Empowering Students Voice Using FlipGrid

What's FlipGrid and why should you use it?

Flipgrid is a free web-based video discussions platform used widely by educators and students. Why should you use Flipgrid? Well, why shouldn't you?

With FlipGrid, you can create any topic with specialized resources and attachments, students can share and discuss each other's videos, educators are 100% in control with video moderation and other settings, students can get creative with the powerful, easy-to-use recording tools using any device, anywhere!

How to set up a grid?

If you've never used Flipgrid before, here's a quick video tutorial on how to set up your first ever grid.

Suggestions on how to use Flipgrid in Teaching and Learning

1. Beginning of school or classmates introduction

• Use it to introduce yourself and students can talk about themselves; hobbies, favourite subjects and their goals.

2. Assessment for Learning 

• As an alternative mode to assess their learning on a certain topic, for example, explain about the types of volcanoes.

3. Exit Ticket or Reflection

• A fun and engaging way to record what they've learned at the end of the unit.

4. Tips Sharing 

• A quick and effective way to share tips on a particular topic, for example how to create a good story.

5. School Events 

    (Book Week, Science Week, National Day and many more)

• A great way to get the whole school or community involved by sharing their favourite book, experience or story related to the event going on in school.

You can find out more ideas on how to use FlipGrid by following @Flipgrid via twitter or explore the Disco Library (on your Educator Dashboard) where you can find and use topic templates which can then be customized for your class. 

Make your picture talks using Morfo and Hp Reveal (previously Aurasma)

Introduction

You've assigned each student an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to present during their show and tell session with parents and teachers. They are free to use any form of presentation mode that they like. They've chosen to create a booklet, mini-poster, drawing, models, diorama and some even created a Google Slides presentation. 

All these are great, but what about taking it up a notch? Why don't we augment the reality? How about making their drawing talk? Make Tutankhamun or Cleopatra speak about themselves?        

The tools or app

There are two apps needed for this project. Let's just call the finished product as "aura" to make it easier.

HPReveal (Previously Aurasma)

The first app is called HPReveal, previously known as Aurasma. Aurasma is an augmented reality site which allows you to see and interact with the world in a new way. With this tool, every image, object and even place can have its own aura. 

Auras can be as simple as a video and a link to a web page or as complex as a lifelike 3D animation. It can be installed both on IOS and Android device. However, for some technical reason, depending on the compatibility of your IOS device, it may not work properly once installed. 

Morfo

Morfo is a simple, fun and flexible IOS compatible app that can turn your friend's face, pets or objects into fun, life-like 3D characters. It can also make your friends say anything you want in a silly voice and many other fun features.

How to create your own auras? 

Check out my video tutorial on how to create your own auras.

Suggested use in classrooms

Where shall we start? The possibilities are endless! Imagine the fun they'll have creating it! A far cry from the usual 2D presentation mode such as poster or mind map. 

Use it to make famous or inspirational people (dead or alive) by talking about themselves. Make Tesla talks about himself and his achievement or a Spanish poet reciting his poem and translating it into English. 

How about creating an aura of a character from a book that describes herself instead of you doing it! Or in Math, a shape, say a triangle explaining its own properties. Sounds fun? Now, what are you waiting for? Go and create your first aura!

Feedback Galore: Improve Feedback Using Google Doc

 

As what most teachers already knew, feedback can greatly enhance learning and improve student achievement. Click on this link to find out more about 5 researched-based tips for providing students with meaningful feedback. 

How can we improve feedback using Google Doc to increase motivation, build up existing knowledge and help them to reflect on what they've learned? Let's explore various ways to do so.


1) Comment and assign task feature

• Easy and super useful real-time feedback

2) Use suggesting mode

• Require students to either accept or decline suggestions.

3) Add comments to doc using Permanent clipboard 

• Saves time typing the same comment each time. Time-saver for teachers!

4) Add audio text to a doc using Google Read&Write 

• Wonderful tool to explore. Check out their other features to vary your feedback.

5) Add audio text to a doc using Talk and Comment 

• Just record, copy and paste the voice note link anywhere you want!

6) Add video feedback to a doc using Screencastify

• A great way to annotate your student's work.

7) Rubric using Goobric + Doctopus within Google Classroom

• Works within Google Classroom 
• Teacher and peer feedback

You can find out more from my previous blog post by clicking on this link.

8) Rubric using Orange Slice

• Less complicated than using Goobric+Doctopus
• Allows peer feedback too!

Try these ways to improve your feedback and expect increased motivation and more meaningful learning process for your students. Happy Feedbacking!!!

Creative Video-making using WeVideo

Looking for a video editor that is easy-to-use? Editable everywhere online and lets you start on one device and then pick up where you left on another? Collaborate with others for the ultimate sharing experience? Sparks creativity with graphics, green screen, special effects, speed control and much more? Well, look no further as WeVideo has all these features. 


The possibilities of this online video editor are endless. To name a few, students can create a read-aloud online storybook, newscasting, talk show,  advertisement, and a step-by-step tutorial. In this post, I will show you how to create a simple video using some of the features like graphics, green screen, sound effects and much more. 

Getting started with WeVideo

Sign up to WeVideo and choose a plan that suits you.





Creating a simple video using Storyboard (beginners) mode. You can change into Timeline mode for advanced editing.


Click this link for more WeVideo tutorials.

Get Creative with WeVideo

Video Tutorial on how to edit in Timeline mode using graphics, sound effects and much more.

Video tutorial on how to use green screen effect. 





Example of video created with WeVideo:
Read Aloud book with voice over and sound effect.

Another example of a video I've created with WeVideo where I used green screen effect, graphics and background music for my Google Trainer application video.

Now that you've seen the endless possibilities of WeVideo, why not try it out in your classroom? Have a creative week ahead.

  





   

Creating Online Storybooks using Google Slides

Google slides can go beyond a mere presentation tool with words or probably with some relevant images to go with it. It could also be engaging, interactive and even collaborative.

There are many possible ways of using Google Slides in the classroom, but today I'll be focusing on using it creatively by creating an online storybook with Google Slides.  

So, how do we do it?

Automating the mundane: Using canned response

Picture this; you are required to send the same email content with a different attachment or salutation to a bunch of different contacts over and over again. What would you do? Type the same email content to all the contacts? What??! That's crazy! Copy and paste the same content from a source to a new email? Possible! What about using the canned response? Now we're talking!!!

This week's 'oldie but goldie' Gmail feature is one of the regularly used tool (or support system) in my day-to-day correspondence with either parents, students or colleagues. Here are the steps on how to use it:

SECTION 1: SETTING UP A CANNED RESPONSE


Step 1: Go to setting by clicking on the gear icon. 

Step 2: Once in the setting window, click on the Labs tab and then enable the Canned Responses Lab.

Step 3: Go to compose and create an email template which will then be used in your canned responses.

Step 4: Hover over the drop-down arrow at the bottom right of your email window and click on Canned responses.


 Step 5: Then click on New canned response.

Step 6: Name your new canned response for easier identification in the future (Mine's Sample Email). 

SECTION 2: USING A CANNED RESPONSE

 Step 7: On a new message window, hover over the drop-down arrow at the bottom right of your email window, click on Canned responses and then the email template (Sample Email) which was created earlier.

Step 8: Once your response has been pasted, you can now send your email. Repeat Steps 7 and 8 for other contacts.

Canned responses might seem like a small win, but these incremental performance improvements add up over time and set you apart. Give it a try! 

Rubric Grading using Goobric and Doctopus in Google Classroom

This week's add-ons special will be featuring not one, but two add-ons that can do magic! They are Goobric and Doctopus! These add-ons enable grading directly via Google Classroom, using a rubric which is attachable to the assigned document.  There are also options for self/peer assessment and send assessment feedback via student's email. Check out my youtube tutorial to learn more about Rubric Grading using Goobric and Doctopus.

Click the link below for more samples:

Assignment Example (Copy of Year 4 AFL Term 2, 2018) 

Sample Rubric (Rubric must be in a spreadsheet form)

Attached Online Rubric on a student's assignment

I am planning to introduce this process to my colleagues for our next assessment for learning (AfL) in Term 3. These add-ons will not only reduce time spent on manually writing and then copying feedbacks from one form to another but it also serves as an organised as well as a more comprehensive record of student's work. Give it a go and have an awesome weekend!

Add-Ons Special: Flippity

Doin' the Flip ya'll!

This week's add-ons special is Flippity, a tool which can easily turn a Google Spreadsheet into a set of online flashcards and other cool stuff such as bingo, word search, puzzle, typing test, random name picker and many more. 

You can start by going to Flippity.net or get the add-ons for Google Spreadsheet. Explore the activities by studying the demos available and then follow the step-by-step instructions to create your customized Flippity activities.

Get the Flippity add-ons

Flippity add-ons for Spreadsheets

Creating a Flippity Flashcards for Vocabulary Activity

For the upcoming 2018 World Cup, I'm planning to introduce some 'footballish' vocabulary to my students using one of the activities offered by Flippity. 

First, go ahead and open a new Spreadsheet which I will name 'World Cup Vocabulary.' Get the Flippity add-ons and then launch it. You will then choose the activity that you want and click on the use button. Follow the instructions to create your flashcards.

             

Pick a template for an activity that you want.

Click 'Use' once you've decided on an activity.

Key in your information.

Once you're done keying-in, get the URL to your Flippity Flashcards.

Follow the instructions.

Voila! Your customized flashcards are ready to use.

What's great about this tool is that it allows you to create different activities by transferring the information you've keyed-in, hence saving your precious time to do it again and again for another activity. 

Go to 'More' tab and you can create other activities. 

There are also printable versions if you prefer to distribute worksheets. Last but not least, you can share the link to the online flashcards with your students via Google Classroom as homework or class activity. 

You can opt to print the quiz.

Or share the link to co-teachers or students through different platforms.

Now go and give Flippity a go and create wonderful resources for learning!

Google Break-WIth-Tech Session CPD

Hi there everyone. Greetings from a geek-wannabe!  



Last week was one of the busiest weeks of the term as I had Term 1 report to work on, a class assembly presentation to practise with and last but not least, a Google session small group CPD to facilitate. It's great that we have a week-long break right after that as I could use some time away from the hustle and bustle of 'academia' life!

On Thursday 24th of May last week, I've offered a Google session mini CPD to a small group of colleagues who are keen to explore more about everything Google. It was the first self-initiated session for me as my previous experiences were of invitational basis.  

I started by discussing my desire to offer this CPD with my senior leaders which was much appreciated, therefore, approved to go on. The first step was to send a pre-session Google form to my colleagues to gauge interest and to find out more about their ability and comfort level with various topics that will be discussed during the session. 

Upon receiving responses, I then finalise the topics and shared it with my colleagues so that they'll have some ideas on what will go on during my session. The format of my session was designed in a 'choose-your-own-adventure' style; differentiated and self-paced learning which covered topics of their choice. (see Google slides below for more clarification) 






I think the session went well as most of the participants were able to 'take-away' at least two new things to be implemented in their classroom. It would be even better if I focused the 1-hour session on a specific topic, for example, Google Drive, as there were just too many to digest, too little time! However, I've shared the presentation slides for them to further explore on their own and at their own pace. 

After the session, another Google form was sent (unanimous responses) for feedback purpose which will be helpful because I can improve in the future and also understand my audience's perspective a little bit better. 
So, here's to a better and improved session next time! Sayonara!

Formative Assessment Tools Special

It's been a while since my last blog entry. I've been busy with work and other commitments and in the midst of that, I finally had the courage to take the Google Trainer Assessment which is one of the requirements for Google Trainer application and proud to say that I've passed! Google Trainer Certification, here I come!! 

This week's special will be featuring three online formative assessment tools which I've used with my students and will continue using when opportunities arise. You'll never believe how much excitement and engagement it brought to the class; some students were literally jumping in the air each time they answered the question correctly and begged me to play it again.

Quizizz and Kahoot are a fun multiplayer classroom activities, that allow all your students to practice together either in class (live mode) or at home. Both work on Android or IOS devices and do not require students logins. Plickers, on the other hand, is a simple tool that lets teachers collect real-time data without the need for student devices. 

Quizizz and Kahoot

Upon signing in to Quizizz and Kahoot, you can start by creating your own quiz or save time by searching for the ready-made quizzes by other educators. Once you're ready with the quiz, you can opt to play it in class-live mode or assign it as homework. 

Both Quizizz and Kahoot provide real-time data and allow you to download or share results or feedback with your students. It also integrate with Google Classroom so you can direct the students to the game page or assign as homework.

Live mode Quiz via Kahoot

Excitement while playing Kahoot

Video on How to Assign Homework Using Quizizz

Plickers

Picture this; your students taking a long time to log-in on the computer or even open the right app. For some reason, the device decided to act up at the exact moment you wanted to start your activity using one of the online tools.

Enter Plickers, a powerful online tool that gives all the student a chance to participate and engage in learning as well as providing instant feedback for a quick check of understanding. No device required for the students, just Plickers card printouts which can be used again and again. 

The idea is that once the quiz is launched live, students will answer by putting their card up to be scanned by the teacher's device. They will rotate their card according to their choice of answer. For instance, if your answer is B, then that alphabet should be positioned upright such as below.

An example of a Plickers card.

Check out the link below on how to get started:

Getting Started with Plickers 

Plickers Live View

Try these tools out as a fun starter, a short-burst activity in the middle of a session to check for understanding or as a plenary to consolidate learning. They'll have lots of fun and I bet you will too!

Google Forms Part 3: Result Evaluation

Here comes the last and the most exciting part of Google Form. Evaluation of results! Check out my previous blogs for Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

Grading and Feedback 

In this post, I'm going to show you ways to grade assignments automatically. Yes, you heard me right. Automatically! No more wasting time on mundane tasks of marking the same questions over and over again. Here are two ways to do just that.

 

Google Forms Quiz 

 1. In your form setting, go to quizzes tab and enable "Make this a quiz."  Check and review the quiz options below and then click save.

2. When assigning assignment on Google Classroom, enable Grade Importing so students' grade can be shared easily via email. 

3. To share scores or grades with your students, click on the responses tab on your Google Form, click on the individual tab and then choose to release score. The scores or grades will be shared via individual email.

4. This is how it looks like from a student's point of view. 

Flubaroo Add-ons  

This amazing and time-saving add-on is highly recommended to all the teachers out there. It's user-friendly and its developer is always looking for ways to improve the functionality of it. Check out my tutorial video below on how to use Flubaroo to automatically grade and share results with your students.

Conclusion

In short, the Google Forms quiz option is easier to use than Flubaroo. However, Flubaroo currently provides some extra features such as generating a Google Docs report for students who do not have Gmail.