Happy New Year!! Am I still in the time window to say that?! Previously I shared my experience (check out my first blog post here) with getting hooked on Edcite and creating online assignments. Thus, it’s time to put my money where my mouth is and share how I will be using various assignments in my own classroom.
Overarching lessons I learned when creating an online assignment:
- Consider what students are typically used to doing with paper and pencil. Go through that thought process yourself, and then consider, “How is this similar or different to reading this question on a computer screen?” For example, I realized I needed (or wanted) a sheet of paper to write down the number I was on, the answer choices and then as I crossed out the answer choices on my sheet of paper I could write a brief reason WHY I was crossing out this answer. I’ve taught students to do this on paper/pencil assessments, so I added in a blank sheet of paper and taught this system with online assessments now as well.
- It is CRITICAL to vary the question types used in an assignment. 1) This teaches students to critically think through content in ways outside of eliminating answer choices. A variety in question types teaches students to prioritize events, sort, evaluate significance and connection to other evidence, etc. 2) It engages students with technology in different ways and teaches additional basic computer skills (drag and drop, move and re-order, selecting text). 3) It is simply more FUN for students.
- I realized an assignment does not need to be completed in one chunk during a class period. Initially I thought I would teach a lesson, then they would take an assessment to test if they learned the lesson, and that would be the class period. However, in creating this assignment, I realized it can be broken up with instruction at various parts of the assignment. For example, I can model a skill or strategy through the first question in the assignment. Then, I can have them work through 1 or 2 questions in pairs or groups. Then, they can complete the assignment independently. This actually gives me more accurate data because I am able to see where the exact breakdown in confusion begins and coach students individually.
- I realized I can use questions types outside of my content area. Initially I felt limited to only using questions types designed for my content area. In this assignment I used math and ELA question types!
QUICK KEYS TO SUCCESS
For NON-ELA teachers Systems are key. Decide how you want to break down the assignment in class OR if you want students to complete the assignment after you have taught the lesson. Tell students how you will be using Edcite in class AND have a clear direction for pausing them and gaining their full attention when they are on the computer. For ELA teachers Have a plan for text annotation. Be explicit with what students should highlight and why. If they are taking notes, do you want them typing in a separate document or jotting notes on a scratch piece of paper. Plan for it, teach it to your students, and hold them accountable for the system you create. See lesson plan below for more ideas.
Before sharing how I use an assignment to teach an entire lesson (or class period), here is a little context about my own classroom:
- I currently teach 6th grade, but have taught 4th/5th, 7th and high school English Language Arts. The lessons that I am working on are for my 6th graders, but can easily be adapted to either 5th graders or 7th graders.
- There are approximately 28-30 students in each of my classes (4 blocks total).
- I have 55 minute blocks, so the following lesson fits within that time frame; however, it can be modified for shorter blocks or included as a portion of a longer class period.
- Each student has a tablet or chromebook as well as a notes packet (usually 1-2 pages) on their desk. Throughout class, we transition between the Edcite assignment and their paper notes. (Maybe one day I will go 100% paperless. 🙂 For now, I find some comfort in mixing a little paper/pencil with technology.)
Click here to access my google document containing the entirety of my lesson plan for this assignment. Feel free to borrow, copy, and take as much or as little as you’d like! This lesson plan accompanies the Sequencing Lesson – Multiple Passages – Segregation and Civil Rights – I Do, We Do, You Do & Exit Slip assignment. (This assignment and lesson is especially beneficial given Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday this month!!) Anytime I have scripted what I will say in my own lesson, I have written SAY followed with my planned script. Lastly, I’ve included some bonus tips for increasing class engagement and adding some joy factor into your lesson!!
Feel free to reach out if you have other questions, want ideas for additional attention getters or have suggestions for other ways to teach this lesson!!! My email is mtgieg@gmail.com.
Next month I am excited to tell you about my experience of rolling out Edcite to my students for the first time and share with you the unexpected (and slightly hilarious) lessons I learned and wish I had known!!
The Edcite Blog 