Kidspiration
According to their website, Kidspiration is "the visual way to explore words, numbers and concepts." It was created for grades K-5. This program develops thinking, literacy, and numeracy skills through visual learning principles. In reading and writing, Kidspiration strengthens word recognition, vocabulary, comprehension and written expression. In math, it encourages students to build reasoning and problem solving skills.
Pros of using Kidspiration include:
* Developing strong thinking skills
* Strengthening reading and writing skills
* Building conceptual understanding in math
Components of Kidspiration
* Picture View-This component provides students with tools to map out concepts and create other visual representations. I like how it includes clip art, arrows, bubbles, etc. I think that the variety of images opens up additional options for creativity among the students. There is not just one right way to create something.
* Writing View-This component is closely connected with the Picture View. It allows for a written map/outline of a concept. There is also a function that allows students to place what they've written to be automatically transferred to a picture web. I also thought that the Word Guide function is helpful since it provides students with the definition of a word as well as synonyms.
* Math View- This final "new" component provides several tools (color tiles, pattern blocks, base ten blocks, fraction tiles, and fraction boxes) in addition to an option for free workspace. I think this is a positive component because each of the tools found here are based upon actual manipulatives that can also be used in the classroom. It could provide opportunities for assessment, reinforcement, or even just a fun, educational activity. The students are not restricted to a worksheet, but rather have the opportunity to use what they've learned and be as creative as they want.
* The Activities- I found the activities in each subject to be age appropriate and fun. Even better, they each support the students' development in critical thinking skills, language & literacy skills, and problem solving skills. They are fun, visual ways to reinforce these skills.
Inspiration
According to their website, Inspiration is "the essential tool to visualize, think, organize and learn." Created for grades 6-12, it helps students plan, research, and complete projects. The students can create graphic organizers and expand topics into writing, which encourages learning in multiple modes. As a result, students gain a better understanding of concepts and demonstrate their knowledge.
Pros of using Inspiration include opportunities to:
* Plan and organize
* Research and evaluate
* Comprehend and communicate
Since this program was created for grades 6-12, I can't see it being applicable in an Early Childhood setting. However, when considered as an educational tool for older students, it would have its uses. The Diagram section, like the Picture View in Kidspiration, facilitates creating graphic organizers of concepts. This goes hand in hand with the Outline section which facilitates outlining information within a content area. The final major area of this program is the Template section. The subject templates found in this area help students with organization, research, and planning. This section is one area that I think can also be useful to teachers of any age group. The planning area provides templates for various types of lesson plans. While they may need to be adjusted for different classes. the basic structure provides a foundational starting point.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Go Team!
This past week was dedicated to finishing and fine tuning our group PowerPoint presentations. Having worked in another group to complete the gradelevel PowerPoint, this experience provided the opportunity to compare and contrast different group styles.
In my first group, I was probably the most saavy about digital cameras and PowerPoint. As a result, I became the unspoken leader of the group. As such, I gathered information and opinions from my fellow group members. Their ideas were vital to creating the final project. However, the responsibility of actually creating the PowerPoint and ading the finishing touches to make it flow landed largely on my shoulders.
In my next group, there were a lot more of my peers who were comfortable and confident working with PowerPoint, and some were much more "take charge" than I tend to be. Therefore, I was not the head leader of this group. Since we had to projects to complete, our group opted to take a divide and conquer approach to completing the assignment, so we split into two subgroups. I did become the unspoken leader of my subgroup. Each subgroup created their own activity and then we came back as a large group to put it all together and present it to the class.
Throughout my schooling, I have been placed into many different groups. Sometimes I take on the role of leader. At other times I am content to let others take that role. I like working in groups because it is easy to utilize individual's strengths to enhance the project. Many brains working together increase creativity, expand expectations, and encourages socialization.
There have also been groups that I did not enjoy working with. Most of the time this was a result of a lack of productivity among fellow group members. I felt like I was the one doing all of the work, but they were going to get all of the credit. I have also had experiences where a group member did not do their part and their lack of commitment reflected poorly on the entire group.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using groupwork in the classroom. Overall, I feel that the advantages outweight the disadvantages. But I believe that students must be taught how to work well in groups and not just be left to themselves. The teacher must be available as a facilitator as well as a resource. They must also be careful in how they group students in an effort ot avoid personality clashes and having too many (or too few) leaders in one group.
In my first group, I was probably the most saavy about digital cameras and PowerPoint. As a result, I became the unspoken leader of the group. As such, I gathered information and opinions from my fellow group members. Their ideas were vital to creating the final project. However, the responsibility of actually creating the PowerPoint and ading the finishing touches to make it flow landed largely on my shoulders.
In my next group, there were a lot more of my peers who were comfortable and confident working with PowerPoint, and some were much more "take charge" than I tend to be. Therefore, I was not the head leader of this group. Since we had to projects to complete, our group opted to take a divide and conquer approach to completing the assignment, so we split into two subgroups. I did become the unspoken leader of my subgroup. Each subgroup created their own activity and then we came back as a large group to put it all together and present it to the class.
Throughout my schooling, I have been placed into many different groups. Sometimes I take on the role of leader. At other times I am content to let others take that role. I like working in groups because it is easy to utilize individual's strengths to enhance the project. Many brains working together increase creativity, expand expectations, and encourages socialization.
There have also been groups that I did not enjoy working with. Most of the time this was a result of a lack of productivity among fellow group members. I felt like I was the one doing all of the work, but they were going to get all of the credit. I have also had experiences where a group member did not do their part and their lack of commitment reflected poorly on the entire group.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using groupwork in the classroom. Overall, I feel that the advantages outweight the disadvantages. But I believe that students must be taught how to work well in groups and not just be left to themselves. The teacher must be available as a facilitator as well as a resource. They must also be careful in how they group students in an effort ot avoid personality clashes and having too many (or too few) leaders in one group.
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