I am the computer-Technology teacher at Place Bridge Academy ECE-8th grade. We have 1014 students with 42 languages spoken. I've been working with Imagine Learning; Kindergarten and 5th and 6th graders, Ms. Zeyen's class. I have Ms. Zeyen's class everyday; so I see the most progress in that class. I also finished with 7th graders and am presently working with 6th graders on power points on their native countries. They research their countries using several available research engines (Jog the Web, Encyclopedia Britannica, Google Earth etc.) They are from several different countries: Mexico, Nepal, Tijikistan, Thailand, Eritrea, Myanmar, and Ethiopia. They find illustrations, pictures, animations, learn to use correct mechanics and then present their power points on the promethian board to the class. I introduce my lessons with my own power point of 20th Century Skills. We discuss our objectives and expectations. Some of my ancestors came from Sweden, so I show them a power point on Sweden.
I have learned so much just working with the various students from a variety of backgrounds. We have students who speak very little English as well as special needs students in the mix. I have students who write fluently in with those who can't write a simple sentence. In essence, their power points range from the very simple to the very complex. Students who have difficulty writing are excellent at finding great pictures and using unbelievable animations. I've found student mentors very helpful as well as the program, "Write Out Loud". Some students use "Write Out Loud' and then do their power points.
I am absolutely sold on "Imagine Learning". I've probably used this program for the last five years. Students are given a pre-test and post-test. They are monitored very closely in all areas. They are also given help in their native language. They read passages into a microphone (on their reading level) which in turn repeats what they have read back to them. If a parent or teacher wants to hear how they read in English they can listen to the recordings. Imagine Learning seems to cover all subject areas as well as reading levels. I love to listen to the students' as they read into the microphone. The improvement is amazing! There are individual reports as well as classroom reports to track their progress. These are very helpful in watching a student's progress and deciding what the next step will be in helping them reach their goals.
I have learned so much just working with the various students from a variety of backgrounds. We have students who speak very little English as well as special needs students in the mix. I have students who write fluently in with those who can't write a simple sentence. In essence, their power points range from the very simple to the very complex. Students who have difficulty writing are excellent at finding great pictures and using unbelievable animations. I've found student mentors very helpful as well as the program, "Write Out Loud". Some students use "Write Out Loud' and then do their power points.
I am absolutely sold on "Imagine Learning". I've probably used this program for the last five years. Students are given a pre-test and post-test. They are monitored very closely in all areas. They are also given help in their native language. They read passages into a microphone (on their reading level) which in turn repeats what they have read back to them. If a parent or teacher wants to hear how they read in English they can listen to the recordings. Imagine Learning seems to cover all subject areas as well as reading levels. I love to listen to the students' as they read into the microphone. The improvement is amazing! There are individual reports as well as classroom reports to track their progress. These are very helpful in watching a student's progress and deciding what the next step will be in helping them reach their goals.
2011 "Who Am I" podcasts