Student Response Systems

At the Christa McAuliffe Tech Conference, I had the opportunity to demo a Smart Student Response System (SRS).  I've been considering a purchase of such a system for our Underhill Library, and it was great to have the chance to play around with one.  

Many of us are using BrainPop Jr. more than ever, and the built-in quizzes that are tied to state standards make it easy to assess student comprehension.  Although our students love to go up to the SmartBoard to chose an answer from the multiple choices, think about how much fun it would be if each student had a response clicker!  More than just the fun factor, using a Student Response System would:

~ eliminate that "getting up and sitting down" transition time

~ enable every student to participate at the same time

~ give the teacher an overview of each student's answer; it is clear at a glance who "gets it" and who doesn't

~ require participation by all, especially those quiet students who rarely raise their hands

~ stimulate class discussion based upon the immediate results 

~ encourage students to reflect on their own answers by giving immediate feedback

~ also allow teachers to create their own quizzes, or share from the Smart Community

Look at the screenshots below, check out the links, and give me your feedback....should we purchase a Student Response System for Underhill School or is it just another "gadget"?

Smart Response Features

Videos to learn how Smart Response works

Website with Links to Articles on SRS

All You Need for a Snowman

Although we haven't had too much snow so far this season (not counting the Halloween Blizzard of 2011), we can't help but think about making SnowPeople.  They are so cheerful, so easy to get along with, so much fun to create.  If you need inspiration or just a really good story to read to your students, we've created a Resource List in our Underhill Library Catalog just for you! 

Simply click here:  Underhill Library Catalog Online

and you will see "Destiny Quest" (screenshot below) - a feature where we can create lists of resources for your convenience.  Go to the RESOURCE LIST, and click on the one titled "Snowman" and browse away!

While you are here in DESTINY QUEST, look to see what 
THE TOP 10 BOOKS are, and check out some of 
our NEW ARRIVALS!

Different Ways to Learn

I spent a day at the Christa McAuliffe Tech Conference this week.  As usual, I was both overwhelmed and exhilarated by the wealth of resources available to infuse both teaching and learning with engaging, exciting and educational activities.  The keynote speaker, Dr. David Rose, spoke eloquently on "Meeting the Challenge of Individual Differences in the Digital Age:  Universal Design for Learning."
One example he used to illustrate a point was a music composition by J.S. Bach.  Here are three ways to present Bach's "Little" Fugue in G minor.  Your objective?  Understanding that a fugue has a theme that repeats in different ways.  Post a response on which way worked best for you!

Do you understand fugues best by looking at the sheet music?

Do you understand fugues best by listening to the music being played? 

Click here to listen to the audio file:

Bach's "Little" Fugue in G Minor

NOTE: This will open in a new window.

Do you understand fugues best by listening to the music being played 

AND 

watching a visual representation?

Click here to see a dynamic combination of visual and auditory representation:

Visual Representation of Bach's "Little Fugue in G Minor"

NOTE: This will open in a new window.

NOW - Post your response!