5 Minutes A Day...

Ever feel like there isn't enough time in your day to read?  Now you can have books emailed daily to your inbox in 5 minute reading segments!  Everyone can spare 5 minutes a day!  I have been using Dripread and Dailylit to do just that for the past week.  I must say I look forward to my readings each day.  After I am finished with my readings, I feel I have accomplished something.  Imagine using this neat service with students who struggle with reading!  It may not seem as overwhelming knowing they only have to read for 5 minutes!  Smaller doses are less stressful and have more reading potential. And since they are available through email or RSS, they can be viewed on smartphones while waiting in line, waiting at the doctor office, etc.

Dripread allows you to upload ebooks and have it emailed in installments as well.  In addition, Open University lectures are available.  I have subscribed to Khan Academy's Video Biology lectures and like them very much.  They are interesting and use technology to help the learner visualize the concepts.  I may show some of these to my own biology students.

Dailylit has forums and recommendations based on your account information.  This is a nice feature for book discussions and suggestions.  I also like the flexibility of choosing how many installments and days for the books I choose to read.  The website is user friendly as the books are categorized by subject.

I look forward to checking my inbox each day!  I have subscribed to each of these sites and am currently reading 4 books in total ranging from understanding teens to self help.  I know it will take a while to finish them, but I love the fact that I am not under pressure to get them read fast.  I am a regular at my local library, but I always end up with overdue fees because of my time constraints.  Now I can take all the time I need!

References

Doyle, A. C. (n.d.). Dripread.Dripread. Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http://www.dripread.com/ 

meglit52. (n.d.). DailyLit: Read books online by daily email and RSS feed.DailyLit: Read books online by     daily email and RSS feed. Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http://www.dailylit.com/

Text-to-Speech Editing

Text-to-Speech features are a great way for students to edit their work.  It allows the author to hear what was written and to adjust common errors that are often overlooked in spelling or word choice.  It is also handy to turn this feature on when reading other digital texts to provide extra reinforcement of the material.  The more senses one uses while learning, the better they remember the material.  There are several free downloads for text-to-speech applications, as well as built in programs in Windows and Mac.  The software is a great editing devise, however, it cannot catch all errors.  For instance, it does not catch missing quotation marks or capitalization errors.

I have never used text-to-speech as an editing process, but I have used it to read digital articles for me while I took notes.  This was handy as I was able to multitask and get finished sooner.  I feel this would benefit my students tremendously in their writing.  I see all sorts of errors in their writing that would be easily caught using this cool feature.

References:

Janowski, K. (n.d.). Free Text to Speech. Free Technology Toolkit for UDL in All Classrooms. Retrieved January 28, 2012, from udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/Free+text+to+speech

Murphy, N. (2011, July 14). Editing with Text to Speech | K23 Detectives.K23 Detectives | Home of the Fantasy Thriller. Retrieved January 28, 2012, from http://k23detectives.com/2011/07/04/editing-with-text-to-speech/

Audio Books

I have listened to audio books for years.  Every year my family goes on a road trip and since we do not agree on music genres, audio books are our on the road entertainment.   I have used them at the gym and in my classroom as well.  My daughter has used audio books when the library was out of the last Harry Potter book in paper format and just couldn't wait for it to be available.  For the most part, I enjoy audio books, although I have 'read' a few that have put me to sleep due to the voice of the reader.  It is really important for the reader to have a voice that is compatible with the story.  I have noticed I like the readings by the actual authors most.

Currently my high school biology students are reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins during the school's mandatory 25 minute reading enrichment time after lunch.  I play the audio book while they follow in their books.  I play the audio because I find more students pay attention to the story than without.  Without audio, most of the students sit there holding the book while day dreaming, sleeping, or passing notes.  The audio makes it effortless on their parts.  I had some negative feelings about audio books in school because I wonder if the students are actually following along in the book, using the reader as a reading model or if they are tuning the reader out as well.  But after some consideration, I decided more would be 'reading' than without it.  I have had several students ask to take the book home to get ahead.  These are my true readers.  As the plot thickens I am noticing more and more students paying closer attention.  But I have had to work very hard to get this far.  I have shown them the movie trailer, fan made book trailers, Youtube spoofs of scenes we read about, had our own class reaping and Hunger Games for extra credit, played games, etc.  It is hard work getting a teenager to get interested in a book when they would rather do something else.  I feel I would have much more success if my content area were language arts so I could hold them more accountable.  But alas...back to the audio book...I read this book a few times before hearing the audio version.  As soon as the reader started I knew I was not going to like it.  I don't care for her voice at all.  I feel I am having a harder time relating to the characters while listening to her.  I have considered making my own audio of it and playing it that way, but I have not had enough free time.  Maybe over the summer...

I personally would rather have a tangible copy of a book than one on audio, but I know audio has value.  It provides a great model for students to see where and how to pause at various punctuation and grammar.  It provides a model of fluency.  There is a verbal example of how to pronounce new words.  Plus you can listen almost anytime any where.  I wish there were audio versions of our textbook for download because they do not read it at all (though they all claim they do).  They could at least listen to summaries before a test on the way to school or while they are getting ready.  Because they are convenient and more portable, I believe students would be more apt to listen to their lessons than to read assigned pages.  They are especially useful for multitasking.  For instance, one can listen to a book while folding clothes, driving a car, or working out.  That cannot be done with traditional books  So the convenience cannot be matched.  They are a good alternative for busy people and those who do not enjoy reading.  But they should not take the place of all reading one does.  It is still important to read the written word as well.

Creating a Low Tech Kit: Part 1 - Writing

Teachers can find tools at local stores that can help students look forward to practicing their writing skills.  I went to Office Max today and found some items I thought would be useful in the classroom.

Beginning Cursive Workbook     ($6.99)

 Letter, word and sentence practice. Number Practice, blank practice page, alphabet reference chart.

BrainQuest Workbook Grade 1      ($12.95)

Jam-packed with hundreds of curriculum-based activities, exercises and games in every subject, Brain Quest Workbook: Grade 1 reinforces what kids are learning in the classroom. The workbook's lively layout and easy-to-follow explanations make learning fun, interactive, and concrete. Plus it's written to help parents follow and explain key concepts. Includes phonics, spelling, vocabulary, find the rhyme, addition, subtraction, skip counting, time, money, maps, science, brain boxes, and much, much more.

Complete book of Grade 4      ($12.95)

The Complete Book series provides young learners an exciting and dynamic way to learn the basic skills essential to learning success. This vivid workbook will guide your student step-by-step through a variety of engaging and developmentally appropriate activities in phonics, reading comprehension, math, problem solving, and writing. Each title includes a complete answer key, poster, and two sticker sheets. The Complete Book of Grade 4 is designed for learning reinforcement and can be used as a tool for independent study. The Complete Book of Grade 4 features: ~ Main Idea and Details ~ Library Skills ~ Subjects and Predicates ~ Rounding and Estimating

Creative Fonts   ($14.99 on sale)

Take any project to the next level with this collection of over 3000 exciting and unique fonts that you can use for anything from print to web!

Advanced Dictionary & Thesaurus  ($44.99)

The Franklin MWD-460 Merriam Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus gives you immediate access to over 80,000 words and 274,000 definitions. Lightweight and compact, it completely eliminates the need to lug around heavy dictionaries. In addition to its thousands of definitions, the dictionary also features a spelling corrector, SAT word list, clock, a basic calculator, and can distinguish between easily confused words. It even enables you to compile your favorite words into customized lists, making word studying much easier. It also plays nine different fun games which will help you build vocabulary and spelling skills.

Dry Erase Easel Desk  ($19.99)

Great for kids of all ages. Dry erase lap desk. Lift the lid of the desk to reveal a storage area for dry erase markers or anything else you can imagine. Has fold out legs for stability or can be left folded flat for use in tight spaces. Convenient carry handle for easy transportation.

Dry Erase Learning Book  ($9.99)

Mega Brands Dry-Erase Learning Book ~ Cursive Letters & Word Building Games. Measures 11.4" x 11.5". 6 pages. Includes dry erase marker but works with crayons too!

Dry Erase Writing Strips  ($0.99)

Dry-Erase Writing Strips feature a dry-erase surface on one side so students and teachers can reuse them again and again.

Gel Pens   ($3.99)

Experience the dynamic gel ink formula that's smooth writing and smear proof. 5 pack of assorted colors for a fun way to emphasize, organize and color-code information. Also available in Black, Blue and Red inks, and Ultra Fine, Extra Fine, Fine and Bold Point sizes. 

My First Pencil   ($2.99)

The larger round size (13/32 inches) and the smooth outer casing make it easier for little hands to hold. Preferred by teachers, My First Ticonderoga assists children in the early stages of their writing development skills. The thick number 2 graphite core is pre-sharpened for added convenience and features an extra large, latex-free eraser for clean, smudge-free erasing. The pencil finish contains Microban anti-microbial protection to inhibit the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria on the pencil and is PMA certified non-toxic. 

Post-It Lined Note Taking Tabs  ($4.29)

Great for notebooks, project files, organizers and textbooks. Extra thickness prevents wear and tear from repeated handling and use. Available in 3 3/8 x 2 3/4 Inches size for more room to write and extra visibility.

Note Taking Tabs   ($4.29)

 Great to put inside the text book for students to summarize as they read.

OfficeSuite   ($9.99)

Includes word processing, spreadsheets, mail merge, presentations, and database along with creating Web sites, letterhead and business cards.  Compatible with Microsoft Office.

Pen Again  ($4.99)

The patented line of PenAgain pens are ergonomically designed to adapt to the contour of the hand, thus alleviating stresses normally observed with a standard pen. The natural weight of the writer's hand provides sufficient pressure to apply ink to the paper. This eliminates the need to grip the pen allowing the thumb and forefinger to serve merely as guides. The PenAgain may help alleviate the symptoms of Writers Cramp, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Calluses, RSI, and Arthritis.

Learn to Write RAISED RULING Paper   ($3.99)

Primary writing tablet to help students transition from manuscript to cursive writing. Features embossed raised ruling to help students write within the lines and a narrower line width for advanced printers and beginning cursive writers. 

Colored and Lined Index Cards   ($4.99)

 Perfect for color coding and organizing information.

Intermediate Dictionary w/ Spell Correction  ($29.99)

Merriam-Webster® Dictionary and Thesaurus provides instant access to 274,000 definitions and 500,000 synonyms & antonyms. The right words are easy to find with Franklin's patented phonetic spell correction feature. Improve your spelling and vocabulary with this essential English reference.Additional Features:• Crossword Puzzle Solver to determine missing puzzle letters • Organizer to store names and numbers • Local/world clock • Calculator with currency/metric converters • Adjustable contrast display 

Lined Post-It Notes   ($5.79)

For an added level of organization, the notes come in a variety of vital and intense colors.Great for use in textbook for summarizing while reading.

Vibz   ($4.99)

These super squishy grips are now squishier than ever! You won’t be able to keep your hands off ’em! Bright colors are cool and fun to use. Glittery grips look and feel totally awesome. Vibz mechanical pencils are designed to last with #2 lead and smudge resistant eraser that are both refillable.

Spellcheckers in Education

I love spellcheckers! I use them often when composing emails, writing lesson plans, and doing some of graduate course work. I encourage my students and kids to use them as well. My youngest daughter loves to write stories and uses spellchecker all the time when she is working on a project.

One of the things I have noticed in the computer labs at the high school I teach at is students getting frustrated because the computers often say the students are misspelling science terminology that is not in the spellchecker dictionary. Students do not always realize that the spellchecker is a program made by a human being who may not have actually entered in the word they are trying to use which makes the computer think it is misspelled. The students often think that computers are never 'wrong'. Students need to be taught that they can make spelling errors that the computer thinks is correct too. Students should be taught how spellcheckers should be used, their limitations, and how to add words to the dictionary. "Spell checkers simply compare words to a dictionary of words, and the wrong use of a correctly spelled word cannot be detected (spell checker)."

I feel that spellcheckers are very useful but they should not replace the skill of being a good speller. It is a shame that cursive handwriting has fallen to the wayside as more people are using keyboards. I have several students in high school that cannot write in cursive. I hear it is not even taught in elementary school anymore. It has become obsolete. I am hoping good spelling does not follow the same path. But unfortunately, I learned spellcheckers are allowed on some state mandated high stakes testing (Melton 2010). I can see the pros and cons with this. Pros would be that there are less mistakes and poor keyboarding skills are not being assessed. The cons are that students can become too reliant on this technology that they do not put forth much effort in strengthening their spelling skills or understanding the importance of knowing how to spell words correctly. According to the comments on the article about state testing, it seems as though the public also has mixed feelings on this issue.

References

Melton, K. (2010, December 15). Oregon will allow students to use spell check on state writing tests in 2011.OregonLive.com. Retrieved January 15, 2012, from www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ss

spell checker. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12th, 2012, from http://computer.yourdictionary.com/spell-checker

UltraDumb. (2010, December 15).UltraDumb. Retrieved January 16, 2012, from http://ultradumb.blogspot.com/