Teaching With Technology 11 to 15
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Computer Reading
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"In response to the question of how to find a computer program that
would help students reach their goals in reading, we use the Accelerated
Reader (AR) program. It's easy to use, the kids love it, they read books
like crazy, and are compensated for their efforts. We give them "AR dollars"
equivalent to the points they earned on tests that can be used at our weekly
"AR Store". We have pencils, pens, books, folders, paper, backpacks, games,
all sorts of things. They love it, and they love to read.......try it!!
"
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"AR: Accelerated Reader"
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"I also use Accelerated Reader. This is my 4th year and it gets better
all the time. I schedule 60 minutes of reading per day, 50 of it independent.
The students must earn 80-100% on the comprehension test of the book they
read, to earn a ticket. On Friday, I roll a dice and draw that number of
tickets from the TOPS jar. I teach second grade and before Christmas break
I had four SUPER readers and four INDEPENDENT readers. When we reach those
certification goals, students call their parents from the classroom. If
they can't be reached at home, we call them at work! Parents don't mind.
Matter of fact, we haven't had to make any behavior calls because we are
too busy reading and making positive phone calls!"
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E-flashcards And Quizzes
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"Many teachers still use archaic paper flashcards that are small and
deteriorate over time. Instead, use PowerPoint or Presentation software
to create electronic flashcards. I write the definitions of vocabulary words
as individual slides. I then do daily reviews with all of my students by
changing the slide. Teachers can quickly change the order of slides using
the thumbnail view. Reviewing takes mere minutes of class time daily. And
teachers can check to see if students are studying for the test or quiz.
As an added idea, teachers can give the quiz electronically. I copy the
definitions, add numbers to the definitions, and then give students a blank
piece of paper for a quiz. Set the flashcards to automatically change after
25 seconds (this seems to be a very fair amount of time from my experience).
Teachers should place a little sound effect to notify students that the
slide has changed. This method eliminates the need for quiz copies and giving
students too much or too little time for a quiz."
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