Annotated Bibliography: Teaching with Technology (Optional)

Annotated Bibliography: Teaching With Technology (optional)

Grammar Blast (n.d.).  Houghton Mifflin English: Grammar Blast.  Retrieved November 9, 2010, from      http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/quizzes/.

Summary:
The technology tool that I chose to investigate focused on language arts.  Although there were countless resources available, many with very intriguing links, the link that I found to be most interesting and applicable to my classroom was the link entitled “Ten grammar games and lesson plans”.  As I perused the information provided on this particular link, I found Grammar Blast.  This particular game was developed by Houghton Mifflin, therefore it is something that I can incorporate into my classroom without embarking upon and endless search for reliable sources.  One benefit of this resource is that the games are divided into specific grade levels ranging from second to fifth grade.   I could easily navigate through the system and find, without great effort, appropriate materials for specific grade levels.  In addition, the Grammar Blast game incorporated a variety of language arts skills within the formatted game which involved a series of 10 questions to which the students had to select their answers from a multiple-choice menu.  The questions were concise, yet they targeted specific skills at each grade level depending on the unit selected.

Discussion/Reflection:
I was so excited to learn about all of these technology tools available at my fingertips.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed and frustrated with the endless, unproductive internet searches.  I was particularly impressed with this particular site because of the format of the site.  The targets were divided by grade and subject matter so all I had to do was click on a link.  Additionally, the games are short and to the point.  This would provide me with a great opportunity to take just a few minutes to work individually with a student or with a small group of students to practice specific skills or to utilize the site as an informal assessment throughout the course of a specific unit.  I also believe that this would be a great tool for my 3rd grade students who are involved with Acuity.  This particular test (Acuity) is completed on the computer.  Unfortunately, many students, general and special education students alike, struggle with computerized tests.  The additional practice they receive by participating in games like Grammar Blast would be very beneficial for these students to help them gain important testing skills.  Overall I found this site to be very helpful.  I am eager to utilize this tool with my students.