Simulations+&+Games

= =

=**Simulations and Games **=

=Technology 1: IXL =

=Rationale: = ====Students practice a range of comprehensive math concepts that align with the state standards. They can choose a skill from a list or interact with an embedded game board and win virtual prizes. The website adjusts to the student's demonstrated ability level. A student's progress and results can be monitored from a parent, teacher, or monitoring adult. ==== ====Students can use IXL from home or school and its material ranges from Preschool through 8th grade with more complex topics on the way. IXL is an interactive website that engages students. It is fun and the students feel they are playing a game even though they are really practicing important math skills. Students also like this website because they can personalize it by choosing a topic or grade level to challenge themselves. They can even create their own username and password along with a picture. ====

=Resources Needed: = ====Computer, Internet Access, Subscription ($199 for 30 students for a school year OR the price ranges if buying for an individual or an entire school) ==== = =

= Technology 2: BrainPOP =

([])
=Rationale: = ====Students learn through animated content that is curriculum based. Materials on the website include videos followed by quizzes, comics, experiments, and other activities for the students. The website also includes tools for teachers. Subjects include science, health, social studies, arts and music, English, engineering and technology, and math. Students choose their subject, a specific topic, and then their choice of activities. ==== ====Students can use BrainPOP from home or school and its topics range by subject. BrainPOP is interactive and and the students are engaged by the animated video and fun activities. The characters are funny and keep the students entertained while educating them at the same time. The videos show great diagrams and pictures to help the students visualize the content. ====

=Resources Needed: =

Computer, Internet Access, Subscription (Yearlong K-8 + Spanish --> $265 for one classroom/$1,495 entire school)
= = = Technology 3: SMARTBoard =



(http://smartdivas.wikispaces.com/Home)
=<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Rationale: = ====<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">SMARTBoards are interactive and create opportunities for students to get out of their seats and interact with a lesson, game, activity, etc. The students use "pens" to interact with the board. There is also an eraser and numerous features. Changing handwriting to typed text, cloning images, covering parts of writing or an image, and importing lessons are just a few. A student is to a SMARTBoard what a mouse is to a computer. ==== ====<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Students are interested in SMARTBoards because they are hands-on for students and adults of any age. The amount of lessons, activities, games, pictures, video clips and other interactive media is endless. In particular, a teacher can search for any of these items, connect with other teachers, find lessons linked by a particular standard, see the top downloads, or share their own resource at <span class="wiki_link_ext">@http://exchange.smarttech.com/. What a way to get students up and moving while engaging them in content! ====

=<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Resources Needed: = ====<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Computer, Internet Access, Projector, SMARTBoard (Prices can range depending on which model you purchase from high hundreds to 15,000 dollars for the top of the line. WOW! Newer models allow multiple students to touch the board at the same time and have a projector mounted to the top of the SMARTBoard.) ====

<span style="display: block; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
= = =<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Education Challenge: Student Motivation = ====<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">When students are motivated they are more likely to succeed academically. They become more engaged and interested in what they are learning. My technologies below help encourage student motivation because they are hands-on and encourage student participation with colors, sounds, and material that is interesting and related to their age level. ====