Materials generators are very important in the classroom. I have used them quite often and I am sure a lot of teachers greatly rely on them. Materials generators include desktop publishing software, web page editors, test generators, and worksheet or puzzle generators. The list could go on and on. Recently, I have used web page editors, whiteboard activity software, and test generators.
Last week, I used a web page editor several times in the classroom. I created two glogs on edu.glogster.com and I also had each student in my Pre-Biology class create their own glog. The students were required to design the background in a way that was relevant to the topic. They could choose between DNA, mitosis, or meiosis. They had to include five notes that gave sufficient information so anyone could read the web page and understand. They also had to include a hyperlink and a video - all of which were vital to the understanding of the material. They really enjoyed the project and it was beneficial in their learning.
On a weekly basis I also use a type of whiteboard activity software. In each of our classrooms at the high school, we have a MIMIO. The MIMIO uses the projector to project the working "screen" onto the dry erase board. We are then able to use a special pen to write anything we want onto the projection in order to explain different topics. I am able to make power-points on the MIMIO and write on the screen as we go through the slides. This allows me to be at the front of the classroom instead of by the computer clicking through slides. It also allows the students to be more interactive. There are several games/activities that can be incorporated into the MIMIO slides/software that allow for the students to come to the board and use the pen and software for themselves.
Seeing as it is near the middle of the nine-weeks, we have mid-point common assessments coming up soon. This, and nine weeks tests, are when I most often use the test generators. This allows me to spend less time setting the test up on word and checking the spacing, fonts, answer choices, and etc. Test generators are very useful for when I do vocabulary test on all the chapter science terms.
These are all very useful and I use materials generators on a regular basis. I'm sure most of you do too!
I believe that several of the teachers at the school I transferred to this year has the device you are talking about but I have not had the chance to see it being used.
ReplyDeleteThe class that I moved into has a Promethean board in and I have really enjoyed using it and hope to get to attend some workshops this summer to learn more about what it will do.