Many times when teachers are trying to include more technology into their classroom, they will substitute what they know with a technology device. This is know as Substitution, within the SAMR model of tech integration. There is nothing wrong with staying at this level, but Substitution is the same as asking Knowledge based questions from Bloom’s. Just as we expect our students to comprehend at a higher level, we should model that higher level. Here are my suggestions to raise that level and produce higher order thinking from your students.
Knowledge Retention and Recall
Quizlet - using this webpage as a base tool create vocabulary list with term definitions, and images for students to study. Then let them use their iPad apps to study using the multiple versions of study tools. The study tools give full access to multiple parts of their thinking including basic flash card review, spelling, and game-based review. Then let students complete on the own the matching game section to see who could get the fastest time. Let them submit these times as the actual grade. Give them a set standard that they have to be to get a base grade and then break down the times the coordinate with other letter grades. This will help drive students engagement by allowing them to decide how high they want to raise their grades by by only playing a game.
Padlet - Gather questions that are higher order thinking from a worksheet that you would have given them, and let them submit their answers on a Padlet board. Then I have the boards that can then be saved as a PDF and share on a class website. It be a good review activity for those that were gone or it just need time to look back on it. Padlet is device agnostic so that even if it's not on iPad, it could be access on any web browser. Also you can use tablet as a brainstorming tool. Use it as a categorization tool, or a way to get students talk together to where they can share and collaborate on how best to answer a question.
Word clouds - Have students create a word cloud of the vocabulary terms that are important to the lesson. Then have students write out an explanation of the Word Cloud created. The ABCya Cloud Generator is a pretty solid free app on the iPad for word clouds. The word cloud can then be saved and shared on with the teacher or attached as an image to the explanation below.
Quizzes and Assessments
Google Forms - I could include this tool in any of these locations, where I found a lot of useless was by making quick quizzes for assessments. Using a multitude of different question types you can make individualized assessments every student in your class by using the “Goto Page Based On Answer Choice” option. Also you can use Add Ons like Super Quiz or Flubaroo to automate grading, and return to the students the email for further review.
Kahoot, Quizizz, or Quizzle - All of these are tools that can be used as a game based quiz for your students. All the tools are able to convert the results into a spreadsheet that spreadsheet can then be used as a way to track progress. I made my students use their real names when sign in to these programs as an easy way to track their progress. To lower the fear of failure I would give them the base score, and then give them additional points based on correct responses. The correct responses added to a total score to a passing grade but just participating will give him at least a 50.
QR Code Scavenger Hunt - Who says quizzes have to be when the students sit still and answer questions? Create a QR scavenger hunt by placing multiple choice question around the room. Each ABC or D answer has a specified QR code. The correct QR code will take the student to the next question on the scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get your students up and active. My students always seemed to respond better to answer a whole list of questions if they were up moving around, instead of being stationary on a worksheet. Here’s an example of one I made for steps of mitosis.
Those are just some ways that you can use mobile devices in your classroom. I find the easiest way to change what you used to do, to what you can do is add motion and activity into your plans. What are some ways you use mobile devices in your classroom? How do students respond?
