4. Homework and Practice
Homework provides students with the opportunity to extend their learning outside the classroom. However, research shows that the amount of homework assigned should vary by grade level and that parent involvement should be minimal. Teachers should explain the purpose of homework to both the student and the parent or guardian, and teachers should try to give feedback on all homework assigned. Research shows that students should adapt skills while they're learning them. Speed and accuracy are key indicators of the effectiveness of practice.
Applications:
Technology Integration Ideas:
Possible iPad Apps
Free
Homework provides students with the opportunity to extend their learning outside the classroom. However, research shows that the amount of homework assigned should vary by grade level and that parent involvement should be minimal. Teachers should explain the purpose of homework to both the student and the parent or guardian, and teachers should try to give feedback on all homework assigned. Research shows that students should adapt skills while they're learning them. Speed and accuracy are key indicators of the effectiveness of practice.
Applications:
- Establish a homework policy with advice-such as keeping a consistent schedule, setting, and time limit-that parents and students may not have considered.
- Tell students if homework is for practice or preparation for upcoming units.
- Maximize the effectiveness of feedback by varying the way it is delivered.
- Assign timed quizzes for homework and have students report on their speed and accuracy.
- Focus practice on difficult concepts and set aside time to accommodate practice periods.
Technology Integration Ideas:
- Create podcasts or screencasts that introduce students to new content.
- Create your own educational games.
- Set up a discussion thread on Edmodo.
- Flip your classroom (1 to 1 only).
- Create a page on your class website with educational games that emphasis practice.
- Use Quiz hub to encourage practice at home. (kids can take a screen shot of their screen to turn in)
- Use Flashcard Machine to create study guides for students to use at home.
- Have students create screencasts at home using ShowMe or another screencasting app.
Possible iPad Apps
Free
- Showme- Turn your iPad into your personal interactive whiteboard! ShowMe allows you to record voice-over whiteboard tutorials and share them online. It’s an amazingly simple app that anyone can use, no matter how young or old!
