Party in the Library

Remote learning has forced teachers around the world to find ways to connect with students in engaging ways. For students with different abilities, this can be even more difficult. As a teacher myself, I am always looking for ways to get more bang for my buck. Using Kami is an effective way to reach all learners - those who identify as differently abled or not. After reading Carli Spina's article about Universal Design, I learned about how Universal Design benefits everyone. I can also see how Kami fits in the framework for Universal Design for Learning. Kami allows for users to hit all three guidelines for UDL: 1. Represent content in multiple ways. 2. Demonstrate mastery of content in multiple ways. 3. Allow learners to engage with the content in multiple ways. Users can download Kami as a Google Chrome extension. It works with Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas. Some of the features are free and some are behind a pay wall. Basically, anything you can import into Google Cl...

As a teacher , I have fallen prey to an administration with high hopes for teachers to use a certain type of technology, only to never receive the proper training to employ the technology tool that was supposed to enhance student learning. Around 15 years ago, each member of my team received 10 mp3 players. They were supposed to be used for students to listen to audiobooks. Because I didn't receive any instruction on using mp3 players, they stayed in the bag in a closet collecting dust. I'm sure they had good intentions, as well as I did. However, with limited time on my hands, I never found a way to learn it on my own. This is the exact scenario that Amy Overbay describes in her article about technology integration. This is a scenario that I hope to avoid as I become a technology leader in my future role as a school librarian. When searching the list of engaging and useful technology tools, I found MaKey-MaKey to be something that all teachers regardless of grade level or sub...

Hey 3rd grade! I wanted to follow up on the conversation we were having the other day. I know you wanted a tech tool to use in social studies and science, specifically for interactive maps and diagrams that you could send on virtual Fridays as well as face-to-face in the classroom. I found a blog called Cool Cat Teacher that recommends a site called Educaplay. There are so many different ways to use this site. However, I saw a section that uses what they call map games, but is really any type of map or diagram you can think of. I know you teach continents and oceans in social studies. The good news is that they have ready-made map games or you can create your own. For science, I know you teach about the layers of soil and you could use a diagram on Educaplay for that, as well. Now, are you ready to get super excited? You can assign these through Google Classroom and they will automate the grades! Great way to hold your students accountable. Anyway, check out this blog that shares tons ...