The Retrieval Effect - Technology Integration Idea

Wednesday, June 20, 2018 No comments

The Retrieval Effect is a great way to get students thinking about previous information discussed in class and also gives the teacher a chance to go over any misconceptions.

Want to add a technology component to the Retrieval Effect?

Try using AnswerGarden to ask students questions and then use their answers as a discussion piece.

The word cloud formed from their answers will allow for a really good discussion in class and provide guidance throughout the lesson.

You can even embed your AnswerGarden into your LMS course.

To learn more about using AnswerGaden - How to, reviews and integration ideas

Today is Global Accessibility Day!

Thursday, May 17, 2018 No comments

Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 17, 2018

Hi everyone! I am not sure if you are aware, but today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

The purpose of this exciting day is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital inclusion and people with different talents and abilities. When we speak about accessibility we are speaking to everyone. It is very important to create learning environments that work for those impaired by situation, circumstance, body or mind. When you develop learning environments and experiences that are accessible you are allowing all learners to experience learning the best way possible.

Today let's make it about learning and becoming aware of the importance of accessibility in the online world. Together we can make learning more accessible and truly beneficial to all who experience online learning.

I hope you enjoy the wonderful resources below. Please feel free to comment if you have any resources you would like to share.

Accessibility Awareness Day is today May 17th.

Web Accessibility Toolkit
http://accessibility.arl.org/standards-best-practices/

WebAim
https://webaim.org/resources/

30 Web Accessibility Tips
https://www.washington.edu/accesscomputing/sites/default/files/30-Web-Accessibility-Tips.pdf

70 Web Accessibility Resources for Designing with Inclusivity

https://dynomapper.com/blog/27-accessibility-testing/453-70-accessibility-resources-that-help-people-with-disabilities-online

Tools and Resources
http://www.washington.edu/accessibility/web/tools-and-resources/

6 great accessibility resources for improving your online course offerings
https://blog.blackboard.com/6-great-accessibility-resources-for-improving-your-online-course-offerings/

Designing Accessible Online Courses

https://canvas.unl.edu/courses/27068

Online Accessibility Resource Documents

https://ccconlineed.instructure.com/courses/98

Online Courses for Professional Development - Accessibility
https://www.class-central.com/course/udacity-web-accessibility-6531
https://www.mooc-list.com/course/web-design-best-practices-inclusive-approach-edx

Celebrate GAAD Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Webinars/Videos available:

BlackBoard's GAAD Follow-the-Sun Webinar Series
Blackboard believes that accessibility is an imperative in education. We are participating in GAAD 2018 with our annual “follow-the-sun” series of webinars on accessibility and inclusive education. The webinar presenters are from across the globe and will cover all levels of education – K12, Higher Ed, and professional education. Please join us for one webinar or the entire series. Register here:
Learn more and register for their online session May 17

Academy For Teaching Excellence Webinar: Evaluating Your Course Materials for Accessibility
This live virtual meeting (May 17 at 2:00pm North America Central Time) via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra we will explore methods for checking the accessibility of course content/materials with Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 365 documents, presentations, and more. Participants may join the session 30 minutes early for testing their computer system and settings.

Participate in Evaluating Your Course Materials for Accessibility Webinar May 17 at 2:00pm North America Central Time
Digital Accessibility Webinar Series
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/professionaldevelopment/digital-accessibility-webinar-series-online-course
ADA Center
https://www.accessibilityonline.org/ada-tech/archives/

Creating Accessible Online Resources for People with Disabilities
https://www.techsoup.org/community/events-webinars/creating-accessible-online-resources-for-people-with-disabilities-2017-08-24

Accessibility Online Webinars
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx-VX3akOUViy4xIsOlWHK3Yetx3DTDqk

A short film on reimagining accessibility for today’s world by Microsoft
Discover practical ways to build a more inclusive environment and how accessible technologies such as Microsoft 365 enable everyone to create, communicate and collaborate. Whether you are looking to ensure productivity for your diverse workforce or to increase your organization’s reach and provide delightful services to customers with disabilities, the “Empower every person: reimagining accessibility” short film is for you.

Register today to watch, on May 17th, this free on-demand short film featuring leaders from Microsoft and our partners: US Business Leadership Network, Be. Accessible, TD Bank Group and Rochester Institute of Technology.

What the Legal Landscape Looks like for Schools in 2018 Finalsite Live WebinarWebsite accessibility was a big buzzword in 2017 — especially among public school districts and in higher ed. Along with the buzz came a lot of unanswered questions about the process and legislation. So, we're here to clear up the confusion!
Join Finalsite's Founder and CEO Jon Moser and AudioEye's Co-Founder and President Sean Bradley to sort out the different legislations behind website accessibility, how to determine if your school is a target, and what to do to prevent fines.

Learn more and register for Finalsite's live webinar May 17 @ 2:00 PM EDT

If you have access to Lynda.com you can check out these great videos:

Earth Day Resources for the Classroom

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 No comments

All About Earth Day

Did you know?Earth Day is celebrated in more than 175 countries 30% of the amount of food is lost or wasted before reaching consumers 1 action is all it takes to make a difference.

2018 Earth Day Freebies and Deals Roundup

Check out these great finds: https://thriftyjinxy.com/2018-earth-day-freebies-and-deals-roundup/

Enjoys these great resources that you can use in your classroom!!

Explore - Explain - Apply

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fGWBCqpIS46sYHcDbT7y9JiOEBV5yCS9P2CNO3TKePw/edit

12 Meaningful Earth Day Activities for Every Grade

https://www.weareteachers.com/meaningful-earth-day-activities/

Earth Day Interactive

Eco Kids

Recycle City

National Geographic: Earth Day

Children of the Earth

PlanetPals

Earth Day Flipcharts

Earth Day Videos

Quiznetic...Make your lessons like no other

Monday, January 29, 2018 No comments

About 4 months ago I happened upon a site called Quiznetic. I created an account, tested out the software and found that I love it. Creating a game is very easy to do and you have the ability to have full control over the layout of the game and where players move as they progress through the questions. Quiznetic allows for multiple choice and numeric question types. I really like that you can add your own backgrounds or choose from a gallery of already created backgrounds.

Quiznetic takes gamification and classroom learning to a whole new level. With the style of a traditional board game, this is the ultimate gamified learning experience.
You can create a set of questions and build your own themed revision game for students to race each other around a track or path. Students join the game on their own devices and then have to answer questions to move their player on the game screen. You can display the game on an interactive white board at the front of the class so everyone can see where their player is in real-time. Students can answer the questions using laptops, tablets or phones!