Rockin' the Test with Apps and Website Applications

Whether you have a limited number of hand-held devices or 1 to 1 iPads for you classroom, I have some ideas for you in preparing for assessments. Or, you can actually use these apps and websites for formative assessment tools. I'm Sandy Cangelosi with Sweet Integrations. This month our group is sharing ideas so your students can ROCK THE TEST!

1. Plickers

I love Plickers because it's an easy way to pre-assess your students before you begin a unit to see what they already know, assess while you're teaching a unit, or at the end of the unit as a formal assessment. You only need one device for the teacher and students need cards. The teacher just scans the student cards as they display their answers. Each side of the card is labeled with a letter. Students show the letter with the correct answer at the top. Teachers just go to the Plickers website to register their class and download the app on their iPhone or iPad. Make copies of the cards on cardstock so they're sturdy. I would not suggest laminating because of the glare. I wouldn't recommend this for a formal assessment because students can easily see what cards are being held.

Watch this video to learn a bit more.

2. Kahoot 

Kahoot is another response system that is game based. Teachers or even students create a free account. Each student or groups of students have a device or computer with a web browser. Quizzes, discussions and surveys (called Kahoots) can be created. This is highly motivating because it's game-based. The students go to http://kahoot.it and enter the PIN number that corresponds with the activity or quiz and then add their name. As the questions appear, students choose their answers. Students try to get the highest number of points. 

Watch this cute video to get an idea of how Kahoot works.

3. Classkick

This is an app is for the iPad. It's fairly new and has received high ratings. I like Classkick because teachers can create the lessons, students work during real time and they can receive instant feedback as they work. Students can even request help from the teacher or from other students while working on the assignment. Classkick is an excellent resource for review.

Teachers

Teachers can see the whole class working at once on his/her device and see how each individual student is performing. The students can work at their own pace.

Students

If a student needs help, he/she can ask for help privately on their device. The teacher can reteach a concept on the device so the whole class can see.  Or, a student can receive tutoring from another student in class. Students can even use this free app at home!

How Does it work?

After the teacher creates an account, there are several step-by step tutorial videos to watch before actually creating assignments. Teachers can then add their students to their roster. Screenshots can be added from your google drive, the web or images from your camera roll. Images can be cropped and rearranged to fit on the page. Text, audio and video can be added to the workspace and links to websites. Next, students are given the class code so they can complete the assignment and so their instructor can view their work.

I can imagine so many uses for this new app. Teachers can use ClassKick for social studies, math skills, reading comprehension, and review for tests. I love how students can get immediate feedback and work closely with their classmates.

If you're looking for my ways to prepare your students for tests, take a look at this editable PowerPoint. All you have to do is enter your questions and answers. It's discounted for one week.