Links and Loves - PearDeck and Researched-Based Tech Integration Strategies

This week I read this article from Edutopia about Research-Based Tech Integration Strategies by Liz Kolb.  The big idea I came away with is that even though students all have their own devices, it is really important to keep the learning social and connected.  In other words, even if students are working on an assignment individually, they should still have opportunities to work socially with others.

This week’s Links and Loves is dedicated to ways that we can do exactly that!

#1 GSuite - With features such as sharing capabilities, built in chat, built in commenting, editing, suggesting and viewing rights and activity dashboard, users can connect and collaborate in many ways with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets etc. Google Meet also provides a safe platform for online conferencing.

#2 Goosechase - Organize and run digital scavenger hunts to gather knowledge and information.  Allow others from your community and beyond to take part.

#3 Slack - A fantastic platform for teamwork. Hold discussions, make announcements, gather resources and assign tasks all in one place.

#4 Scratchwork - Created for mathematics. Turn your pen and paper drawings into digital objects with your webcam or phone. Reorganize, resize, and mark up your drawings. Upload and annotate PDF documents, or arrange your ideas on virtual pages to export as PDFs.  Share and edit your boards with others in real time. Chat, audio, and video calls are built in.

#5 Flipgrid - a video discussion platform that can provide a safe place for reflections, ideas, learning, debates, and stories shared among a group of individuals.

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Classroom Connection

PearDeck

This week I used PearDeck to teach lessons on Digital Citizenship. This lesson delivery tool worked flawlessly and I truly believe the students were better engaged and involved as participants in the discussions and formative assessments.

Pear Deck transforms presentations into classroom conversations with an array of interactive and formative assessment questions. With Pear Deck, every learner engages with the interactive activity on his or her own screen, and knows their response will be seen by the teacher, but anonymous to the rest of the class.

If you want an instructional tool that integrates with Google Presentations and had impressive features for student engagement and learning, I highly recommend giving PearDeck a try!

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I hope your weekend brings you some rest and relaxation. Happy Friday everyone!