Replacement+Ideas

Videostreaming is a great way to replace reading text books and teacher driven lectures to deliver content. Content is delivered in video form. It is a tool that not only fits with Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning, but also meets the needs of multiple learning styles. Videos can be paused to allow clarification or discussion if necessary. For an example: [|www.discoveryeducation.com] then click on Discovery Streaming Plus. This tool can be used for many content areas.

Webquest is a great cooperative learning tool to replace group read/discuss. Allows the student to give further research to content. It can also replace assessements like quizzes and tests. For examples I would recommend [|www.bestwebquests.com]

Interactive Whiteboards (SmartBoards is a brand name)- great for demonstrations, no need to dissect frogs anymore (lol)! Activities can be used as assessments and replace classroom work like worksheets and section/chapter reviews. This tool accomodates all learning styles, is appropriate for all ages, excites learners, allows for one computer instead of many, can be used for cooperative learning, and assists students with limited motor skills. []

Study Island- software that is a great tool to help students prepare for state assessements. To replace workbooks, students are engaged in instruction, practice, and assessments built on each state's content standards. From personal experience, students are more receptive to working with this software than other prep materials. [|www.studyisland.com]

Skype- this is a free way to place international phone calls. When used with a webcam, this resource can allow students to converse in real time to experts in various fields, students/people in different countries, etc. This can be used to assist in foreign language studies as a way to practice verabl skills with individuals in their native language, to learn not only formal dialogue but also commonly used "slang" terms. Allows to study a culture without jumping from website to website or information from a book.

iEARN- The International Educational and Research network- this is a network for project based learning with programs in more than 118 countries. Allows students to work on cooperative learning projects with individuals outside of their classroom. Cooperative Learning on a global level. Great assessment tool (to replace exams and homework) that also teaches real world lessons.

Moodles, Wikis, and Blogs- can replace message boards in the classroom as well as a great way for students to ask questions and discuss topics. This tool can be especially useful for students who are normally too embarrassed or shy to speak up in front of their peers. These tools can also be used by teachers to work together in mapping curriculum and discuss issues related to their subjects. The Moodle can also provide links to documents and websites for students to access more information or assignments. I also think these tools would be great to assist with the problem of calamity days (snow days). When school is cancelled due to weather or other problems, teachers can post assignments, have discussions, or allow students to complete independent research. For more information on Moodle, go to http:moodle.org (if you type in [|www.moodle.org] it will take you to the same website). For information on how to set up a blog, go to [|www.2createawebsite.com], or set up a free blog at [|www.blogger.com].

E-book readers- the most commonly known is the Kindle from Amazon. These electronic devices can download numerous books at a time for students to read. To replace regular books, this way you can have numerous titles available (for various content areas and reading abilities) with less cost than buying the actual books. [|www.ebookreadermatrix.com] is a good website to compare the various e-book readers availabl e.

Flip cameras: Many students have difficulty with presenting information in front of their peers. Students can prepare their presentation, either individually or with a group, ahead of time using a flip camera. When students know they are being filmed, they put forth much more effort and time into the project. Also, they get the added benefit of learning how to use a flip camera. Students can also create a podcast of their presentations to discuss with other students. http://sites.google.com/site/bsdinstrtech/flip-camera