even find resources that will help them motivate their child to read. Reading is often disliked by children because they dont find any value in it. However, to stir their motivation for reading I will use this website once or twice a month, in order to avoid overusing reinforcements. I will create a list of about 50 books for the school year that students can read, and allow them to log onto the website (during free time or extra time) to take the quiz and receive prizes. By allowing the children to receive prizes as a reward for reading it will encourage them to read more often, not only for the prizes but for the self-satisfaction as well.
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

2. SCHOLASTIC: READ EVERY DAY, LEAD A BETTER LIFE (http://www.scholastic.com )This is a website that provides several things for students and teacher to use. It has a tab specifically for students where they can look up books they can read, watch videos on the authors, write on message boards with their opinion and even create blogs. It requires students to get involved not only with books but with technology as well. It also provides common core information for teachers and videos that explain the common core standards. In addition it provides ample lesson plans that align with the common core standards and other resources as well. As most websites do, this website has a tab for parents as well, where parents can receive updates from teachers and even interact with other parents via blogs to talk about their childrens reading skills. As a teacher I will have a list of websites that the students can go to during their free time (or if they finish an assignment early) which will include scholastic.com. I will also use this website for lessons that require more time to learn because it provides WebQuests that I can use. I will also use this website for when we read a book as a class (i.e. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and they want to know more about the author and the book itself. I will also allow students to use this website as an extra credit opportunity by requiring them to be active participants on a message board or a blog, which will be closely monitored. This will motivate them to explore beyond the book itself and hear what other students think about the book. 3. BRAIN POP (http://www.brainpop.com )- Brain Pop is a very interactive website that help students learn more about different areas of reading (i.e. spelling, listening, critical reasoning, etc.). When a student clicks on the different area they want to work on it takes them to a different page where they can watch a video that simplifies the subject and makes it easier to understand. After that, they are able to go to several links where they can play games to help them practice. What is most useful from this website is the teacher section. This website allows teachers to create lesson plans based off, common core standards, grade level and subject. It is easy to maneuver and allows teachers to further their skills by providing extra resources (i.e. webinars, conferences, etc.). I would definitely use this website when the students start learning about grammar, which is an essential part of their education. I would start the lesson out with one the videos the website provides to introduce the students to the lesson. For example, when teaching students about nouns I will play the video and then continue on with my lesson plan. I would also use their interactive movies when reading time comes around, where I can turn subtitles on for the students to read along, this will help students read aloud and look at the words. It will also provide the opportunity for students to ask question about words they do not understand. I could also use this website to plan my lessons because all of the material found in this website aligns with state standards. 4. TIME FOR KIDS (http://www.timeforkids.com )- Time For Kids is a website that meets the common core standards by teaching and motivating kids to read and interpret informational text. Teachers can use this site to teach kids how to read informational text. Not only will it teach kids about how to read this kind of text but it will keep them informed about U.S. and world news. In addition each issue of Time for Kids comes with common core lesson plans and teaching tips for
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

teachers; it also includes a specific list of standards that are addressed. One more gadget included in this website is a homework helper tab where students can get help with writing papers and a few other things. Reading informational texts is often seen as boring for children because nothing exciting ever happens, however, being able to interpret informational text is a state standard and should be something every child can do. I will allow students to select one article (any topic) from the Time For Kids website and write a summary of the article (including main idea, and setting) and tell how it affects/or will affect them in the future. This assignment will be given on Mondays and sometimes Fridays so students will have something to do on the weekend. I could also use articles from this website when teaching science and social studies, where I will select one science related article at the end of a lesson and have students go up to the board and write some important lesson-related facts as a class, which is a great way to conclude a lesson. Content Websites (Science, Social Studies) 1. MISSION US: A REVOLUTIONARY WAY TO LEARN HISTORY (http://www.mission-us.org )- This website is highly interactive and a great way for students to learn and somewhat experience history. It provides two immersive history games where one focuses on the American Revolution and the other on a slaves journey to freedom. In addition, it has a link where educators can look at several lesson plans and gives them instructional tips. Although this website is designed for the older children in elementary school it is still a great way to introduce younger kids to history. More often than not social studies is neglected at schools because they are designated the least amount of time for teaching. For this reason, I will use the Mission U.S games when we cover the American Revolution and slavery. This website is very helpful for students in understanding exactly what was going on during that time from different points of view. I will allow students to log on to the website and play one of the two interactive games from this website as an introduction to the lesson. After finishing up the games students will then gather into groups of three or four and discuss what they thought about the situations the characters were in at that time. This activity will prepare students to better understand the rest of the lesson and better understand history. 2. SCIENCE KIDS: FUN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR KIDS (http://www.sciencekids.co.nz )- In this website students and teachers will find something for them to do. Students have several link they can visit where they can find games, cool facts, pictures and videos that involve science. Teachers also benefit from this website because it provides lessons they can use for teaching, experiments to perform in the class, quizzes they can use, and even projects they can assign students. Overall, this website is full of many different items that benefits student learning and teacher instruction. Like social studies, science is often limited with time because schools like to focus more on math and English. During my science instruction time I will use the science kids website to look up approved experiments to perform in the classroom for students. In addition after finishing a lesson (i.e. the earth), I will allow the students to work in groups and work on a
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

project found on the science kids website. Students will have to have their project approved and will be given 30 min each class period to work on it. For example, making their own fossils by using a variety of materials. Students will have to present their project to the class and explain how it affects people today. I will also use the videos provided from the website for students to get a better visual of the lesson as a whole. 3. ICIVICS (http://www.icivics.org )- In iCivics you can find useful resources for teachers for all grades (K-12). It provides step-by-step lesson ideas, worksheets, activities and even WebQuests for any grade level. It also has links to games for students to play and practice with. For example, the website has games for different areas of social studies, such as, The Bill of Rights, the three branches, and citizenship. It also has timed games for teachers who want to limit game time for students. Although the website may focus more on material covered by older students it is a great learning tool for teachers at the elementary level. I will definitely use this website to aid me in my lesson planning. In addition I will use the WebQuests found in particular lessons in this website, specifically for the citizenship lesson. This particular topic has several potential activities and WebQuests. I will allow students to individually play the interactive games that accompany the lesson as a study guide for tests or quizzes. By allowing them to play games (i.e. activate!: allowing kids an opportunity to make a difference in their community) not only will they learn the material better but will also get ideas that they can implement at home, such as recycling. 4. ENCHANTED LEARNING (http://www.enchantedlearning.com )- Although this website might not be too aesthetically appealing it is still very useful and beneficial for students. It provides a variety of activities for teachers to teach science, especially physical science. After selecting a specific topic, the website directs you to a simplified lesson that is easy to understand and points out main ideas of that specific topic. It also has links to worksheets students can work on individually and in groups; also several projects the teacher can assign as homework or as a final project to confirm maximum learning. Students will use this website as a resource for projects and/or assignments after the end of the lesson. For example students will be assigned to write a report about a specific characteristic of the earth (i.e. size, atmosphere, bodies of water, continents). They will be able to use the Enchanted Learning website to get facts and complete their project, which in turn they will have to present to the class using a presentation tool of their choice. In addition, I will also use a few worksheets provided by this website for students to complete as individual practice to ensure individual progress and also use them to practice as a class. Presentation Tools (Elementary Level) 1. GLIFFY (http://www.gliffy.com )- This presentation tool will be most helpful for teachers during reading/writing time. In the past teachers have had to draw out diagrams for their visual learners to learn a little better, often on whiteboards. However, with gliffy teachers can create better Venn diagrams and flow charts and personalize them with pictures and colors. It is a great tool because it provides a better picture when explaining a step-by-step process for students. For example, when teaching about how to write a story or how photosynthesis works teachers can
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

simply go to gliffy and create a flow chart. This website also has a user guide for those teachers who want to go into more detail and learn more about Gliffy. As an elementary school teacher visual are essential for instruction. For this reason, Gliffy will be used regularly to explain processes to students. For example, after reading a book I will create a flow chart on Gliffy with the help of the class in order to demonstrate the beginning, middle and end of the story. In addition, I will assign students an assignment to create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast two characters of the book we read or create a flow chart that shows their journey throughout the story. They will have class time to complete this assignment and they will have to use Gliffy. Again, I will use this presentation tool for several subjects because it allows me to create several types of organization charts that will aid students. 2. BUBBL.US (https://bubbl.us/ )- Similar to Gliffy, this presentation tool allows students and/or teachers to create charts that are commonly used for brainstorming and class discussions. Brainstorming is an essential part for any grade level and subject and this website allows students to brainstorm as a class. It provides colorful visuals that can aid students in getting those creative juices flowing. It is very simple to use and has instructions on how to create a bubble chart. Although Bubbl.us is closely similar to Gliffy it is still different in a few ways. I will use this website when brainstorming ideas. The neat thing about this is that not only will I use this site for brainstorming ideas in a particular subject but I could also use it to brainstorm ideas for stuff outside the academic arena. For example, when students are in dilemma as to what to do on a rainy day for recess we could have a quick class discussion about the pros and cons of two things (i.e. individual time or class activity). I will draw a pro bubble chart and a cons bubble chart for the class to see and decide. In addition, I will allows students to use this website to brainstorm before starting a project or before writing a paper. It will be very helpful for them to see their ideas and decide as opposed to simply visualizing it in their minds. 3. MAKE BELIEFS COMIX (http://www.makebeliefscomix.com )- This presentation tool is definitely geared more towards the elementary level because it allows students to get creative. This tool allows teachers a better variety of options when assigning a project. With this website students can create their own comic strip and print and/or email it. It also has tabs where teachers can take a look at different lesson plan in which they can use MakeBeliefsComix, also providing several example activities that they can apply to their classroom. In addition, foreign language teachers can also use this tool because students can create comics in several different languages. This website is different than other presentation tools because it is very useful in different subjects and creative. I will use this website the first few days of school; I will assign students to write a mini-autobiography cartoon strip. They will have a small amount of time in class but will be mainly an at-home assignment. With this website they will be able to insert text, pictures and colors; I think with this assignment I will be able to get an idea of which students are more artistic and creative. When they are done they will have to e-mail it to me, so when presentation time comes I will pull it up on the board (i.e. Smart Board or projector). Another way I will apply this tool in my classroom is for students to learn new vocabulary words. Each week there
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Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

will be vocabulary words; I will give the students an extra credit opportunity by letting them create a comic (using MakeBeliefsComix) to create a short story using the vocabulary words. I believe this will be a creative outlet for students who are somewhat stressed, and it will be useful for different things in the classroom as well. WebQuests (Elementary Level) 1. EDUCATION WORLD (http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/webquest.shtml )- In this website teachers can find a large variety of different WebQuests they can use in their class. It has WebQuests for various subjects and each is included with specific clear instructions and enough resources to do research. This website also includes articles for parents or teachers that talk about why WebQuests are beneficial for students, which websites have great WebQuests and websites that allow you to create your own WebQuests. Although WebQuests are simple to create I will use a few WebQuests from the Education World website as practice runs. For example, when teaching about the topic of plants I will use the Plant Parts WebQuest found on the website for students to have fun learning about plants. This specific WebQuest will require students to work in pairs and explore the different parts of plants. Student will be given a printout of the WebQuest, to facilitate reading the steps, and be allowed access to the website to be able to go to the links it provides as extra resources. Students will be given time to complete this WebQuest but I will also walk them through it each step of the way to ensure maximum learning and understanding of the assignment. This particular assignment will give me an idea of who are independent learners and who learns better with other, in addition I will know how well students can read and follow directions. 2. LITERATURE LEARNING LADDERS (http://eduscapes.com/ladders/themes/w1.htm )Although this website does not have a large number of WebQuests it still provides teachers with plenty of different quests for students. It also includes a step-by-step guide for teachers to create their own. It also includes several links for students to use in group projects they can perform online. Included in this website are sections where the definition of WebQuests is clarified and different project ideas and resources are given. Overall this is a great website for teacher who are new to the WebQuest idea. Similar to the last WebQuest site, Literature Learning Ladders will help me and the students get used to completing WebQuests. I will use History: Whose Story is it Anyway? WebQuest to introduce the concept of history to students. It requires students to write about events (history) that happened the year they were born. I will allow students to use this website because it provides links to other websites that might help them with research. If students complete the WebQuest successfully then I will use this website to create a customized WebQuest that aligns with my lesson plans. Due to the fact that WebQuests often take up a good amount of time to complete, I will create a WebQuest that may be used if we have extra time after we finish a lesson.

Web 2.0 Bibliography

Elizabeth Schrecengost

NOTE: Several presentation tools, websites, and WebQuests will be used and at the end of the year I will ask my students to take a survey on which websites they liked most and which they liked the least. I will create this survey using Survey Monkey and allow students to fill it out, thus allowing me to adjust my website list according to student opinions. This will be conducted at the end of the year of each of my classes to let me know which ones work best and which ones do not.