Powerful Technology Centers

 

Powerful Technology Centers

I attended a session on implementing technology centers in elementary classrooms. Technology centers are a way to provide students access to a computer/device in non-1-1 environments.

Below are some examples of Independent Learning Centers:

Discovery Activities: These activities draw upon Problem/Question Based Learning, where the student does not know the answer before they begin. New knowledge should be discussed and shared. Students will be discovering new information in this center. It is a good introduction to a topic and allows all kids to have background knowledge on a topic.

Websites:

-GoGooligans.com: a kid safe search engine

-News-o-Matic App: news and articles for students

–Edheads.org: Virtual manipulatives for science

-Brainpop.com

-PebbleGo.com (research tool for K-2)

Creation Activities:

In these activities, students synthesize knowledge learned in the discovery activities to create an original product.

Students should be doing different work using higher order thinking rather than just creating more work.

Websites/Apps:

-StoryBird.com

-Digital Storytelling: Apps: Book Creator, Educreations, Sock Puppets

-Blogging:

App: Easy Blog Jr. : $3.99, post videos, record voice and post pictures as well as enter text, easy interface and login (students select their picture rather than type a login)

-Voice Recording/Podcast

-Movies

-Desktop Publishing: ex. Typing up an essay

For younger students who want to publish or create a digital story book check out:

Website: tinyurl.com/picturebookmaker

Students choose from a limited menu of a background, an animal and a piece of scenery. They are able to add text and choose the scale and placement of the objects. The limited options will keep kids focused on the project. They type into a box and then move the box to the correct space on the page. When finished, they can email it or print it. I created a book in about five minutes, great for students in K-1.

Nancye Black (our presenter) has created a comprehensive list of 6 tech centers with options for K-2 and 3-5. The 3-5 options come with rubrics for assessment. All of the center documents are completely editable and can be tailored to meet your needs. Her website is full of resources, check it out!

http://www.engagingeducation.net/wordpress/resources/k-5-tech-centers/