Tool #2: GroupMaker

 

Summary

Group Maker is a website that allows you to create a roster for your classes. It has tools for creating seat charts, randomly choosing a name, or creating a certain number of groups or groups with a certain number of people. It has a simple interface with labeled buttons. It can be used in the classroom for a number of things and is especially useful in a group project heavy class.

 

Selection Criteria

This tool was chosen for its simplicity having one place for its clearly marked tools. It is not fancy but it is also aesthetically pleasing while it gets the job done. The layout is utilized well and there is not an abundance of ads. It is also free to use and requires a short account creation in order to use.

 

ALCOS Connection

This tool is perfect to use for the Arts Education standard for 4th grade "2.) Improvise short scenes while working cooperatively in groups, including the use of role play." In order to easily create groups for dramatic scenes, the teacher can input the number of roles for each group and have  the tool break the students in to the groups. This bypasses the awkwardness of them choosing their own groups while allowing different people to work together, allowing more cooperation between all of the classmates.