Law #2 Use a Screen So You Won’t Have to Scream

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I am over the 35 year old hump in life and I had to come to terms with a harsh reality. That most of my students were born with digital devices in their hand. They do not actually know how to hold a conversation using spoken words. However, they can tell an entire story in under 160 characters. For these reasons, I am highly suggesting that you, use a screen, so you won’t have to scream.

While I do believe that worksheets and skill and drill are still necessary in the math classroom of today. There are other ways to create meaningful practice for your students, while still engaging them digitally. Basically, there is room for both, with a healthy balance.

One of the main keys to using technology, is to make it a one stop shop for your students. How do I do this? 1) I make sure students have notes on the topic already. If they do not, I build notes into the activity usually by using Nearpod or Quizizz. 2) Provided students with access to immediate feedback and also (drum roll please) a way to self correct right after. Having students continue to practice problems, while they are making uncorrected mistakes, is very counter productive. Truly not an effective use of your time, or theirs.

#1 Interactive Digital Lessons

Am I dating myself when I say that I remember when PowerPoint first came out. PowerPoint was literally the hottest thing since sliced bread? It was the newest innovation on the block. Taking boring still overhead projector sheets and vis-a-v markers to the next level.

I am not here to say that every single lesson you do needs to be an interactive digital one. However, I will say, that if you want to improve engagement, then you want to start incorporating them. I recommend multiple times in a unit. If you are really feeling froggy, shoot for once a week. Me personally, I shoot for 1-2 times per week. Maybe that is one of the reasons I am the Queen of working and not working at the same time.

My Favorite Digital Lesson Builders

In order to use a screen, so you won’t have to scream, there are tons of digital tools available. The proper category is considered, Web 2.0’s. Two of my favorite are Nearpod and Quizizz. They both provide ways to create lesson slides for information. Also, each of them has their own perks for miniature activities used to switch up how content is being presented and checked for understanding. These switch-ups are what students look forward to. Literally the same questions you would ask them to do on paper, the same comprehension checks…just on a screen. As I like to say, “Hey, whatever works.”

Nearpod has a really cool feature called, “A Time To Climb.” It is a multiple choice quizzing tool that allows students to earn points based on correct answers. They also get to watch their icon climb up the hill/mountain. It also allows you to embed videos, traditional quiz questions, polls, free response, take virtual trips to other sites and more. Another cool feature of Nearpod I love, is the Draw-It slides. Since I teach math it is awesome to be able to have each student show their work on their device. Then on the teacher dashboard, you can see all their responses on your screen.

Quizizz has several functionalities, but for the purpose of this article we will focus on lessons. Lessons can be created to be done teacher-led and projected for the entire class. Or it can be done student-paced, where each student on their own device, and works through the lesson. In this case I will focus on the teacher-led option.

The entire lesson is one big game. You can create lesson slides with images, videos, and text. In between information slides you can ask questions that are multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, multi-select etc. There are some even cooler features if you are a premium member. To reiterate, taking what you were already going to use and providing it in a much more engaging format.

Using these tools does not require much extra effort when you create them. Simply use the problems you were going to have students try during your traditional lesson or what you would use as comprehension checks. Use them to fill in the activity portions. You will be amazed at how changing the delivery, will get you closer to your desired outcome. Improved student participation, and performance.

#2 Digital Practice with Immediate Feedback

Practice does not make perfect, Perfect Practice Makes Perfect. If a student answers 20 questions incorrectly, then they only reinforced the incorrect methods 20 times. It is a great idea to use a screen, so you won’t have to scream, but it must be done effectively to make a positive impact. When you have your students doing digital practice, you want to make sure they have the opportunity to self-correct.

There are tons of great platforms out there that will allow you to use a screen, so you won’t have to scream. You can use the free or membership versions to help your students. Over the years, I have dabbled in a few such as IXL, MathXL, Khan Academy, and Delta Math. These are some of my favorites. Of course each offers paid memberships that come with some added perks. It is really up to you to decide what features you think are worth paying for.

I am a major Quizizz fan, so I create a Quizizz activity that has explanations for each question. There is an image (usually created in PowerPoint or a picture of my scratch paper) I upload, with the problem solved. Showing the correct steps for solving in the explanation portion of the question. This allows students after they have learned they were incorrect, to compare the work . They would be comparing what is in their notebook to the correct work on the explanation. I truly love days like this because, my students have all the help they need built in, and don’t need me for anything!

#3) Pre-Record 1 Lesson a Unit

This is definitely my favorite use a screen, so you won’t have to scream hack. I love this one so much because, it gives me an entire day, where my students are fully engaged, fully occupied, and truly don’t need me for anything. Once I give out instructions, have all students with the video and their note taking materials in front of them, my job is done. Of course, I will walk around periodically to survey the scene, but that is considered minimal energy output.

I know that this one may seem bit scary for some of you. Especially if you do not consider yourself tech savvy. Talk about a mental health day at work. If you pre-record yourself teaching a lesson, you can either play the video projected for the entire class, or if you are a 1:1 school, students can watch on their own device at their own pace. Technology has advanced tons, now you are able to record a screen and your voice, but not have to show your face (unless you absolutely want to).

If you are in a situation where you must schedule and check-out a laptop cart, simply have your video lesson prepared for that day. In the event you will not have enough devices for each student to have their own, your students will have to share. That’s perfectly fine.

I have had students watch a pre-recorded lesson in groups of 2-3 and it worked out perfectly. For classrooms that have a few desktops, you could use those to help remediate or accelerate a small group of students, while you complete other tasks with the rest of the class. For more tips on how to use pre-recorded lessons, then my Pre-Record, So You Don’t Feel Like a Broken Record post will be helpful.

#4 Use Supplemental Videos During Lessons

An alternative way to use a screen, so you won’t have to scream is to use videos others have already made. If you are working on a specific topic, utilize videos that are already posted online, in your lesson. There are multiple ways to incorporate YouTube and even MathTube videos seamlessly.

Use the video as a preview to what students will be able to do by the end of the lesson. Pause at key points and ask students what they just observed. You can even give students 1-2 focus questions they should be able to answer by the end of the video.

Another use is as guided practice. Pause the video at critical points and ask students to try the next step with a partner. Play the video after a certain amount of time has passed. Then, allow students to correct their paper while you open up the floor for discussion.

Maybe there is more than one method for solving that type of problem. You could focus your lesson on your preferred method, and use the video to show students the alternative method. Also pointing out that they are able to further investigate that method on their own outside of class.

Regardless of how you choose to implement them, your students will enjoy hearing another voice. It will also give you few moments to breathe. Even work on some other tasks.

I am fully aware that no technology will ever take the place of good old fashion teacher-led lessons, and skill and drill worksheets. However, if you are not using screens in your classroom, not only are you working too hard on a daily basis, but you are also boring on a daily basis. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, try polling your students and find out for yourself.

#5 Use Teacher Pay Teachers

One day I am sure I will write an entire post about Teacher Pay Teachers, and all it’s gloriousness. Today is not that day, but I could not close out this entry without mentioning it. There are so many talented educators who have spent countless hours creating digital resources on thousands of topics. Best part is, they did all the leg work, so you don’t have to.

Nothing In Life Is Free

There is this hip hop song by Lil John and the East Side Boyz, called, Nothin’s Free. The hook says, “Nothing in life is free, especially not me.” Of course I am not writing this because I am trying to sell myself, but the concept is the same. To bring it into the Teacher Pay Teacher realm, “Nothing in life is free, especially not bomb.com resources that save you hours of your own time.”

If you are looking to use a screen, so you won’t have to scream for secondary math. There are some super resources that provide guided practice, are fully digital, and self-checking a.k.a. the students won’t need you to stand over them, then check out my Virtually I’mPossible TPT Store. Or you can purchase them directly on this site by visiting my online store.

Yes, majority of the resources you will have to pay for. Fortunately for you penny pinchers, there are some freebies as well. The beauty of the site is you can search by price, while you search by topic. Literally type “digital” with your topic and hundreds of options will come up. This school year I learned to stop trying to be Superwoman. I have purchased more resources than I have in any year prior. This is a great way to get engaging digital resources for your specific topic, without having to do more than lift your finger…literally lift your pointer finger to click purchase.

Conclusion

When using a screen, so you won’t have to scream, the possibilities are truly endless. We are blessed to be in an era, where technology resources are abundant. Definitely explore interactive lesson builders such as Nearpod and Quizizz. Kahoot is another good one for game purposes, but to build lessons you do have to upgrade. Even look into some websites that offer practice with immediate feedback.

Since we are in a time when technology is abundant, I do not recommend that you try to use all of them. Pick one or two that truly suit your fancy and dive deep in to all they have to offer. You can always branch out later.

Using videos can free you up during class, and also save you loads of energy. Whether you pre-record yourself teaching the lesson, or you use video resources already out there, you can get the rest day you need, with none of the guilt. Just be sure if you are using video resources you did not create, that you fully vet the video first. Make sure it teaches the method you want. Also ensure that it provides the types of example problems you want to expose your students to.

Finally, stick to the old motto of, “Think smarter, not harder.” Use ready made resources that other awesome teachers have created on Teacher Pay Teachers. If you are looking for some No Prep, No Grading, Self-checking secondary math all digital activities, check out my TPT store here. Or you can purchase them directly on this site by visiting my Lazy Math Tools online Store.

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