Monday, May 8, 2017
Tools for literacy
This week I explored a couple of new web tools. Loopy was the first. Loopy is a creative tool that allows you to create a graphic organizer that will allow you to organize and connect ideas in a series. Loopy allows you to draw circles, add text to the circles and change the color as desired. You can them connect the circles with animated arrows that allow the user to follow along from one idea circle to the next. I made an example that you can find my clicking here. I see using this tool in the future to have students connect ideas. I would be able to have the students research a topic, such as a body system. They could create a bubble for each component of that body system and a brief explanation of that component, then they could use the arrows to trace the path through that system. This would be a great visual aid that would show me there level of understanding.
The second web tool that I would like to incorporate is Actively Learn. This tool allows teachers to upload articles for the students and embed questions and quizzes to check for understanding. Students are also able to click on words and get a definition of the word instantly without having to leave the safety of the website. This tool also allows for the addition of videos and links. This would be a great presentation tool to use for students notes. They can read the notes, watch the video, participate in links and answer questions along the way. If you would like to see an example, click here.
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Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of Loopy aside from seeing it in the Tools list. I am familiar with the ideas of making concept maps, but I also like that you incorporated using arrows to show a path through a body system. Your idea in general of using Loopy to organize the major organs of a body system is something I could easily incorporate into my brief body systems unit that I do at the end of the year. I had kids do a venn diagram to compare frog anatomy to human anatomy but they could easily just make an organizer of the frog body system and put it on their human body system poster.
I also checked out Actively Learn. I did not notice that you could include videos and links in the reading! I really like your idea of using Actively Learn to make notes that are engaging for the students.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to Loopy. I have always used Google Drawings for something like this, but I will check out Loopy for next year. I think it will work great as a tool to organize their notes. Like you mentioned, it would be an easy method to check their understanding of the concept of what you are teaching. Next year, I’m going to try flipping my classroom for some units I teach. I think Loopy would be a great tool for students to use after listening to my notes. I would have them create a web and fill in information as it is connected accordingly. For example, when I teach author’s point of view, they can fill in all the details for the different points of view from their notes, showing me they understand how they all fit together and the differences between them all. As a bonus, I think the students will really appreciate the opportunity to take notes in a different manner that allows them to be creative. It’s a brilliant way to incorporate Literacy 2.0 methods and concepts.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your examples with us. I discovered Loopy as I was updating the course. I see so many possibilities for using it especially in science and social studies. I like your ideas for using it with body systems and I'm sure you will think of many more. It will also easily demonstrate cause and effect relationships.
Happy learning!
Dr. Dell