BrainPop
BrainPop.com is an educational, interactive website that teaches through the use of video. BrainPop has short videos for each subject (Science, Math, English, History, Arts, Technology) that teach a specific area of each subject. An example would be a video that teaches about natural disasters and would be under the Science subject area. After each video, there is an interactive review quiz that allows students to test themselves to see what they learned. Also, there are online activities - an interactive vocabulary sheet, chart, and cause and effect worksheet. These worksheets can be done online, or can be printed out; the worksheets and quizzes sllow students to comprehend the lesson and information that was presented in the video. BrainPop also has a BrainPopJr website that is designed specifically for students in grades 1-3; the videos and lessons are more straightforward with less information, so that these younger students undertsand the overarching theme of each video. Also, there is a BrainPop in Spanish, which is for students who take English as a second language and want to learn the language. BrainPop.com is a great website for teachers to use in the classroom to present a new topic or to reinforce a topic. The videos are comical and directed toward students, so they are interesting and capture the student's attention, ultimately increasing student motivation.
Kidspiration
Kidspiration is a visual learning tool that allows students to explore and understand words, numbers, and concepts. It provides a visual workspace for students, particularly for those ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade.You can create your own picture view, writing view, or math view. As well,you can pick an activity involving reading and writing, math, science, or social studies that will enhance your learning on a particular subject. For example, if you were to do a science activity such as one that involves the weather, there is an an activity that provides you with a concept map to help you understand and fill in the missing information. Kidspiration is a good example of assistive technology. It solves the problem of helping those
with special needs understand the material better trough providing visuals and
making the information clearer. Learners
in general, especially visual learners, benefit from Kidspiration as it makes
learning easier through providing vivid images and charts that organize the
information. As well, Kidspiration can be used a means of active
engagement as students can participate in the program on a computer either at
school or at home. This allows
them to have a more hands on approach with the lesson in a unique way and gain
more knowledge. Overall,
Kidspiration is a good learning tool.