Thursday, January 10, 2013

Do YOU StudyBlue?

 As a teacher, I am always looking for new and different ways to engage my students and to keep them learning. I use songs and provide the lyrics for my students, we watch music videos, news clips on current events, YouTube and anything else I can come up with to keep them interested and learning. About two years ago I found a website, www.StudyBlue.com needless to say I was curious. After setting up a new account (it took all of 60 seconds) I began to explore the site and experiment with their set up.
Once I realized the potential of the online flashcards I got really excited. It occurred to me that my students could study vocabulary and grammar anywhere they have internet access. I pictured them sitting waiting for their ride, waiting for their friends, between sporting activities, dutifully studying on their smart phones, iPads or tablets. I was overjoyed !!! No more excuses that it takes too long to make flashcards--they are cumbersome, friends will make fun of them if they see flashcards, they "forgot" them at home/school/a friend's house, etc. I quickly went to work creating interesting and funny flashcards for them to study. I found silly pictures on the internet to keep them laughing while learning and hopefully make learning a joy.
 Since then I have created hundreds of picture flashcards on my page and my students enjoy using them. I start class with a quick review online with the cards and the students compete to see who can call out the answer the quickest. Many of my students have 'joined' my online 'class' to use the cards at home and on the go. I even have people who aren't my students using the cards for their study sessions!
 I have had surprising results and feedback from parents saying that my class is their child's favorite because it's never boring.
Thanks to StudyBlue.com, I have one more tool that kids enjoy and will use in their learning. Studying is so much more fun when you can flip pictures and see answers and don't need to stare at the book like I did as  a student. 
I highly recommend taking a look at the site. Create an account--it's FREE (I love free). You are welcome to search for my back pack on the site, just search for Samantha Carr and join in the fun! I would love to see you using the cards for learning. 
Happy exploring, and remember to StudyBlue !

P.S. I love this site so much, I had a banner made for my classroom to remind my students and to inform anyone who enters my classroom to study! Here is a picture: