Ideas for Interaction & Engagement by Jill Pellegrini

QR code scavenger hunts

msamber — 2019-05-23 18:58:32 UTC

In order to get students up and moving during their learning to promote interaction and engagement, I have used QR code scavenger hunts and escape room challenges with embedded QR codes. Students move about the room looking for clues or cards that have a QR code on them. They use a device like a chromebook or ipad, that has a QR scanner app uploaded, to scan the code. They can then answer the question on their device and/or follow the clue to the next QR code. Each time I have used these types of learning activities in my classroom, student engagement has been through the roof! I have purchased QR scavenger hunts and escape room challenges on www.teacherspayteachers.com.

Prodigy

msamber — 2019-05-23 19:02:56 UTC

Another tool I have used that students absolutely loved is prodigy. I decided to give it a try this past school year at the recommendation of a colleague. Prodigy uses quests and gamification to engage students while they are practicing and learning math skills. They take a diagnostic test that places them in content that is at their current level. I learned...from my students:)...that they can actually join other students in the class to create their own math challenges as well. I still have a lot to explore and learn when it comes to prodigy and that is one of my goals this summer but from what I understand, I can assign certain standards to my students that differentiate based on their diagnostic test. I love this feature because my students can be practicing skills within the standards that we are learning in our whole group and small group math lessons. www.prodigygame.com.

Kahoot It

ylong1 — 2019-05-24 02:52:24 UTC

A digital tool I love to use in my classroom is Kahoot It. I learned about it in my Introduction to Blended Learning Canvas course. My students are always, happy and engaged when using this tool. I use it for review in mathematics, English, language arts, science, and Spanish. I have created my own sets in science and Spanish class. Our science curriculum is pretty rigorous (Fusion) and the tests are so hard - there are many open-ended questions that require thinking and caution when reading/studying data. I have created review sets and they kids are always begging to play Kahoot.
https://kahoot.com/

NearPod

ylong1 — 2019-05-24 02:59:17 UTC

At Prairie, we were so lucky our administration bought us a subscription to use NearPod last year. NearPod allows teachers to create digital lessons or find lessons that are already built in the site. I used NearPod in my classroom a few times. The most memorable lesson was, "Columbus Friend or Foe." This lesson had beautiful pictures, questions which made students engage in debate, videos, partner work. There are the options of Live Mode or Student-Paced. I used the Live Mode for this lesson - the student cannot go ahead of the teacher on this mode - I also liked how this tool gives me a report with a percentage on the students' responses. I am amazed at how engaged the students are with NearPod. They use their Chromebooks they enjoy using the stick notes mode as well to write their comments.
https://nearpod.com/

Google Products

2019-05-24 05:14:06 UTC

Tabitha's Post: I am new to using different resources because I am not working directly with students most of the time. I did watch my daughter use google slides to make a geographical town and she worked with a partner. One evening both students were working on finding the volume to many different buildings. While finding the dimension of the buildings in the town, my daughter and her partner were having conversations back. Both kids were cracking up and correcting each others responses. I have watched many lessons being done through Google products with my daughter this year and I believe it is a product I hope to continue to learn more and more about.

Hatch Learning

2019-05-27 13:48:24 UTC

Michele : The only technology I am really familiar with for the age group I work with is with the Hatch tablets or I use a few aps with my preschool students. Hatch is a digital program that the students play games and the results are automatically recorded in the student portfolio which is a big time saver. The activities change based on what level each child has completed. have been exploring some different video and activities with the Seesaw that allows the students to have digital portfolios. It allows you to create and edit what you would like to go to the portfolio and can be related to an activity.

Google Classroom

jmason27 — 2019-05-29 15:55:41 UTC

In my classroom, I help students with their tasks from their general education classroom. I love how Google allows groups of students to work on a project together using their own devices. I like that students can each have a different job when creating Google Slides and work together to create a finished project. In addition, I like that students can share documents with each other and make comments for peer edits on writing pieces.

Google for the Win

jdollerschell — 2019-05-30 03:10:32 UTC

I am so, so sad to hear that Padlet is no longer free of charge as I love it on the high school level. I will probably invest my own money to subscribe next fall. My go-to forum after Padlet is Google where I like to post a question. This feature is found on Classroom under "Assignment" then under "Question". The settings are important as you have to make sure that students are able to comment on others' posts; otherwise it defeats the purpose. I have also used Google Forms for surveys and then shared the visual results when we are building background knowledge before a novel unit. I love online discussion forums...it helps the shy kids have a voice, and it REQUIRES the kids who are usually disengaged to be engaged...unless they want a zero:)

Sheila Bailey's post:

2019-06-06 20:25:09 UTC

Brain Pop

I use Brain Pop for many different lessons, especially for science and social studies related topics. One of my favorite lessons is when my students are learning about Native Americans (which they love) and you can actually make choices of what to do for your tribe, example: go hunt for 5 days during a blizzard, stay at your camp and wait out the storm, or go steal food from near by town or camp. The students love this activity. It takes about 3 hours to complete in one setting so I broke it into 30 minute sessions. I think that it teaches students real life lessons because if they choose to go hunt in the blizzard they might die or get sick. Each day we would do this activity the students never wanted to stop for recess because they wanted to know what was happening in their tribe. Brain Pop has so many fun engaging activities for student to learn from.

Sheil

2019-06-06 20:31:59 UTC

Sheila Bailey's post:

2019-06-06 20:32:00 UTC

Mystery Doug

This last school year I used Mystery Doug in my classroom and each week is about a random science or geography topics that students vote on. I used it every Monday and my class loved it. I even had students who were absent on those days ask if they could watch it the next day at school. Some days there would be extension activities for the students.

JayZ's Post

jayzimmerman03 — 2019-07-08 18:46:05 UTC

google tour builder.

Not sure how many people know about this tool, but it allows teachers or students to make interactive presentations, where you can add your own pictures and locations to teach different things. This might be a great way to do history/ timelines/ personalized writing/ etc.

Cynthia Krull

ckrull2 — 2019-07-08 19:47:33 UTC

I am a big fan of flipgrid and use it a lot in my classroom. It allows students to respond to questions posted by the teacher, with a fun interactive video. Students can then respond to other students through video. It helps to build a collaborative community in the class.

Mary's Ideas

mpenke — 2019-07-09 01:42:35 UTC

I feel like the technology now allows students to be equally responsible when it comes to collaborative efforts. For example in a classroom some students could sit and do nothing as part of their group. But with technology, specifically Google, you can see who has added what and when. It creates accountability within the groups for collaborative projects.

Amanda Bucher Ideas

2019-07-10 21:19:37 UTC

I am a big fan of Google docs and collaborations. I am also excited to try Lino. It provides digital walls and corkboards. Students can submit video links and you can create and assign private Lino walls for differentiated groups or students who need additional practice. I was just looking at the resources and am pretty excited to try Dotstorm and Twiddla.

Daniel Metz

danielmetz03 — 2019-07-11 18:51:46 UTC

Google docs is great for collaboration it tags students contributions, so it is easy to track and promote accountability. I use voice thread to brainstorm ideas in art, and also for peer feedback on student work.

Elaine Vaughn

evaughn41 — 2019-07-12 02:12:54 UTC

I have collaborated before in Google Docs- using one that everyone has access to was a great tool for review and held students accountable when I assigned them certain components of the Google Doc. I have also used Kahoot quite a bit which students love, and I have students work in groups to create their own Kahoot reviews after a unit or topic!

Zach Glenn

2019-07-12 16:36:03 UTC

I use various means of collaboration in my digital classes in order to get students to interact with one another. In Zoom, I use breakout groups in order to get kids to work together in a student-led environment. In Canvas, I use the discussion boards and messaging system to get students to work together on assignments when they are not in a classroom together and to communicate grades and important information. These things all lead to parent and student engagement.

Deanna Padilione

2019-07-14 18:30:09 UTC

I love the entire Google Suite for Education when it comes to collaboration. I've had students collaborate in Docs, Slides and Sheets. It is great, because no one can hide, all students have to do work and I can see what contributions they had. I also really like Classroom and the discussion features on there. I would see students asking and answering questions on the main feed. It was great for collaboration. There are so many great ways to increase student engagement. I've seen several people mention Kahoot, which is awesome, but I really like Quizizz (quizizz.com). If you really want to get students up and moving and collaborating while they are studying try Quizlet Live. This is the interactive vocab quiz cards you make on Quizlet and creates a live game where students have to find the other members in their group (usually based on an animal name), and then answer the question together. The reason they have to be together is because the answer to the question is only on one students device. It is fun and the kids usually ask to play it over and over again.

David Schmidt

dschmidt71 — 2019-07-17 02:29:45 UTC

I love google docs for students, it can give both teachers and students a consistent educational platform to work with. Its so easy to communicate back and forth, give written feedback, and share documents with large groups.

Ray Ruginis

2019-07-20 19:52:33 UTC

Teachers, use Kahoot! It's amazing. You can turn any topic into a live or recorded virtual game that the students love to play. It's free and it's fun!

Amy Windsheimer

2019-09-12 17:54:52 UTC

As a P.E. teacher, I use Polar Go Fit. This app helps me to keep track of students' heart rates.

As a classroom teacher, I used Kahoot! for a variety of purposes from reading quizzes to finals. The kids like the game like format, and I like that my feedback is instant.

Emily Johnson

2019-09-27 17:18:02 UTC

I use Reading A to Z for students to listen to stories online. It is my listening station rotation when I am working with small groups on their reading and phonics times. They practice skills with me and then reinforce those skills through listening to stories.
I also use Zearn, a math curriculum online for teaching and mastering number concepts in Kindergarten.

DaShanda Bringelson

2019-09-27 17:19:12 UTC

I use Zearn math and A-Z reading in my classroom. I love both because I get INSTANT feedback! : )

Glenn Carlson

2019-09-27 17:19:20 UTC

I use Google classroom all the time now in my HS health class. This helps a lot with the students who are absent keeping up on their work.

Roxanne Marick

2019-09-27 17:19:31 UTC

I use Google Classroom on a daily basis. The students are very adept at getting their assignments to begin working on them. In addition, I use Khan Academy to supplement their learning with math videos and practice. Finally, I have some remedial math students that use Zearn to supplement their math learning with blended learning.

Danielle Ramseier

2019-09-27 17:33:48 UTC

I use Google Classroom to post assignments, questions for the day, and even book studies.

Brooke Larson

2019-09-27 17:44:54 UTC

I use Google classroom for students to post and share documents and slides. It also helps with students when they are gone to keep them accountable. I have also used paddlet as a back channel for students to ask questions if they aren't comfortable asking in front of their peers.

Debra Meece

2019-09-27 17:53:54 UTC

I use Google classroom for discussion and interaction as well as posting assignments. I have used Quizlet and Kahoot to help with reviews. I also have interactive websites with FBLA and yearbook that have digital content and areas for students to interact. We created Tallo accounts for FBLA to network as well. in addition, we have a free year of the online site with one of our textbooks that provides videos and discussions.

Brendee Whitney

2019-09-27 18:05:44 UTC

I use Google Classroom in my middle and high school classes. I like that it allows them to contact and ask questions on the weekend and I can respond on my own schedule. I have nothing to compare it too since this is my first year so I have nothing to compare it to, in order to say it does promote interaction and increase engagement. I have used Quizlet live with elementary students and there is definitely more engagement and interest because of the competition.

Peggie Neal

2019-10-07 04:13:54 UTC

I am a middle school science teacher. In my class I use Google Classroom. On my Google Classroom I often post online virtual labs with questions using google docs. With the Google docs I will either have each student turn in their worksheets individually or I use it as a whole class discussion or collaboration board. I also use the discussion board on their discovery education accounts. This is a really helpful tool as they can see what others and getting out of the text. I also have them use their own individual boards on DE that I can see as they are taking notes.

Deanna Johnson, Risa Richardson, Denyse Kunz, Laura Copper

2020-01-09 21:20:09 UTC

We are kindergarten teachers and use Boost via DIBELS. Our students are able to access the program with a QR code and work on their independent level for various reading skill practice. They enjoy it and are very adept at using it.

Jennifer Grantham, Tami Jolliffe, Tara Brodeur

2020-01-10 01:15:09 UTC

We use Prodigy as a tool for reteaching math skills and as an incentive for completing assignments. We have been utilizing a lot of the online components that come with our district curriculum for math and science. Prodigy is a huge incentive for a lot of students. They also really enjoy the online component for the STEMScopes science.

Erika Daly

2020-01-10 18:01:40 UTC

Read Live is an online reading intervention that actively engages students as they work to increase fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igOKLmktQGQ

Kendra Jesik

2020-01-12 23:57:57 UTC

I use the Boost via Dibels app as well. The students are placed and leveled according to their individual needs. They can log in with a QR code and can practice reading and phonemic awareness skills while thinking they are playing a game. I have also used Splash Math where students can practice their math facts (addition/subtraction) and level up to advance in the game.

Bethany Barry, Jennifer Crabtree, Elise Green

2020-01-13 22:12:02 UTC

Kindergarten uses ABC Mouse. We really like it because you can set each kid at their level. Kids move through their own learning path where they can play games and earn tickets. The kids are always engaged and work for the instant reward.
https://www.abcmouse.com/abt/homepage?8a08850bc2=S3497346594.1578949746.3927

Susan Buckles

susan_buckles — 2020-01-14 04:46:56 UTC

I use Google Classroom for a variety of things: writing assignments that students can revise/edit each others' work, questions of the day in which students can comment on each others' posts, assignments that students must make a copy and submit once completed, reading group responses again where students can comment on each others' posts.
I also use Xtra Math which focuses on basic math facts and Prodigy which offers additional practice for math.

Peppi Cline

2020-01-15 02:03:19 UTC

At this point my students do not have access to computers in my classroom. I really have no idea what products I would be able to promote or help my students to be successful with. Knowing how to use a new program is something I don't have time to figure out at this point.

Megan Burrell and Brittney Wilcox

megan_burrell — 2020-01-15 18:49:48 UTC

Prodigy is a great math tool to allow students to work at their level in math while completing math problems to compete against each other and also play with each other. They can meet each other in different parts of the game to help each other "beat the Titan" to win.

Additionally, if kids were working on a web quest, you could add in a fun game that goes with it to break up the studying and the questions. You could also have discussion questions that the students could post about.

Karen VanHaverbeke

2020-01-16 01:38:08 UTC

Except for having chrome books in our lab, our students do not yet have access to chrome books in the classroom. So, with that in mind, my plan of attack is to look at all the other posts and the suggestions for sites that others have used and recommend. Then, by the time we get out classroom chrome books next year, I will have a number of sites to use with my class to create a blended learning class. So far, these sites seem like they would be great!
Read Live, Reading A-Z, Boost via Dibels, Flipgrid, Google Classroom, Kahoot! and Prodigy.
I will be happy to have access to engaging sites to help my students in all subjects. Hopefully it will engage them in their learning! I will not pay for anything on these sites, though, unless the school covers the cost.

DKfind out is a great tool for beginning readers to research for their passion projects. I also like to have students go to Epic books were they can choose to read or listen to stories. We use Reading A-Z level up all the time. It is a great check in to see how their reading and comprehension is growing. Kids love Prodigy, and I feel it is a good tool to supplement math skills. We have also been using Writing City which is a great way to support writing online. This helps not only with writing skills but typing as well. I am pretty excited to use Voki!

kristine_hartman — 2020-01-17 18:36:04 UTC

Brenda Foster

brenda_foster2 — 2020-01-17 18:44:56 UTC

Screen-cast-o-matic is easy to use to incorporate video or audio lessons. You can pause at anytime to incorporate audio or typed questions to check for understanding as well as create end of lesson overviews.

Michelle Carstens

2020-01-17 23:17:01 UTC

Similar to other posts, my students do not have much access to computers. I've used Google doc with Classroom a few times.

Internet interaction

breaunna_oakland — 2020-01-18 18:24:33 UTC

We use protig

breaunna_oakland — 2020-01-18 18:25:15 UTC

We use prodigy and google classroom thread conversations

Katieann Carochi

2020-01-18 18:39:55 UTC

Our school district is currently engaged in a kindness campaign. I would like to post a link in Google Classroom to a discussion question in Voicethread about kindness. Then, I would like my students to type, voice record or video tape themselves responding to the quote.

Jonice Sullivan

2020-01-19 18:36:46 UTC

We have used boost, splash math, and abcya in my kindergarten class. The students enjoyed boost at first but became bored with it rather quickly. I am currently looking for something else that they can alternate between. I like splash math so far and the students seem to also. I sent home that parent note so they could do it while away from school also and have had 3 of the 16 students play it while away from school.

Carrie Hanenberg

2020-01-20 01:56:05 UTC

I use Google Docs for most of my school related work. Being able to keep my PE info for other PE teachers at other buildings to see is a must.
Also my students can obtain info at this site.

Amy Arguello

2020-01-20 19:40:10 UTC

I have used the web resources that other educators have shared. I enjoy Brainpop, Starfall, and Pebblego. I would love to implement more time and more computers available to my students so they can access tools and engage more with technology.

Lowell Miller

2020-01-20 20:28:29 UTC

I use Google Docs continually in my classroom. I use it for project based assignments along with writing assignments.Google Docs allows uploading from numerous web sights. Students can make brochures and slide presentations. Then share them with others.

Renee Watters

2020-01-20 20:29:33 UTC

I use Google Classroom to post assignments with deadlines, links, and any video I want my students to view. I also use it to encourage collaboration among individual students, groups, or between teacher & student. I use Google Doc & Slides for students to respond or collaborate. I use Prodigy for math practice in addition to envisionmath2.0. STEMscopes has a lot of great, interactive online features as well.

Suzi Hart

2020-01-21 03:18:53 UTC

Watching Renee using these tools in her 5th grade is awesome as I am also learning along with the students. In my small reading groups we are using a new program MindPlan and so far the students love it. They get on independently and stay focused up to an hour. What keeps them glued is different skill sets, earning dollars for tasks completed, a chance to go to the games "store". So, I totally get that the more the student is "entertained" the better they stay focused.

I use Prodigy in my classroom almost everyday. Prodigy allows students to work at their own pace or work on certain skills based on the standards that I select at the beginning of each Topic. Students can also "Battle" each other and they LOVE it!

tracy_hash — 2020-01-22 22:57:42 UTC

Christina Braiden, BonnieGrace Reese, Kim Guana, Amelia Kostelny

christina_braiden — 2020-01-25 17:17:06 UTC

We use Google Classroom to post assignments. Students work individually or collaboratively in groups to work on Google Docs or other assignments/videos we have posted. We use Pearson Envisions for math. Students work on online assignments while the teacher is able to work with small groups. We use Kahoot to review skills. We use IXL for our Math Focus and also for Language Arts assignments. We create Learning Pathways for students to follow that have a link for each assignment. Students can earn badges and other awards with IXL. We use Padlet to have discussions within the classroom that we call a silent discussion using a topic posted by the teacher. Students not working on grade level have accounts created with Khan Academy. We also use XtraMath for a daily math fact practice. You can create individual assignments based on their level . When teaching the early colonies, students created Google Slide presentations or a Voki. They were able to choose their media for their Passion Project.

Kelli Jones

2020-01-25 23:07:25 UTC

I currently do not have a classroom, and when I did have a classroom I used many of the programs mentioned here. A couple I did not see are BrainPop Jr. and Reflex Math. BrainPop short educational videos, lesson ideas, quizes, games, etc. in all content areas and is great for primary teachers. The also have a Brainpop that is for older students. The video of the week is free and so are many other videos, yet if you want access to all of them, you do have to pay. Reflex math is also a paid subscription by seats or classroom and it works on math fact automaticity using fact families. My student loved it and their fact skills increased tremendously. Can be used mid 1st grade-5th grade.

Shana Thorson

2020-02-02 00:14:20 UTC

I have more goals than applications at this point. I use Envision and ThinkCentral. Occasionally I get to put my students on SplashMath and ABCya. I want to try BrainPop Jr, Prodigy, XtraMath, Googleslides, Voki and DKFind.

Jessica Bray

2020-02-04 17:25:23 UTC

Although I was hesitant about giving up Microsoft Office, I LOVE Google because of the collaboration aspect. All of my team members (literacy coaches) and I can simultaneously work in the same document. It is very time efficient. In the classroom I can see Google Slides as a great tool for a jigsaw activity. Ex: 4th grade is reading about Colorado symbols. The class is divided into 5 groups and each group reads about a different symbol and creates 3 google slides in a shared document on Colorado Symbols.

Stephanie Cutter

2020-02-04 21:21:13 UTC

As I am becoming more comfortable with BL I am finding many resources I enjoy using with my class. I have started assigning assignments through Google classroom. I have been learning how to do this as I go. My students seem to like to get into Classroom and complete their assignments. The next thing I would like to try is doing a shared doc assignment with the whole class. I also assign my students ReadWorks and Envision Math assignments. I have found and used science resources, videos, and interactive lessons on Scholastic and PBS.

Tonya Fisher

2020-02-04 22:35:50 UTC

I am a Team Manager of a Destination Imagination team this year. We are using Google Docs and Sheets as a central place to track ideas and write the script. One student even created a Google Survey to ask a question and get ideas from teammates. This works as a collaborative tool once they learn not to delete someone else's work. (Which totally happened! Ugh!)

Susanna Florom

2020-02-05 01:25:05 UTC

I have used Screen-cast-o-matic several times to do a kind of flipped classroom for my math students. It works well as a station rotation for elementary students, as a small group can watch a video of me teaching while I work with other students on guided practice. Then I can be in two places at once!

Stephanie Veatch

2020-02-05 12:55:38 UTC

I consistently use the google suite products in my classroom. Each core subject has its own classroom, and a post assignments, due dates, and resources for lesson into the classroom. My students and parents really like that there is one place to locate what they need for class, and I hardly ever have "lost" assignments now. I use a variety of online resources, kahoot, Epic!, DK find out, Readworks, Freckle, Prodigy, Youtube, etc. to enhance my lessons and student engagement. I am interested in trying more with creating videos of my lessons for students to reference as needed or when I am going to be gone, or they are absent.

Krystal Saffold

krystal_saffold — 2020-02-05 15:37:25 UTC

My school has just purchased licences for us to use Writing City. This is a great online writing program that can be used either digitally or can be taught in person. Writing City provides writing lessons/instruction for students K-5. It has a very user friendly scope and sequence for any level of writer. Students can watch videos of the lessons and submit work online.

I am currently exploring a free trial of Freckle and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is a great way to target skills or allow kids to work at their own pace for math and ELA. It also has great units for social studies and science. As students are working, they earn coins to spend in the piggy store. I really like that it limits their time in the piggy store!

These are just two of the many programs I am using to bring blended learning into my classroom.

Jen Newton

2020-02-06 15:55:15 UTC

I do not have a classroom, and have not done any BL except for a few things for this class. I use Google Images to engage learners during small group if they don't have a lot of background or an image of a word or concept we are reading about. I have used Read Live (Read Naturally) which is engaging and allows for choice. My students who do SIPPS have also played Kahoots for syllable meanings and they love it! I have experimented with BOOST through amplify, but it isn't as robust as I'd like, but again, the kids like it because it is a game format. I would like to explore having students use Google Sheets to graph their DIBELS scores for their Leader in Me WIGS (Wildly Important Goals) and make a quiz for affix meanings in Google forms.

Kim McConnon

2020-02-09 21:16:42 UTC

I have used Google Classroom to create writing assignments - the students have enjoyed writing on the computer - changing fonts, color of text, and choice for them has them engaged. I also have used Envisions Math, Generation Genius and Khan Academy.

I use google classroom daily for my students. I integrate padlet, online gaming platforms such as prodigy, and shared google docs for students to interact with each other while using the computer.

kaitlin_strong — 2020-02-21 20:48:02 UTC

I have started to explore using Freckle as a way to have students do word work and reading skills online. I also have accesses CK-12 for videos and reading assignments.

Christie Bradley and Diane Rivera

2020-02-21 21:36:56 UTC

In our K classrooms we are using Prodigy, EnVision math games, Reading A-Z level up, Science A-Z level up, Starfall, Book-flix, and Epic books. The games are really fun and the kids ask for them. Reading A-Z is really good also because you can look at student progress on certain reading standards.

Quaver Music

nicole_janitell — 2020-02-21 21:39:07 UTC

The new resource that all elementary music teachers have is called Quaver music, and the engagement that it has, particularly on a one-to-one technology basis, is incredible. The kids are focused on composition projects and quizzes.

Katie Fleetwood

2020-02-25 20:37:45 UTC

I use splashlearn in my classroom on every early release Friday. I am also using google classroom to organize my students and the rotations we have in first grade so that each class can get to their online assignments easily.

Chelsea Loder

2020-02-27 23:44:34 UTC

I use Quaver's to assign lessons and activities to my music students but had problems with digital citizenship on the discussion feature. I have since turned it off. I also use SeeSaw to interact with my beginning band students but have also turned the commenting feature off. I tried to implement these before taking this course, but now know have many ideas to help students use them responsibly and turn these features back on!

Laura Schilf

2020-02-29 16:56:15 UTC

My students have limited access to their computers. I do have a Goggle classroom set-up that I've used for Splash math. I also linked a school survey that students were able to access.

Katherine Brock

2020-03-04 21:55:50 UTC

I can see some of these being used as a place for my students to "chat" and get to know each other because they are all at different schools. Might also use this as a way for Parents to interact and ask questions. I can also use this as a way to share events or opportunities for my students and their families.

Emily Bussell

2020-04-02 16:57:54 UTC

I use Google Classroom with my students and will post questions where they can answer and comment on their friends answers. It is definitely being utilized now more than ever since we don't get to see each other every day.

Ashley Cross

2020-04-07 03:21:35 UTC

I have begun to use Google Classroom with my students. With this students are able to interact in a multitude of ways, both with teachers and each other. It is very new but students are working very hard to navigate through, since this is how we are learning for the time being.

Kacey Hayes

2020-04-07 16:54:45 UTC

I have learned to use Google Classroom now that we are teaching from home. I like that students can comment on each other's work. It has been nice to see how my students can still post comments in the stream and interact!

Ashley Farmer

2020-04-08 17:18:35 UTC

I really like using Nearpod. Students enjoy all of the activities and engagement is always really high. There is the option for assessments built in. Teachers can use existing lessons or create their own.

Adrienne Karrington

2020-04-13 21:49:18 UTC

I am using Google Classroom for distance learning right now. I am communicating assignments, directions, and answering students' questions this way. I am also setting up a Google meeting so I can see my students and touch base with them. I'm excited to "see" them!

Stephanie Seidl

2020-04-16 20:56:26 UTC

I've been using Google Classroom since transitioning to remote learning. Every day I feel I am learning new techniques or tricks for how to utilize other apps within Google Classroom. I have really enjoyed Screencastify to make videos using the screen of my computer. I like adding in "beat the teacher" or challenges so that students are interacting with each other. One of my classes is very competitive and these types of posts get them interacting.

Shannon Simon

2020-04-17 17:20:13 UTC

I have been using Google Classroom for distance learning. As a special education teacher I do not have a classroom but I am a Co-Teacher in the classrooms with my students. I have set up live office hours, posted learning applications a set up live teaching sessions with Google Hangouts.

Jennifer Pierce

2020-04-19 23:05:37 UTC

Prior to COVID and online learning, I used Google Classroom merely as the landing pad for students turning in assignments. Now, we use it as a communication tool, as well. I have taught my students that "stream" is the place to post comments or questions about homework; it is also where I will post announcements (such as the link to our daily Google Meets sessions); Also in stream, I post random videos of myself presenting fun, unplanned challenges to my students (for instance, "Let's go on a vocabulary word video scavenger hunt!" and then I would upload a video of myself walking my property, pausing in front of some object and asking the students to chime in and say what vocabulary word it was representing).

Michelle Zimmerly

2020-04-20 21:23:52 UTC

This unique teaching situation has allowed us to explore different teaching and learning opportunities. As a reading interventionist, I don't currently have my own google classroom but did learn how user friendly it is. I see how it could be utilized in the classroom quite easily. It looks like there are many programs that can be used to "supplement" the programs we already use. I am really looking for ways to use the curriculum we have to support blended learning in a small groups or in a station rotations setting. I think this is the most realistic use of blended learning in the elementary setting.

Nicole Clark

2020-04-22 19:51:57 UTC

I love the idea of using Padlet within my literacy circles. Students can use padlet to post questions about the story, words that they do not know the meaning, and for specific details that I am asking at the time. Students will be able to share ideas easily and they can work together. I also like using Google Drawings for students to retell a story, or answer questions using pictures.

Jennifer Coulson

2020-04-23 14:14:30 UTC

I use Schoology, currently I have been presenting visual slide shows from various artist with students during Google Hangout times. It is nice way to present visually for students and then I ask for feedback and exit tickets for them to respond on the chat bar. Easy way to have quick feedback from students.

Alicia Butcher

2020-04-24 12:37:13 UTC

We use Schoology, Google classroom, seesaw and tons of free apps and extensions currently. However I want to find the best solutions and support with purchasing. I'm looking at the categories of assessment, engagement, content and accessibility.

Cassie Norden

2020-04-28 03:51:37 UTC

Through our newest teaching situation I've leared a lot about google classroom and use hangouts several times a day. My son enjoys battling in Prodigy and I liked the competitive part of MindPlay when we were using that before break.

Tisha Hance

2020-04-30 18:01:15 UTC

I use voki to record dictation sentences that my students can practice from home or in an independent center. I like the engaging characters. The students can stop and start the recording as needed to be successful. I has turned dictation into a positive lesson in my class.

Mirenda King

2020-05-12 14:13:20 UTC

In our newest way of learning, I have been using Google Hangouts to have interaction with the students. I have them answer questions either out loud or in the chat box available during the hangout. I also do the same for office hours, for students to get help.

Stephanie Mitchell

2020-05-13 00:24:43 UTC

Since learning to teach remotely I have gained experience with many new tools to increase student interaction and engagement. I teach kindergarten and use screencast-o-matic to record my lessons and give virtual tours. Screencast-o-matic allows me to create interactive lessons created with Google Slides. By creating videos I am able to give my younger student directions and alleviate the need for constant adult supervision. I have also began using Nearpod to make my lessons interactive and create self grading assignments. Being able to visit with my class via Google Meets daily has helped us maintain our classroom dynamic. Google Classroom makes is very seamless for me to deliver assignments, the students to submit work, and me to give constructive and timely feedback all in one platform.

Jennifer Alevy

jalevy1 — 2020-05-21 14:41:59 UTC

In my high school we use Schoology, Google Drive, and Screencastify to connect with students, some of our teachers are using EdPuzzle for interactive assignments and formative assessments. Others use interactive whiteboards and Kahoot. I think it's important to mix it up a bit to keep students engaged.
https://kahoot.com/
https://edpuzzle.com/
I've looked into Go Formative and Spiral, and they seem to be great.
https://goformative.com/
https://spiral.ac/
I think it's important to have teachers and students pilot different options and see what everyone thinks are best, will be used.

Shelbi Wagner

swagner72 — 2020-05-22 18:34:17 UTC

Our school district uses Microsoft Teams and with our new way of teaching I have found it helpful to use the video chats and Kahoot to engage and communicate with my students. My son is a 3rd grader--he has used Prodigy, Dream box, and Flipgrid--they have all been super fun.

Wendi Oster

2020-05-24 19:31:33 UTC

I am at the same school district as Shelbi, and we do use the Microsoft Suit which has Forms for quizzes and surveys, Teams which allows for chats and discussion posts, and class notebooks that have a collaboration space that allows students to comment and respond to each others' thoughts. One of the interactive pieces I have used in the past, a small amount, is MentiMeter https://www.mentimeter.com which allows for feedback and interaction during a presentation. I have thought about using Padlet or the Wakelet to organize class resources for media and artists.

Kristi Weimer

2020-05-27 20:39:18 UTC

I, too, teach in the same school district as Wendi & Shelbi. We integrate all that is offered through the Microsoft Suite. My students were very handy with Teams, Sway, Forms, as well as, the Word, Power Point. They particularly became familiar with the collaborative use of each of those tools. My students readily utilize the following digital tools: kahoot.it; web.seesaw.me; flipgrid; Prodigy;
Khan Academy, oadlet, etc. Each of these tools have some level of student engagement whether directly engaging or remotely, then responding in return. I like that some of the tools also allow for parent involvement which can promote greater buy in by students. I hope to learn more and utilize Voice Thread.

Helena Hill

2020-05-30 20:05:01 UTC

Microsoft Office Apps are interactive and continue to evolve to meet the demands of education and blended learning. I have encouraged students to expand their presentations to include more interactive set ups with such tools as Microsoft Sway, Animoto.com, Piktochart, and video recording and 3D features via PowerPoint. A simple PowerPoint at this point in technology is not capturing teacher or students' attention. More engaging, interactive, multimedia elements can really enhance speaking, listening, and writing.

Jason Arkulari

2020-05-31 21:13:08 UTC

We use office 365 to collaborate online. I often post chats on Teams in which the students must respond to. I also use the collaboration space on OneNote where students can work on a project together and I can give them feedback. We also use the teams video chat to interact. I can record myself during the conversation and post it on stream for students who were not able to be on for the meeting.

Tiffany Kreps

tkreps1 — 2020-06-01 20:16:37 UTC

As previously mentioned by many of my colleagues we are using the Microsoft platform as a school district. I'd like to start using OneNote and the collaboration space more. I need to talk with Jason Arkulari about that! I used Microsoft Teams regularly for discussion posts. We even did a meme war in my history classes using the channels in Teams to keep it separate from the other discussion posts. I also made them use Microsoft stream to screen share and record their presentations for me to view. In the future I'd like to have students comment and collaborated on their peer's presentations.
As we are looking at different links and platforms, one thing I heard over and over from high school students through the course of online learning recently is they disliked all the different online platforms teachers used and preferred having a "one stop shop" so to speak.

Joe Kelly

2020-06-03 20:13:02 UTC

I did not faithfully utilize digital tools until distance learning began this school year. I found the features of Google Classroom and YouTube to be powerful tools. I taught a digital design class that used Google SketchUp. I was able to post to YouTube tutorial videos that students could watch and duplicate to learn the functionality of the Google SketchUp software. Google Classroom helped facilitate the process by providing platform to disseminate the material and guide students through the process.

Taylor Kokes

2020-06-05 16:30:08 UTC

As a district, we used Google Classroom as our platform to get through this last quarter. I found it very helpful that all of our students had classrooms for their classes so they were getting practice with the same platform everyday. The thing I liked to use the most during this remote teaching was WebQuests using different websites. For example, in my Earth Science class I had them go to Google Earth and follow the online worksheet to locate different geological features around the globe. It was a great way for them to learn using this online learning, while still knowing they had google classroom to ask questions of me and of their peers regarding the assignment.

Breann Koschel

2020-06-09 17:13:16 UTC

Our district is using Microsoft Teams as a platform. Within this platform we have found some holes that Microsoft is working on. I like the Padlet option but I feel like we could use this in the message section of teams. I do still like the option of adding in other features like the break out rooms that Zoom has offered. This would be a great small group discussion option for future use. I feel that this allows the students who usually "hide" in a class discussion to feel safe and comfortable to share their thoughts. The whiteboard option is a great resource to have students follow along with you for math problems as well.

Wendy Hoffmeister

2020-06-16 19:42:46 UTC

As a district, we are using Google Classroom as our platform. I have used Google Hangouts to conduct live lessons, Google Calendars to invite students to the lessons with impeded links. I also use Screencastify to record explanations. I have used GoFormative to collect assignments and give quizzes and tests.

Scott Jones

2020-06-17 07:32:11 UTC

I have been using a mixture of both Google Classroom and Schoology. Over the last 8 weeks I have learn to use Google Hangout, Google Calendars, and Google voice to have some sort of interaction between my students and I. I have also discovered that students most of the respond better in a text or blog. So on Google voice does have that option of texting. Plus many of my students would rather communicate in the comment section along it was not to private or personal.

Andie Moffatt

2020-06-17 19:50:04 UTC

I used a platform called SeeSaw during the 8 weeks of remote learning. I was pleasantly surprised that my students were quickly able to annotate math pages with both voice and written responses. One of my special needs students recorded all of his thinking on math and I was able to follow along with his thought process. It was amazing to get a glimpse of his complex thoughts that would not have come out in a regular classroom setting.

Meghan Magee

2020-06-28 19:05:28 UTC

I am not in the classroom now, so am missing this new type of social distance teaching. However, in the past I have used Google Classroom, the Google Suite (Hangout, Docs, Slides, etc.), ScreenCastOMatic, and Popplet. I just learned about VoiceThread in the previous slide and I can see it being very beneficial. I would like to explore something like this when I get back into teaching.

Caitlin Munroe

2020-07-16 19:23:29 UTC

I have been using Google Classrooms for a year and rely on it as a way to organize classes and make sure students who missed can easily make up work.
I like the look of some options in Spiral and also want to look at KAhoots for some game possibilities.

Amanda Alanis

2020-07-19 01:48:13 UTC

I utilized several platforms that have helped increase student engagement while we were considered remote learning at the end of the school year. I used Zoom where the break session feature allowed for student interaction; however I soon found out that mot students were conversing the topic due to being shy or failing to comply. I also soon noticed that the unsupervised conversation was also a failure. I think having a set of guidelines for online etiquette deemed necessary here. However, it is a great platform, but perhaps my students weren't ready. Another was Google Meet- it's simple. The Google Slides option allowed me to plug-in a document that is .pdf and make it interactive and for students to edit. Kahoot is another great game that allows students to interact with their peers and it also allows for data to be seen by the teacher.

Rachel Oliver

2020-07-26 21:05:22 UTC

I have had some training on schoology but have never used it as a teacher. This last spring was my first time using google classroom as a teacher. I teach kindergarten so all of this was new to my students. We did some lessons using seesaw as well. I really liked voicethread and I think I could make it work.

Digital Tools for Interaction and Engagement

mkimbrough4 — 2021-05-12 18:51:23 UTC

There are a plethora of technology tools that can be utilized in the classroom that can increase interaction and engagement. My current favorite tool is Nearpod. The reason Nearpod is my favorite tool is because it has multiple features built in to one product. Instead of using Padlet, teachers can assign a collaborative board inside of Nearpod which works in the same manner as a Padlet. Teachers can get students talking by integrating Flipgrid inside the Nearpod as well. Student record themselves answering a prompt and can respond to other students videos by recording a response of their own. It even encourages shy students to speak more because students can blur their face or place an emoji over their face so they can't be seen. 3D virtual tours inside of Nearpod allow for students to gain some background knowledge about a place they may have never been before. Last, assign competition games for those competitive students built around learning objectives! There are many more features in Nearpod that I haven't mentioned, but those are some of my favorites.

Chris Kruthaupt

2021-06-18 01:58:21 UTC

One of the best digital tools I've come across has been nearpod. It has its limits, but really encourages all students to become engaged. They can either put their real name or use a nick name if they're shy. You can easily assess each students progress as the lesson progresses. Another good one I've used is stemscopes. It is a curriculum we participate in. It is very similar to nearpod in that it has a lot of interactive modules that I can see as the students work.

Tony Helfrich

2022-04-12 19:00:30 UTC

I am teaching secondary math and utilize a few platforms. Google Forms for posting a "discussion" post to share responses with classes, Notability for notes and practice with concepts, Socrative for formative quizzes and quick-checks for understanding, Gimkit - which is Kahoot on steroids' for engagement and practice of concepts. And more.

I am attempting to use fewer platforms and get more efficient at them and explore the many additional tools some have to offer. As I gain more experience and greater skill at using the tools, I want to expand on them for the different levels I work with.

Ally Monroe- EdPuzzle, Kahoot, and Flipgrid.

2022-06-02 19:31:04 UTC

EdPuzzle is one of my favorite tools. You can take any YouTube video and create a quiz out of it. The video will play, then stop and ask a question where you want it to. Or you can pause it to explain something. Highly recommended.

2022-08-19 14:47:13 UTC

Is this where you want me or my team to write my/your response?

Bitmoji classroom/Tracie Ward

2022-08-19 15:19:40 UTC

Creating a bitmoji classroom is a fun way to be a "one stop shop" for kids to have resources for the class. You can create it showing your personality so that kids in an online school can get a glimpse of who you are as a person

Hypothes.is -Dan Thrower

2022-08-19 15:19:58 UTC

Hypothes.is is a free annotation tool. It is also open source (free)! This annotation tool allows you to mark up any website with notes. It could be used as a teacher resource to direct students on a website. OR it could be used as a student reflection/assignment tool so they can show a teacher their research and learning.

I use a scavenger hunt with the kids through google classroom. They have to find information such as "how do I access google chat?". "Where do I attach a screen shot on STRONG MIND?" Etc. I also use it as a sort of contract that they can use to let me know they are ready for the year. This form will have links to everything they need and can be found in my embedded bitmoji classroom on StrongMind.

2022-08-19 15:19:58 UTC

--Zepp

Louise Bilenky

2022-08-19 15:20:02 UTC

I would like to make a lesson schedule for all my guide students.

Kahoot

2022-08-19 15:20:26 UTC

Kahoot makes kids very competitive but learn all at the same time!

Shannon Donaldson

2022-08-19 15:20:28 UTC

Carol Perez

carolperez12 — 2022-08-19 15:20:42 UTC

Use nearpod for for formative assessments.

Ideas for digital engagement

2022-08-19 15:20:49 UTC

Miro for digital whiteboard, Screencastify to make videos for students and Padlet to let students share ideas. - Angela S.

Mary Bailey

2022-08-19 15:20:50 UTC

Digital tools increase engagement by streamlining interactions between teachers and students.

Kelli Perkins

2022-08-19 15:20:52 UTC

I work with some awesome teachers!

Speaking in Spanish: Live Lessons

2022-08-19 15:20:53 UTC

I enjoy using Google Classroom and Google Meet to have students communicate with each other and me in Spanish.

Alan Blanchard - Content games

2022-08-19 15:20:53 UTC

Factile is a review/learning game builder. It has multiple ways to engage students in games that help them learn and assess their learning. A cool way to use these games is to allow students to review on their own. You can create the game and let them use it on their own schedule to see how well they do. It's great because they get immediate feedback on what they do and don't know. Sometimes it also ignites that competitive spirit in them so they want to push to do better each time, and they just happen to be learning along the way.

Schoology is tough to navigate

2022-08-19 15:20:59 UTC

Screencastify

2022-08-19 15:21:09 UTC

This program is amazing because you can embed your webcam into webpages. You can turn websites into whiteboards to annotate stuff for students too!
A. McKenna

Hannah Cessna

2022-08-19 15:21:11 UTC

Any option that includes live interaction, espeically with video. Whether it is via google meet or big blue button conferences, anything that allows students to see smiling faces and feel a little less like they are talking to a robot. Having time to make real connections with both teachers and other students in the classroom.

Carrie

2022-08-19 15:21:17 UTC

I enjoy using Kahoot and Blooket to check student learning or prepare for a test with short quizzes. A fun tool especially for middle school students. These can help to engage students in the content.

NearPod

2022-08-19 15:21:31 UTC

NearPod is a great source for engaging students with interactive lessons.
Luke Southard

Virtual Office (Alyson Bundy)

2022-08-19 15:21:32 UTC

We created a Google Bitmoji office for our Counseling Team. They are fun and we personalized each office to the counselor. Plus the offices are filled with resources for our students to access.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1OZqRGbB-ZdXBm4bBt1sfg0nGgc-4wfl9bnGtHWY-b8g/edit?usp=sharing

Sam- Wakelet-

2022-08-19 15:21:34 UTC

creating a website list and pages for students.

Bitmoji Classroom for Casey Blanchard

2022-08-19 15:21:34 UTC

To help students connect to their counselor through a digital environment, we used google slide to create the bitmoji classroom with links to important things or ways to contact me.

Pat

2022-08-19 15:21:36 UTC

ASD on the Go curriculum/assessments done as a group

ELL & Sp Ed ST engagement - Lisa Shin

2022-08-19 15:21:39 UTC

Use Screencastify to have staff record audio versions of course content readings for increased engagement and accommodations for ELL and special education students.
https://www.screencastify.com/

Ruben Garza

2022-08-19 15:21:44 UTC

For one of my math electives, we used Google Forms for alternate tests. It is easy to link into our LMS, easy for students to access, and since our students have google accounts the form will save progress.

As a school we have the entire GSuite, so all the online tools that are available are to us.

For engagement, I have students use a bookme link for one-on-one tutoring, it is nice for students to choose when they want to meet on their own time

Mote

2022-08-19 15:21:46 UTC

Using Mote to leave voice comments on students' Google Docs --Joel

favorite resources Carianne Gray

2022-08-19 15:21:49 UTC

Edpuzzle, padlet, miro, wakelet, sli.do ...allow students to interact, conduct polls, show videos, and other ways to collaborate with one another.

Jenn Carmody: Always using video

2022-08-19 15:21:53 UTC

I google meet I am very consistent in having my video on when I am working with students. It helps engagement in the lesson because they can see my facial expressions hand gestures. It also makes them feel more comfortable to turn their camera on.

Alexandra Anderson

2022-08-19 15:22:10 UTC

Content creation for students made easy.

Mary Urbassik

maryurbassik — 2022-08-19 15:22:11 UTC

The idea of Padlet and getting students to look at others ideas might be a better way to communicate tha
n trying to use discussions where they are trying to respond to those that posted. This way maybe students won't be so quick to just say " IDK" or agree.

Chuck Grigsby

2022-08-19 15:22:11 UTC

Video embeds are my jam!!

Jennifer Krembs

2022-08-19 15:22:12 UTC

Padlet is great to use as a nice formative check-in and way for students to share ideas! Also Screencastify, to share how to tips for to help students navigate your class!

Digital Tools

2022-08-19 15:22:21 UTC

Interactive and live lessons using different methods of technology

Notion

2022-08-19 15:22:30 UTC

Notion is a free online workspace for teachers and students. This technology is free for everyone who uses it. Examples for your workspace are syllabi, notes, assignments, grades and much more. As an educator, you can share your workspace with your students. This also offers free templates for lesson plans and schedules.

For students, they can find tools for building grade calculators, personal budget and job applications.

Deo

2022-08-19 15:22:37 UTC

Excellent platform for visual and auditory learners. Works well for our students with short attention spans.

Digital Engagement

2022-08-19 15:22:47 UTC

Students can use various video apps to take a video of themselves doing work or explaining and doing their assessments. I used this to have my students video themselves doing an investigation and sharing their results. - Maria W

Brit Q: 3 Min Videos

2022-08-19 15:22:50 UTC

I like to make short videos to show students HOW to do things they seem to get stuck on. I want to make more using Screencastify or the like.

Tiffany Enriquez: Easily Accessible How-To Videos

2022-08-19 15:23:00 UTC

Specifically for Google/G-Suite, record and share (everywhere) how to get into and use all of G-Suite. This may include, but is not limited to, access to email, google docs, calendar, slides as well as how to link share and convert these into pdfs (or other).

Heather Moore-Hinton

2022-08-19 15:23:15 UTC

I feel that digital tools can enhance online education to further engage students. Students can use these tools to attach videos, interact with other students, interact with teachers and become more creative with their out put. I like to use Nearpod when I interact with my students. There are lessons that are already created that I am able to add on to further enhance my students small group lessons.

Flipgrid Erica Singleton

2022-08-19 15:23:31 UTC

I would like to try out Flipgrid or Wakelet. I enjoy digital content and this generation thrives off of visuals. Relating something like social media layout with learning can create a more enthusiastic learning tool.

https://info.flip.com/getting-started.html

Padlet has a feature to avoid inappropriate language

2022-08-19 15:23:39 UTC

Fred Bilenky: Online Resource

2022-08-19 15:23:42 UTC

Fred Bilenky: I read about Diigo which is a social bookmarking with had organization tools. I'm not sure how to use it in my classrooms, but it seems really useful. I would have used this resource when I was in the physical classroom for sure. It's a great way to start a classroom discussion from a stimulus resource.

Tools that I use to increase my student's engagement in speech-language therapy sessions include lots of online games (pinkcatgames.com, ultimateSLP, etc.) that are both fun and educational!

2022-08-19 15:23:44 UTC

Gayle Yarick

2022-08-19 15:23:49 UTC

Post a series of asynchronous "how to" videos that demonstrates skillsets of how to use various aspects of StrongMind to one's advantage, and require students to view these videos before they begin a course.

Rue (Rubontay)

2022-08-19 15:23:58 UTC

Google Meets and Zoom

Nathan G Clark

2022-08-19 15:24:05 UTC

Create a google doc of a reading for close reading strategies. Students can selective highlight or post comments to put responses as the read a text. Using evernote they can take clips of videos, websites, etc. They can capture pictures and audioclips with notes. Same with Jamboard. They can grab clips audio/pictures etc. then add digital sticky notes with answers/reflections etc.

Shannon Donaldson

2022-08-19 15:24:40 UTC

Speechify is a great tool for students who need reading support.

Useful...quick check-in

2022-08-19 15:24:57 UTC

For a counseling group, using something like Padlet can allow for a conversation with using audio...works ok in a small group...

Padlet - Group Chat

2022-08-19 15:27:54 UTC

Socially engaging students with a grade level “group chat” that can be monitored/safe. Teacher can limit what is posted, (ensures kids are not posting profanity)but still give students the social engagement so they feel more like they are apart of a classroom.

-Madelyn Burgarello-Lundberg

GimKit

2022-08-19 15:29:53 UTC

GimKit is a nice Kahoot alternative that may or may not be more engaging

Heather Guernsey

2022-08-19 15:32:40 UTC

I always have a daily routine google classroom for speech and language groups, starting with an "ice breaker" in which each student is given the opportunity to share with the group, followed by a language and/or communication lesson focusing on expressive and/or receptive language skills, and ending with a games that focuses on the skills addressed during the lesson. This provided them with a predictable structure for group sessions which started with engaging the students with active communication. This is followed by a lesson that addresses the students' IEP goals, and ends with fun application of the skills learned. The game at the end of the session gives the students something to look forward to and it it's a positive way to end the session.

Melissa Bayston-Ed Puzzle

melissabayston — 2022-08-20 13:51:53 UTC

I really like to use Ed Puzzle. They have a broad selection of topics on video. It's great how you can choose questions or add your own. You can also add your voice for further explanation. It's a great reinforcer for the curriculum the students are learning.

Pear Deck

stephensl17 — 2022-08-22 23:37:25 UTC

PearDeck is a good tool for students to read and then comment/answer questions. It's good for assignments that are reflective (you're asking them to tell you what they think.) I like the easy interaction for the student and the progression of the slidedeck so they an easily see where they are at.

Lynnette Stephens

Kristen Hoyt-CommonLit

2022-09-21 18:16:04 UTC

CommonLit is a great resource for free ELA curriculum or supplementary reading passages for 3-12. As a teacher, you are able to choose the lesson, share with students, and also track their progress. This encourages critical thinking by the students in a fun and interactive way. I use the passages with my students and they seem to enjoy the topics.

Joe R.

2022-09-22 12:23:26 UTC

Interaction and engagement can be tough in education; especially in online education. Weekly communication is very important along with always being available. Once students feel comfortable knowing you are available and willing to help, interaction should increase. When interaction increases, engagement typically increases as well. If students continue to struggle with engagement, finding ways to intrigue them can prove beneficial.

Brian Krembs

2022-09-22 17:48:25 UTC

I've used Padlet in the past to collect farewell greetings for students departing classrooms. It's a nice way for a kid/family to keep the well-wishes.

Kyle

2022-10-03 18:59:54 UTC

Speakpipe is a great recording resource for giving instructions. Many students freeze up when they see a long pdf of instructions.

Brian Moran

2023-10-05 19:10:19 UTC

Padlet and Jamboards are my two Go-To's for any sort of group activity/brainstorms.

My school uses something similar to edpuzzle called "Studio" which is specific to the Canvas LMS I believe, but it enables me to embed quiz questions in videos and allows me to see how much students are watching. Students may also annotate videos, leaving notes for themselves.

Ruth Shepardson

2024-02-23 21:50:43 UTC

I use www.quizstar4teachers.org as a tool in conjunction with my course weebly to deliver Shop Safety information at the beginning of each class that uses tools. Students read the safety data sheet, watch a short video about use, then virtually test and review until they receive 100% percent. It allows students to work at their own pace and now feel threatened about their knowledge or lack thereof.

Sara McCaman

2025-06-19 19:34:08 UTC

I use relationship building first and foremost for student engagement. We have a fun question at the start of the class.. such as "who would win in a fight, a grilled cheese or a taco? Why?" This gets their brains working and they don't even know they are using great analytical skills to answer.

I use student choice in my classroom. This helps engagement because students are able to choose topics and formats they are interested in. I use choice boards, tic tac toe, gallery walks and student choice projects.

As far as digital tools I use Padlet, Kahoot, Canva, Peardeck, Gimkit. Edpuzzle, Loom, Screencastify, Bookmaker. The students also have sites that they prefer to use when completing activities and projects.

Lastly, engegement involves the parent/gaurdians. I use Smore to send out a weekly newsletter to my students. The newsletter includes what is happening at the school, important dates and information about what is happening in each class.

Paula Cooper

2025-06-26 17:52:33 UTC

As an online teacher, I am always looking for ways to engage learners effectively. Asynchronously, I utilize Google Sites, Screencastify videos, the entire GSuites platform, Kami, and Schoology. During synchronous learning, I often turn to Kahoot!, Blooket, Peardeck, and BrainPop. Of course, none of these tools guarantee interaction and engagement so I do spend a lot of time building relationships with my students. Online learning is isolating by nature so I have a number of structures in place that help students feel connected and comfortable with their online learning community. To do this I employ a number of Capturing Kids Hearts strategies such as affirmations, sharing good things, instructional practices, and others. I have also sponsored a number of online clubs and have created a “Field Trip Friday” where I take students to “visit” places all over the world through a virtual format. So fun!