Thing 21: Standards and Capstone

Michigan World Language Standards and Benchmarks http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-38924_41644_46112---,00.html

ISTE standards http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers

Having these resources available on the iPad makes it more convenient to find and allows you to mark up the document to show what you've covered or when it should be covered during the year. I do this often because many of my standards are not topic specific and can be met several times during the year. I keep track to make sure I am not always using the same standards.

Lesson plan link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EMUs6dp5_ysGTpg5QAfviNuy34WcTzUzKDOfFvkkBxY/edit?usp=docslist_api

Thing 20: QR and AR

 This QR code reads a pageT from the book, Fido se viste.

This code takes you to my website.

 This code takes you to a screencast I used for a color game with kindergarten.

I have tried QR codes several times in my classroom. One way they have been successful is with books. I use books from Reading A to Z and copy them with QR codes on each page so students can scan them and here the text on each page. The only problem I've had with using these in the classroom is students sometimes can't here if a lot of other activities are going on at the same time. I've played QR tic-tac-toe during centers. Students answer a question and the QR code provides the answers. If students get the answer correct, they get to choose a square. I didn't have any issues with this game. The students really enjoyed it. I have also tried a QR scavenger hunt when I taught school vocabulary. Students scan the QR code to see a screencast that gives a clue where to find the next clue.

 Flash cardsColAR

Augmented reality seems like it would be engaging. It is definitely eye pleasing. The only way I'm finding to incorporate this into my classroom is as a translator. I'm hoping to find more engaging ways. I've put some questions out on Twitter.

Thing 19: Research and Referance

I wish I had had access to this in high school and college. I did have a website that would format citations, but it wasn't always correct and searching a book is much faster. I probably wouldn't use this with my students, but I'll keep it in mind when I go for my master's degree.

I chose to explore two Spanish-English dictionary apps: WordReference and Dictionary by Bravolol. Both apps had very similar features. They give you several translation options, will demonstrate how to pronounce the new word, and both give examples of use. Despite similarities, I would choose WordReference. It has a forum where you can find translations that wouldn't be found in the dictionary (phrases, slang). WordReference will include where that translation is used, if it is formal or slang, and if it can be considered offensive. With so many Spanish speaking countries, these are useful tools. It allows you to search for abbreviations. Also, it provides more examples than the dictionary app.

Diigo has been very useful. I had a bad habit of putting all sites on my bookmarks bar and usually lost or fogot what was there. The tags make looking for bookmarks very easy. I usually tag the sites several different ways to be sure I can find it when I need it. Also,e description helps me remember what was on the site quickly without tKing the time to explore the site again. Also, I use Pinterest to keep track of resources. I have more links and am more comfortable with Pinterest, but I am building a large library on Diigo. The positive of Diigo is you aren't limited to a site giving you permission to save like on Pinterest. Also, you aren't limited to what other people have pinned and found important.

Thing 18: Study Skills and Visual Thinking

Quizlet is a very popular app in foreign language classes. Many teachers use this app instead of sending home vocabulary lists or having students waste class time making flash cards. I have been posting vocabulary on my Weebly site, but I may start posting links to Quizlet instead since it would allow students to quiz themselves instead of needing someone to help. Quizlet could also be used as a vocabulary center. I would have to use it with older students since it requires reading.

Popplet was very easy to use. I think many of my upper elementary students would be able to use it. The first idea that came to mind was having students create a family tree when I teach family vocabulary next year. We could add to the mind map through the year. It would start with who is included in the family, then they can add more information about each person as we add to our vocabulary. If I taught high school, these maps could be used to map grammar concepts. It could show examples and rules of when to use different conjugations.

Thing 14:Universal Design for Learning

https://www.dropbox.com/s/7lc0b717fy9srsi/Thing%2014.xpl

I would use Speech Selection with my lower elementary classes if I had them exploring a website. They would be able to highlight directions or information and have it read to them since many of them are still learning to read. For upper elementary classes, I would use this to help them experience so simple websites created in Spanish. They could hear and see the language with makes it easier to learn new vocabulary. I would use this as a multi-tasking tool myself. I could listen to a blog entry and work on lesson plans at the same time.

I have been using guided access with my students since last year. Since I went through most of the year without any student iPads, and even now with only having 3, I often let students use my teacher iPad. I use guided access to keep them from accessing emails, grade book, or any other personal apps. I have used it on the student iPads if I see someone is struggling to stay on task.

Thing 16: Content Area

I found the following apps using the app, Appolearning. I looked at the top 5 Spanish apps for preschool and elementary school.

I chose Little Blue Jackal app because it had high ratings and it was advertised that it would become more difficult as the student improved. I was disappointed with the app. It teaches very little Spanish.

When you enter the app, you choose a level then you listen to the story of the blue jackel. The story is in English unless you choose level 3. In level three, the story is read in Spanish with the English written to help students understand. After the story, there are questions and a matching game to practice comprehension. I don't feel like it teaches Spanish very we'll because it speaks upper level spanish and has a written translation without breaking it down for students to learn the vocabulary.

I chose Little Pim Spanishbecause it was rated very highly for preschoolers. Pim teaches vocabulary from three categories. I would consider using this app with young fives. Each time you choose a category it teaches you new vocabulary. The vocabulary gets more difficult as you play. The games are very repetitive, would be entertaining for young students. Most games require you to choose the picture that goes with what Pim the Panda says.

Otter Call Es is the app I evaluated. I didn't give it many check marks. I was excited to download it because it had voice recognition to practice pronunciation, but the game only asks you to repeat the word it gives. The words are not used in any context.

Now that I know about the app evaluation rubrics, I will try to find them for apps I consider buying to see other people's opinions. I may fill out a quick checklist for a lite version to see if it would be worth buying a full version.

I did not find any Spanish specific apps in the Apple Volume Purchase Program, however I did see some apps and programs that could be cross-curricular such as Office and photo editing programs. I also thought it was interesting to look through the devices and accessories to see the price differences. I think Apple is doing a great service to schools districts by trying to make technology more affordable.

Thing 15: Assessment

The single question activity could be used as an exit ticket, unfortunately I don't have the technology available. I currently do pencil/paper exit tickets.

The 5 question quiz could be used during a center to check for understanding of vocabulary. I would be able to check scores and see who is on task. 

I thought Soapbox was easier to use. I like the feature that allows students to show they are confused or getting it. This would be another app I would have to use in centers since I don't have technology available for a whole class. I plan to experiment with Soapbox and create center activities so I can check understanding and so students are held accountable.