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A great tool for the flipped classroom: A review of https://www.nearpod.com

6/17/2016

I use the Nearpod.com tool because it engages students, and allows them and me to get instant feedback. This is a new tool that has helped me flip some of my lessons for my action research paper. I am not an expert on it, and I am still experimenting with its use. I also like using some of the lessons from their library that align with the standards and our textbook.

I highly recommend Nearpod, because it engages the students and gives them instant feedback. The best part is that a teacher can ask different question types, write open-ended questions, or use draw-it, such that students have to draw a graph or create something to illustrate a problem. It also allows for multiple choice or taking a survey.

After students complete the assignment, the teacher receives a very detailed report, and can quickly assess students' understanding of the material. This assists with group placement or intervention needs, and aids in fostering differentiation.

Here is one sample lesson that I developed for my team in a Professional Development spotlight on technology. .

You can upload lessons from their gallery by subject and grade - below is one example. You can also now customize the lesson to your liking!

Users can upload videos and info-graphics to encourage more visual learners. I love this tool - especially the report at the end, and the graded assessments option.

See how Nearpod uses the SAMR Model below, where they demonstrate the data results you will receive for each lesson. They also offer free webinars, and you can become certified so that you can post your lessons and charge a small fee for them!

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Zaption.com - another great tool for the flipped classroom model

6/17/2016

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In my Tu program, I tried another tool that is very useful for the flipped classroom model. I used a video by NEA to prepare a lesson on probability for my 7th grade class. I like that it is clear, and that I can still check for understanding, even though I am sending it home as a homework to prepare them ahead of time for a lesson on probability (with and without replacement).

This can be a difficult topic for middle school, so allowing them to see some clarified examples before class helps them be more successful. I am sharing the lesson below. This method allows me to cover some of the more challenging problems in class, and students can collaborate with their peers for extra assistance.

Here are two example lessons I made explaining Growth Mindset with Carol Dwecks and Jo Boaler's videos. One lesson is a math lesson using a NEA(National Education Association) video .

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Social Media in the Classroom

6/16/2016

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This link demonstrates some wonderful methods by which social media is engaging students and bringing learning to life. I love the ideas, and the way that it enhances student learning using social media, as it is so much a part of our students' lives now.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2012/04/24-education-technology-west

The link below presents a case against social media, and also offers many valid points. This week in my class, my students held a discussion regarding social media in the classroom.

http://acampbell99.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/the-case-against-social-media-in-education-2/.

My personal opinion is that social media is making learning fun and engaging for our students. However, before a teacher uses social media, there need to be some guidelines in place to help keep our students safe. Teachers need to instruct students in good digital citizenship, and make sure they understand the expectations of the teacher and the school in that regard. Administration should be a part of the process as well, so that the school is aware of the context of the social media use, and the teachers can be fully supported.

I have used padlet.com with my students and parents on back-to-school night, and it was posted on our school's Twitter feed as well. I used it to allow parents to introduce themselves, and to post a summer vacation photo. My back-to-school night was the best and most engaging I had ever had, so I will likely use that technique again next year.

My students hail from all over Northern California, and they report that their experiences with technology in the classroom have not always been positive. It is my hope that as technology develops, a form of social media might be developed just for teachers and students that can be moderated by instructors before a student is permitted to post. I also believe that foul and offensive language should be prevented on the site.

Furthermore, I feel that access to media should be restricted to teachers, students, and parents, so that strangers cannot initiate contact and possibly place our students at risk. We want learning to be engaging and fun, but we must also keep our students safe.

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A great tool for the flipped classroom: A review of ​https://www.nearpod.com

You can upload lessons from their gallery by subject and grade - below is one example. You can also now customize the lesson to your liking!

Zaption.com - another great tool for the flipped classroom model

Social Media in the Classroom

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A great tool for the flipped classroom: A review of https://www.nearpod.com