When teachers employ technology in education, like using device-based timers in their classroom, something amazing happens. Students take notice and are often motivated at the idea of racing the clock.
Although a few students might be stressed by the use of a timer, the majority of students seem to enjoy the challenge, especially when a stopwatch timer is being used. If we think about it, it is really not that odd that today’s generation would enjoy the race. Most of our students have grown up playing video games, many of which incorporate a “beat the clock” function. So this game is a game they have been playing all their lives.
Timers for Every Platform
Timer+ Touch HD
This is my favorite iPad timer app. It’s so easy to use. Touch the app and move your fingers in a clockwise direction to set the time. The timer is shown in different colors for:
- Minutes in RED
- Hours in BLUE
- Seconds in GREEN
PC Chrono
PC Chrono is a very good, basic, free program for Windows users with a timer, alarm, stopwatch, and countdown timer. It’s timer is capable of resuming your PC from sleep mode and, according to the website, voice synthesis is used to remind you about timer/stopwatch progress or hourly chime. Mp3, ogg or wav sounds can be played to notify you that the time is up.
Online-Stopwatch.com
A Simple, fast, flash-based online stopwatch and countdown timer with more than 15 different timer functions and a variety of different timer options. You will need to be online to use this browser app and your computer must be flash-enabled in order for you to use it.
Hybrid Stopwatch and Timer
The Google Play store says that Hybrid Stopwatch and Timer is “a simple, easy and accurate app for Android that will help you to measure the time of any situation, like sports, cooking, games, education, etc.”
The use, and value, of timers is something that I talk about in every program I present. They are that important, useful, and powerful. Try these great tools, find the one that works best for you, and see for yourself how using timers in your classrooms can motivate your students!
Excerpted from 100+ Tech Ideas for Teaching English and Language Arts
For more information about using technology to strengthen instruction, see Susan Fitzell’s book, Using iPads and Other Cutting Edge Technology to Strengthen Your Instruction.