This session's homework was extremely valuable for me given the current coronavirus epidemic. With distance learning at the forefront of my mind, I experimented with Zoom, EdPuzzle, Vocaroo, Audacity and Google Jamboard. I chose these tools because I felt that they would be most helpful in preparation for my official begin of distance learning on April 14th.
I used Zoom to film an ELA writing lesson in which I explained the brainstorming process and assignment expectations. The Zoom tool was surprisingly easy to use and I completed the task with a bit of help from EdPuzzle which allowed me to download and create a shareable link seamlessly. My Zoom lesson also included a page from Google's Jamboard which allowed me to design a simple, neat visual that will help my students during the brainstorming part of their writing assignment. Vocaroo is cool and simple, could be used for students who want to practice their oral presentations prior to speaking in front of the class. Audacity is a great, free tool that could be used to create high level voice recordings including podcasts. Audacity is also used to create multi-track music recordings. I can see cost being a barrier to many technology applications. For instance, WeVideo used to be free but now there is a cost even for students, I may consider applying for a WeVideo grant next year. Fortunately, there are many dynamic, free apps available. Right now, many technology companies are offering free service to help support student learning during this difficult time. One note about flipped classes, I am concerned that many students would not watch or comprehend the home instructional videos. If this was the case, I would spend the next day catching those students up resulting in frustration and possibly an unsuccessful lesson. I do however like the in-class flip. I was thinking this could be a fantastic way to teach science because of the high interest and diverse levels.
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AuthorJoel Kriner of the Touro Innovative Learning Masters Program. Archives
June 2020
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Photo used under Creative Commons from uimagine_csu