tech+tips+5

My tech tip is a website called Quizlet (www.quizlet.com). This is one of the many resources mentioned by Arthus in his podcast. When I went to check it out, I loved it instantly (and I also love that it was developed by a 15 year old!!) My 9th grade son has already used it to input his Spanish words for a test he's having next week!
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The site lets you type in vocabulary words or anything else that you need to memorize in pairs (states and state capitals, events and dates, multiplication facts, etc.). You can then “familiarize” yourself with the sets using a flash card format. Or, you can “learn” the sets by typing in the corresponding answer. You can “test” yourself on the sets with a test designed of multiple choice and/or matching and/or typing answers and/or true/false questions. There are even two “games” that you can play with the sets. One is called Scatter and you drag the words that match on top of each other. The other is called Space Race and you have to quickly type the corresponding answer before the prompt word moves all the way across the screen. Both of these games are timed and the site prompts you to “try to beat your time” much like a video game would.

As hard as it was for me to believe, my teenage son actually studies his Spanish vocabulary words with very little complaining using this website!

To help my students visualize math concepts, I use virtual math manipulatives with my Promethean board. I model concepts on the board and then allow students to practice at their computer with the same concepts. The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives website contains interactive online units that target objectives designated by national standards. The site contains interactive online activities and provide online assessments.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/NAV/vlibrary.html