"Grading Smarter, Not Harder" week 5: Creativity (Part 3)

Using Modern Technology to Encourage Creativity

Part III

Not all schools, or even grade levels, allow the use of personal devices in the classroom.  With that being said, there are other ways to implement some of the following practices in classroom.  Practicing digital safety, and learning how to be a safe and responsible digital learner (and teacher) is a the forefront of educational practices today.  The 21st Century Skills should be implemented throughout all curricula and understood by all educators.

Strategy #1:  Use Twitter for Class Discussion and Test

Pose a question or problem to the class and students have to tweet back their response.  This will give students practice in stating cases and rebuttals as concisely as possible.  Use hashtags unique to the class, i.e. #MrPHistory

Create a Twitter Tuesday where during the last 10 minutes of class, or the day, students can converse
entirely via Twitter, either individually or in groups.

Use a Twitter dialogue format as a way to respond answer

• i.e.: George Washington and King George having a conversation; conversation between 2 of earth's spheres (troposphere and biosphere); 2 characters from a book or from 2 different books
• use relevant hashtags and create usernames

Reasons this is helpful:

1.  The medium is trendy and appealing to students.

• short hand and symbols; commonly used by students

2.  The medium enforces efficiency.

• responses are limited in length
• they get to the point
• focus on the essential material
• conveys understanding, easier to grade

3.  The medium is equitable and always in flux.

• quicker conversation
• even the shiest, more reserved kids participate

Strategy #2: Use Digital Photos and Videos to Enhance Class Discussion

Having kids collect/take photos or other examples related to the concept being taught.  Take photos of how various shapes or fractions are used in the real world.  Find items that are related to a science topic.  The applications are numerous.

Reasons for:

1.  Engaging for students.

2.  Students love to share their creations.

3.  Students learning and review content in the context of their own community.

Strategy #3: Use Applications to Perform In-Depth Analysis of Digital Content.

refer to:  Coache's Eye ( www.coachseye.com ) , Ubersense ( www.ubersense.com )

Students, and teachers, can record work and presentations and review later.  Teachers can even text or upload the analysis to students and parents, immediately.

Reason why this is beneficial:

1.  It works!

2.  Analysis is easily shared

3.  Technology is personalized

• manipulate and personalize material

Strategy #4: Use Online Document Management Systems

• Google Docs
• Edmodo ( www.edmodo.com )
• design online quizzes
• multiple choice
• fill in the blank
• automatically grades students' results when they are finished.

reason to include:

1.  Immediate feedback guides instruction

2.  Systems facilitate formative assessment.

3.  Handheld devices allow for instantaneous responses.

• use responders