Krimmel Connection
February 18, 2019
Tech Tips for Your 1:1 Chromebook Classroom
In this Issue
- #TechieKnight: Skype in the Classroom
- Request to Retest Form
- #TechieKnight: Using Schoology Discussions
- 20 Formative Assessment Tools for Your Classroom
#TechieKnight: Skype in the Classroom
Skype in the Classroom is a free community that offers live transformative educational experiences for students including Virtual Field Trips, talks from Guest Speakers, classroom to classroom connections, and live collaboration projects.
https://youtu.be/zni56lVckb0
Request to Retest
Here is a form I created for you to use to keep track of student retest requests. Click below to make a copy. You can edit it to fit your needs after you make a copy. Enjoy!
#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
20 Formative Assessment Tools for Your Classroom
Wanting to change things up a bit in your classroom this semester? Check out the article below from Kasey Bell about 20 great formative assessment tools you can try in your classroom. There are several fabulous programs that you can try for warm-ups, lesson quick checks or exit tickets!
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
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email throughout the day.
Email: kreel1@kleinisd.net
Website: bit.ly/KrimmelDL
Phone: 832-375-7195
Twitter: @KrimmelDLS