Using Web Tools and Apps to Support Successful Learning Outcomes

If you are teaching or involved in education, you have certainly been exposed to Bloom’s Taxonomy. In a nutshell, it is a classification of learning objectives designed by a committee of educators led by chair, Benjamin Bloom in 1956. This taxonomy separates educational objectives into three areas: Cognitive, Affective, and Psychomotor (i.e. knowing, feeling and doing). In looking at Understanding by Design (UbD) and Blooms’ Taxonomy, emphasis has shifted from instructional objectives to student learning outcomes. Educators consistently refer to these domains in their teaching and there are numerous web-based tools and mobile apps that assist in this effort.

Based on afew that I have seen online, I wanted to share a few of the best. As with everything related to technology, this information will be in a constant sea of change, but hopefully, some of these resources will be helpful.

WHAT APP SHOULD I USE? IS THERE AN APP FOR MY SUBJECT AREA? 

How many times have you heard this question? It’s not about the app, it’s about the teaching and student learning goals. Don’t look at apps to be specific to your subject area. Look at apps to support your student goals. EdTechTeacher has a wonderful page on their site called, “iPad As….” Check this out to see what apps to use for specific student learning goals that support critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. http://edtechteacher.org/index.php/teaching-technology/mobile-technology-apps/ipad-as.

Looking at web-based tools, Katie Ritter has a nice chart, http://talktechwithme.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/blooms-revised-technology-taxonomy/ and even now, I could add some additional sites to her list. 

Kathy Schrock also has an informative site with her recommended apps, http://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html

With over a million sites and apps to choose from, the opportunities for student growth are endless!