I tend to share the following quick tips often AND they are always most appreciated.
- Nearpod.Com - the best integration and engagement platform with real-time formative assessment. If I was back in the classroom I wouldn't be without Nearpod!
- Great articles, the best for Educators and Parents ... Stay on top of news in Education with Edutopia.
- Got Chrome? Take a look at your Google Docs, go to Tools, and check out the new "Voice Typing"! Pretty cool!
- Are you changing districts or your job? Are you graduating from high school and you want your Google Drive? Are you changing school districts and want all of your files? Here is the answer! It's called Google Takeout!
- Add a Google Dictionary to your Chrome Browser and you can highlight any word to see the meaning!!
- Did you know that Google Earth now works on a Chromebook? It Does!!
- Can't draw? Use AutoDraw! Google's way of helping the non-artists of the world!
- Need to show something in 3D? This Google site has many examples for several different subject areas!
Research based ...
How long should your videos be in the classroom or a meeting? Here's the research! And consider my suggested model:
A Video Presentation Model
Many facilitators show videos in their classroom and I have observed this personally too many times. What I see are typically seven to ten-minute videos where a statement is made, click play and many aren't engaged. During this time some participants are watching, sleeping, doing other work, checking their phone, and/or daydreaming.
Explicit direction for video presentations in a class or training should include:
sharing the purpose of the video
reviewing prior knowledge
listing, defining, image/example of new topics, trends, or vocab
I recommend that the facilitator watch the video and carefully monitor effective "pausing" points, typically two minutes, with a one-two minute "ponder/process" depending upon the task. Consider using Nearpod for this purpose -- now with integrative formative video assessment options.
Engaging the participants IN the video adds to the learning experience.