TECHNOLOGY
The integration of technology into GT lessons, especially with students in K-3, can make learning more accessible and relevant. Today, children are being exposed at a younger day to a wide variety of technological tools. Below, we list just a handful of the resources you can employ when working with gifted student.
iPads
Most teachers not at EPISD have access to iPads in their classroom. These devices provide many opportunities to introduce students to technology. First, they are easy to use and most students are now familiar with tablets. Second, they are very versatile. There are literally thousands of educational applications that can be used with GT students in grades K-3. However, in addition to learning programs, iPads are a great source for creating higher-level products. It is a photo camera, video editor and audio recorder all in one. iMovie, Telestory, iStopMotion and TouchCast Studios are apps that allow students to record, edit and publish their own movies. There are also apps such as Sock Puppets, Puppet Pals and Toontastic that guide students to explore storytelling in new innovative ways. Finally, iPads are a portable research source that allows students to gather information at the tips of their fingers.
Most teachers not at EPISD have access to iPads in their classroom. These devices provide many opportunities to introduce students to technology. First, they are easy to use and most students are now familiar with tablets. Second, they are very versatile. There are literally thousands of educational applications that can be used with GT students in grades K-3. However, in addition to learning programs, iPads are a great source for creating higher-level products. It is a photo camera, video editor and audio recorder all in one. iMovie, Telestory, iStopMotion and TouchCast Studios are apps that allow students to record, edit and publish their own movies. There are also apps such as Sock Puppets, Puppet Pals and Toontastic that guide students to explore storytelling in new innovative ways. Finally, iPads are a portable research source that allows students to gather information at the tips of their fingers.
Computer Lab
If possible, try to secure at least one 45 minute computer lab session for your GT group. The computers in our school labs have many creative tools such as Windows Moviemaker, which allows students to create book trailers and edit their skits, or ComicLife, which allows them to generate cartoon strips. In addition, as with the iPads, the computer lab is an excellent place to teach students important research skills. Finally, school friendly social media sites, such as Edmodo, help students communicate with one another.
If possible, try to secure at least one 45 minute computer lab session for your GT group. The computers in our school labs have many creative tools such as Windows Moviemaker, which allows students to create book trailers and edit their skits, or ComicLife, which allows them to generate cartoon strips. In addition, as with the iPads, the computer lab is an excellent place to teach students important research skills. Finally, school friendly social media sites, such as Edmodo, help students communicate with one another.
Video Conferencing
EPISD has equipped every campus with a state-of-the-art video conferencing cart. These systems can be used to create collaborations with other gifted classes across the district, the nation and even the world. There are also other excellent learning opportunities that present themselves through Meet-the-Author sessions and virtual museum visits. Video conferencing expands a students learning environment to infinite possibilities.
EPISD has equipped every campus with a state-of-the-art video conferencing cart. These systems can be used to create collaborations with other gifted classes across the district, the nation and even the world. There are also other excellent learning opportunities that present themselves through Meet-the-Author sessions and virtual museum visits. Video conferencing expands a students learning environment to infinite possibilities.
Storybird
This website gives GT students the opportunity to become published authors, by creating imaginative storybooks using the many illustrations provided.
www.storybird.com
This website gives GT students the opportunity to become published authors, by creating imaginative storybooks using the many illustrations provided.
www.storybird.com
Animoto
This online tool allows students to create slide shows in a quick and easy manner. It is extremely easy to master, and the products that are generated look and sound very professional. The videos that are created can be easily added to any website.
www.animoto.com
This online tool allows students to create slide shows in a quick and easy manner. It is extremely easy to master, and the products that are generated look and sound very professional. The videos that are created can be easily added to any website.
www.animoto.com
Educreations
Educators and students alike can create online lessons to share with others. These can also be posted quickly to websites. It is also available for the iPad.
www.educreations.com
Educators and students alike can create online lessons to share with others. These can also be posted quickly to websites. It is also available for the iPad.
www.educreations.com
Edmodo
Secure social network site created specifically for students and teachers. It is safe to use, and allows teachers not only to monitor students (from a smart phone even) but also has the capability of posting assignments.
www.edmodo.com
Secure social network site created specifically for students and teachers. It is safe to use, and allows teachers not only to monitor students (from a smart phone even) but also has the capability of posting assignments.
www.edmodo.com
Kahoot
Allows teachers to generate or search quizzes, polls or online interactive discussions. getkahoot.com |