Tablet+and+Handheld+Device+Apps+for+the+Classrom

I went on a pretty thorough search for smartphone/tablet applications that my students could use to make the classroom learning experience a little more fun and interesting. The search was rather disappointing. There are a few good applications for elementary level students but nothing for the older kids. I did find some great tools for myself including the teacher helper app. With the teacher helper I can keep track of separate classrooms and students. I can use it for attendance and for keeping track of grades. As far as for older student use, I did find an old favorite that is a great past time for all ages: Mad Libs.

I remember some of my favorite Language Arts teachers pulling out some mad libs during the few down times we had. These activities are a great way to break the ice at the beginning of the semester, or relax after stressful test times. Also you can sneak in the some light grammar instruction while having fun.

There is also a great use for something as simple as the webster's dictionary application in my classroom. During a reading lesson, whether it be a story, short novel or biographical essay, students usually come across words they do not recognize. My students can use thier dictionary application to create short vocabulary lists. This is a great lesson to teach independent study and improve vocabulary. The students can share their vocabulary lists and create a group vocab from their readings. In the weeks that we do this exercise those lists we create together will become our vocabulary list. The students will be tested on their knowledge of the words they were having most difficulty with.

I also plan to incorporate edmodo into my classroom if it is allowed and there is a smartphone app for edmodo that will definitely come in handy.