Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Get inspired by digital writing tools that facilitate the planning and implementation of powerful, engaging lessons that support literacy standards! Through the exploration of three digital writing tools, understand how these tools can scaffold instruction for each component of the writing process -- prewrite, draft, revise, edit, and publish. Engaged students who understand the writing process produce more successful work. Join us to see how you can improve student organization, collaboration, storytelling, and decision-making within the writing process by using these digital tools. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand ways different digital writing tools can scaffold instruction; 2. Identify ways digital writing can increase student engagement; and 3. Plan for the use of digital writing tools in their classroom to support the writing process. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (390), writing (327)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Looking for an easy way to infuse visual literacy in your instruction? Try using comics in the classroom! Visual literacy is quickly becoming a must-have skill, and infusing comics in your instruction can help students easily learn and practice it. In this workshop, you will learn to help students create comics that demonstrate both their visual literacy skills and comprehension of the content they are learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn to use comics to teach visual literacy strategies; 2. Explore tools to create comics; and 3. Discuss assessment strategies for using comics in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): comics and cartoons (55), professional development (390), visual literacy (4)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Making a learning environment accessible for everyone is critical to a successful inclusive classroom. Today's classrooms are diverse and include English Language Learners and students with learning challenges, whether they have been identified or not. Teachers need to be able to create and deliver content and communications in a way that is accessible to each student. Fortunately, there are free technologies that do just that. Join us as we explore strategies and two free tools that facilitate an inclusive learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of accessibility; 2. Learn about a free Microsoft tool that can be used to digitize content into accessible materials; and 3. Discover a tool that helps bridge communication gaps and supports accessible classroom learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Accessibility (11), Microsoft (80), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from May 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

As teachers, we need to facilitate opportunities for students to engage with the language they are acquiring. This session will explore strategies to help you increase student background knowledge and differentiate instruction when necessary. We'll explore tech tools and activities that help students connect what they're learning in the classroom to experiences in their own lives. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn strategies that support English Language Learners; 2. Explore tech tools that provide differentiated instruction; and 3. Plan an activity designed to increase student background knowledge. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): differentiation (85), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from November 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Computational thinking prepares students to understand how to use today's digital tools to help solve tomorrow's problems. Most teachers are already teaching elements of computational thinking without knowing it. This workshop will help participants understand the fundamental tenets of computational thinking, most notably, how this concept combines critical thinking skills with the power of computing to make decisions or find solutions. Learn how to infuse computational thinking into your classroom activities across all core content areas. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the fundamentals of computational thinking; 2. Explore activities and resources that promote computational thinking; and 3. Plan for the use of computational thinking in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): computational thinking (40), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from April 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Do you work with students whose primary language is not English? Google's suite of free products includes several features that can help your students leverage their native language as they practice literacy skills. Join this session to learn about Google tools that will support your students learning English as a New Language (ENL). As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand instructional approaches that are consistent with Universal Design for Learning (UDL); 2. Learn about tools that facilitate UDL practices in support of ENL students; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of the UDL-friendly strategies taught. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (48), professional development (390)

Accountability for curriculum creates a tug-of-war with creativity in the data-driven world of education. Find ideas and examples for respecting and incorporating students' creative process as an overlay to even the most restrictive curriculum in these pages, originally part of a presentation by Candace Hackett Shively at the ISTE 2011 conference. Take a high-level look at what theorists and practicing "creative people" say about creative process, and find practical ways to make that process a habit in your classroom. Download customizable assignments and rubrics as examples to use with middle and high school students. This resource is a "macro" overview of creative process, companion to the "micro" (skills based) analysis offered in our Dimensions of Creativity pages.

tag(s): creativity (87)

This guide in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers a step-by-step approach to teaching students how to use "big 5" reference materials that are available in most school libraries or classrooms to locate information. The Background Knowledge section asks you to consider whether the resource you are using is outdated; if it is, there are several suggestions for more current resources. You will also find sections for Activities and Extensions for the different resources, adaptable to most age groups.

tag(s): Research (88)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from March 2024. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Do you want to create dynamic, interactive websites for your classroom? Do you want to showcase your students' work and achievements? Do you want to learn how to use Google Sites, a free and easy tool that lets you build and publish websites in minutes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this workshop is for you! In this session, you'll master the basics of Google Sites and explore how to use it for instruction and student projects. You will also discover inspiring examples of ways Google Sites can enhance learning and engagement in your classroom. This workshop will equip you with the confidence and skills you need to create your own Google Site and effectively use it as a digital learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Gain familiarity with the basic features and functionalities of Google Sites. 2. Learn how to integrate Google Sites into instructional practices to enhance teaching and learning experiences. 3. Learn best practices and tips for using Google Sites for instruction and student projects. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (48), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from May 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Creating and using timelines is a great instructional strategy that can scaffold student comprehension in all subjects. From the introduction of a concept to assessment, timelines can help empower learners and inform your instruction. Explore, compare, and contrast three different online timeline creators. Participants will learn about the features of these three free tools and then explore ways to use them in the classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand various ways that timelines can be used in the classroom; 2. Explore 3 timeline tools to use in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of one of the three tools in your educational setting This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (390), timelines (58)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Join us for a workshop designed to empower educators with essential tools and strategies for providing impactful feedback to students and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Explore the principles and practices of effective feedback and learn how to use the RISE peer feedback model, a research-based approach that helps students reflect, inquire, suggest, and elevate their own and others' work. With a focus on teacher and peer feedback, this workshop will equip participants with the skills needed to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes and support the needs of diverse learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the significance of effective feedback in promoting student growth and academic success; 2. Incorporate feedback into instructional planning and assessment practices; and 3. Develop proficiency in delivering targeted and constructive teacher feedback that addresses individual student needs. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): feedback (13), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Looking to change things up in your classroom? Try using podcasts! Improve your students' listening comprehension skills, build academic vocabulary, and strengthen literacy skills with this easy-to-use, research-based instructional strategy. Join us and learn to find appropriate podcasts and use them instructionally. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use podcasts as an instructional strategy; 2. Explore podcasts series created for students; and 3. Plan for the use of podcasts in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): podcasts (112), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from March 2024. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

The bots are battling it out in this AI-themed Tech Smackdown! Our TeachersFirst contributors will showcase their favorite classroom AI assistants in an epic showdown. From creative bots, to time-saving bots, to student-engaging bots, to organizing bots, these artificial intelligence dynamos will digitally duel for the title of most valuable AI. With new AI tools emerging faster than you can say "machine learning," finding the top tech can be a challenge. Let our tech-wise teachers be your guides in this fast-paced, fun session! The future is now - come see which classroom AI education tool will be crowned king! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Compare and contrast the most popular AI-powered education tools to discover which ones are most effective for classroom use. 2. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of leading AI learning tools to determine which provide the greatest benefits for students. 3. Discuss implementation strategies and best practices for leveraging AI tools to enhance teaching and optimize student outcomes. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (186), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from April 2022. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Gamification is an advanced pedagogical strategy that facilitates students' ownership of their learning goals. Learn to design independent and group learning experiences that use authentic learning activities to bring game design and game elements to the classroom. Explore resources and strategies that foster student engagement with gamification methods. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the difference between gamification and game-based learning. 2. Explore gamification strategies and templates; and 3. Plan for the use of gamification in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): gamification (85)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from March 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Ignite creativity and learning with Adobe Express for Education. Provide challenging learning opportunities for your students by using media creation to engage them and deepen their content area knowledge. Students can create posters, presentations, images, animations, web pages, videos, and more that demonstrate their knowledge construction skills. Learn to use Adobe Express for classroom projects and personal productivity, and brainstorm with others about ways you and your students can use this tool to demonstrate learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of Adobe Express for Education; 2. Explore three different ways to use Adobe Express in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Adobe Express in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (146), creativity (87), professional development (390)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Microsoft Teams is a great all-in-one hub for the collaborative classroom. This "basics" session will introduce you to channels, tabs and posts which are the foundation of communication and collaboration in Microsoft Teams. When used with remote learning best practices, these building blocks can help you create a welcoming environment for your students. Join us to make the best use of these tools to provide structure for your remote learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about Microsoft Teams settings and options; 2. Understand how to use channels to foster student communication; and 3. Plan for the use of Microsoft Teams to support instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Microsoft (80), professional development (390), remote learning (54)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from July 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

In this session, you will learn to see feedback as a teaching opportunity that motivates students to make further progress. Students need descriptive feedback to improve their achievement. Using technology tools to deliver information that is both meaningful and actionable can change students' reactions to feedback. With good information on how their performance compares to the goal, students can become partners in a collaborative effort to better align their work with the instructional objective. Join us to learn five strategies that change the feedback loop in your classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Recognize the components of effective feedback; 2. Develop an understanding of the RISE feedback model; and 3. Discover ways to use Google tools to deliver feedback to students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Google (48), professional development (390), remote learning (54)

This installment in a series of articles about implementing Common Core in elementary focuses on close reading of texts in Caldecott award winning books. Since Caldecott winners tend to be available in most libraries, what better way to start the practice of close reading and questioning a la Common Core. A major shift of the Common Core State Standards is to have reading, writing, listening and speaking grounded in evidence , from both literary and informational texts. As a result, terms like "close reading" and "text-dependent questions" are getting a lot of attention. Find ideas to implement this shift. The article is intended for elementary teachers as part of our Help! I lost my library/media specialist series.

tag(s): commoncore (73)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2023. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Want to use an engaging and challenging learning platform to bridge content knowledge gaps for your students? Come to this session to learn about three tech tools that will help you reach every student at their level. Teach Your Monster to Read, CommonLit, and GeoGebra will help find and fix missing skills in Reading or Math. Learn how to leverage these free, adaptive online tools to improve student outcomes. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about content area tools to use in the classroom to bridge knowledge gaps; 2. Understand how to use assessment data to guide intervention; and 3. Collaborate with other participants on ways to use these tools in instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (390), reading strategies (96)

This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from March 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.

Looking for new tech tools? Go to the cutting edge with TeachersFirst! Discover tools you and your students can use to create images, timelines, whiteboards, mind maps, and more. Learn how the TeachersFirst Edge collection is organized so you can find a tool that fits your needs. Get inspired and explore classroom applications for time-saving tools in this fast-paced session. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore the categories and tools reviewed in TeachersFirst Edge; 2. Plan to implement an Edge resource for student-centered use as part of an upcoming teaching unit; and 3. Use an Edge tool to create an instructional learning object. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (390)