Top Tech Tip #4 - 3 iPad Apps to Assess Reading Fluency and Track Comprehension

This weeks top tip is on 3 iPad Apps to Assess Reading Fluency and Track Comprehension.  In the original post I shared 3 apps that would track fluency and comprehension. These apps are useful, but I wanted to add some alternatives for those teachers who do not have access to an iPad.  One alternative is using Evernote.  I shared some links below on how other teachers are using Evernote to track fluency and comprehension notes on students.

• Penultimate-iPad App
• Using Evernote to Record and Track Fluency
• 2nd Grader Explaining how she uses Evernote to record fluency

I hope these are helpful and I would love to help you get started using Evernote in your classroom next year.

Top Tech Tips #2-iPad Apps for Data Collection and Assessment Part 2

The iPad apps for data collection and assessment part 2 was the second most visited post this year.  This post highlights the following apps;  Fotobabble, Skitch, Kidblog, Dropbox, Educreations, Readers Workshop.  I specifically focus on how they can be used as an assessment tool in your classroom.

Link to original post - iPad apps for data collection and assessment part 2

**Updates**
Since my original post Skitch and Educreations have been updated.  Skitch now has the capability to allow you to annotate on top of a PDF.  Educreations has added the ability to create multiple classes and link to them within a school.

Also, check out Kidblog over the summer as it will be adding some great features.  Some of these features will be unveiled this summer at our tech camp when the co-creator Matt Hardy will be presenting.

Three Ring - easily collect and organize student work in a digital binder

As a district we have focused on formative assessment this year.  I know in my classroom it was always tricky to collect student work and easily keep it organized to use for future instructional purposes.  I came across Threering a few months ago, but want to share it in this weeks tech tip of the week.  This website allows you to easily set up a class and collect student work samples via video, audio, and photos.  This site has an android and IOS app that you can download and use your cell phone or tablet to collect their work. You can also access everything on the Threering website.  The other really cool feature of this tool is that students can also upload their own work using their devices and you can share all or part of their digital binder with parents via an email address.  This site is really easy to use and will allow you to collect student work samples over time and communicate easily and effectively with parents.  This would also make it really easy to bring up student data for PLC's or parent teacher conferences. 

Classroom Integration Ideas:

• capture pictures of students work (notebooks, rubrics, etc)
• record fluency data for elementary
• record video of presentations 
• peer feedback
• please leave a comment below with any further ideas

Video explaining some of the features of Three Ring

Evernote in Education Part 2

Evernote is one of my favorite tools both in my personal life and professionally.  In this post I am compiling resources that will help you get started using Evernote as a tool both as teacher and to help organize your life.  I have listed resources below that will provide you with plenty of information on how to use Evernote and how other teachers are utilizing this tool.

Evernote in Education Livebinder - This online binder is filled with tons of great resources and ideas to help you get started using Evernote.

Evernote for Teachers - Evernote itself has created a page for teachers.  This page includes programs that Evernote works with and also has an hour long webinar about Evernote for teachers.

Pinterest Board of Evernote in Education -This Pinterest board has tons of great resources to get started using Evernote

The Ultimate Simplified Guide to Using Evernote - This final resource is a simple guide to using Evernote for instruction and how your students can use it as well.

Remember Evernote is one of many tools out there, but this free tool has many implications for data collection, goal setting, and instruction.  I would love to meet and plan how you could use this tool in your classroom.

Apps for Creation and Collaboration

This is the last week I will be highlighting iPad apps that take students thinking to a higher level.  This weeks tech tip has the apps that I shared last night at the training.  I share a few integration ideas with each app, but if any interest you please email me and we can set up a time to plan an integration project using any of these apps.

iPad Apps for Data Collection and Assessment-Part 2

For the next few weeks I will be highlighting some iPad apps that take students thinking to a higher level.  This weeks tech tip has the apps that I shared last night at the training.  I share a few integration ideas with each app, but if any interest you please email me and we can set up a time to plan an integration project using any of these app

iPad Apps for Data Collection and Assessment

For the next few weeks I will be highlighting some iPad apps that take students thinking to a higher level.  This weeks tech tip has the apps that I shared last night at the training.  I share a few integration ideas with each app, but if any interest you please email me and we can set up a time to plan an integration project using any of these apps.

iPad Apps for Instruction, Practice, and Much More

For the next few weeks I will be highlighting some iPad apps that take students thinking to a higher level.  This weeks tech tip has the apps that I shared last night at the training.  I share a few integration ideas with each app, but if any interest you please email me and we can set up a time to plan an integration project using any of these apps.

Also, if you are interested in more information about apps and iPads in the classroom please visit the iPad's in Owatonna link to find tons of great resources.

3 iPad Apps to Assess Reading Fluency and Track Comprehension

A teacher asked me for a fluency app that would track students fluency so they could listen to it when they are finished.  Below are three apps that I found during my search.

 

Record of Reading:

The record of reading app allows you to record a student reading a passage and fill out a running record form simultaneously.  It has some shortcuts to save you time while you fill out the running record and the student's audio will be attached to the running record.  You can then email this record or save it.  This app is very easy to use and is a great way to keep running records of students reading.

 

Running Record Calculator:

This app is also very easy to use and quickly allows you to record students reading and then mark their errors and WPM.  Once you click record you can flag parts of the audio to go back to later.  When the student finishes the reading you enter the WPM, Errors, and SC.  The app will automatically calculate the accuracy for you.  In the Lite and  Pro Version you can email yourself the record, but with the pro version it will attach the audio to the email so you can listen to it again.  This app would be a great way to keep track of student's reading accuracy throughout the year.

Readers Workshop:

This app is my favorite.  It is very similar to a pensive you would use with the Daily 5/Cafe.  It allows you to keep track of your conferring with students.  You can track how they are doing on different comprehension strategies by clicking on a rating scale.  You can also save notes about that student and the book they are reading.  My favorite feature is that you can record audio of yourself or the student that is part of your conference notes.  The app will then create a graph of their progress and allow you to easily go back and check in on each student.  This would be a great app to collect data on your students during conferring sessions.