Record it!
Tech Tip Tuesday (April 8, 2025)
I mean, we aren't Scorsese, but that doesn't mean that we can't make things easier for students to understand by making our own videos, or even easier, recording our screens.
Screen recording has been around for a long while, and it can be used in a lot of different ways. It caught fire during emergency remote learning, but it has petered off.
So, why should teachers try it for instruction?
- Supports self-paced learning - Students can review lessons at their own speed, pausing and replaying difficult concepts as needed.
Enables absent students to stay caught up - Those who miss class can still access the content, reducing learning gaps.
Reinforces learning through multiple exposure - Students can revisit explanations of complex topics, enhancing retention and understanding.
From there, you can post in your LMS, share via email, or add to a classroom website or landing page!
Although reading tends to promote deeper comprehension and retention, especially in children, due to its ability to engage deep cognitive skills and encourage imagination.
Videos, however, are more effective at boosting motivation and engagement, particularly when they include interactive elements.
There might be a native way in your LMS already out there, but one of the easiest ways for me to make an assignment where students record themselves is through Screencastify Submit.
Sadly gone are the days of Flip (formerly Flipgrid), but a lot of those same ease of use and ability is within Submit. Students can record back to you as a response!
If you want to make one of your screen recordings into an assignment, but don't want to use Screencastify, Nearpod has your back! You can add interactive questions and see how students interact with the video from the report in either multiple-choice or short answer questions!
Yep, it's a holiday again. I should do something in class.
Holidays creep up, and I want to celebrate them while staying within my subject area. Check out the free and often updated resources from Gold EDU! They published templates, digital make-and-takes, and things you can use for all of your year-round holidays in an easy spreadsheet! They also have a wonderful Google Group that you can join to share in the community and get pertinent topics from other teachers right in your email!
Gold EDU is a team of educator who inspires best practices in education. They believe in sharing rich resources that empower you to try new things with technology!
Stir up some image generation!
Google Whisk is an experimental AI tool from Google that allows users to generate images using visual images rather than written prompts. Whisk takes uploaded images and then transforms the images into AI-generated visuals based on what you added.
In art classes, Whisk enables exploration of various artistic styles and the creation of digital art, making it accessible for all skill levels. For STEM subjects, it can generate illustrations of complex concepts like cells or ecosystems, aiding comprehension. Additionally, Whisk can visualize historical periods and geographical settings, transforming traditional lessons into interactive experiences. Teachers can also create dynamic classroom displays and personalized learning materials tailored to individual student needs, fostering a more engaging educational environment overall!
I created a quick image of myself working with teachers on tech use in the classroom, and we are just the coolest stuffed animals.
How can you tell if a plant is good at math?
Brian Krause, Instructional Technology Coach
Email: bkrause@ltcillinois.org
Booking Link: https://calendly.com/bkrauseltc
Work Cell Phone: (815) 362-4791
Twitter: @bmkeducation
