Technology Team Ideas
March 14, 2013
Spelling City
Spelling City is a great app for students to use to not only practice their spelling, but vocabulary as well. It allows students to play spelling games such as unscrambling the word, fill in the missing letter and “hangmouse” which is fun version of “hangman.” The vocabulary piece is beneficial as well, including games such as matching the word with the definition, using it in a sentence, and “word-o-rama” which is like Jeopardy!
Once you go to spellingcity.com, you can log into our school account by going to the teacher login. Our username is “browncity” and our password is “spelling.” Next, you need to create your list by clicking, “create a new list.” This is where you will type in your spelling words and the definitions will automatically be added. Once this is complete, you should see your spelling list on the “list” page and you can click the “play a game” tab for a list of all the games available! Please note that individual accounts for students do cost money. However, if you just log your students onto our school account, they can play as many games as they like!
QR Codes
I have been using QR codes with my students in 2nd Grade. What I love about QR codes is that you can adapt them any which way in order for them to fit any lesson!
What are QR Codes?
QR codes are images that can be scanned by using an iPad, iPhone, etc. Our set of iPads at BC have a QR code reader called ‘Scanner’ in the utilities folder.
How to make a QR Code—It’s EASY!
1. Go to https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/
2. Write the text that you want to show up in your QR Code message.
3. Save the QR Code.
4. The QR code will download and save above your task bar.
5. Open the QR code and print it out.
How to scan a QR Code
Our set of iPads at BCES already have an app downloaded on them to read QR Codes. It is located in the utilities folder and is called ‘scanner’.
1. Open the app. When you open the app it will look like a camera with a box in the center of it.
2. Line up the box to fit the QR code inside.
3. The scanner will automatically scan the QR code and the message that you created will show up.
How I’ve used QR Codes in my classroom
The great thing about QR codes is that they can be used for practically anything. Therefore, I can see it being effective for any classroom K-12. I have created QR codes that contain the weekly spelling words as the message. I printed the QR codes out and hid them around my classroom. Then, I sent my students on a hunt for the QR codes. When they found one, they would scan it with the scanner and a message would pop up such as “Write the word ‘appear’ in your very best handwriting three times”.
I’ve also used QR codes in math. Below is a link to a worksheet that I found on Teachers Pay Teachers. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Two-Digit-Addition-Subtraction-Cards-with-QR-Codes-660607
Students solved the math problems on each page. After they finished, they were given an iPad to scan the QR codes. The QR codes next to the problem contained the answer.
Please let me know if you want more information regarding QR codes! I’d be happy to help! Email me at jthompson@bc.k12.mi.us
Quizlet
The Quizlet app allows you and/or your students to create sets of flashcards. There are also thousands of pre-made flashcard sets, or you can use your own terms and each set can be used in a number of ways. Because Quizlet allows you to create flashcard sets, it is an excellent way to have students learn new vocabulary. Since there are games that require students to type words and answers, the website also gives practice on how to type. Also, students can practice pronouncing words when using one of the voice games. The following games area available once you have your flashcard set.
- Scatter - The user matches the term and definition by dragging one to the other.
- Voice Scatter - The user matches the term and definition by speaking "Match _____ with _____."
- Space Race - The term or definition moves across the screen until the user types the proper response
- Voice Race - The user speaks the term or definition before the prompt moves all the way across the screen.
I use Quizlet with my Science terms, and with my spelling vocabulary words. Each week they need to find definitions for their words, then put them into their Quizlet account. I create a master account (it’s free!) and then they use it, but when they save their work, they save it under their own names and keep adding to their stack of flashcards.