Kasey Bell's Blog, page 11
April 2, 2024
Financial Literacy Month: How to Prepare Students for a Financially Smart Future
The post Financial Literacy Month: How to Prepare Students for a Financially Smart Future appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
In today’s digital age, where #fintok views skyrocket into billions, it’s evident our students crave financial knowledge.
I’m excited to collaborate with EVERFI this Financial Literacy Month to turn that interest into actionable wisdom.
EVERFI’s commitment to free, quality financial literacy resources aligns perfectly with our goal to Shake Up Learning and give students the skills they need to succeed.
Let’s explore how we can transform eager learners into financially savvy adults.
Financial Literacy Month: How to Prepare Students for a Financially Smart Future @EverfiK12
Click To Tweet Financial Literacy Month: How to Prepare Students for a Financially Smart FutureThis blog post is sponsored by EVERFI.Students today have more interest in personal finance than ever before. Combine that with access to seemingly endless information online, and it’s no surprise that the financial advice hashtag #fintok has been viewed over 4.7 billion times on TikTok. Financial literacy education in schools is a great way to make students think about being savvy consumers of information outside of school. EVERFI believes that hands-on experience with real-world simulations is the best way to prepare students for financial success now and in the future.
Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with EVERFIApril’s Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to satisfy students’ interest in Financial Education and show them how we support their journey to become successful young adults. We believe it’s never too early (or too late!) to get students started on that journey. EVERFI offers FREE Financial Literacy resources for elementary, middle, and high school students!
Vault – Financial Literacy for 3rd-5th Graders
EVERFI Vault
Did you know that financial attitudes, habits, and norms develop the most during the ages of 6-12? Do you remember shopping in the grocery store, reading prices, or tagging along to the bank to deposit a check? These are all the start of building financial habits, even if we don’t know it!
One of the greatest activities you can do with your elementary students is working on the concept of wants vs needs. Check out the financial literacy lessons for elementary students to do just that while even exploring career options and supporting others through charities.
FutureSmart Financial Literacy for 6th-8th Graders
EVERFI Future Smart
Middle school students are learning independence and crafting their identities so they can hone in on what activities and futures they want to pursue. It’s also the perfect age to embed financial literacy activities and project-based learning into your career lessons or even social studies activities.
One idea comes from FutureSmart’s Building a Business lesson – students have the opportunity to see what goes into budgeting and marketing for a business all through simulated experiences. Take this digital learning off-screen and have students create their own businesses. It’s amazing to see what they can create and how many ‘a-ha’ moments arise!
EVERFI Financial Literacy for High Schoolers
EVERFI High School
For many high school students, this is where reality kicks in: Soon enough, you’ll be deciding what the next steps out of high school are, the W-2 you receive will be part of your yearly taxes, and opening a loan at some point in your life will most likely happen.
From math and business classes to advisory periods, there’s a way to seamlessly integrate financial education but why not start with what your students want to know first? Provide them with the opportunity to select from a variety of topics [banking, entrepreneurship, using payment apps, the stock market, etc] and give them the tools they need to dive deeper into the concepts they are most interested in. Not only does this create buy-in from your students, but they become the experts to teach others how to set up successful pathways.
Try EVERFI in Your Classroom!Financial literacy plays a critical role in shaping our students’ futures. It extends beyond the classroom; it’s a vital life skill that influences future well-being and success.
By leveraging EVERFI’s dynamic and comprehensive financial literacy resources, we offer students from elementary through high school the knowledge and tools they need for informed financial decision-making.
As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, let’s pledge to do more than just teach financial concepts.
Let’s commit to empowering our students with the confidence and skills to navigate their financial journeys successfully. Together, we’re not just preparing students for the future; we’re equipping them to redefine it.
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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March 20, 2024
Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom: How Night Zookeeper Sparks Students’ Imagination
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In a world where education is constantly evolving, the need for innovative tools that ignite students’ creativity and passion for learning is more important than ever.
Night Zookeeper, an interactive online platform, is revolutionizing the way teachers inspire imagination in their classrooms.
In this post, we will explore how Night Zookeeper can foster creativity in the classroom.
Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom: How @nightzookeeper Sparks Students’ Imagination
Click To Tweet Unleashing Creativity in the Classroom: How Night Zookeeper Sparks Students’ ImaginationWhat is Night Zookeeper?Night Zookeeper is an educational online program for children aged 6 to 12+ (Grades 1 to 6) that uses gamified learning to help them develop reading and writing skills.
It offers a full language arts curriculum while transforming “boring school work” into fun and engaging games, challenges, interactive lessons, and collaborative projects – children often don’t even realize they’re working!
Night Zookeeper also provides a safe space for all children, including awesome community and blog pages which they’re free to explore and use to further improve their reading and writing skills.
A team of highly qualified tutors reviews all content shared within the program.
Are you ready to make reading and writing fantastically fun for your students?
*Related: 3 Essential Guides for Teachers: Adapting Instruction to Every Student Ability
At its core, Night Zookeeper is designed to make learning fun and engaging. The platform revolves around a captivating world where students create and interact with magical animals, embark on quests, and engage in creative writing challenges. It’s this blend of storytelling and interactive gameplay that captures the imagination of young minds, making them excited about learning.
One of the most significant ways Night Zookeeper sparks creativity is through its focus on creative writing. Students are encouraged to write stories, poems, and reports about their unique magical animals. This not only helps improve their writing skills but also allows them to express themselves in a safe, imaginative environment. As they create their narratives, they learn the power of language and storytelling, skills vital in all areas of education and life.
Another aspect where Night Zookeeper shines is in its ability to personalize learning. Every student’s journey is unique, with the platform adapting to their specific learning pace and style. This personalized approach ensures that students remain engaged and motivated, as tasks are neither too easy nor too challenging. It’s in this tailored learning environment that creativity flourishes – students feel confident to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them, which is essential for creative growth.
*Related: Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities
Teachers are not left behind in this creative journey. Night Zookeeper offers a suite of tools for educators to track student progress, provide personalized feedback, and integrate the platform’s resources into their lesson plans. This ease of integration means that teachers can effectively use Night Zookeeper to complement their teaching methods, making lessons more dynamic and impactful.
Help your class learn:
Vocabulary: Fun, engaging games that increase vocabulary and improve spellingSentences: Puzzles and challenges that develop grammar and structure skillsWriting: Inspiring prompts and story creation lessons that spark imaginationsNight Zookeeper is more than just an educational platform; it’s a catalyst for creativity in the classroom. By blending the art of storytelling with interactive and gamified learning, it provides a unique space for students to explore, imagine, and create. For teachers looking to spark imagination and foster a love for learning in their students, Night Zookeeper is a valuable resource worth exploring.
Get the FREE Trial!Classroom Reading & Writing ProgramMake reading & writing fun for your students!Boost their vocabulary, spelling, and grammar!Save yourself hours of grading time!
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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March 15, 2024
Protected: Financial Literacy Month: How to Prepare Students for a Financially Smart Future
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March 12, 2024
3 Essential Guides for Teachers: Adapting Instruction to Every Student Ability
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Get ready for some fantastic news from Texthelp—your go-to for making learning accessible and joyful for every student.
Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Texthelp on numerous occasions.
Time and again, they’ve proven themselves as a steadfast ally in our shared mission to make education accessible for all students. I deeply respect their dedication to developing practical, free resources for educators.
They’ve whipped up three incredible guides packed with expert tips to spice up your teaching.
From easy-peasy captioning tricks to making lessons visually vibrant and beyond, these resources are game-changers.
Whether you’re looking to enhance reading skills or make content more engaging for every learner, these guides have got you covered.
Dive in and watch your classroom transform into a place where learning knows no bounds.
3 Essential Guides for Teachers: Adapting Instruction to Every Student Ability
Click To Tweet This blog post is sponsored by Texthelp.3 Essential Guides for Teachers: Adapting Instruction to Every Student Abilityby Mary Pembleton from TexthelpAs an accessible technology company, Texthelp is always looking for ways to support educators with the diverse learning needs in their classrooms.
To help, our content team recently asked five experts to share their best tips: a researcher, two teachers turned education journalists, an accessibility consultant, and one AT specialist.
Get the Guides!They gave us excellent advice, and from it, we created three downloadable guides:
A guide about inclusive reading instructionA guide to supporting English Language learners in general education classroomsA guide to essential accessibility practices in schools and classrooms.…with more on the way.
These guides include advice for administrators and MTSS teams, loads of research studies, and lots of quick tips for educators who need simple ways to adapt grade-level instruction to the different levels of abilities, backgrounds, and needs in their classrooms.
Below are six of their best tips. To gain more, head over to the Texthelp website to get the complete guides delivered to your inbox.
1. Turn on captions when teaching as another way for students to take in information.It’s easy, free, and super-supported by research.Turn on live captioning in Google Slides as a visual aid in the classroom, even if you aren’t using a slide deck to teach.
Who it benefits, and how:
Learners who are deaf/hard of hearing by allowing them access to the content in an alternative wayEnglish Language Learners by helping with pronunciation, language acquisition, and comprehensionLearners who are learning to read by increasing exposure to print and building literacy skillsAll learners by improving comprehension, attention, and memory of the video contentHow to do it:To display the captions in a captioned video, simply click the “CC” button.To add live captions to any lesson you teach verbally, you can enable live captions with one quick adjustment in Google Slides.Here’s how to set up live captions in a Google slide presentation:
Ensure your computer’s microphone is onClick or enable “Present” in Google SlidesAt the bottom left of your screen, select “More options.”Click “Captions Preferences”Toggle captions on.Now, when you speak, live captions will appear on your screen or smartboard.
For more information about live captioning options in Google Slides, visit the “Present slides with captions” section of the Google Help Center here.
2. Teach with a microphone.Remote Microphone Systems were created for people who have difficulties hearing, and are often used as an assistive technology in the classroom.
Casual microphone use by a classroom educator should never replace necessary assistive technology support. However, the voice amplification offered by any microphone could be a helpful tool for engaging students who have trouble with listening, students with autism, and lend a hand with classroom management.
Pair sound amplification with free live captioning in Google Slides, listed above, for added benefit.
3. Have students record themselves reading, and listen back to it.To help learners of all abilities with their reading skills, ask them to record themselves reading a text out loud and then listen back to it. This helps struggling readers, beginning readers, and ELLs improve their reading fluency.
4. Use visuals to supplement instruction automatically.Including visuals in your instruction is a great way to build understanding in all learners, particularly EL Learners and learners with autism, who benefit from the easily understandable additional context of visuals.
To empower learners with one-click visuals while reading, try Read&Write’s visual dictionary tool. Learners can click on an unfamiliar word in a text, and the visual dictionary feature will give them a picture to help them understand it.
Related: How to Create a Dynamic Reading Experience
5. Give everyone the same required readings, and show students how to adjust the reading level.Rewordify is a free tool that allows learners to automatically adjust the reading level in any text to adapt any digital content to their ability.
Read&Write also offers a Rewordify feature, which allows students to adjust their reading levels wherever they are reading.
6. Play an audiobook while having students read along from a physical text.Complex texts and grade-level content benefit all learners, but are also not accessible to everyone. One way to normalize accommodations and make content accessible to everyone in class is to play an audiobook while students read along with a physical text.
Another benefit is that bimodal presentation, or providing both audio and written forms simultaneously boosts processing speed and information recall.
For additional ways to make learning more accessible to everyone in class, visit the Texthelp website’s Tier 1 is for Everyone page.
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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March 6, 2024
The Answers to Your Classroom Management Problems
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As educators, we strive to create an environment where every student feels supported, engaged, and motivated. But let’s face it: achieving that ideal classroom setting can often feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher facing new challenges or a newcomer eager to get it right from the start, I’ve found something you’ll find invaluable: the “Classroom Management Answers” training by Teach 4 The Heart.
You don’t want to miss this!
OH! And it’s FREE!!!! 
The Answers to Your Classroom Management Problems
Click To Tweet The Answers to Your Classroom Management ProblemsWhy Classroom Management MattersClassroom management goes beyond keeping students quiet and orderly. It’s about creating a positive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and part of a community. Effective classroom management strategies enhance student engagement, foster a culture of mutual respect, and significantly improve learning outcomes. However, finding the right balance and strategies that work can be daunting.
Introducing Classroom Management Answers“Classroom Management Answers” is not just another training program. It’s a comprehensive solution designed by educators for educators, focusing on the real issues we face daily. This program stands out because it offers practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately, no matter what grade you teach.
This training will only take an hour, and you can implement what you’ve learned the very next day.
LIVE TRAINING DETAILS:
WHEN: Monday, March 18th | 8:00-9:00 pm EST*WHERE: Live onlineTRAINING LED BY: Teach 4 the Heart Founder Linda KardamisREPLAY: Available the next day!What You’ll LearnThe program covers a wide range of topics essential for every teacher, including:
How to Avoid the most common classroom management mistake that teachers make.How to Respond to student behavior without feeling frazzled.6 simple techniques to confidently & consistently address classroom misconduct.How to Reduce disruptions before they erupt into full-on chaos.How to Rebuild Respect in a way that feels authentic to you and your class.Identify one critical area that keeps teachers stuck in uncertainty (and what you can do about it).Why I Recommend This ProgramLinda Kardamis is leading this program and likes to keep things practical, just like me!
Listen to our conversation on e195 of the Shake Up Learning Show: 10+ Tips to Keep Kids Focused!
The strategies taught are not just theoretical but have been tried and tested in real classrooms.
As someone who has faced her fair share of classroom management challenges, I appreciate this program’s direct, no-nonsense approach. It’s clear, concise, and, most importantly, actionable.
Your Path to a Better Classroom Starts HereWhether you’re struggling with classroom management or simply looking to enhance your skills, “Classroom Management Answers” offers the tools you need to succeed. By joining this program, you’re not just signing up for another free training session. You’re taking a significant step towards creating the classroom environment you’ve always dreamed of—one where every student thrives and education comes to life.
Don’t let classroom management puzzles hold you back. Discover the answers you’ve sought and unlock your potential as an educator.
Join “Classroom Management Answers” today, and see the difference it makes in your teaching — and your students’ learning.
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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February 28, 2024
Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers Vol. 4 (FREE Download!)
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Excited for fresh, cost-free professional development opportunities? Look no further! Introducing Volume 4 of the Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers!
Building on the success and feedback from previous volumes, we’re thrilled to offer this new edition as a tool to inspire and facilitate your journey through the world of podcasts for professional learning.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding, explore new strategies, or just find some inspiration, this choice board has something for every educator.
With the Shake Up Learning Show Podcast now boasting over two hundred episodes covering a wide array of educational topics, it’s the perfect time to launch Volume 4 of the Podcast PD Choice Board.
This latest choice board is designed to cater to a variety of interests and professional development needs, featuring an even broader selection of topics, including the latest in ai in education, google tools, and much more.
Whether you’re exploring these resources on your own, or you’re involved in providing professional development for others, this choice board is versatile enough to be adapted and utilized in many different contexts.
And for those who love customizing their PD tools, we’ve included a blank template, allowing you to tailor the choice board to fit your specific needs or those of your organization.
Explore, learn, and transform your professional practice with the Podcast PD Choice Board (Vol. 4)!
Did you miss our previous Podcast PD Choice Board releases?
Volume 1Volume 2Volume 3Podcast PD Choice Board Vol. 4 (FREE Template)If you are new to choice boards (aka learning menus), be sure you get your FREE Guide to Digital Choice Boards and learn all about these wonderful tools for student choice and differentiation.
I love using choice boards in the classroom AND in professional learning experiences.
Below is the Podcast PD Choice Board Vol. 4 (made with Google Drawings) with many episodes from which to choose!
Click Here to Make a Copy | Use the Template
Don’t have Google? Download the PDF: Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers (Vol. 4)
Podcast PD Choice Board Blank TemplateIf you’d like to create your own from scratch, I’ve created a blank template that you can use below.
Click Here to Make a Copy | Use the Template (best for mobile)
Want Credit for Listening to Podcasts?We’ve got an exciting option for educators interested in receiving credit for their professional development hours through podcast listening! Join the ALL ACCESS PD Pass at Shake Up Learning. This exclusive pass offers a structured way to earn credit while you learn, making it perfect for teachers who want to document their PD efforts and apply them toward their professional growth.
The ALL ACCESS PD Pass provides a comprehensive and flexible learning experience, allowing you to choose from a wide range of topics and episodes that fit your interests and needs. By joining, you not only gain access to a wealth of knowledge but also the opportunity to earn recognition for your commitment to ongoing professional development.
Take your PD to the next level and ensure your learning is recognized. Join now and start earning credit for your podcast PD today!
With the ALL-ACCESS PD Pass, participants can access all of the Master Classes, Online Workshops, Podcast PD, and the Members-Only Library! (*excludes Google Certification Academies).
Includes:
The AI-Powered Choice Boards Mini-WorkshopThe Google Classroom Master ClassThe Google Slides Master ClassThe Google Meet Master ClassThe Zoom Master ClassThe Dynamic Learning WorkshopThe Blended Learning with Google WorkshopIncludes access to ALL future master classes and workshops!Members-Only Library of ebooks and cheat sheets!Podcast PD (with credit certificates and new content each week!)More than 100 hours of PD credit (with more added soon)!More content added every year! LEARN MORE AND ENROLL!
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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February 22, 2024
How Busy Teachers Can Find Time for Meaningful Professional Development
The post How Busy Teachers Can Find Time for Meaningful Professional Development appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
In the fast-paced world of education, teachers are often caught in a balancing act between imparting knowledge and updating their own skills.
With Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass, this balancing act becomes a harmonious blend of teaching and continuous learning, all within your busy schedule.
How Busy Teachers Can Find Time for Meaningful Professional Development
Click To Tweet How Busy Teachers Can Find Time for Meaningful Professional DevelopmentEmbrace Asynchronous LearningOne of the most significant advantages of the All Access PD Pass is its asynchronous nature. Courses like the Google Classroom Master Class or the Blended Learning with Google Workshop can be accessed anytime, anywhere. This flexibility means you can learn at your own pace, fitting professional development into small windows of availability, be it during a lunch break, after school hours, or over the weekend.
Related: Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Online Learning
Podcast PD = Learning on the GoThe Shake Up Learning Show podcast transforms your commute or workout time into an opportunity for professional development. Each episode, ranging from 35 to 60 minutes, is packed with innovative ideas and practical tips, making it easy to stay informed and inspired even when you’re on the move. Plus, you can get a credit certificate for listening! How awesome is that?
Related: Podcast PD Choice Board for Teachers Vol. 3 (FREE Download!)
Integrating PD into Your TeachingThe All Access PD Pass resources can directly inform and enhance your teaching. Implementing a new tool or strategy in your classroom straight from a master class not only benefits your students but also gives you real-time feedback on your learning. This practical application solidifies your understanding and showcases the immediate impact of your professional growth.
Staying Current with EaseThe ever-evolving content in the All Access PD Pass ensures that you’re always at the forefront of educational innovation. With new courses and workshops continually added, the latest educational trends and technologies are just a click away. This ongoing access means you’re not just keeping up with professional development; you’re staying ahead.
Members-Only Library: A Treasure Trove of ResourcesThe Members-Only Library, a key feature of Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass, is a haven for time-strapped educators. It offers a curated collection of ebooks and cheat sheets, each designed for quick and effective learning. This library is perfect for busy teachers seeking instant access to a range of educational resources. Whether you need a new teaching strategy, a tech tip, or a classroom management idea, you’ll find it here, packaged in an easy-to-use format. This accessible library ensures that even the busiest educators can enhance their skills and enrich their classrooms without sacrificing valuable time.
Your Path to Balanced Professional GrowthThe Shake Up Learning All Access PD Pass is more than just a collection of resources; it’s a pathway to balanced, continuous professional development. With the flexibility to learn at your pace and the convenience of integrating new skills directly into your teaching, the All Access PD Pass is the ideal solution for busy educators seeking growth.
100+ Hours of CreditAn added advantage of Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass is the valuable recognition you receive upon completing each course. Every module you finish is not just a step forward in your professional development, but also earns you a certificate for credit hours. This tangible acknowledgment of your efforts and learning can be a significant addition to your professional portfolio, showcasing your commitment to continuous growth and mastery of educational technology and innovative teaching strategies. Whether you’re enhancing your resume or meeting professional development requirements, these credit hour certificates serve as a testament to your dedication and hard work.
Get Your Whole Team, Campus, or District On Board!We offer group discounts for 10 or more, and special pricing for campus and district licensing.
Many schools have become REPEAT customers because their teachers love the flexibility of the ALL ACCESS PD Pass!
Get a quote and start the PO process here.
Join the Learning RevolutionReady to take control of your professional development without overwhelming your schedule?
Join Shake Up Learning’s All Access PD Pass today.
What’s Included?The Google Classroom Master ClassThe Google Slides Master ClassThe Google Meet Master ClassThe Zoom Master ClassThe Dynamic Learning WorkshopThe Blended Learning with Google WorkshopIncludes access to ALL future master classes and workshops!Members-Only Library of ebooks and cheat sheets!Podcast PD (with credit certificates and new content each week!)ALL courses are asynchronous – move at your own pace!Get credit for every course! (unlimited professional learning credit)More than 100 hours of PD credit (with more added all the time)!For just $57 every three months, embark on a journey of continuous learning, tailored to fit your busy life.
Say goodbye to the struggle of balancing teaching and learning.
Say hello to a world of flexible, impactful, and continuous professional growth.
Enroll Now and Transform Your Teaching Journey with Shake Up Learning
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
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February 7, 2024
Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities
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Over the last few years, teachers have come to LOVE Google Jamboard!
But just when we settled into using it regularly, Google decided to take it away! BOO!
Have no fear! My friend, Tom Mullaney, is an expert on FigJam–your Jamboard alternative with endless possibilities!
Tom has been kind enough to share ideas from his TCEA conference presentation with us.
No TCEA FOMO for Shake Up Learning readers!
Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities (guest post by @TomEMullaney)
Click To Tweetby guest author, Tom Mullaney
App Smashing with FigJam is going down RIGHT NOW at booth #2339 with @TomEMullaney He’s a Fig deal!!
— Alex @ Figma Edu (@Alex_FigmaEdu) February 5, 2024
Google’s announcement that Jamboard is going away can cause teachers concern. All that work is gone, right? The good news is that one replacement option, FigJam, has an import from Jamboard feature. It also has App Smashing that solves a persistent problem: Students have too many tabs open on 11-inch Chromebooks.
Meet FigJamFigJam is Figma’s collaborative whiteboard. Unlike Jamboard, it pairs with apps and websites teachers use. Students can use these apps directly in a FigJam, enabling one-tab learning instead of multiple-tab confusion.
Here are educational apps and websites students can use directly in FigJams.
Google DocsCopy a Google Doc’s sharing URL and paste it into FigJam. Students can see the Doc in the FigJam and even edit it. Teachers can use this to have students enter responses to items in the FigJam.
Google Doc in a FigJam.
Google SlidesTeachers can add their Google Slides to a FigJam, allowing students to use sticky notes to answer a prompt related to the slides. Students can also edit a collaborative Slide presentation in a FigJam.
A Google Slides presentation opened in FigJam.
YouTubeCopy a YouTube link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can watch it directly in the FigJam. Students can watch at their own pace and respond to a related prompt in sticky notes.
Two YouTube videos, a prompt, and blank sticky notes in a FigJam.
Google Books Ngram ViewerGoogle Books Ngram Viewer compares the usage of terms in printed materials from 1500 to the present. It is a good resource for spurring student inquiry and questions about data and vocabulary terms. Copy an Ngram chart’s embed link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can interact with the chart directly in the FigJam.
A Google Books Ngram viewer chart showing the use of “suffrage,” “nationalism,” “militarism,” “trench warfare,” and “shell shock” in books written from 1900 through 1930 is displayed in a FigJam.
NPR AudioNPR audio segments cover a wide range of content teachers teach students. Copy any NPR audio file’s embed link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can play and replay audio and respond to prompts with sticky notes.
An NPR audio track, a prompt, and blank sticky notes in a FigJam.
ThingLinkThingLink is a web-based app that allows students and teachers to add interactive “hotspots” to images. Copy a ThingLink’s sharing link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can click on hotspots in the ThingLink to see the link content, such as images, videos, and text.
A ThingLink displayed in a FigJam.
Felt MapsFelt is a collaborative web-based mapping app similar to Google My Maps but with more features such as drawing, comments, text, YouTube videos, and hyperlinks. Copy a Felt map’s sharing link and paste it into a FigJam. Students can navigate the map and adjust the zoom right in the FigJam. Any maps students and teachers create can prompt collaborative activities in FigJam.
A Felt map displayed in a FigJam.
Other FigJamsOne final edtech app smashes with FigJam: FigJam itself! Copy a FigJam’s sharing link and paste it into another FigJam. Collaborators can navigate the embedded FigJam and adjust the zoom. Students and teachers can embed FigJams to refer to prior learning and activities.
A FigJam embedded in a FigJam.
ConclusionStudents and teachers regularly use apps and websites for student creation and consumption. Accessing these in a collaborative file allows clarity instead of confusion. FigJam empowers collaboration and interaction with multiple files in one place.
How will you App Smash with FigJam?
About Tom MullaneyTom Mullaney (he/him) is a former teacher who uses his Special Education and Instructional Design background to help teachers design inclusive lessons with creativity, collaboration, and fun. Tom’s education experience includes Special Education, Social Studies, educational technology coaching, and digital design. Contact him on Twitter, @TomEMullaney, or via e-mail, mistermullaney@gmail.com.
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
The post Say Hello to FigJam: Your Jamboard Alternative with Endless Possibilities appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
January 25, 2024
The Fast and Curious: Use this Teaching Strategy for 4X Retention!
The post The Fast and Curious: Use this Teaching Strategy for 4X Retention! appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
Most teachers have never heard of the forgetting curve, first researched in the late 1800s by Frederic Ebbinghaus.
All teachers know that kids “lose” their academic skills over time (the summer slide?).
Jon Corippo has been riding the Ebbinghaus effect with spectacular success since 2001…scores go up 20 points daily, and retention is through the roof in his classes.
If you teach humans of any age in any subject, you need to know this pedagogy!
The Fast and Curious: A Blueprint for Accelerated Learning and 4X Retention @EduProtocols
Click To Tweet The Fast and Curious: A Teaching Strategy for 4X Retentionby guest author, Jon Corippo –
If you visit any classroom in the world, you will see a version of this kind of workflow – students will do their assignment, on paper or digitally, or for a certain amount of time, usually 8-20 minutes. Teachers then “collect” the work, the collection process on paper taking from 1-3 minutes. Students then move to the next segment or leave class as the period is over or recess begins.
Does this sound familiar? Well, it turns out that this time-honored anachronism is just about the worst way you can teach. It’s comfortable, and it seems sensible, but the classic classwork model is out of sorts with what research says is the best way for humans to retain and lock learning into their long-term memory. And it turns out we actually have researched names for this learning that almost now educators are aware of in practice.
*Related: Eduprotocols: Customizable Lessons for Any Subject or Grade!
My learning on this subject started in 1999, yes, even before Y2K. I was getting ready to give my Latin Roots cumulative final for my 8th graders. We had been doing one unit per week, as is the norm. But this was the big show. Forty-five Latin roots all in one sitting. I knew that this test would result in a classic grade distribution (a bell curve). I decided to try something different with the goal of “busting the curve”.
Long story short: The lowest grade in the entire class was 83% percent, and the vast majority was 90% plus. I had no idea that I was actually using the Ebbinghaus effect and Ipsative learning in practice. In fact, I would hear neither of these terms for almost 20 years. Both were by accident.
Zoom forward twelve years. Still, before Kahoot, Gimkit, Quizizz or Blooket existed, and even Quizlet was just a flashcard tool. I had been working with some English teachers in San Jose, CA. To end the day, I asked if the teachers would like to try something with Latin Roots. They said, of course, they were English teachers, so they loved Latin Roots. So I launched them into an 11-question quiz into Socrative (I’d only done this on paper before), and they were stunned after the first round that they were only scoring 27% on average. How could this be?? They were English TEACHERS! I had played a little trick – these were more obscure Latin Roots from Michigan State. I asked if they would like to hear the answers. I quickly shared the most missed items (almost everyone had at least three correct) and then asked if they wanted to play again. 100% yes. They could not leave that score there.
We played again. 86%. They were still struggling on three. I reminded them of the correct answers. Want to play again? YES, they replied. We can get this. We are ENGLISH TEACHERS.
*Related: 15 Plug-and-Play Lesson Plans from Google
As the final round ended, we saw a class average score of 96% ( I think 2-3 questions were missed in total). I asked them how that felt. They were amazed that I had not “handed out” anything. They were amazed that there was no “set up” to the lesson and the direct instruction had been so brief. They were very satisfied with their growth, proud even. I pointed out the most important detail of all: the elapsed time from beginning to end was 14 minutes.
This was the birth of the EduProtocol called The Fast and Curious. I think it took another 2-3 years to give this process an actual name. I’ve done this exact same flow in over 400 classrooms and with groups as large as 120 second graders and up to 700 adults, all at once. The Fast and Curious Eduprotocol is like clockwork, entirely predictable in any class setting when the conditions are all met. It’s not been researched yet, but I consider it a phenomenon. Just like magnets are mysterious to us, we don’t know EXACTLY why it works, but when the conditions are met – we know what the result will be.
The Ebbinghaus Effect – The Forgetting Curve
Then, I bumped into the Ebbinghaus Effect by accident at about age 55. After over 20 years in education, I was Googling images to help explain repetitions. And there it was (insert image). Except it was called The Forgetting Curve. Also known as spaced repetitions. VERY popular in sports, fitness, and advertising. I think it’s underused in education because education speed and repetitions are frowned upon. But speed and reps are what power human attractions to Tetris, golf, and knitting. Luckily, I had already adopted a mindset of speed and reps in my class pedagogy, so I was able to see the beauty of The Forgetting Curve immediately. (To help shift your mindset, try reading 17 Ways Football is Better than High School by Herb Childress. Herb’s work explains why the same kids will not work in class and then go work super hard in football (or band or ag) one hour later. Circa 1998. We’ve known the answer for decades, but we can’t change the direction of the ship heading over the cliff.
The Ebbinghaus Effect says that if people do something four times over four days, their retention zooms from the low teens to the high 80% range. This is what happened on my Latin Roots quiz with my class: we did the test daily, with immediate feedback. So simple.
So here’s how I leverage the Ebbinghaus Effect/Forgetting Curve in my classroom:
Monday – here’s the quiz. Go. No pre-teach at all. Most classes will finish the first round in the 25-40% range. We’ve only been in class for 3 minutes. Then, I use the data immediately to read back the 3-5 most missed items. I try to give a mnemonic or an example of the missed items. Then we play again immediately. The score will typically bump up 20-25 points.
Tuesday – repeat.
Wednesday – repeat.
On Thursday, the class might be at 90%, and then we will do the final rep. Not there yet? We will play on Friday.
This phenomenon works in all subjects and grade levels. I’ve used it with 4-and-a-half-year-olds and school superintendents. I’ve had 400+ people who don’t speak Turkish at all move from 0% to 40% to 96% on Turkish foods in under 10 minutes.
Teachers will ask: aren’t they just memorizing? My response is that I’ve been waiting for my entire career to have kids memorize certain academic elements – and we’ve been trying all manner of failures on this: flashcards, memory games, crosswords, word searches, writing sentences, and more. The Fast and Curious is by far the best way for humans to memorize key/common terms and things like math facts. And they love playing it.
Here’s why kids aren’t gaining these skills in the normal “turn in your work” model. Humans crave feedback. And they want it fast. Why do we have all that sports data on screen now? Because people want to KNOW. And they want to know now. How fast was that pitch? How long was the hang time on that punt? What is the F1 car speed, when is he hitting the brake what’s his split lap time?
But in school – we put things in a box and wait. Sometimes, we never get a grade or any feedback. When we deny feedback, we interdict a basic human question: how did I do?
Ipsative LearningI was doing the Fast and Curious in India, and Dr Sunita Gandhi said to me, “Well, isn’t this just ipsative learning? And I said….what’s that? She explained the basics of the idea. It’s learning from yourself. Just like in Solitaire. Or Pac-Man. You play. You get a score. You consider ways to get a better score. Then you play again. And again. You play over and over because you want a better score. What does the high score give you? Most of the time, nothing. It just feels good to be good – to beat the challenge.
I quickly realized that by not giving students immediate feedback, we were actually disenfranchising them from the game of school. No score, no curiosity. Their OCD never kicks in. Now, that worksheet isn’t a quest – it’s a chore. As educators, we are not leveraging the ipsative nature of learning.
I returned to the classroom for one glorious year during the height of COVID. I had been doing a lot (hundreds) of Fast and Curious demos – but this class was a long-term study project. One of my students was very well known for his non-participation. He did nothing for the first four weeks of school – but slowly, I got his gamer side plugged into the games. He started playing; he rose up the ranks. At the end of the semester, we did the same 45-word Latin Roots quiz I used to do with my 8th graders. But now it was in Gimkit. On average, the students answered about 108 questions each on a quiz with 45 words. The class average was 92%. My non-participater ended up tops in the class – he’d answered 139 questions (doing the quiz almost three times in under 15 minutes), only missed five total questions, and beaten the entire class by thousands of dollars (you earn money in-game for going on winning streak and accumulating points).
Why don’t more teachers approach their class instruction this way? The Ebbinhaus Effect/Forgetting Curve and Ipsative learning are well known in all parts of our lives except for school. I believe we labor under the misconception that more time on a singular task is “better” learning when it turns out that 6 minutes a day is far more effective. I know that we think we need to grade “after school” on nights and weekends. It’s not actually the case. We assume that since educators are buried under mounds of paper, there’s no way we can do the assigned work three times more often; it’s just simply unthinkable.
Teachers will ask: Do kids retain information this way? Yes. In fact, they will retain it at a dramatically higher rate than seeing it once on a worksheet and then once on a test. Read up on The Ebbinghaus Effect – it’s been well-documented since the late 1800s.
We have massive amounts of teacher experience using the Fast and Curious pedagogical approach using our particular techniques to generate research-informed practices that are highly repeatable, as seen in the images accompanying this article.
If you are still reading this – try The Fast and Curious in any of your favorite CFU-type tools. Gimkit, Blooket, Wordwall.net, 99Math, and Quizizz are some of my favorites for this process. Give your kids (or adults) a random quiz on something they aren’t ready for. Go over their answers and play again. You’ll be amazed, and you’ll save a lot of work for yourself next week!
Looking ahead:
The EduProtocols Team is partnering with SG/DEVI Sansthan using these approaches with ALfA–Accelerating Learning for All, to take these pedagogies to schools in the United States.
Eduprotocols and ALfA hold the potential for not only far better academics but also far better self-concept, away from comparison with others, and to create a more humane world as well through greater collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
If you are intrigued, you can see many more EduProtocols like this at EduProtocolsplus.com and choose from one of our five books on Amazon.
Get Eduprotocols!Grab a copy of one of Jon’s Eduprotocols books!
Jon shares, speaks and leads educational professional learning for educators internationally. Jon has been named a County Teacher of the Year, 2019 Top 100 Educational Influencer, an NBSA 20 to Watch Educator, an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator. Jon is the co-author of The Eduprotocol Field Guide, and The Eduprotocol Field Guide Book 2 (both Amazon #1 best-sellers) and contributor to the Eduprotocols Math Edition (another #1 Amazon best-seller!).
Jon also wrote the conclusion for the #1 Best Seller 100 STOP Series first edition.
Jon created the CUE Rock Star series (Rock Star Teacher, Admin, and Specialty events) and, as the former Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director of CUE, led and designed highly effective professional learning for over 60,000 educators.
Learn more about Eduprotocols here.
© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.
The post The Fast and Curious: Use this Teaching Strategy for 4X Retention! appeared first on Shake Up Learning.
