Technologies that Support Learners

 two technologies that support learners and may be useful in my online mini course are:

Google Docs–https://docs.google.com  
Google Docs has all the functionality of Microsoft Word but allows for collaboration between students and for easy-to-give and easy-to-receive feedback from teachers through the commenting and suggesting functions. 

• Can be used for both authentic assessments, the skit and the interview. Both performance activities will require collaboration between the students as well as feedback. 
• Sharing and commenting provide students with opportunities to receive immediate feedback on their writing from teachers and peers in the classroom. 
• The reference tools and spell checker provides students with convenient writing support from right on the page. 
• The built in research tool expands opportunities for students to engage in real world writing. 

PBS Students–https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/student 
Rather than take up critical time during class to show documentaries, teachers can have students download the free PBS Students app. 

• At home, instead of reading a boring textbook or reading an article on the specifics of Jim Crow for their historical subjects for the skits as well as discussions, students can use this app. 
• Students can watch short videos, read relevant current event articles, explore historical resources such as primary sources and audio clips, and even create graphics and images for the skit assignment.
• It can help with the social studies discussion for students of all ages.
  

My conclusion is that technology provides numerous tools that teachers can use in and out of the classroom to enhance student learning. Sometimes it's helpful to provide visual aids to complement teaching, stimulate discussion, or allow out-of-class teaching. Tools designed for this purpose, such as PowerPoint, can be used. The reasons I chose the two technologies above is to incorporate technology that can support student collaboration on creating new knowledge, reflecting on what they are learning, and enhance working together to achieve a deeper understanding of course material.