Resources for Vocabulary and PDI

 



Resource Evaluation

    As part of my implementation plan, I have chosen to use Readworks.org, Book Creator, and Google Slides. These three resources support student learning of vocabulary words and can be used with personal digital inquiry. Another reason I chose to evaluate these resources was for the back and forth nature of in-person and virtual instruction we now face as educators. Educators need to grow and adapt teaching practices as technology evolves, and these are just three valuable resources that can be easily used in the classroom and at home. 

    The use of digital texts through Readworks.org supports research found in Reading, Writing, and Literacy 2.0 by Denise Johnson. Findings dictate that multimedia use in regards to vocabulary learning leads to deeper knowledge retention (Johnson, 2014). Readworks provides hyperlinks for specific vocabulary words in passages with definitions and use of the word in context. Whether students are in-person, or remote learning, if students know how to use this feature, they will be more successful. Readworks also provides students informational texts in the form of reading passages and articles. Teachers can assign readings and articles, but students can also search for what interests them. The added factor of student choice supports personal digital inquiry. 

    Book Creator is an app that can be used on tablets or computers. Students will have the opportunity to use this outlet to represent vocabulary words learned through the Southeast Region plan, as well as what they learned about the region. Book Creator supports struggling students in a variety of ways, as it allows for collaboration, audio and recording features for their story, and visuals/graphics. This is beneficial for all students when they are able to create products to convey their learning in a digital (or traditional) manner (Cetin, Y. et, al, 2012). 

    Lastly, Google Slides is another resource that can be used to demonstrate knowledge in a concise way through the use of visuals and text. According to 10 Ways to Use Technology to Build Vocabulary on readingrockets.org, providing students with different modes of representation to demonstrate their learning in creative ways is supportive of personal connections (Dalton, B. et. al, 2017). Google Slides allows for students to collaborate synchronously, and for peers and the teacher to provide comments on created products. This makes learning more authentic and meaningful for students. 

    The three resources evaluated will all be helpful for students as they navigate vocabulary learning and personal digital inquiry. As a fourth grade teacher, it’s extremely important to facilitate student use of disciplinary vocabulary, and use of words in context. Through these resources in the implementation plan, I expect to see student growth in vocabulary knowledge and personal connections made through PDI.





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