Having been introduced to several free online services
during the module the return to teaching placement gave a chance to try them
out in the classroom. Some are perhaps more suitable than others, depending on the
target audience and subject being taught, and it was an interesting opportunity
to experiment with the technology.
Assessment tools:
Socrative is
a website that allows users to create quizzes for students. Quizzes can be
multiple choice, true or false, short answer questions, or a combination of all
three. It also allows for immediate feedback of student progress and can be
used as a plenary. I have used Socrative several times in class to good effect.
It is a very good learning tool and students keen to try quizzes as part of
learning process. Students turned out to be surprisingly competitive at the end
of the quizzes and were eager to see the scores.
Quizzes are very useful teaching and learning tool
as well as an assessment method. Setting regular quizzes can serve as an
ongoing recap, assessment, and evaluation tool, and produce higher grades
overall (Haigh, 2007). Additionally, allowing students to work in groups on a
quiz can prove a more enjoyable experience and significantly enhance their
performance (Rao, Collins and DiCarlo, 2002). A useful site that I intend to use throughout my placement
across several modules.
Kahoot allows users to add
videos and generate quizzes, but only closed questions are permitted. On trying
this system is appears a bit clunky and dated, with a more ‘childish’ look and
feel, perhaps in an attempt to appeal to the youth market. It did not work
properly during demonstration and seems limited in comparison to other
software/sites. It is not something I can see myself using for teaching - if the
technology doesn’t add to the learning, why use it?
Hot Potato
is a site that allows teachers to set quizzes, and compile crossword and other
word games. The functionality allows the services to be downloaded making them
portable. The look and feel is perhaps a little simplistic but the functionality
would be very useful in the right setting. I have not used this site yet (and
doubt I will on current placement) but I would not hesitate to do so for TEFL
students or other language-based classes.
Presentation tools:
Nearpod is a mobile
app allowing teachers to upload and display presentations to students who log
in to live sessions via a computer or mobile device . Teachers can select which
slide(s) to show to students while using their own system to view appropriate
notes. It appears to be an extremely useful app from the in-class demonstration,
however due to the fact that not all students have access to tablets, and other
logistical issues, I have not had a chance to Nearpod so far on placement.
Nevertheless, I think it would be extremely useful in the classroom and is one
to keep in mind for future.
Prezi offers a more ‘visual’
alternative to powerpoint in that it is transition-focussed (see below for an example) whereas ppt is
slide or content-focussed. It is easy
to use and on first impressions has a more contemporary look and feel. Designed
for the business world, Prezi can come across as a business presentation tool to ‘wow’
clients rather than a system designed for teaching. Depending on the
presentation/lecture it can induce nausea with the repeated zooming from one ‘slide’
to the next, although in practice this is not much different than overuse of animations on ppt. Less is more: it would
be ideal for presenting visual elements with embedded material to minimise the
transitions, although that seems self-defeating. It certainly has its uses, but if your presentation is ‘content
heavy’ with text, the old workhorse ppt may be more suitable.
- Haigh, M., 2007. Sustaining learning through assessment: an evaluation of the value of a weekly class quiz. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 32(4), pp.457-474.
- Rao, S.P., Collins, H.L. and DiCarlo, S.E., 2002. Collaborative testing enhances student learning. Advances in physiology education, 26(1), pp.37-41.
