Expert Space

What is the tool?

Expert Space is a digital program created by Scholastic that allows students in grades 4-12 to have access to content area knowledge. Each page has videos, articles, images, perdiocals, etc for the student to explore and learn more about that topic. Each reading material has appropriate reading levels and a read aloud option. This helps students who may be reluctant to read or have difficulties with reading. It also provides spanish translation for each reading material which will help some ELL students. In Expert Space students can also plan assignment, create outlines, take notes , and cite sources. There are also skill building pages with shows students the right way to do such things as taking notes and citing sources. Also there are lesson plans and project ideas provided for teachers in this program.

How can this tool be used?

This tool can be used to allow students to learn about a certain topic. Some of the topics include: The Solar System, Volcanoes and Earthquakes, World War 1, and U.S Presidents. All of the topics are based on science and social studies standards. This tool can also be used to help students plan assignments and do such things as create an outline and take notes. Students can also find project ideas and learn literacy skills. Teachers can use this program to come up with lessons plans and project ideas and also as a teaching tool in the classroom.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?

Advantages: Students are able to use technology in order to learn about a subject and be able to complete assignments. Teachers have access to lesson plans and project ideas using the program. Students will feel independent as they are able to complete assignments on their own. I believe that students will enjoy looking at the information and finding out more about their topic.

Disadvantages: All students may not have access to a computer at home which may result in all of the assignments being done during class time for those students.

Who is the audience for this tool?

The audience for this tool is both educators and students. Educators can use this tool to find lesson plans and project ideas that go along with the program. Studnets can use this tool to learn more about certain topics, complete assignments, plan assignements, create outlines, take notes, etc.

Where can you learn more about this tool?

Here is the link to the you tube video about this tool: Youtube Video

Here is the link to the scholastic website which gives a lot of information about the tool and how to download it: Scholastic website

What is my opinon of the usefulness of this tool?

I believe that this tool could be very useful in the classroom. I believe that students would enjoy looking at all the information and being able to complete assignments on their own. I also believe that students can learn a lot from this tool. This is a great tool for teahers to use to allow students to learn about topic and complete assignments in a new way.

I hope that you have enjoyed this blog and will try out this program one day in your own classroom!