In Part 1 of this blog, we introduced you to Kialo Edu. We discussed applying the SAMR Model and the Triple E Framework using Kialo Edu in your instruction. Today’s post offers detailed instructions for using this tool and shares classroom ideas.
Kialo Edu is an online platform for educational use designed to facilitate structured debates on complex topics. It uses a unique argument mapping system that organizes discussions into a hierarchical tree structure, separating pros and cons. This visual approach enables easy tracking of argument flow and relationships. The platform encourages collaborative engagement, allowing multiple participants to contribute, vote, and build on ideas simultaneously. With user-friendly interfaces and moderation tools, Kialo Edu aims to elevate online discourse by providing a framework for organized debate and fostering thoughtful, evidence-based argumentation across various subjects.
Kialo Edu:
When you arrive at the site, click Log In or Sign Up.
New accounts can be created using Google, Microsoft, or Clever accounts. An email address can also be used if preferred.
Once logged in, the home page will bring up the My Kialo page. This is the landing page where students can view the questions/topics assigned for student responses.
The Topics button brings up 500+ already-created questions. These questions have been answered already. Students can participate and continue the discussion – or – you can use the template and questions but only have your class respond privately.
If you are searching for a topic, you can use the search or scroll through the listings. Once you find one, click Enter.
Next, click Use Template.
When you click Use Template, you will be presented with the options to Include Starter Claims or Exclude Starter Claims. To keep your discussion/debate private, click Exclude Starter Claims. Once you click to use the template, you will asked additional questions to set up your discussion.
The first step will ask you to name your discussion. Additional languages (20+) are also available, ideal for multilingual students. You can also use this area to alter the question or thesis statement currently written.
The next option provides an opportunity to create a small group mode. This mode allows teachers to assign specific questions to small groups so different groups could have other questions, or all students could answer the same question.
Another engaging task at this site (that is also useful for assessment purposes). The Tasks area assigns students basic tasks. This could include asking for sources and identifying several claims (or responses) that students must complete. You can also set the number of replies that students must add to others’ claims or how many times they must reply to responses on their original claim.
Another neat feature is the ability to post using names or anonymously. This is a great option when asking more controversial questions or questions that may make students uncomfortable sharing their names (such as political). It is also an excellent way to do a social-emotional check, and this site offers topics on that subject that are ready to go.
The final page of options for teachers is to set the questions so that the authors are shown above the claim, students can vote on other claims, and grading and feedback options are included.
Finally, there are two options for showing the topics and claims. The first option is called Tree Navigation. It is a hierarchy look, with claims shown in order of the strongest claims at the top.
The second way to show the data is Sunburst Navigation. This option is great for the visual learners. You can toggle back and forth and view the data in both formats.
When you are ready to share with students, click the Share button.
Finally, it is time to share with the class. Notice an option that does not require a Kialo account. As mentioned before, the benefits of students creating accounts include being able to view past topics and claims and more fluid assessments.
Classroom Implementation Ideas:
Kialo’s versatility allows educators to integrate it into various curricular and co-curricular activities, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and practical communication skills. There are many ways to integrate Kialo Edu into your lessons for debate and discussions. Below, view a list of several suggestions for using Kialo Edu in your lessons.
- Use Kialo Edu to structure formal debates on current events or controversial topics in any subject.
- Have students map out the pros and cons of a thesis statement using Kialo Edu before writing their essays.
- Assign Kialo Edu discussions on complex issues to encourage students to consider multiple perspectives.
- Students can role-play legislators debating proposed bills or policies using Kialo Edu.
- Students can use Kialo Edu to facilitate discussions on literary works’ themes, characters, or narrative choices.
- Use Kialo Edu to recreate historical debates and have students argue from the perspective of key figures.
- Have students debate the pros and cons of different academic or professional paths (perhaps attending college vs going into the trades or if the job of a teacher or doctor is more rewarding).
- Students can use Kialo Edu for large-scale, multiple-user debates, adding their own arguments and responding to others’ arguments.
- Use Kialo Edu for debate and individual arguments. Use the Kialo Edu voting options to highlight the most persuasive or relevant points.
- Students can use Kialo Edu to jointly develop and debate the findings of a group research project. This could be done by creating different topics/discussions for each group.
- Students can use Kialo Edu to map out the supporting and opposing arguments for experimental scientific hypotheses.
- Use Kialo Edu to model constructive dialogue around interpersonal or community issues for conflict resolution. Depending on the nature of the question, you may want to keep this anonymous,
Additional Video Tutorial and Review:
- TeachersFirst Review: Kialo Edu
- Blog: Kialo Edu Blog and Resources
- Video: Teaching Critical Thinking using Kialo Edu
- Video: How to Have Class Debate Online using Kialo Edu
Have you used Kialo Edu? Then, share your activities in the comments below!