Integrating Pixie in the Classroom Presentation
Reflection:
Integrating Pixie into the classroom is appropriate for elementary learning environments for all students. The program was designed to engage students in curriculum projects from kindergartners until 5th grade. My presentation included displaying and discussing artifacts that students can create using this resource throughout all elementary grade levels. Pixie was designed by Tech4Learning to be used by diverse learners in all learning environments. I would not recommend integrating this software into the classroom for students if the teacher has not spent time familiarizing their self with the technology first. While the software provides Universal Design for Learning for all students, teachers can modify usage of the technology to support students with both learning and emotional needs.
"Wixie and Pixie provide platforms for students to showcase their ideas and feelings using the same tool as their peers." -Tech4LearningWhether teachers have students that fall on the Autism Spectrum, have social-emotional disorders, speech disorders, are second-language learners, every exceptional child will be able to demonstrate and showcase their learning through this software. The software even offers settings and options that teachers can use to simplify students' activities, and/or add text and audio instructions.
Even though the possibilities appear to be endless with integrating this technology into the classroom for students to use, one must remember that it is technology and even with having the best lesson plan, technology can fail! So while planning on students using this software to create digital stories, book covers, book trailers, reading comprehension boards, and much, much more, it would always be in the best interest of the students to have a backup plan just in case the internet/WiFi is down, the software can't be accessed, requires a manual update, or another team member checked out the student devices if your school isn't one-to-one.
Nikki, I loved your presentation! Pixi looks like an amazing program. It is unfortunate that it does come with cost but I would love the challenge of involving our community and possibly applying for grants to incorporate it in the classroom. I was amazed when you covered the research study results of the effectiveness Pixie has for student achievement. Not only are students becoming more engaged in lessons and their learning, but their academic growth also increases. I am interested to learn more about Pixie and how I can try to implement that in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Abigail! Like you, I was really impressed by the research, and I was already sold on wanting to use the program before seeing the benefits on students' academic achievement. I love your idea in regard to getting the community involved for raising the funds to purchase the program! If integrated correctly, I believe that this program would permit fun and innovative ways to increase community involvement with teachers, grade levels, and students within a similar district. Can you just imagine how fun team planning would be at professional developments?!
DeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing!! It brings back memories for me as a kid using paint because there were no other games on my grandmas computer! As amazing as it looks I agree with your statement that the website can be hard to manipulate through. It also looks like it can only be used on a computer? Is that correct? Or could you use it on IPads and other devices?
Thank you, Courtney! I was very excited to share all the information that I found pertaining to this resource with you all. Personally, I think it's great, and I would absolutely love to incorporate it into my classroom for my students. To answer your question, Pixie is an application and can be accessed on computers, tablets, and even smartphones. The software is available for most devices, but not available for chromebooks. The alternative software application that Jamie presented, Wixie, works with chromebooks.
DeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Your presentation not only informs us the information on Pixie, but it also proves that it is beneficial and positive for student learning and improvement. Unfortunately it costs money, but that's a sign that it works and isn't a hoax. I love your example that students can make trailers for their writing, great idea! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Audrey! I concur with you on the downside that this resource costs money to implement it in the classroom. However, I believe raising funds, applying for grants, or even paying for subscriptions out of pocket is worth it for the benefit of students learning. Since we learned that any software we purchase for students legally belongs to the school where we are employed, I would wait until I planted roots somewhere before paying for it myself. Or maybe we could get lucky enough to have a few active PTO members that would love to get the program for our school! There's nothing wrong with dreaming!
ReplyDeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for discussing our special needs students and how beneficial your Pixie is for students with special needs. Pixie sounds like a great tool for not only ELA and math but for social studies and science as well. I really like how Pixie is not limited to any age group and how after reading your reflection I found a variety of middle school classes that would benefit from the tool. Thank you so much for sharing!
Nikki, this was a great presentation! I had never seen this program until you showed us and I am very glad you did. I agree with you that this program is great for teaching diverse students. I really enjoy how this program allows students who might have a disability the opportunity to learn just like their peers! This is exactly how programs should be to allow each student the opportunity to learn no matter their differences. I also agree that even though technology is an amazing tool, it is not always 100% reliable. It is important for us as teachers to understand that and always have a back up plan.
ReplyDeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteI thought your presentation had a "Huge" impact on the class from reading their comments above. While it is not my intention to instruct students of grade below 6th, the benefits of such a wonderful program were evident from your presentation. It was refreshing to see you incorporate usage for students struggling with learning obstacles and ways to differentiate instruction. Pixie and Wixie... who knew. Good job by you.
Nikki,
ReplyDeleteI admit that I am not the strongest with tech. That being said, I am immensely grateful to have peers like you that find amazing programs and apps to use in the classroom. I know this is not a free resource, but it certainly seems worth the cost to use it in lower grade classrooms. Thank you for finding some really cool tech this year!