Internet Search Tools

The Internet provides a vast amount of information on any given topic. However, for kids, it is important to search the Internet with appropriate and useful search engines. There are a variety of search tools out there, each with its own pros and cons. I’ve listed below my “Five Favorite Search Engines for Kids” and given a short description about each.

Boolify

This search engine teaches students the process of Internet searching. It guides students in language usage to find a certain topic. Students are given options such as “Exact Word or Phrase,” “Site,” and “Synonym” and then they provide the specific information for their search. This website would be especially useful in upper elementary middle school as students begin to understand how to refine a search.

CyberSleuth Kids

This search engine includes a search box and also a list of content areas and subtopics. When searching, the searched word(s) appears red in the results. This helps students, especially ELL students, identify the term they are hoping to learn more about. The search engine also includes a Clip art search area that students could use if looking for pictures for a project.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar refines the search results to scholarly literature only. It is a great tool to use with high school students when discussing appropriate sources for research. It also provides APA, MLA, and Chicago citation. However, many of the articles are not available directly to read and must be purchased or accessed through a different database. Google Scholar does not include any ads, so the content is limited to just the scholarly works. This search engine would not be appropriate for elementary or most middle school students as the results are too challenging.

KidRex

KidRex is a Google-owned search engine for kids that is powered by Google SafeSearch and Google Custom Search technology. The interface is colorful and features a dinosaur and font similar to the writing of a crayon. The site does a good job of filtering inappropriate content, but it still may be more appropriate for upper elementary students. It also is a good instruction to Google, as it operates the same way.

Quintura for Kids

This search engine includes a fun “cloud” feature. Students type in the word or phrase, which they want to search. The engine brings up kid-friendly websites but also brings up other searchable words in the “cloud.” On the interface, the “cloud” is actually a fun, bright, illustrated cloud. This helps guide students to other searchable words related to their topic.

Educational Websites

The Internet provides an expansive opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to enhance classroom learning. There are hundreds of educational websites designed to aid in learning. Some websites are student-friendly, easy to access, and engage students with arcade-like learning games. Other websites assist teachers with lesson plans and activity ideas. Parents also can access these websites to better understand their child’s homework or to help guide their child to an appropriate at-home website. Please view the following site to view an example of some educational websites for students, teachers and parents:
EducationalWebsites

YouTube Video Playlist

A classroom video playlist is a series of videos connected together to be viewed by students, parents, and/or colleagues. Video playlists can be created as you search and watch new videos. For example, on YouTube, scroll down under the video and you will see an “Add to” link. Click this and it will ask you which playlist to add to. You also can create a new playlist under this option. Once the playlist is created, it can be edited by clicking on the playlist title and then clicking “Edit Playlist.” Here, videos can be put in a certain order and/or removed. You can also edit the title of the playlist and add a description.

I created a video playlist on YouTube titled, “Renewable Energy Sources.” This playlist would be used in a science unit on natural resources. The video could be used as an introduction to renewable energy or can be used as a supplement to the textbook. The first video is my introduction video explaining what the students will view. Here, I also ask them to focus on a few essential questions. The second video is an overview of what a renewable energy source is. Following this video, the playlist contains five other videos highlighting renewable energy sources.

Please view the video playlist below:

Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Assistive technologies are hardware and/or software that help a student overcome some sort of difficulty in the classroom due to a disability or some other limiting factor. Some students require assistive technologies simply to communicate, like a hearing aid. Another example is if a student cannot produce sound, he may use an app on an iPad with a series of pictures to help the other person understand what he needs. Used appropriately by classroom teachers, assistive technologies can help struggling students overcome their challenges.

The adoption and implementation of the Common Core Standards are putting more emphasis on a student’s ability to write. The Common Core tests require students to write for both the English-Language Arts and Math standards. In the coming years, writing will be an integral part of every curriculum. However, many students struggle with writing. Students can often verbalize what they want to say but then cannot put those words into a cohesive paper. This is especially prevalent for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, who all struggle with organization.

There are many software programs that address a student’s inability to organize thoughts into writing. Kidspiration (grades K-5) and Inspiration (grades 6-adult) are software programs that allow students to transition from the brainstorming process to the writing process. The software includes easy to follow graphic organizers for every content area, note taking templates and strategies, and writing process assistance. The software programs assist students in the writing process by making visual connection with the information in order to help them organize their writing.

Please refer to the following links to find more information on this writing software:
Kidspiration 
http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration

Inspiration 
http://www.inspiration.com/Inspiration


Also, these two websites are especially helpful in giving an overview of many different assistive technologies for the classroom:
National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education

Great Schools
http://www.greatschools.org/articles/?topics=188&language=EN

Photo Story Video

A photo story video uses photographs sequenced in a certain order to tell a story, engage the learner, introduce a concept, or show learning on the part of the student. Either the teacher or the student can create photo stories. The teacher can use photo stories as an introduction to a lesson or as a different way to excite the students about a certain topic. Students can use photo stories as a different method to show what they have learned. For example, student can recreate key events in a novel and create a photo story to summarize the plot.

 The photo story I created is to be used as an aide in teaching about mathematical arrays. Arrays are a visual model used to solve multiplication problems. If I were to use this photo story in my class, I would use it after introducing the concept of math arrays. This video could be used as an introduction to a culminating project in which students would be assigned to find examples of multiplication arrays in their own homes. Please view the video below: