Create a One-Pager

 I recently came across a really cool assessment strategy for students called the One Pager. This strategy is based on the Dual Coding Theory by Allan Paivio, which "assumes that there are two cognitive subsystems, one specialized for the representation and processing of nonverbal objects/events (i.e., imagery), and the other specialized for dealing with language," (Instructionaldesign.org, 2021). 

The One Pager Strategy

The One Pager is an excellent strategy for combing language with nonverbal objects and imagery. I've created the following infographic to help you design your own! As a side note, you might want to check out the COSTA level framework for questions. 


How do you create a One Pager? Whether you are using paper or a tool, like Jamboard, it is very simple and shouldn't take too long. Check out my video tutorial below: 






Hack for Creating Jamboard Background Templates with Google Drawings

 Did you know that you can use Google Drawings to create background templates for Jamboard? This is a great hack for creating graphic organizers like T-Charts, Venn Diagrams, and Frayer Model templates. The best part is that it takes minutes, NOT hours! 


Check out my video below for how to do this! This is a game-changer! 


Add Audio to Google Docs or Slides with Mote

 There has been a lot of buzz lately about a Chrome Extension called Mote and for good reason! Mote provides you with the ability to record audio in Google Docs or Slides. Want to give better feedback while editing a Google Doc? Want to easily add audio to your Google Slides presentation? Mote might be the tool for you! 


There are two different versions of Mote available, a free and paid version. Check out Mote's website for more information; however, one of the biggest differences is the amount of time you have to record. The free version gives you 30 seconds, while the paid version is 90 seconds. All recordings are saved on your Google Drive and are published for students to listen to on any device. 



Want to see it in action? Check out my video below




Think Pair Share Jamboard Template for Remote Learning

 How do you use Breakout Rooms for classroom discussion? One of my favorite strategies is combining Jamboard with the Think - Pair - Share model because it is an easy, but effective way of generating class discussion. Plus, it gives ALL students the opportunity to speak. 

How does it work? 

Open up your video conferencing tool of choice (i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, etc.) and share the link to your Jamboard. If it is easier, please feel free to use the following Jamboard templateNOTE: You will want to make sure that your Jamboard can be edited by anyone with the link!

First, have students think and write their response to the discussion question. 

Next, generate breakout rooms for students to pair up and discuss their responses. Most video conferencing tools like Meet and Zoom provide you with tools to predetermine or randomly select groups. In this example, I provided space for 8 different groups. 

As students are discussing their responses, I have provided a spot for them to place their answer on a sticky note. Notice that there is a specific area for students to place their answer. This might be helpful to keep the discussion organized. 


Finally, close all of your breakout rooms and discuss student responses.  Each group should have a spokesperson to share!

NOTE: At this point, you might want to change the Jamboard permissions from "Anyone with the link can edit" to "Anyone with the link can View." This will allow you to use the drawing tools to check off groups that have verbally shared their responses. 


Conclusion

Think Pair Share is an excellent strategy for any classroom! Pairing it with Jamboard can make remote learning even better! It provides you with an opportunity to post your question and have a space, where ALL students can participate and collaborate. 






Do You TAG? A Great Tool for Engaging Online Class Discussion

 If you use Seesaw or another platform for classroom discussion, then you might want to check out this cool method of leaving class discussion! I came across this while I was doing my Seesaw Pioneer Program training and couldn't resist creating this infographic for more information! 

Feel free to download your own copy here! 



Check For Plagiarism With Google Classroom's Originality Report Feature

If you are like me, you look for ways to teach students valuable digital citizenship skills, which will help them throughout life. The shift to hybrid and virtual learning in many schools could possibly generate plagiarism issues. As we ask students to complete and hand-in more digital assignments, how do we make sure that students are handing in original work?  


The originality report feature in Google Classroom provides you with a tool to educate students on how to develop original works and avoid plagiarism. 

How does it work? 

First, you will open up an assignment that you would like to run an originality report on. Please note, as of February 2021, if you have a G Suite for Education account, you are entitled 5 free reports per assignment. Check out Google's article for more information on how to have unlimited access. 



Next, you will want to open up your assignment and run the report. Want to see it in action? Check out my video below


Conclusion

In conclusion, the originality report could be a great tool in your arsenal for many reasons. First, it provides an innovative way for teaching students the importance of creating their original work and citing another person's work for. Secondly, it can help keep students accountable and provide students with a safe space to make and learn from mistakes. 









What Do You Want to Learn? Breakout Room Template

Looking for a way to keep students engaged in breakout rooms? It can be helpful to design a learning experience, where students choose what they want to learn and collaborate in a breakout room to learn more. 

For example, here is a template that I created called "What Do You Want to Learn?" Students have four different options for exploring Texas history. 

First, students make their selection by clicking the link of the topic of their choice and visiting the assigned breakout room (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). 

Next, students work together in their breakout room to explore the topic. Notice that I have embedded different types of media to represent content. I also included a challenge for students to demonstrate their understanding of what they learned. 

Finally, you will want to think about workflow. How will you keep students accountable? Will you want students present their findings, upload their assignment, etc.? Do you want students to build a collaborative project or do you want students to complete something individually? 

Check out my video for more information.

Use Flipgrid's Mic, Screen Record, or Board Feature to Enhance Discussion

 Flipgrid offers several flexible options for students to participate in discussion and share their thoughts in meaningful and flexible ways regardless of their ability or disability. Some of my favorite options are the default video response option, mic only, screen recording, and board features! 


The following video provides you with a 2-minute overview of how to use some of Flipgrid's flexible and powerful features to take discussion to the next level. Enjoy!

5 Time-Efficient Ways of Adding Feedback in Google Classroom

Feedback is a crucial element to learning because it supports student learning, achievement, and engagement.With so many demands placed on teachers, it can be difficult to keep up with the effort needed to provide helpful feedback for students. What if there was an easier more time-efficient way of giving feedback? Here are five time efficient and effective ways to add feedback on Google Classroom! 

Check out my video or read below. 


  • Idea # 1: The Private Comment section of Google Classroom is the perfect place to have a private conversation between the teacher and the student. It could be a helpful place for students to ask questions in private without the judgement of their peers. 

  • Idea # 2: Comments have been around since the dawn of Google Docs. They are a great way to share ideas, links, and assign tasks (just use the @ and type the person's name). 


  • Idea # 3: The Comment Bank in Google Classroom is a database of canned responses or comments that you can choose from. You can copy and paste directly into the comment or use a # to directly insert your canned response into the comment.


  • Idea # 4: Use Suggestion Mode! This is a great way to go to town with edits; however, the student is the one that has to approve or disprove of it. 

  • Idea # 5: Mote is an awesome tool for adding audio notes to any Google Doc, Slide, etc. Visit the Chrome web store and download the Chrome extension. Once you download it, you can add comments up to 1 minute and 30 seconds. 











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