Power My Learning

For my Cool Tool Review #3 I chose a Differentiated Instruction strategy. It is called Power My Learning http://powermylearning.org/

This cool tool can be accessed by educators to create content for the classroom, by parents, and by students to participate in class activities. The best part about this tool, it is comprised of Common Core, so it is not just a bunch of random games, but it is all related to what teachers have to teach in the classroom. Power My Learning gives teachers opportunities to design their curriculum online for many learning styles. There are thousands of Common Core based games, activities, quizzes, etc.. for Mathematics and Language Arts. There are many other subjects on the website, too, including foreign languages.

I can use this tool in the classroom as my integrated technology piece. It provides a different way for students to learn. This tool allows me to use differentiated instruction because I get to design my playlist how I want and I can include activities from Kindergarten through 12th grade. If I have students who cannot grasp the content as easily, there are easier options for them. If I have students who are more advanced, there are higher level activities for them to do as well. Power My Learning is a useful tool when it comes to TPACK (Technical, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) because it is a tool that the teachers can design in which Common Core is already included in and the students are able to learn the material or apply their already learned knowledge through technology. I would use this tool in my classroom because for some students, learning in a classroom can be difficult, so integrating technology helps to give all students a chance to learn. It is also helpful that the parents have access to this app or website. It provides tools for teachers and students. There are also parent resources for nearly anything they would need to know, including learning about Learning Disabilities. This website is very informative.

Students can create their own digital media artifacts. It is easy to use because teachers are the ones who individualize the games for the class. The students do not have to choose between the thousands of games to play as teachers narrow the selection down according to which games or activities relate to the content that is being taught in the classroom. Students may face some challenges with these games or activities as some are Common Core assessed, so they may be difficult, but there are other options in grade levels, too. There is just so much to do on this website that it could get overwhelming to students and teachers, but there is a search engine on the main page to help navigate.