Best Practice #1: OneTab OneTab - Chrome Web Store
Using the OneTab Chrome Extension is a good practice when utilizing technology in the classroom. Essentially, OneTab is a Chrome extension that allows users to save lists of tabs and reopen them when needed. Although this may not seem to have a direct impact on students, it can certainly positively impact the flow and focus of the classroom. Between all the materials and classes teachers need to keep track of, their browsers can easily become overcrowded and confusing. I can think of several teachers I have had throughout my education who frequently had dozens of tabs open at a time. Not only is this difficult to navigate, it can make teachers look disorganized and ill-prepared in front of their students. OneTab allows teachers to save all the tabs they will need for their lesson plan in an easily accessible Chrome extension. The ability of this tool to organize the teacher's materials and keep the class confident in their teacher's preparation makes it a very useful technology in the classroom.
Best Practice #2: Blooket Blooket
Blooket is a strong technology to use in English classes because it allows effective review of class content in a relaxing game format. Students across all grades will suffer from frequent stress, so it is important to give them a chance to catch their bearings during class. I have always seen Blooket as a way to calm students' stress, while still teaching them course content and engaging them with the material. The site features a variety of game modes, so it can be used multiple times without getting boring for the students. Additionally, the repetition of terms inherent across the game modes reinforces concepts in terms within the students' minds, even if they don't feel like they are doing work. Another positive element of Blooket is its widespread appeal. My teachers used it frequently throughout my time in high school, and it was always popular among my peers and me. When I was a para at my local summer school this past Summer, my leading teacher used it for a group of 5th graders, and they enjoyed it as well. It is important not to underestimate the value of fun in the classroom, especially when it is effectively mixed with learning.
Best Practice #3: Quizlet Quizlet: Study Tools & Learning Resources for Students and Teachers | Quizlet
Quizlet is a useful technology for both teachers and students. It provides a wide variety of study methods, and it allows users to create study guides for any subject they like. I can imagine Quizlet being extremely useful when I am trying to teach students vocab. I could either create my own study guides to give them, or encourage them to generate their own using the site. Quizlet allows students to rehearse terms in question form, matching, flashcards, and even practice tests. The site can also help students track their progress by recording how many times students get a term right. I have used Quizlet intermittently since my early middle school years, and I have always found it a good way to memorize terms and reinforce concepts. Aside from vocab, I could also use Quizlet to teach terms related to literary movements or devices. Advanced English courses typically require knowledge of many disparate concepts and ideas, so Quizlet's usefulness would certainly extend beyond vocab in the English classroom.