Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

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

Bring your instruction and student projects to life with animation! In this workshop, you'll learn how to use Adobe Express Character Animation, a free and user-friendly tool that lets you easily create engaging animated videos using your own voice or audio files. By the end of this session, you'll have the ability to create short, visually striking animations that capture students' attention and bring hard-to-grasp concepts to life. You'll leave equipped to create learning tools that are simple to make and fun to watch, revolutionizing the way you approach teaching and igniting students' curiosity about any subject matter. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your instruction pop! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore innovative ways to seamlessly integrate character animation into instructional materials. 2. Examine real-world examples of character animation in educational contexts. 3. Become proficient in navigating the application's interface. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): animation (65), professional development (385)

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

Students need to understand copyright laws and responsible content creation as they engage in various academic projects and creative endeavors. This workshop will equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies you need to effectively teach copyright concepts to your students. Together, we'll explore the legal and ethical implications of using other people's work and the creative and educational benefits of remixing and reusing content. Discover various tools and resources to help you and your students find, evaluate, and cite free or licensed content for reuse and gain valuable insights that will help you seamlessly integrate copyright literacy into your teaching practices. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the basic copyright laws and how they apply to educational settings. 2. Explore strategies for teaching students to remix and reuse content in their projects responsibly. 3. Gain practical resources and tools that support copyright education in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): copyright (44), digital citizenship (85), professional development (385)

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 (47), professional development (385)

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 (177), professional development (385)

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

Twee is an AI-powered edtech tool that makes it easy for teachers to create engaging, differentiated instructional materials. In this workshop, participants will learn how Twee can help them quickly generate customized lessons, assignments, and activities tailored to their students' needs and learning styles. Educators teaching almost any subject area or grade level will discover how to leverage Twee to accommodate learner variability through differentiated content and authentic learner-driven experiences. You'll leave ready to use this powerful tool to save time while designing interactive, student-centered learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand how to use Twee to plan instruction. 2. Explore strategies to differentiate instruction using Twee. 2. Create learning materials appropriate for the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), professional development (385), Teacher Utilities (198)

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

Harness the power of Microsoft Sway to create dynamic, multimedia-rich student projects. Explore the versatility of Sway and learn how to craft compelling "show what you know" assignments that are applicable to a wide range of grade levels and subject areas. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use Microsoft Sway to create and share digital stories that showcase your students' learning. Whether it's a book report, an interactive webpage, a portfolio, or a curated collection of artifacts, Sway can breathe new life into student projects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the potential of Microsoft Sway as a versatile tool for student projects. 2. Plan a "show what you know" project using Sway. 3. Produce an exemplar to accompany their project description. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): Formative Assessment (74)

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

Digital or online reading is different from reading print. Digital reading often includes a research component that is not linear, so when reading online, students need to clarify their purpose and then evaluate and synthesize information. Come learn about the processes involved in digital reading and explore three tools that will help you teach critical strategies to your students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand skills and processes involved in digital reading. 2. Explore tools that help students find, evaluate, and synthesize what they read. 3. Plan for digital reading instruction in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital reading (17), professional development (385), reading strategies (96)

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

Misinformation is rampant online. As educators, how can we prepare students to navigate this landscape? In this interactive workshop, participants will explore techniques for leveraging fake websites to build essential media literacy skills. Join us to explore this engaging approach to promoting digital citizenship and critical thinking. Leave equipped with practical strategies for developing media-savvy students through authentic learning experiences that incorporate analyzing fake websites. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Evaluate fake websites and identify specific indicators of misinformation, such as biased language, questionable sources, and misleading visuals. 2. Learn strategies for responsibly incorporating fake websites into instruction to foster critical thinking. 3. Plan to implement activities using fake websites in instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): digital citizenship (85), media literacy (109), professional development (385)

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

Google Maps is a familiar tool for finding directions, but it has so much more potential for dynamic learning in the classroom. Google My Maps allows educators to create customized, interactive maps to engage students with location-based projects across subjects and grades. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of building customized maps and explore examples of how other teachers have used My Maps to enhance instruction, collaboration, and student projects. Learn strategies for using My Maps to allow students to guide their own explorations, tell location-based stories, visualize data, and demonstrate their learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Build a customized My Maps demo map incorporating markers, shapes, and multimedia elements. 2. Explore examples of My Maps projects and reflect on potential connections to their own instruction. 3. Plan for their own instructional My Maps project to try with students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): map skills (63), maps (220), professional development (385)

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

Spend less time searching and more time teaching with TeachersFirst.org! This workshop will empower educators by introducing them to the thousands of original and curated classroom resources on the site--all reviewed and rated by real teachers. You'll learn how to enrich instruction by taking advantage of lesson plan ideas and explanations of how to integrate top-rated resources into your classroom. You'll also discover how to stay on top of education trends through TeachersFirst's blogs, workshops, and weekly newsletter. Maximize your time and resources by finding everything you need in one place. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Discover time-saving strategies for finding top-rated teaching resources reviewed by real educators. 2. Learn how to integrate TeachersFirst's highly-rated resources into engaging and effective lesson plans. 3. Gain access to a network of support through TeachersFirst's blogs, workshops, and newsletter to stay on top of education trends. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (385), resources (84)

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

Content area literacy is the ability to use reading and writing to acquire information in a subject area. It involves general literacy skills, content-specific literacy skills, and prior knowledge of content. This interactive workshop will explore five technology-integrated strategies that will enhance content-area literacy across the curriculum, focusing on supporting the needs of diverse learners to ensure an inclusive and equitable learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explain the definition and benefits of content area literacy; 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the five strategies presented for their students' learning needs and goals; and 3. Plan hands-on, engaging activities that will help students develop content area literacy skills. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): literacy (122), professional development (385), reading strategies (96), teaching strategies (50)

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

Do you want to improve your classroom climate by including better questioning strategies? This workshop is for you! This session will delve into the transformative power of questioning techniques that will help you enhance social and emotional learning (SEL) and foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment. We'll explore how integrating specific questioning strategies can improve engagement and participation. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify and use different types of questions to promote higher-order thinking, engagement, and feedback. 2. Explain the benefits of questioning strategies for enhanced SEL and classroom climate. 3. Create an actionable plan to implement improved questioning techniques in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (385), questioning (36)

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 (12), professional development (385)

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

Learn how to use free technology tools to help emerging multilingual learners with writing. This interactive virtual workshop will explore various tools and strategies that will spice up your writing instruction and make it more effective and engaging for your students. Leave with innovative approaches and practical techniques for engaging and empowering your students, ensuring equitable access and meaningful learning experiences for all. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify and evaluate different types of technology tools for writing instruction and support; 2. Learn to use technology tools to facilitate collaborative writing, peer review, and publishing; and 3. Understand how technology tools can facilitate student agency and autonomy in writing. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): writing (325)

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

A learning bento is a creative project that showcases a student's understanding of a topic or a book using various objects and media. In this workshop, you will learn how to use learning bentos as summative assessments for your students by exploring examples and learning to design your own. You'll also learn how to use this assessment strategy to support the needs of diverse learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Collaborate on potential uses for learning bentos with other participants; 2. Design and create a learning bento project exemplar; and 3. Reflect on the benefits and challenges of using learning bentos as summative assessments. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (147), creativity (86), professional development (385)

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

Engaging and assessing diverse learners is a critical challenge in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. Join us for an interactive virtual workshop that will help you harness the potential of ClassTools to design meaningful projects that cater to a range of student abilities and needs. You'll also explore using ClassTools projects as formative and summative assessments that provide meaningful feedback and support diverse learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how to use ClassTools to create projects that accommodate the needs of diverse learners; 2. Explore the free tools available via ClassTools and their applications in diverse educational contexts; and 3. Create and share your own ClassTools project using different templates and games. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), professional development (385)

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

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers exciting opportunities to transform assessment practices. In this workshop, you will learn how to use education-specific AI tools to create engaging, effective formative and summative assessments for your students. Join us to explore various AI tools that can help you design and generate assessment items, rubrics, feedback, and reports based on your curriculum's learning objectives and standards. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify and evaluate different types of AI tools for assessment creation and delivery; 2. Use AI tools to design and generate formative and summative assessment instruments, such as quizzes, projects, portfolios, and presentations; and 3. Reflect on the benefits and challenges of using AI tools for assessment in your teaching practice This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), assessment (147), Formative Assessment (74), professional development (385)

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

Retrieval practice is a powerful learning strategy that involves recalling information from memory, which has been shown to improve long-term retention and enhance critical thinking skills. Join this session to explore digital tools you can use to implement retrieval practice strategies that will facilitate and enhance student learning in your classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the principles and benefits of retrieval practice; 2. Explore technology tools that can facilitate retrieval practice; and 3. Plan to use technology tools to create and implement retrieval practice activities in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): teaching strategies (50)

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

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is a necessary component of all classrooms today. As educators, we need to find ways to reach all students and help them better understand STEM topics. In this session, we'll share a few STEM activities for educators with limited tech options and those who are simply looking for a no- or low-tech STEM lesson. We'll also reflect on the activity suggestions and discuss possible management concerns that arise when working in cooperative groups. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore no-tech and low-tech STEM activities; 2. Understand the engineering design process; and 3. Plan for the integration of no- and low-tech STEM activities in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): professional development (385), STEM (297)

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

Many technology tools are available for classroom use, but which are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite resources. Help us decide which tool is the winner of this session's Smackdown! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.

tag(s): inquiry (24), professional development (385), Research (87)