Quizlet.com - Virtual Flashcards!

I really love this site. First, the set up is easy for me (selfish, I know...). Hey, we all know that time is not something that we have to spare. I love the fact that I can simply upload words and definitions that I have in a spreadsheet and I do not need to retype in words and definitions! Also, for those visual and auditory learners out there, There is a speaker that students can click on that will read all text aloud to them (YEAH!). Finally, there is an opportunity to add pictures to your flashcards for a visual representation of the word or concept on the flashcard. Once the flashcards are made, I can simply send my students the link and they can flip through them in various forms (word and definition on one side, word on one side and flip the card over for the definition) In addition to flipping through the flashcards, there are games that can be played. My personal favorite is Scatter. It is a drag-n-drop matching game. The other game that is offered is space race. It is also fun. However, there is a bit more pressure put on the student. They are required to type in the word that matches the definition that is passing by. If a student has time anxiety or limited typing skills, this would not be recommended. Oh gosh, after watching this video, there is so much more to Quizlet than I have even checked out. Enjoy and I would love to hear how you are using it!

Swackett: An Electronic Weather Board!

Gather round students, lets talk about what the weather is going to be today, tomorrow and so on.  We are use to doing this with our poster-board sized calendar that is tacked to the bulletin board.  The squares have apples with numbers on them and we add a bright yellow sun or some gloomy looking clouds to signify the weather of the day.

   Remember this?

Well, all of us virtual teachers can't sit our students in front of the bulletin board calendar to talk about the weather.  This is for a few reasons...1)  Our students are located throughout the state..they join us in our online classroom.  I can certainly put up a whiteboard with a calendar and apples with numbers but it is mainly for reason number 2) that  this plan will not work.  I am certain to hear my student in Superior WI (WAY up north) disagree with me if I am describing the weather in Janesville, WI (southern border between WI and IL).  They are usually experiencing VERY different weather!

Discussing the weather and how we plan for it is a very valuable topic for our students and just because we are not physically in front of them, should they miss out on the activity.

Well...I have found a solution!  http://www.swackett.com/ (a combination of Sweater, Jacket or Coat).  The "App" comes in a web based version and it is free!  I demonstrate using it here:    



This is just one more example of a great learning activity for students within a brick and mortar school setting, can also be translated into the virtual environment!

Love it!

Colleen