Do You Have A SMART Classroom?

Imagine you are sitting in your classroom right now. It's summer and you are working on your classroom management plan for the upcoming Fall semester. What do you want to teach? How do you want to teach it? Should you teach traditionally? Or should you included technology? 

You properly evaluate each student and come up with the best IEPs and lesson plans; and finally come to the conclusion that you want to involve technology. Why not? All your students are capable of using it. But, what software and technology is best for your classroom?

This is a question I asked myself my first time incorporating technology into my classroom. Over the course of my 13 years in the education system, I have used different types of software in my classroom. As you will  read on, you will see I am no stranger to trying new methods when it comes to teaching my children. Children are all unique so you must try everything to see what fits best. While I may use one specific software for one child and another for someone else, I make sure that I keep track of what works and what does not. With that being said, here is a glimpse into how I run my classroom. 

• Drill-and-Practice Teaching Functions
• Software functions providing exercises in which students work example items at one time. Typically students receive feedback on their correctness when using these type of software.(Roblyer &Doering pg.81) I usually use this type of software for my lower functioning students. When using Drill-and-Practice Teaching functions in my classroom, I use flash card and chart fill-in activities. Each activity level is based upon the child's individual strengths. This helps students prepare for high-stakes tests. By using the software entitled, Quizlet. I can create  personal flashcards for each of my students to study. I typically make the cards based on each child's individual goals.

Create Your Own Quizlet Flashcards HERE!

• Tutorial Teaching Functions
• This brings me to my next software. Tutorial Teaching is often confused with drill activities because good tutorials typically need one or more practice sequences to properly check each student's comprehension of the the activity, (a quality typically related to drill-and-practice functions) and because of the confusion between the feedback provided by the activity. (Roblyer &Doering pg.87) Regardless to the confusion between the two, I still incorporate tutorial teaching within my classroom plan.Tutorial is much more of a self-contained instructional unit and is one of the least used software. Some students are what we call "do-ers". They like to sit down alone and work. While we as teachers encourage collaboration; it is good to embrace students natural learning ways. I typically use this software with my fairly good readers. I usually encourage my students that are taking foreign languages to use the Rosetta Stone software. Sometimes, students need a break from verbally practicing learning a different language. This software gives them the chance to sit down by themselves and learn, without people judging them. This software is good for outside practice. 

TRY IT FOR FREE: Rosetta Stone

• Instructional Game Teaching Functions 
• Instructional game teaching is technology based games that are used to bridge the world of gaming and entertainment with education. (Roblyer &Doering pg.94) This software takes more of a fun attempt to teaching students. I typically use this form of technology in my classroom as a learning treat. If students finish their work correctly and promptly, I usually allow them to play games such as Jeopardy. With the addition to iPads being added into the classroom, I introduced a new integrated learning game for my students. I have noticed that the game, Word With Friends has greatly improved my students vocabulary. If the student(s) fit all the requirements I mentioned earlier, I will allow them to check an iPad out and play against each other.

Check Out Some Instructional Game Software HERE!

• Collaborative Learning Software
• One software I found extremely useful throughout my teaching career has to be collaborative learning software. While education is the primary goal for students in school, teaching students how to collaborate with each other is also very important. It is very important for students to know how to work with others. A software I found very handy is the SMART Sync Classroom Management Software. Out of all the software I have used, this has seemed to be the best. The software gives students the chance to work individually, in groups, as well as; with you personally. When the software is opened, the teacher has full access to each students computer, who is working on whatever, and if any one is off track. The software can be used to also take the pressure off teachers. No more constant getting up and walking around, trying to check each students internet activity. I can simply look at each icon to see what they are doing. The software also gives the teacher the privilege to block certain websites and internet activities. I can personally message my students, as they can to me. While I can assign individual work, I can also design group activities. Students can interact between each other for projects, discussion board questions, and observations. SMART Sync Classroom Management Software has made it much easier for me to manage my classroom, it prevents less distractions. Which allow them to become engaged in my lessons. With the incorporation of  SMART boards and software, it allows a much more relaxed learning environment. 

See How SMART Sync Software Works HERE!

Below is a video I found that depicts exactly how the SMART board is used in today's educational system. It shows the importance of collaboration in youth's learning process. Rather, its interacting online through the computer or being up front at the SMART board doing hands on activity; collaboration must be used in the classroom (regular or inclusive).

#ED505UWARAY This video better depicts SMART Sync Software! SMART Sync classroom management software http://t.co/rPvl5ACmrK via @youtube

— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 25, 2013