Evolving with Technology - iPad edition

University of Florida Literacy Institute

Beginning next school year, our district will roll out UFLI for phonics instruction, as a supplement to the core ELA curriculum (ARC). To be used differently than Khan Kids and ARC Adventures, this application accompanies whole class scripted lessons. We're not entirely sure how the application will fit into instruction, as training for the new program is ongoing. However, I'm hoping to be able to use this application both as an independent activity for students during the language arts block, and a supplemental digital tool with the core instructional materials. As a side note, this addition mirrors the new MathLabFacts application as a foundational supplement to instruction.

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy proved useful only to students reading at or above grade level, so Khan Kids phonics instruction was initialized as an extension of ARC Adventures for students who had mastered the basic power words. This phonics program, however, may prove unnecessary with the adoption of the UFLI phonics application that the district will launch next year (and which I will describe later). However, Khan Kids does have extensive practice and gaming opportunities that students can access independently. Depending on the effectiveness of UFLI, we may or may not have use for this app next year.

ARC Adventures

A power word program that gamifies sight word practice, this application is useful for students reading below grade level. Once students have achieved the 2G reading level (late Kindergarten) this activity loses its utility. Last year we utilized the Khan Kids app (detailed later) as a phonics practice extension for students who had mastered these power word drills. Here is another case of folding foundational practice into a digital medium (like we will do for MathFactsLab) to increase efficiency in instruction. This program is used independently by students during the language arts block, and is accessible at home (see ARC Bookshelf).

RAZ Kids

An alternative independent reading program used as a supplement to the ARC materials in District 87, RAZ Kids (Reading A to Z) is a leveled library and reading comprehension application used in several of our elementary schools. An interactice teacher dashboard allows the instructor to monitor student progress and identify reading skill deficits. RAZ Kids also offers performance incentives for student engagement. This subscription is reviewed each year, but continues to be made available on student devices.

Camera

Most of my ethical dilemmas about digital technology revolve around this application. Currently, parents have at least 8 different opt-out options for the collection and use of student images. Having a healthy respect for privacy, I tend to avoid featuring student faces when I photograph in the classroom. Students using the camera on their devices to take pictures of other students without their permission has been an issue as well. However, given the collaborative possibilities combined with the emphasis on student explanation of their problem-solving reasoning, I'm rethinking my approach to camera use with the devices.

ARC Bookshelf

The main digital library for students, containing many titles across all the reading levels. Students use this app during independent reading periods. It is accessible to students at home, as well. Students are asked to document their reading on the after answering comprehension questions and giving a short review of the book. At-home accessibility can solve the problem of a lack of home reading material, if students have access to a device and wifi. This app can foster positive reading habits by associating literacy with mobile devices, the entertainment of choice for many students.

ARC Reading Log

Fastbridge

Our chief assessment tool for the past 4 years, Fastbridge will be discontinued beginning next year. This was an adaptive assessment for the areas of ELA, math (concepts and fact fluency) and SEL. Many educators maintained that the areas assessed by FastBridge did not align properly with CCSS instruction. Our administration must have agreed.

MathFactLab

Beginning next school year, our district will subscribe to the fact fluency application. I've detailed this as part of challenge #2, so follow the link for more information.