Tech Corner
Mountain Gap P-8: 3rd Edition
Tech Monthly Newsletter
Basic Coding: Where do we start?
Kodables.com teaches basic java script, where students can learn to animate characters and build simple games. Students collect coins, clear “slime” and bugs and act as “fuzz balls” to accomplish a variety of tasks while learning how java script works.
Codecambat.com is another game site that teaches java script for students from 3rd graders to middle schoolers. Students collect jewels and coins while fighting ogres in their effort to write the most efficient script to reach a variety of goals and levels.
Codeschool.com is another good site for teaching more advanced java script, fun for ages 6-106 where the user takes a “Roadtrip” and travels through 3 levels of terrain while coding to avoid obstacles and reach destinations.
Finally, the simple application and text editor, Notepad++, is fully updated and available from HCS’s software center for download to all teachers and students. Notepad++ adds many features to the standard Microsoft packaged Notepad useful for a variety of text and code editing tasks.
Math Fluency Practice
Xtra Math is a free web math fact fluency program that helps students master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. The program begins by given students a series of placement tests. After the placement tests, students are given timed practices; these short sessions usually last less than ten minutes. After mastering a program students receive a certificate of achievement. Xtra Math provides detailed progress reports for teachers and parents. There is also a mobile app available for five dollars.
Narrating with ScreenChomp
ScreenChomp is a free app that will allow you to record your own narrations as you draw out and explain your idea on your iPad. You could sketch on a plain background or choose a certain image from your camera roll. You can then share your video with your students by using a unique URL or a downloadable MP4.
Tech Team Contact Info
Email: leslie.zurowski@hsv-k12.org
Website: mountaingapschool.org
Location: Mountain Gap School, Mountain Gap Road Southeast, Huntsville, AL, United States
Phone: 256-428-7720
Twitter: @MtnGap