Tag: learning
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Quick Video Creation: Engaging Students Without Being a Tech Guru
A 5th-grade teacher used Google Vids to quickly create a three-minute instructional video on opinion essay writing using only a text prompt. The fast-generated video successfully supplemented the lesson, offering an exciting and accessible way to reinforce key concepts. Students were highly engaged and appreciative of the video, demonstrating the high impact of simple, practical…
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Student Success with Snorkl in Middle School Math
Snorkl delivers immediate feedback in middle school math, improving students’ ability to solve problems and ask better questions. The tool boosts student motivation and collaboration, leading to peer coaching and evident pride upon mastering concepts. It supports conceptual mastery by encouraging persistent iteration and focused practice on difficult topics. Integrating new technology into your classroom…
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From Speaking to Writing: Boosting Reasoning with Snorkl
8th-grade ELA students used Snorkl to practice the reasoning for their argumentative essays. Students used Snorkl’s speaking feature to articulate their reasoning and receive instant feedback. This iterative practice led to better student-teacher conversations and stronger final written paragraphs. Helping students master argumentative writing can be a significant challenge. Educators often observe that students can…
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Snorkl and Feedback in Math for the Win….Again!
Immediate Feedback Loop: 6th-grade students used Snorkl to practice multiplying decimals, utilizing instant feedback to refine their reasoning and achieve mastery through multiple attempts. Collaborative Culture: The technology fostered a supportive environment where organic discussions flourished and early finishers served as peer coaches for classmates. I recently had the opportunity to facilitate and co-teach another…
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Beyond the Answer: Fostering Math Conversations with Snorkl
7th graders used Snorkl to solve a two-step equation, receiving immediate feedback on their reasoning. The instant feedback sparked robust conversations between the teacher, students, and their peers. Students used the feedback over multiple attempts to succeed, and early finishers became peer coaches. Finding the right technology, AI especially, to support math instruction can be…
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Unplugged Algorithms: A Pencil and Paper Path to Computational Thinking
Teach algorithmic thinking without technology by having students create precise, sequential instructions for a task. In a back-to-back partner game, one student verbally instructs the other on how to replicate a secret drawing. The exercise demonstrates the importance of precise communication and is easily adapted for any subject area. While algorithmic thinking is a cornerstone…
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Embracing Inquiry and Computational Thinking in Your Classroom
Integrate Computer Science: Activities that build computational thinking skills like decomposition and algorithmic thinking across all subjects. Spark Inquiry: Get students actively dissecting topics and asking questions, serving as powerful “pre-work” for deeper learning. Adaptable for Any Subject: Versatile strategies in ELA, History, or STEM to foster curiosity and analytical understanding. In today’s educational landscape,…
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Gold Rush Meets Wi-Fi: Teaching History Through Computer Science
Students learned about packets, routers, and receivers through a Gold Rush-themed activity. Groups created, delivered, and decoded messages using school maps and Internet protocols. The lesson boosted engagement and connected history with computer science. What do the California Gold Rush and computer science have in common? In Mrs. Garges’ 4th grade class, quite a lot!…
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El Monte Middle School’s Google HQ Adventure
El Monte Middle School students from rural Orosi, CA had a life-changing field trip to Google HQ and Stanford University. The Google CodeNext program helped fund this trip, exposing underserved students to tech careers and college. The experience provided many students with significant “firsts,” broadening their worldviews. Orosi, California, is a small, rural community tucked…
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Super Mario, Algorithms, and Iterative Writing
Fourth graders wrote game algorithms to improve writing clarity. Students tested each other’s instructions through Super Mario gameplay. A classic video game became a fun tool for integrated ELA and CS learning. Getting technology into the classroom can open up amazing learning possibilities, and sometimes the coolest lessons come from places you might not expect.…
