"Show Me" the Evidence!

After several weeks away from the blogger, I am back at it and wanted to share  a fun and FREE app, Show Me.  I've been using it in my morning Math group with some great results!  Show Me is an interactive whiteboard app.  The features of Show Me are that you can record and teach anything you desire, or learn from already recorded Show Me's.  It is simple to use and requires virtually no training and little practice!  When teachers post Show Me lessons, students can visit ShowMe.com and access the lesson.  Teachers can also access student Show Me activities from a class list.  I have been using it in Math to have students show me that they can perform various algorithms and demonstrate knowledge of Math concepts.  The students love it!
Another powerful aspect of using the interactive white board is the way it supports the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  The CCSS require students to go beyond just giving an answer, but to explain their thinking and show evidence.  Our grade level has been big this school year on trying to get the students to give evidence with their answers.  So many times students struggle with these explanations, and may even give up.  Show Me is the perfect way to engage students by the use of the interactive whiteboard.  It makes them WANT TO TELL why or how!  Over the past two weeks my Math students have created Show Me lessons on long division, angles, multi-digit multiplication, and fractional parts of a whole.  After the students finish one, they are begging to share it with me or their classmates!  Show Me time definitely makes this teacher smile!
Most teachers could easily utilize Show Me in their classrooms.  Teachers don't have to have a classroom full of iPads.  Students could access and create Show Me activities in small groups or in station work.
Teachers can sign up for a free account at ShowMe.com or download the ShowMe app at Apple App Store and sign up.  Once you have an account, you can add a class list and assign students their own log-in information.  Students may then access the teacher's account from any device that has internet access.  The students can watch teacher lessons or those they have created themselves!
There are SO many apps out there and it is important to choose apps that will help us get the most from our instructional minutes. Show Me is a keeper - for sure!  Check it out at the Apple App Store or at ShowMe.com.