Osmo and Dash and Dot

HThe first toy that I played with is called Dash and Dot. This toy was fun, but it is something students can learn to code through apps that Dash and Dot robots provide for free.

Next, the other tool that students can use to play with words, patterns, and other development appropriate games is called Osmo.

I will definitely buy these materials for my students. I can't wait for them to use it.

Here's a few links that provide detailed information about the Dash and Dot robots and Osmo:

Dash and Dot: https://www.makewonder.com/dash

Osmo: https://www.playosmo.com/en/

Reflection: Social Story

Social stories are great way to visually show how to behave in social situations. Teachers will always have students with behavior promblems or disabilities, and teachers will have no clue how to improve or help the students with their behaviors or disabilities. That is why social stories are great way to improve and help the students' behaviors and disabilities. iPads are usually used to create social stories because there are benefits that comes with them. You could make a video or a story on a behavior problem such a student who can't keep their hands to him or herself. 

This picture below gives you an example how to create social story, however, you can get creative using realistic pictures to give students a better example.

  

 

You can also use apps like shadow puppet and show me app to make videos about this social story example. 

Social stories are useful because it has been proven students improve their behavior and learn to work around with their disabilities. 

The Use and Abuse of Technology: My Reflection

 

  I believe that technology is growing, especially, in classrooms. Teachers can be seen using a promethean board, iPads, and laptops with the students. However, some teachers currently are not using technology the right way. An example was given that demonstrates an incorrect way to use technology was that a teacher gave a digital worksheet to students so that they can practice a certain skill over and over again. I thought there should be another creative method to apply technology other than give digital worksheets to students. There were various points that I agree with in the article like technology should be for connecting. Technology should not limit social skills by isolating students. Technology can be used to learn and teach others through interactive drawings, images, blogs, videos, and digital portfolios. The correct yet fun way to use technology should be implemented every day in classrooms. If we can avoid the abuse of technology then children will be learning. 

The link that I did my reflection on:

Credits: http://kathycassidy.com/2013/01/05/the-use-and-abuse-of-technology-in-the-classroom/

STEM: My Reflection

I find it interesting that STEM education is very important for elementary students. I always thought that STEM was something that was not required, but today it is being implemented within elementary students not just the high schoolers. I also agree that in order to become a strong STEM educators we have to change the lens through which we view our teaching practices. In the article, it states that we can simply integrate STEM learning by adding questioning vocabulary words such as design, experiment, and model. I learned that STEM learning is not just adding physics and robotics into the curriculum or exposing tools like iPads and apps to students, but it is critical-thinking learning which develops strong skills throughout students’ life. 

The link that I did my reflection on:
Credits: http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2015/04/03/stem-it%27s-elementary