Krimmel Connection
January 28, 2019
Tech Tips for Your 1:1 Chromebook Classroom
#TechieKnight: Using Schoology Discussions
Online discussions through Schoology are a great way to bring in writing to any content area. Click HERE for more information on Schoology Discussions.
Check out these additional benefits of Discussions:
- Gives all students a voice, especially our ELLs new to the language, student who are normally quiet in a classroom environment, or those who need more time to compile their thoughts.
- Builds a community with peers and the teacher in an online environment.
- Creates opportunities for students to practice and sharpen a number of skills, including the ability to articulate and defend positions, consider different points of view, and create in-depth reflective responses.
- Empowers students to view and respond to their peers in a safe and respectful environment.
Best practices for facilitating successful online Discussions:
According to Margaret A. Martyn (2005), author of “Using Interaction in Online Discussion Boards,” “Productive discussion does not happen automatically—it must be planned” (p. 61).
- Define a Netiquette and Expectation Policy: In your assignment, provide a netiquette policy for all discussions and clarify what is expected from your students.
- State a purpose: Be sure to tie in your course learning objectives into the discussion and how you want students to achieve those learning objectives. Do you want students to demonstrate their knowledge of key concepts or share a personal experience that relates to the topic?
- Create clear instructions and grading: Clearly state simple instructions and grading policy for participation in the discussion.
- Pose open-ended questions: Use questions that will encourage students to explore, compare, discuss and reflect in their responses based on their own personal experiences. This may ignite an open and continuing dialogue with their peers.
- Set limits: Think of how to manage your time in facilitating but also ensuring students are able to meet deadlines and posts meaningful posts. For example, set the length of student posts to a manageable amount for you and other students to review. For example, each post should be a minimum of 3 sentences. This will help students create an in-depth and reflective posts within these parameters.
- Ensure teacher presence: Engage students by interacting with them within the discussions. Clear up any confusion or questions. Compliment good posts and conversations. Ensure students to voice their responses in a safe online environment.
http://usfblogs.usfca.edu/usfid/2016/12/12/the-power-of-discussion-boards/#.XEdQuflKi70
SAMR Challenge - HOW TO PLAY
Every teacher that participates will have his/her very own shield to fill with stickers that correspond with the SAMR levels. The shields will be displayed in 2 locations. Upstairs teachers will have a display outside office 200. Downstairs teachers will have a display in the main hallway.
Each shield in the SAMR Challenge is linked to an example lesson for each SAMR level.
Complete a challenge and fill out the corresponding form get a sticker for your shield. I would love to visit classrooms during these challenges. Please let me know when you plan to complete a challenge with your class and I will do my best to be there!
You can complete the provided lessons or you can create your own lessons. In order to completely fill your shield, you will have to create at least one Redefinition lesson of your own. If you are completing the provided lessons, you can only get one sticker per lesson. For example, Play Kahoot/Quizizz/Quizlet Live lesson can only be submitted for one sticker since these platforms are all very similar.
In order for a lesson to count for the challenge, it must be implemented within the SAMR Challenge time frame. The SAMR Challenge begins Monday, January 7th and ends Wednesday, May 1st.
We want the Klein ISD community to see all the wonderful technology lessons happening here at Krimmel. During your SAMR challenges, take pictures and tweet them out using the hashtags #SAMRshowcase and #SAMRizeKlein. If you don't have a twitter account, send me pictures and I will tweet them for you! Remember to tag us @KrimmelDLS and @KrimmelKISD.
If you need help setting up any of the Lesson Example Challenges I provided, just send me an email to schedule a time to meet.
Nearpod Training Coming Soon!
I will be offering a training during conference periods very soon. In order to help make the most of our time together, please confirm you can log into your Nearpod account at least two days before the training.
How do I log in?
- Go to nearpod.com
- Click "Sign In"
- Click “Login with Google” and use your district Google email address and password
- You will see a message that you have been added to Klein ISD.
- Click on the profile icon to ensure you are listed as a district user.
I would love to know more about your experience with Nearpod! Please fill out the form below.
Training dates coming soon!!
Helpful Tech Guides and Information
- Look for weekly Krimmel Connection newsletters which will provide information about technology tips and upcoming trainings.
- KleinLearns365 - easy access to helpful guides, videos, tutorials, textbooks, digital resources, web tools, applications, and more
Kristyn Reel
Email: kreel1@kleinisd.net
Website: bit.ly/KrimmelDL
Phone: 832-375-7195
Twitter: @KrimmelDLS