Software Support Tools for Fourth Grade ELA
A list of software support tools and their relative advantage in a fourth grade ELA classroom.
Category |
Tool |
Description |
Relative
Advantage |
Learn More |
Materials Generator: |
Discovery Ed Puzzlemaker |
A free resource to
generate puzzles, from word searches, crosswords, and even math puzzles. |
The relative
advantage of using Discovery Ed Puzzlemaker in my
ELA classroom is that students can use this tool to increase their vocabulary
either by completing crossword puzzles or creating their own. |
Click here to learn
more about: Discovery
Ed Puzzlemaker |
Data Collection & Analysis Tools: |
Google Forms |
A free resource
(from Google Apps) that allows users to create personalized surveys and then analyzes
the data. |
The relative
advantage of using Google Forms in my ELA classroom is that I can quickly
collect data on my students. This data is then put into a graph for easy
reference. |
Click here to learn
more about: Google Forms |
Class Dojo |
A free resource that
helps monitor student behavior, participation, teamwork, and other
customizable tools. |
The relative
advantage of using Class Dojo in my ELA classroom is that students are
motivated to do well because it uses a point system where they can keep track
and even parents can be in the loop. |
Click here to learn
more about: Class Dojo |
|
Testing & Grading Tools: |
RubiStar |
A free resource for
making or finding pre-made rubrics. |
The relative
advantage of using Rubistar in my ELA classroom is
that students will have clear guidelines as to what my expectations are for
assignments. |
Click here to learn
more about: RubiStar |
Quizlet |
A free resources
that allows students to study, take quizzes/tests on any device. It is
teacher-friendly allowing teachers to record their voice or add images. |
The relative
advantage of using Quizlet in my ELA classroom is that it provides immediate
feedback to students and helps collect large amounts of data. |
Click here to learn
more about: Quizlet |
|
Graphics Tools: |
PowToon |
A free animation
program that allows users to easily create animated videos. It is great for
both teacher & student use. |
The relative
advantage of using in my ELA classroom is that students can create animated
presentations to illustrate their learning and/or I can create presentations
to further explain a concept. |
Click here to learn
more about: Powtoon |
BitStrips |
A free program that allows users to
create a comic using the provided characters, backgrounds, and various other
animations with the ability to add text. |
The relative
advantage of using BitStrips in my ELA classroom is
that teachers can assess student’s comprehension (in a highly engaging way) of a subject/novel
by having them create a comic to illustrate. |
Click here to learn
more about: BitStrips |
|
Planning & Organizing Tools: |
Google Calendar |
A free resource
(from Google Apps) that allows users to add events, categorize them, and even
share the events with others, helping to time manage & plan. |
The relative
advantage of using Google Calendar in my ELA classroom is that students can
plan their time with their monthly book reports (specifically), they can add
in all of their assignments to help them track when they can work on their
report & how much time is left. |
Click here to learn
more about: Google Calendar |
ToDoist |
A free resource that
provides an online to-do list that can be accessed everywhere. You can
prioritize, categorize, and add due dates to keep you on track. |
The relative
advantage of using ToDoist in my ELA classroom is
that students can track their large assignments (book reports, unit projects)
& break them down to smaller parts in order to help them manage their
time and make the tasks seem more manageable. |
Click here to learn
more about: Todoist |
|
Research & Reference Tools: |
Word Central |
A free dictionary
that provides student friendly definitions, synonyms and even rhyming words. |
The relative
advantage of using Word Central in my ELA classroom is that |
Click here to learn
more about: Word Central |