This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/130**Grading for Equity by Joe FeldmanFind a buddy to talk about the ideas in this book!Structure of the book:Get comfortable with being uncomfortable - try to stay open-mindedTeaching is challenging - grades are one of the only places where we still have autonomyGrades and grading practices are highly personalChanging grades by adminGrading is not really something that is taught in teacher education programsMost grading practices are based on prior experienceWe hate grading! and grade grubbing!Stress around gradingMastery grading and specs grading and other equitable grading practices reduces stress around grades and gradingWeb of belief:Discussion question: What is your why?
In this episode, we delve back into our discussion about the book 'Grading for Equity' by Joe Feldman. The third chapter which we are exploring is titled 'How Traditional Grading Stifles Risk Taking and Supports the Commodity of Grades' and opens up the conversation about belief systems and the prevailing view on student achievement. We discuss the stark differences between the Industrial Revolution beliefs and 21st-century beliefs regarding education, and raise questions about how grading methods should shift in light of these changes. We particularly focus on the harm that a heavy focus on extrinsic motivation can cause and the negative implications of traditional grading practices on the trust and relationship between teachers and students. Furthermore, we scrutinize how grades have become a commodity leading to competition rather than collaboration and debate whether traditional grading serves the purpose of preparing students for post-secondary education or not. Towards the end, we suggest potential solutions that look beyond punitive grading policies and value both the learning process and the students' individual expressions of learning.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/138**00:00 Introduction to Grading for Equity00:37 Exploring Belief Systems in Education01:42 The Shift in Education Systems and Beliefs04:56 The Impact of Traditional Grading on Risk Taking and Trust07:09 The Negative Consequences of Traditional Grading13:48 The Commodity of Grades and Extrinsic Motivation24:16 The Illusion of Engagement and Motivation25:11 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we delve deeper into the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, examining the pillar of 'action and expression'. We review the importance of different methods and accommodations that allow students to demonstrate their learning in the most effective manner. We'll also highlight potential barriers, such as physical impairments and language difficulties, while emphasizing the value of alternative strategies and physical interaction with materials. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/137**00:00 Introduction to Universal Design for Learning00:33 Understanding the Pillar of Action and Expression01:35 Personal Experiences with Organizational Abilities03:51 Exploring the Physical Action Guideline04:27 Addressing Barriers in Physical Action09:59 Optimizing Access to Tools and Assistive Technologies11:44 Expression and Communication: A New Pillar13:20 Exploring Multiple Media for Communication13:26 Using Multiple Tools for Construction and Composition13:37 Building Fluencies with Graduated Levels of Support21:45 Conclusion and ReflectionsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we are discussing the challenges and successes that we have experienced with destreaming in our classrooms. Specifically, we'll chat about the new grade 9 English curriculum, continuing efforts with other destreaming program areas, and how to best support teachers that are implementing destreaming. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/136**Challenges and experiences we have had with implementing destreaming in our schools, specifically in grade 9 English, science, and mathThe importance of providing support and resources for teachers during the implementation process Challenges include lack of time and resources given to educatorsNeed for additional support in grade 10 courses to ensure a smooth transition from destreaming to academic streamsAdditional pressures with teaching a new grade 11 curriculum (NBE course) Other episodes on destreaming:Getting Ready for Destreaming - E081Destreaming Education: Our Two Cents - E048Support the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are talking all about how we start out using various opening routines in our mastery-based classrooms. Specifically, we will share how we set up our courses and some daily activities you can use with your students to get them ready for learning.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/135**Opening Routines For The Semester/School Year:Unit Zero - 2 to 3 lessons long to learn about the logistics of a mastery-based classroom and learningDiagnostics - first 2 to 3 weeks, works well for ELL learners (oral, reading, writing skill levels)Focus on getting to know you activities and building classroom community as the premise to learn about the mastery-based learning modelUse mastery-based learning terminology: lesson classifications, guided notes, etcGoogle Slides and YouTube for getting to know you activities, lessons etcUse of conferencing with studentsLots of opening, whole class activities throughout the first few weeks of schoolThinking classrooms, game-based learning (GimKit for example) are great ideas to engage students in whole class activities and build classroom communityDaily Opening Routines For The Classroom:Regular conferencingGroup-based work based on STEP levels (ELL learners)Whole class lessons with all levels modelled (helps to set high expectations for all learners and builds motivation)Thinking Classrooms model (but not in a traditional sense) - use randomized groups of 3 (Flippity Random Name Picker), at the whiteboards, solving 1-2 problems related to on pace lessons, use mastery as checks for understandingMix approaches up - other collaborative activities, demos, thinking classrooms, other whole group activities to set the tone, etcDo Now or Check-In (goal setting and/or SEL check-in) - can be done daily, weekly, more sporadic (end of unit/module)Weekly agenda slide deckProgress Tracker for informal check-in and goal-settingModern Classroom Project: Guide to Opening and Closing RoutinesAccountability groupsTell me something good - students can share announcements and good newsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are continuing our book study with chapter 2 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into the history of schools and grading and examine what's changed and what's not changed (which is a lot!).If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/134**Chapter 1 - E130Changes in society that affected our model of schoolManufacturing - need for factory workers, prepare students to be good employees, critical thinking is highly valued nowMigration and Immigration - assimilation, movement from rural to urban, FNMI, history repeats itselfIntelligence Testing and Categorization - IQ tests used for streaming purposes, IQ tests not equitable, created barriers to pathways for students, de-streaming is beginning to address these inequities, college vs university pathway (college is much more career-focused which is great)Progressive Educators - John Dewey was ahead of his time, he saw the inequities that existed and saw school as a way to improve position in society, other behaviourists (BF Skinner, Pavlov) - operant conditioning applied to our education systemHow did this impact schools?Quiet vs noisy classrooms - humans are social, quiet is no longer as valued, mastery-based learning supports active and collaborative classrooms where all students are on taskLearning skills - not a lot of change, skills like following directions, punctuality are still highly valuedHistory of GradingVery descriptive and individualized and shifted to letter grades for efficiency reasonsNow we are returning to more descriptive and individualized feedbackBell Curves - if grades fit within a bell curve, it means that the approach taken had no impact on student learning; instead, we want to see skews towards higher achievement to show a positive impactSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are chatting all about station-based learning. This instructional model is frequently used at the elementary level, so our focus for this conversation is how to implement station-based learning in the secondary classroom. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/102**There are many different ways to set up stations - by activity, by curriculum strandCan be done over a day, several days, or even a weekCatlin Tucker - Blended Learning in Action book and Balance with Blended Learning bookStation Rotation Model:Teacher-led, small group work, individual practice, online learning, collaborative stationsDoesn't need to be physical locations in your room although this can help your students stay on task!Other ideas for stations: makerspace, research, project-based learning, design & create, virtual field trips, role playing &/or performance, feedbackFeedback station suggestions:Peer review, teacher led, self assessmentProvide sentence starters and/or frameworks to guide peer and self assessmentBehind the scenes:Lots of upfront work with a big payoffConsider approaching the topic using different modalitiesThink about those topics that students often struggle with to target for stationsHelp students learn the model by starting with low stakes stations (getting to know you activities for example)Consider interactions: teacher-student, student-student, student-contentHave clear objectives, tasks, instructionsWorks well with mastery-based learningMix up the activities you useLook at UDL framework for inspirationLogistics in the classroom:Limit the number of students per stationUse a timer and project it to keep students on taskIt's ok not to finish all tasksConsider lesson classifications from Modern Classrooms frameworkAdd in a fun station (curriculum-related board games, etc.)Tech vs no-tech - not all stations need tech!If using tech, consider all aspects - headphones, headphone splitters, chromebooks, adaptersExpect a learning curve - try, fail, learn!Support the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are chatting about how Rachel's grading approach is shifting this year. Specifically, we will chat about standards-based grading, how Rachel is applying standards-based grading in her classroom, and where she hopes to be with her grading approaches in this school year.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/133**What is standards-based grading (SBG)? It's a system of grading that is closely tied to mastery of the standards in the curriculumDisclaimer: we don't have all of the answers!Rethinking Your Grading Scale - E122Specifications Grading - E107Standards-based grading vs specifications (specs) gradingChemEd talk on Standards-Referenced Grading in Chemistry ClassroomsSBG - 4 levels vs 7 levels (IB)Mastery Scales (example 1 and example 2)Building up skills from basic, to simple, to target, to complexPutting specific expectations into a hierarchical orderEvaluations still don't have points grades - mastery scales are dependent on demonstration of mastery of those skills within each levelLearning is broken down into modules (smaller than units)Overlap of skills between modules is possibleStill doing multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills (2-3 attempts)Due dates are the same as any other school yearConsistent test day each weekConferencing at midterm and final reporting periods to collaborate on gradesFeedback practices remain the same, lots of 1-1 supportMastery - defined as 80% or greater (can be individual for each teacher)A slight step away from UnGradingDo you show the level conversions or not?How will students react?Mastery-based learning works for content retention!Support the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are chatting about technology use with students and how parents can best support that at home. We will share a little bit of our own struggles as parents and also some ideas that we have as educators to help support families.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/132**How Technology Influences Student Thinking - E125This Week In Ontario EduBlogs - Stephen Hurley and Doug PetersonTechnology use has exploded - how much should kids be using it?Limiting screen time (focus on educational apps, limited time/devices, TV time, require activity before screens, get outdoors)Getting off task while on technology (virtual or remote learning, YouTube, lack of focus)Canadian Paediatric Society screen time recommendationsTV watching time as a family activityToo much screen time can affect mood, sleep, etc - decide how much time is right for you, your kids, and your familyParental controls (chromebooks, e-readers, iPads)Teaching digital citizenship skills (share weekly resources in your classroom newsletter)Balance screen time, social activitiesCell phones - when do you start? Safety, maturitySmart watches for kids - Apple Watch, other brandsEducator Tips:Tech breaks (25 min focus, 5 min tech break)Open lines of communication home with parentsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are sharing our podcasting process. We'll get into our past and current podcasting practices, as well as the apps and tools that we use and love! Whether you are interested in podcasting for yourself or with your students, this episode is packed full of great tips and tricks to get you started.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/131**Nerves, giggles, bloopers, and moreStarted with easily accessible tools - GarageBand, AudacityRecording tools - GarageBand, Hindenberg Pro ($, great for editing too with voice profiles)Editing tools - Hindenberg Pro, Descript ($, creates transcripts, uses AI for editing, decreases editing time, voice regeneration)Transcripts - Descript, can hack with Google Read and Write, etcRemote recording now built into Descript with SquadCastOther remote recording tools - Zencastr (free option), Riverside.fm, SquadCast, ZoomEnd-to-end recording - Google Meet and individual recordingMicrophones - Samson Q2U, condenser vs dynamic mic, Rode PodMic (XLR, requires interface)Cloud Lifter to amplify soundInterface - Rodecaster ProJust starting out? Find royalty-free music, dynamic USB microphoneHosting - Buzzsprout ($, Ads, magic mastering, cohost AI), Anchor/Spotify (free)Posting to social media, newsletter - using Chat GPT for idea generationWebsite - Wordpress ($) for blog post "shnotes"Support the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are starting our book study with chapter 1 of Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms by Joe Feldman. Specifically, we will dive into what makes grading so difficult to talk about and even harder to change.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/130**Grading for Equity by Joe FeldmanFind a buddy to talk about the ideas in this book!Structure of the book:14 chapters3 parts - foundations, a case for change, equitable grading practicesGet comfortable with being uncomfortable - try to stay open-mindedTeaching is challenging - grades are one of the only places where we still have autonomyGrades and grading practices are highly personalChanging grades by adminGrading is not really something that is taught in teacher education programsMost grading practices are based on prior experienceWe hate grading! and grade grubbing!Stress around gradingMastery grading and specs grading and other equitable grading practices reduces stress around grades and gradingWeb of belief:Shapes our teaching and grading practicesWhat is your starting position?When we learn new info - we either dismiss or accept it (depends on how it fits)Question your reactions What barriers are we creating with our grading practices?Acknowledge guilt around past grading practices and then let it goDiscussion question: What is your why?Part of our UnGrading journey - Jesse StommelBuilding equity lensBuild on learning and justify changes to grading practices (where is the evidence?)Entry points for grading conversations with colleaguesSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are chatting about providing options for comprehension in the classroom. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we're going to share some different strategies on how we can help students make information accessible, but also how to transform that into knowledge they can use.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/129**CAST.org - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworkRepresentation pillar - Comprehension guidelineIt's all about teaching learners HOW to transform accessible information into useable knowledgeWhy Don't Student's Like School? by Daniel WillinghamCheckpoint #1: Activate or supply background knowledgeValue prior knowledgeGet to know your learners and their background knowledgeConsider using visual imagery, concept anchoring and mastery, KWL chart and other organizers, concept maps (whiteboards), pre-teaching with demos/models, analogies and metaphors, cross-curricular connectionsLearning That Transfers by Julie Stern et al. (ACT model)Checkpoint #2: Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationshipsDifference between experts and novicesUse explicit prompts or cues to point to important materialConsider using graphic organizers, examples/non-examples (Frayer model), highlight previous skills (conceptual learning can be helpful)Checkpoint #3: Guide information processing and visualizationTransform information into useable knowledgeConsider using explicit prompts for sequential processes, organizational methods (tables), multiple entry points, "chunk" information, progressive release (Modern Classrooms and mastery-based learning), and ditch the distractions!Checkpoint #4: Maximize transfer and generalizationGeneralizing and transferring learning to new contextsStudents need multiple representations and differing levels of scaffoldingConsider using checklists, organizers, mnemonic devices (decrease cognitive load), explicit review, new ideas in familiar contextsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we are exploring asset vs deficit mindsets in education. We'll go over our observations as well as some of our ideas to shift away from a deficit mindset in our classrooms. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/80**Asset mindset - what are the strengths that our students bring to the classroom and how you can embrace that with high expectationsDeficit mindset - what are students lacking and focusing on their weaknessesCRRP - High expectations, Cultural competence, Critical consciousnessGrades contribute to a deficit mindset and don't give the full picture of the strengths of a studentIdeas and Strategies:Get to know students and don't look at past gradesEmbrace first languageGoogle Sheets auto-translate words EduGIF from Jake MillerInvolve parents/families in school community - builds a positive school cultureWatch your language and avoid placing students into buckets (struggling vs striving, harmful language)Destreaming is coming in Ontario for Grade 9 next year and needs asset mindsetBook: Going Gradeless, Grades 6-12 by Elise Burns and David FrangiosaBecoming aware and speaking up against deficit languageNeed PD on asset-based mindsets and language (peer conversations and dialogue, active learning, voluntary, accessing when ready, multiple opportunities, reflection)Video: Asset vs Deficit Mindset DefinitionsRecognize that our brains are wired for negativity to protect ourselvesRachel's grading Twitter rantCommunity and relationship building - conversations and conferencing with students, get curious about behaviours, collaborate with other staffAvoid the silo and utilize the whole school teamQuestion your assessment practices, focus on personalized and descriptive feedback (tests = deficit, portfolios = asset for example), varied types, focus on skillsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are setting our goals for the upcoming school year. We'll chat about both our professional and our personal goals, from mastery-based learning to leadership goals and maintaining a good work-life balance this year. If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/128**Professional Goals:Mastery-based learning - building more whole class activitiesChemEd Conference 2023Conferencing with students - try roster checklistsData collection - what is the impact of mastery-based learning?Tweaks to grading practicesNew SERT role (special education)Other PBL projects in ESL (podcast, video, something else?)Leadership Goals:Supporting implementation of de-streaming in grade 9 and new courses in grade 11Political landscape might cause a lot of challenges to our rolesAvoid social media to avoid negativityLeading Grading for Equity and Street Data book studies with leadership teamPersonal Goals:Try to leave the building at a reasonable time each dayNo email at nightComplete prep at work to avoid working at home (leave work at work)Explore opportunities in academia (M.Ed. program, conferences, collaborations, etc)Continuing hobbies (violin lessons, strength training)Maintaining balance - being ok to say no when something doesn't align with our goalsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are talking all about how to build buy-in for ungrading in your school community. We'll discuss ungrading buy-in strategies for various different stakeholders such as teachers, admin, parents, and most importantly, students. Let's start talking about ungrading!If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/97**Teachers/Admin:Start with conversations about grading and grading practicesWhy aren't traditional grading practices working? Leverage opportunities informally in your workroom, more formally in department meetingsKeep in mind - slow and deliberate changes towards ungrading (it's a spectrum)Many ways to ungrade (mastery, standards-based, feedback, etc)Focus on the feedback and learning over gradesLook at printouts of marks for students, rubrics we're using (single point vs 4-level), success criteria, moderated markingTry to find common ground, team dynamics matterRethinking Letter Grades - Conversation CardsGrades are very personal - Grading for Equity by Joe FeldmanShare your own vulnerabilityOpen your classroom space, share your ungrading practicesHonour professional judgementInvite colleagues and admin into your classroomKeep your admin in the loop - let them know what you are doing with ungrading and be prepared with a planParents:Parents are allies - need transparency, clear communication of grading practicesPitch/justify your why of ungrading - send out a newsletter early in the school yearMastery can start a strong parent-teacher relationshipStart an FAQ document to share with parents, teachers, admin, etc - post on website, LMS, etcStudents:This is the trickiest group to build buy-in!Consider the language you use to talk about grading, assessment, and feedbackExpect pushback - this takes a bit of time to learnInvolve students in the grading practicesStart with having a conversation in general about gradingHave them track their progress with a portfolioBuild in reflection opportunitiesKnow that emotions can be high - some students might feel anxiety and stressSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we are exploring ways to set up your Learning Management System (LMS) effectively and efficiently to optimize course organization and learning for your students. We'll go over tips, strategies, and ideas for setting up your LMS, whether it is Brightspace, Canvas, Schoology, Google Classroom, or something else.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/56**Use your LMS, even if you are fully face-to-faceLayout and Homepage:This is your doorway into your virtual classroomEasy navigation - minimize the links to the essentialsLink all of your other tools within the content areaInclude contact info on homepageAnnouncements Brightspace Part 1 and Brightspace Part 2 episodesOrganization:Embed third party tools (EdPuzzle, Google Slides, YouTube videos, etc) into your content areaLink in Google Docs when it makes senseUse consistent naming & numbering systems (reduces cognitive load)Folders - units, weeks, whatever works best for youUse your announcements to lay out weekly expectationsInclude student voice in planning and organizationInclude visuals and make it look pretty - design is important (consistent fonts, icons, emojis, etc to reduce cognitive load and increase engagement)It's okay to set up your LMS to meet your needs, just make sure you create an intro video to help your students navigate it - Screencastify is great!Canva is a great tool for design - Canvas Banner, Canvas Button, Google Classroom Header (also a Style Your LMS category available)Inclusion Ideas:Include important cultural celebrations Add your personality - Bitmoji or GIPHY is great and integrated into CanvaHave students design your classroom banners - include languages represented in your classroom tooDesign With Canva YouTube channelA Scary Suggestion:A little bit of basic coding (HTML and CSS) goes a long way!Code Academy (look under Web Development)This helps with interactive elements in your LMS - buttons, flipcards, etc.Final Advice:Use student-friendly language to increase accessibilitySupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we are talking all about an amazing, and easy-to-use tool called Canva. We will be diving into the how-tos, ideas for using Canva with your students, features within Canva, and the differences between the types of accounts (free, pro, and education).If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!News and UpdatesOur 10 most popular EduGals podcast episodes of 2020Featured ContentCanva is a great and easy-to-use graphic design toolCanva websiteCanva for Education account sign up - a bit intense! For K-12 teachers onlyCanva Pricing Chart - gives you some idea about features in each type of accountGetting Started with Canva TutorialsCanva for Education Tutorials - setting up classes and using Canva with studentsCanva TemplatesFont Combinations Tool from CanvaCanva Colour Palette GeneratorMOOC's (Massive Open Online Courses) - Coursera, edX and many moreCanva Design Types - so many options available!SVG file types + Cricut/Silhouette - for classroom decorations, manipulatives, etcCanva Distance Education ResourcesWays to use it in the classroom:Design lesson plans, worksheets, etc for your classroomApp smash with Google Tools like Slides or JamboardBitmoji Classroom Templates Classroom Kits TemplatesFlashcard TemplatesCustomize your LMS - headers, navigation bar iconsNewsletters to communicate with home/parentsResume templatesSocial Media accounts linked to your schoolInfographic Templates for EducationSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are discussing the why and how of creating effective instructional videos for your classroom. We'll share some considerations for creating videos, as well as tools you might want to use and tips and tricks to help you along the way.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/67**Personal not professional!Why?Learning in a mastery-based classroomCreate a clone of yourselfFrees up your time in the classroom to help your studentsAccess to videos anytime, anywhereHelps with absencesConsiderationsDetermine your learning goal BEFORE hitting recordKeep it targeted to a single learning goalUse your curriculum docs to help with planning - Unit Planning TemplateUse lots of purposeful visuals and minimize text on your slidesAdd interactivity - questions, pause and connect - Screencastify interactive questions in E064Notes - differentiated for support levels needed (freehand, scaffolds, sentence starters, sentence frames, cloze, etc)Provide guiding questions BEFORE watching the videoRetrieval practice for note takingMake it personal, include your face and your personalityKeep recording time short, 6-9 minutes is ideal and less for elementaryTry out animations to control the flow of informationInclude the big picture and progressionRecording ProcessCreate your slides, docs, and plan it all outCollaborate with others and create slide decks as a course teamCreate an outline for your recording (use speaker notes in Slides)Go for done, not perfect - mistakes are okay!EdTech ToolsPresentation Tools: Google Slides, Explain Everything, Prezi, Powerpoint, Keynote, Genial.lyRecording Tools: Meet, Teams, Zoom, Screencastify, Screencast-o-matic, Loom, Flipgrid Shorts (use your screen as your virtual background), Explain Everything, OBS Studio, Quick Time PlayerLearn the keyboard shortcuts!iPad & Apple pencil - use an external microphone or headset with microphoneAbove all else, use tools that meet your specific needs!Support the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
In this episode, we are getting into the debate of which tool we think is better - Google Slides or Google Jamboard. We'll do comparisons of different features and give you our overall impressions and preferences for these two tools. So stay tuned and make sure you listen right to the end!If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!News and UpdatesSet up Google Meet breakout rooms ahead of meetings in Google CalendarVersion history now available for Jamboard on webFeatured ContentGoogle Slides: slides.google.comGoogle Jamboard: jamboard.google.comWhat features do we compare?Template Gallery in SlidesBackground Images in Slides vs JamboardTools for interactivity - Toolbar in Jamboard - esp. Sticky NotesCollaborators in Jamboard vs. SlidesSoftware vs. Hardware for JamboardAdd an image into Slides vs JamboardExplore Feature in SlidesDifferent versions of Jamboard - web vs devicesNumber of slides vs number of framesThe adjacent possible - Jake Miller, Educational Duct TapeVersion History in Slides vs JamboardAdding hyperlinks in SlidesAdding audio and video files in SlidesSimplicity of the user interface of Jamboard for littlesWorkspace in Slides - esp when changing slide dimensionsZoom tools in SlidesAdding items to the grey space outside of the canvas in SlidesEditing the Master in Google SlidesComments in SlidesDifferent backgrounds in JamboardAdding diagrams via Insert > Diagram in Slides and smash it with JamboardSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
This week, we are talking about the use of digital portfolios in the classroom. We'll explore why you would want to use portfolios, how to assess or evaluate portfolios, and our best tips and suggestions to make portfolios a success in your classroom.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/74**Why Use Portfolios?Fits well with ungrading or mastery-based gradingDemonstrates the learning journey by student-selected workGreat as a final performance taskWorks best as a semester or year-long projectFocus on reflection, student voice & choice, ownershipAny grade, any subjectRachel's blogging assignmentUDL - buffet of multimedia options (Katie Novak)CurriculumSelect work from each strand (ESL)Explaining misconceptions (Science) or lab notebooksRegardless, it develops thinking, metacognition, problem solving skillsUseful EdTech ToolsGoogle SitesGoogle Slides (Templates from Slides Mania)Book CreatorWakeletLMS (Brightspace portfolio tool)NotionScreencasting/Curation tools (Screencastify) - see E068 for curation ideasAudio tools (Mote, Vocaroo, Google Read&Write) - see E050 for other audio ideasTips/Strategies for ImplementationLimit the number of pieces of work to highlight (adds creative constraints)Include a list of possible reflection promptsInclude conferences/interviews at regular intervalsFocus on the process not on the productGrade it only when needed (midterm, final)Conferencing prep example - Evidence Journals from the Human Restoration ProjectSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show
Mark Rikhter
Love that you're focusing on practical EdTech for K-12 — that's where implementation often falls apart. Teachers want tools that work, not another platform they have to learn during their already limited planning time. One area that's exploding right now is AI in educational technology. We're finally moving past the "AI will replace teachers" panic and into actually useful applications like adaptive learning paths, automated grading for objective assessments, and personalized content recommendations. If you're covering this topic, this guide on LMS with AI https://yojji.io/blog/lms-with-ai breaks down how AI is being integrated into learning platforms in ways that actually help teachers instead of just adding more complexity. Have you covered AI tools in any episodes yet? Curious what your take is on balancing innovation with the reality of teacher workload and training time.