Popplet

I finally had the chance to use Popplet in class. Students from my class were divided intro groups of 3 to 4 to create a mindmap on their situational writing task. They had to discuss in their groups the task using a RAPFTR framework and Activities map. Here's their unfinished products:

Group 1 Popplet

Group 2 Popplet

Group 3 Popplet

Group 4 Popplet

Group 5 Popplet

Group 6 Popplet

Group 7 Popplet

Immediately, I am able to have a bird's eye view of which groups have interpreted the Register and Tone of the task correctly and which ones are off-key. Also this tool allows them to pen out their ideas visually as compared to the conventional point and bullet form. As a teacher, I can also compare their quality of ideas visually.

The Flipped Classroom: Turning the Traditional Classroom on its head

The Flipped Classroom: Turning the Traditional Classroom on its head

Was very intrigued when I first came across this term on Edutopia and decided to do a google search on it. Then it came to my realisation that the concept of a flipped classroom means we turn the tables on the students. It is a pedagogical approach where students watch video lectures online and participate in online discussion forums with their peers and teachers. The teachers become faciltators than provide direct instruction in the classroom. The students then come to classrooms to discuss and clarify with the teacher.

I wonder what profile of students will work best with this model? Essentially, this approach has longed been in use at university levels and even in NIE where learners are more independent and motivated. Whether it works for others is questionable. I leave that thought to you.

Here's a interesting site on Flipped Classrooms and how two high school teachers in 2007 conceive this concept of the Flipped Classroom.

Knewton's Flipped Classroom

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

Edutopia

A very inspiring and useful resource for all educators funded by George Lucas Educational Foundation. There is a variety of rich content on topics such as teacher leadership, classroom technology, PBL, SEL, game-based learning, flipped classrooms, assessment and much more. It is a must visit for all teachers! I will take my own time to explore its sections.

Visit it here: Edutopia

Classdojo

This is an excellent classroom behaviour management tool that will excite students and help promote better teacher student relationship. www.classdojo.com

Best of all, it is entirely free to use.

1. Create cute avatars of your students. You can even add/customise your own avatars!



2. Reward them for positive behaviour in the classroom.
    There are 6 affirmative actions available. Every positive action earns them 1 point.

3. Likewise, award them Negatives for negative behaviour in the classroom. Every negative action negates 1 point. You can even customise your own behaviours.

    



4. Track attendance of students!

5. Random name generator!

6. Timer function to keep students on task for assignments!

7. Generate reports to track daily/this week/last week/this month/etc's behaviour progress.
    There are 2 modes available: Donut or Trendspotter!!



Need I say more, voila, use it now!

 

Hero Machine

Here's a character portrait creation tool. Great for students who are into anime and comics. They get to create their own action super hero. You can use this to create character sketches and even learn about characterisation through physical features and behavioural traits.

http://www.heromachine.com/