Teachers Meet Quizizz! You’re Welcome:)

@LisaBerghoff

Quizizz: Fun, Engaging, Multiplayer Classroom Quiz Games and Yes, Students Can Play From Anywhere!

I’ll admit that I can be a sucker for bells and whistles.  I love toys and games and fun in the classroom if they are used in a purposeful way.  When students come back and visit years after graduation, it’s the funny, silly activities that they remember and connect with most.  Do any students come back and say “Remember that time when we sat in rows quietly and took notes?” I recently led a workshop and asked teachers from various schools to describe what their classroom looks like when their students are truly engaged.  Words like “active”, “participation”, “loud”, and “excited” came up as the teachers thought about a time in their classroom when students were engaged. Of course, the topic of Kahoot often comes up during these types of discussions.  Remember the first time you did a Kahoot?  You will absolutely not get that kind of response when you assign a worksheet.  That’s because tools like Kahoot are engaging and fun by design.  They allow students to participate in a way that does not require them to push too far out of their comfort zone, but still makes you feel like you are playing a game and taking a risk.  One of the most common questions that comes up with Kahoot is whether or not students can participate in these fun quiz games on their own or from home.

That is why I am thrilled to share Quizizz with you.

http://www.slideshare.net/Quizizz/quizizz-presentation-49737217

 

Quizizz is  a free, online tool that allows you to create classroom game show-like quizzes.  Similar to  Kahoot, the students have questions and  up to 4 options for responses.  You can create your own or use one that has already been created.  You can even create your own quiz but then steal collaboratively take advantage of individual questions that other teachers have made and put them into your own quiz. There are several key features that make Quizizz different from Kahoot.  First, you can adjust the timer from 5 seconds to 15 minutes of time allowed to answer a question, or you can adjust the settings so the question timer is off completely. You can play the games live during class but allow students to play at their own pace because the entire question shows up on the students’ screens.  The way Quizizz works is such that you can play at your own pace but still feel like you’re playing against your classmates.  Quizizz also has a feature that allows you to assign the quiz for homework. There is a  calendar feature to set the days that the quiz is open and give your students the Quizizz code to join your quiz. It also has a meme generator that will give the students instant feedback by way of funny kittens and silly graphics. Another feature of Quizizz is that when students finish playing, they get valuable data showing how they did on each question.

When your students first log in at join.quizizz.com, they will enter the game code and their name.  In order to effectively grade the quiz, I suggest mandating a naming convention so that students must enter their first name and last initial or some other standard format so you will know who is participating.  The students are then assigned an avatar (mine was an adorable sheep with glasses) and then are prompted to proceed.  As students are answering the questions, they are given immediate feedback on how they did on each question.  Once they are done, they can see how they did on all of the questions and they can go back and review the questions.

https://twitter.com/quizizz/status/562659247066861568

As the teacher, you can pull up a “report” that shows the percentage of students who answered each question correctly.  You can also click on individual students to see how they did.  The reports page gives a very easy to read graphic so you can quickly see which of your students need more instruction. This type of formative assessment is quick and easy to put together, fun for the students, and very helpful you teachers as we make instructional decisions.

Quizizz can be used at any point during instruction.  You can then show the questions in slide show mode so you can explain and walk through the most missed questions.
Want to see more?  Here is a one minute video walk through of Quizizz.

You’re Welcome!

What are some of your favorite tips and tools for classroom engagement?  Share in the comments section below.

Are You Flipping Kidding Me? Why Would I Flip?

Are You Flippin’ Kidding Me?

Why Would I Flip?

@joe_edtech & @LisaBerghoff

This article is co-written and cross posted by Joe & Lisa. You can also find it on Joe’s Blog: WarriorEdTech

It isn’t about using technology because it is flashy, and it definitely isn’t about more industrial age efficiency. Integrating instructional technology is about being able to do something that you’ve never been able to do before. It is about re-imagining the classroom, and everything else about school.

 Last Saturday, we had an opportunity to host a Google Education On Air Hangout on the “Flipped Classroom” during which we provided our participants with a description and history of the Flipped Classroom teaching model, clear reasons why each of us tried it with our students, and some evidence of it’s effectiveness. If you are interested in reading more about that as well as accessing some tools to help you get started, you are welcome to visit the “Flipped Classroom Resources” webpage we created.

 However, we don’t want to take up our blog space and inundate our loyal readers (a.k.a. – Joe’s Mom) with a lot of information about what and how. We think it is really important to start with why. Why would you take the time to flip your class? Probably the best way to explain it is through the eyes of a few students. First, we want you to see class through the eyes of Lisa’s Special Ed US History students.

 

@LisaBerghoff:

 My US History students all have IEPs.  Reading and writing is challenging for them and US History is dense with written information. Our textbook, while adapted for reluctant readers, is very long and intimidating. I wanted my students to be able to access the information but then do something with that information. I wanted them to apply their learning, make connections and predictions for the future based on what they are learning about the past. I wanted them to participate in activities that require them to think critically, make a claim, and support it with evidence. However, most of our class time was being used to read the material, talk about the content, and reach for a basic level of understanding. I was assigning homework activities that required them to extend their learning but I quickly became frustrated because many of my students were not completing the homework. The students who were completing it often missed the mark and the quality was nowhere near what I thought they could do.

 I decided to take a risk and assign a video for homework. The students would watch the video to get the information and then we could use our class time to work in small groups to apply what they learned. I was amazed when all of my students watched the 5 minute video. I gave them a short survey and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.  Watching a video for homework was a low-stakes activity.  Everyone could access the video and it was much easier for them to get the information in this manner.  I was so encouraged I tried several other approaches.  For one assignment, I read the lesson from the text and recorded myself while highlighting the important information.  I then took it one step further and created a Zaption “tour” with this video by embedding questions. I could check the analytics to see who had watched the video and their answers were recorded and even graded for me! I could see how long the students spent on the videos.  One student clearly forwarded the video and just answered the questions.  Another student watched it more than once. This was exactly the kind of differentiation I was looking for.  The students had some control, everyone was able to get what they needed, and our class time was spent doing the kinds of activities that push their thinking and maintain the high standards that I have for my students.

 @joe_edtech:

That’s the success story. On the flip side – pun intended – my daughter spends hours and hours struggling with her math homework. It is no fun, and I fear that the constant frustration will lead her to dislike math, or worse, school. When she is in class, the teacher explains the concepts and the skills, and it all makes perfect sense. But by the time she gets home, she has forgotten much of the teacher’s instruction. It is just one of many classes and activities she participates in every day. More than once Katherine has said, “Ugh, I just wish I could see her work this problem again.” And that kind of thinking shouldn’t surprise us. She is used to looking up instruction on YouTube. When she wants to learn how to fix her hair a certain way, or create something new with her Rainbow Loom, or generate ideas for building in Mine Craft, she turns FIRST to YouTube and other digital resources available to her. Imagine how empowered she would be if she could review her math, or science, or music lessons in the same way.

 From a Technology Director’s perspective, I love the Flipped Classroom idea because it can act as a “Gateway Drug” to the integration of much more instructional technology, and can help facilitate the shift from teaching-centered classrooms to learning-centered classrooms. And as Lisa mentioned before, you don’t have to invest hundreds of hours to try it. All you have to do is “Flip” one lesson, one time.

You can still be a part of the conversation. Our Google Hangout Webinar “Flipped & Blended Learning for the Chromebook Classroom” is embedded below. If you have any questions, please contact us via Twitter or leave a comment in the box below.

 

 

The Power Of Visuals: Tips for the inclusive classroom and beyond.

As far as teachers go, we like to talk, a lot.  Walk into any classroom and chances are you will see a teacher standing at the front of the room talking to his/her class.  We are story tellers, we are communicators, we are people who want to get our point across.

There are times when we just need to stop talking and let visuals communicate for us.

For teachers of students on the autism spectrum and other special needs, the power of visuals is invaluable.  Something amazing happens when I stop talking and put an image, or a written word in front of a student. It’s as if we speak a secret language. Many students do not process verbal information in a way that is effective for them to learn. Using pictures, videos, and even sticky notes can make a huge difference in the classroom.  These visuals can be replicated and used in a variety of settings.  I am encouraging the use of visuals with my students who have supported jobs, in their homes, and even in social situations. Especially with the increased availability of mobile devices, these visual tools can be utilized anywhere.

Here are some visual tools to try:

Start with low tech sticky notes:

Sticky notes are small.  You can’t fit a lot of words on them.  This is a good thing because it forces you to just write the most important pieces of information that the student needs.  I will often write the numbers 1,2,3 on a sticky note and next to each number I will write the directions to follow. Often a little drawing helps my students focus.  I could be talking all day but suddenly with the sticky note in front of them, my students are able to participate along with everyone else.

 

Google Images:

Google images has become the search engine of choice for my students.  They need to see images in order to make meaning of what they are learning. Also, the process of filtering the images serves as formative assessment for me.  If they aren’t able to filter out the images that  do not go with the topic, they don’t understand it and I need to re-teach.

Did you know you can even use images to search?  No need to put words into the search bar.  Simply drag an image to the search bar and you are using the “search by image’ feature!  Here, I am dragging one of the images of a tiger into the search bar:

Create a Video:

With amazing sites like Pow Toon on the internet, it is easy to create animated videos and presentations for your students.   Here is a short video that I made to show simple steps for writing a thesis statement. Click the image below to open the video.

Other favorite sites for creating videos:  GoAnimate, Animoto, WeVideo

Make An Infographic:

Piktochart claims you can make a beautiful infographic in 10 minutes.  Sticking with the thesis writing theme, here’s what I created in about 7.

 

There are many other tools that you can use to create interesting visuals for students.  Let’s try to do less talking.  Sit back, and watch the learning happen.

 

What are your favorite visual tools to use in the classroom? 

When Technology Does Not Love You Back. Some Simple Advice For Teachers

Years ago, when I was first married, my husband decided to get Tivo. I personally didn’t understand it at all.  Why would we need to have so much TV? Surely this crazy gadget would not catch on. (Ha!) He used to walk around saying “I love my Tivo!” and I would always reply “You shouldn’t love things that can’t love you back”.

Now that I am knee deep into educational technology, I often hear my own words ringing in my ears. Do I love this technology? Absolutely! But there are times when the technology definitely does not love me back.  In fact, I would say that most days I expect to have some sort of snafu. When I don’t, it’s a pleasant surprise.  I don’t let it stop me though because the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks.

In my recent collaboration with teachers who are exploring technology use in the classroom, one of the universal fears is:

What if it doesn’t work?

Yes, this is a valid fear and a major concern.  This seems to be the most common reason that teachers are reluctant to use technology. However, I’d like to share some words of advice that may help you get over the hump and hopefully encourage you to keep on trying.

1. Just like with most things, the more you do it the more comfortable you will be.

This is such a catch-22. It’s like waiting to lose weight before you start going to the gym.  If you just start going to the gym today, you will get more fit and also start to feel more like you fit in.  You just have to bite the bullet and endure a period of time when it’s not so comfortable and you feel like you don’t really belong.  So you start on the treadmill, right? Because you know how to walk without looking like a fool and the machine is easy to use.  That’s why the familiar phrase “Just Do It” is so effective.  The same applies here. Start today.  In your classroom, find ways to use technology that aren’t quite so risky at first and vow to do something with it every day.  You don’t need to be an expert, if you wait for that to happen you will never get started. Just set small goals and follow through.  Maybe your students write daily journal entries. Have them write their journals on GoogleDocs. Then, you can have them share and comment on each others’ journals, etc. Keep it going and pretty soon it won’t feel so scary. Then you can try something new.

2. You don’t have to do it alone.

I am so fortunate that I have teaching assistants in my classes.  I even have a senior teacher for one period and peer buddies who come to help out. These extra people can help me keep my cool.  When something goes wrong in my class, (Yes, it happens to all of us) whether it be technological or not, it is so helpful to just be able to make eye contact with another adult who can at least empathize and hopefully help problem solve.  If you are fearful that the internet will break as soon as you introduce your online research project, ask for some help when you get started.  In many schools, the library media specialist is happy to help assist with getting these projects off the ground.  Teaching can be isolating but it doesn’t have to be. Find a partner in crime to come in and be the voice of reason. Even if they are not feeling comfortable with technology, at least you have someone to share in the moment and make it less frightening.  And if it goes well, perhaps you will inspire them to take the leap as well.

3. Have a plan B, but don’t make yourself nuts.

You do NOT need to write a million different contingency lesson plans!  However, any effective educator will tell you that even the best thought out lessons can fall flat whether technology is involved or not.  I typically like to have an extra plan in my head, just in case something goes awry. For example, is google drive not responding? Go back to using your notebooks for those journal entries. Or, this could be a great time to do some real-world problem solving with your students. Tell them what they need to do and ask them for some solutions.  If this sounds crazy to you then you are greatly underestimating the ability of kids to think creatively when it comes to breaking through barriers.  If the kids know they are going to need to do the work anyway, they will probably be motivated to find a way.

4. It’s Good To Give options.

I am a huge proponent of allowing students to have choices when it comes to their learning. I believe when they are given opportunities to choose they take more ownership and stick with the task longer than if I just told them what to do. If you are worried about the technology failing, give the students some options in the activity.  Some may involve tech and some may be more low-tech choices. That way, if the technology fails, you still have those other choices available to students.  I often have my students create something creative to show their understanding about a certain topic.  In my US History class, my students were working on the causes and effects of the Civil War. They were given guidelines and a rubric to show the content standards.  Then, I let them choose whatever medium they wanted to use to complete the project.  We had everything from old fashioned posters to Smore flyers to GoAnimate videos.  If one of the students’ chosen mediums was not working, they could just opt for a different one.

5. Please! Do NOT allow yourself to quit.

Recent research shows that it takes anywhere from two to eight months to build a new behavior into your life.  If your students worked on a new skill one or two times and then gave up what would you say to them? I’m guessing you would give them a pep talk about practice, sticking with it, not giving up, etc.  Here is a chance for you to model that for your students. It’s ok to let them know that you are trying something new and you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Be optimistic and upbeat about it and your class will join you for the ride.

 

 

 

&nbspphoto credit: OUT OF ORDER payphone via photopin (license)

In Defense of Year-Round Schools (aka there’s too much left to do before summer)

Spring is in the air! The weather is slowly starting to warm up, little green buds are sprouting on the trees, and my allergies are starting to kick in. Also, this week we began 4th quarter. It’s also known as “the light at the end of the tunnel” for both students and teachers.  The nice thing about 4th quarter is that everyone gets a little extra boost of energy. It’s like when you are running a race and you can see the finish line and you suddenly notice that you actually do have more energy than you thought because you are able to sprint to the end. There is one major flaw with 4th quarter… I feel like we’re just getting started. We’re on a roll, in a groove, and everyone is making nice progress. This would be the perfect time to get involved in some amazing projects, except the end of the school year is fast approaching.  What to do?   Year-round school is sounding more and more inviting!

photo credit: The Start and Finish Line of the “Inishowen 100” Scenic Drive via photopin (license)

Here is the list of things I’d still like to accomplish this year (and why it would be so much easier if we were in school all year).

1. Connect with a class from another school. 

I think my students could really benefit from using technology to connect with students from a different school.  This would be a wonderful way to practice our digital citizenship skills, get feedback in a new way, and learn about a different place. There are so many options available from mystery skype to edublogs and google plus communities and more and more teachers seem to be jumping on board with inter-class connections.  This project requires long-term commitment to really establish a relationship. Summer is definitely getting in the way!

 

Like Riding A Bike

photo credit: 1960 Schwinn Cruiser via photopin (license)
Do you remember how you learned to ride a bike? Have you ever watched someone try to learn?  It’s hard!  Really, really hard.  It’s often painful and extremely frustrating.  Eventually, you start to just get the feel of it and once you learn, you can’t un-learn how to ride a bike.  The phrase “just like riding a bike” resonates with me because the process of learning bike riding can be so different for each individual and yet regardless of HOW they learned, once they can do it they can always do it.  I have heard so many varied bike riding stories with different methods to get the kids to balance just right.  Some parents start their kids with training wheels, some start with a bike with no pedals at all. One popular method in my neighborhood is to take kids to a grassy hill and let them roll down it on their bikes until they are able to stay upright.  Then there are always a few kids who can simply climb on and ride around the block.

The same principle holds true of most learning.  It’s hard, and can be very frustrating.  It may take many different methods to accomplish “getting it”, but once you truly learn something it cannot be taken from you.  In the end it doesn’t really matter what methods were used as long as the end results in learning.  Think about how many different methods we have for teaching reading, writing, and math concepts.  With the use of technology, our toolbox just got infinitely bigger.  We also can’t discount the fact that kids learning to ride a bike are typically very motivated.  That motivation drops off considerably at a very early age for many of our students, especially those who struggle. Keeping learning fresh and fun is also a big part of the role of teachers and kids can be very picky consumers when it comes to classroom activities.

As a special educator I am passionate about searching for new ways to teach old tricks.  My students constantly surprise and amaze me and I’ve learned to always keep exploring new options.  I’m also beyond thrilled to share what I learn with other educators.

This blog will be a place for me to share tools, tips, tricks, and ideas as they relate to the science and the art of teaching.  Welcome! Now let’s go for a ride.