Hello all! Can you believe summer has come to an end? I haven't updated recently, but thought I would share a list of apps I either use in my classroom or have recently come across. I am so excited to be introducing iPads to my classroom this year after receiving a grant last year! This list is something I complied for an assignment in one of my master's classes through TN Tech, but I thought it would be very appropriate to post here! I hope you enjoy and find something new you can use.
- Plickers- iPad App- Free: Plickers is a real time assessment tool. You load your class roster into Plickers and then print each student a QR Code. They can then answer multiple choice questions by holding their QR code card in the air while the teacher scans using the app on a phone or iPad. One of my favorite uses for Plickers is during end of the year test prep. Students and myself receive immediate feedback and it breaks up the monotony of test prep.
- Class Dojo- iPad App-Free: Classdojo is a classroom management and communication tool. My school is moving to using Classdojo across all grade levels this year and I am so excited! Students earn and lose points throughout the day depending on their behavior. Parents can also download the app and see their child’s behavior reports in real time. Classdojo can also be used for communication with parents and to post photos almost like a Facebook for your classroom but with total security.
- Do Ink Green Screen- iPad App- $2.99: Do Ink is a green screen app for iPads that allow you to use green screen technology in your classroom. Last year I put up green butcher paper and let my students experiment! It’s great for video projects for students to add relevant backgrounds.
- Seesaw- iPad App/Web App- Free: Seesaw is a digital portfolio students create using the various tools on the website. Students can add videos, photos, notes, and more. I like to complete a daily journaling prompt referencing my read aloud on Seesaw. I simply create an activity and students respond. I then approve their responses and they can give each other feedback.
- Alice Keeler Slide Shot- Chrome App/Extension- Free: This extension takes a screenshot of the computer screen once every minute. It places the screenshots in a Google Doc. We have used this with our students who like to pretend to be working while actually being on something else. This allows us to monitor their computer usage and call them out when necessary.
- Sushi Monster- iPad App- Free: Sushi Monster is a math fact fluency app for elementary students. Students can play through different levels for addition and multiplication. Levels can be played multiple times because the app uses different facts each time the level is played.
- iTooch Elementary School App- iPad App- Free: iTooch is a game based app with lessons and games for many Common Core Standards in Math, ELA, and Science in grades 1st-5th.
- Timed Test- iPad App- $0.99: This app allows you to create math fact tests for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Screencastfy- Google Chrome Extension- Free: This extension allows you to create video recordings of yourself to share with your class. I have used this to record myself reading for students who need extra support. I have also recorded myself explaining the homework they have completed and my students check it individually.
- Boomerang- Google Chrome Extension- Free: Boomerang connects to your gmail and allows you to delay sending of emails until a specific time. Boomerang also allows you to request read receipts and set reminders.
- Scholastic Reading Timer- iPad App- Free: Scholastic has a reading timer app that tracks a child’s reading minutes. This helps motivates students to read while they watch their minutes increase.
