In the article, “For the technologically challenged: Four free online tools to liven up a mathematics classroom” the author Maria Northcote discusses four different free tools that any teacher can use in their classroom. The first tool shared is an online stopwatch, which can be used as a class, small group, or individual tool. Virtual chance tools are the next items that are discussed for usage by students to complete probability activities. The group of tools includes dice and spinners. The third item was an interactive number board. This is useful so (2015),“teachers can modify to explore and demonstrate number patterns, sequencing, and place value.” (p. 20) This is a vital concept for math teachers to teach students.  Last tool shared is (2015), “the online game-creation tool Quizlet (http://quizlet/com/).” (p. 20) Each item is discussed and ideas are given to teachers to decide if it is a useful tool to contribute their classroom.

As far as tools, I think the suggested ones are excellent for levels K-5^th and can be somewhat useful for 6^th  - 8^th .  The Quizlet tool could be used for older students beyond 8^th grade. Maria Northcote made several suggestions for usage that I did not think about as a way to use the given item. In the article, Northcote gave a table of how to evaluate whether or not a technology tool is useful for a teacher. She then provided a blank table at after the descriptions of all the tools for the reader to evaluate the tools she shared.

In conclusion, I would use each of these tools in my classroom. In using the timer, I would only use one for the class. I think it would be too distracting to have multiple alarms sounding off at different times. The other worry is that there are not enough technology devices and the connection will fail. I look forward to utilizing Quizlet especially in my classroom as part of instruction and assessments.