Online Learning & eLearning

Introduction:

Educators are continually seeking innovative ways to engage students in the classroom, and one method gaining traction is incorporating pop culture into lesson plans. In an era of social media and constant content consumption, students have become enamored with the entertainment world. The Achievery, an educational platform, has tapped into this fascination by incorporating pop culture references that not only grab the students’ attention but also creates a more enjoyable learning experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the engaging lessons from The Achievery that are infused with pop culture.

1. Social Studies Meets Reality TV

Taking inspiration from reality TV shows like Survivor and Big Brother, this unique lesson plan covers essential topics such as decision-making and collaboration. Students work together in teams, competing through various challenges that help them understand different perspectives on historical events and voting systems.

2. Math Gets a Marvel Makeover

Who doesn’t love superheroes? When math concepts are tied to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suddenly algebra becomes more exciting! The Achievery uses examples from movies like Iron Man and Thor to explain math concepts like equations and geometry, making it easier for students to relate.

3. A Grammar Lesson Straight Out of Westeros

With Game of Thrones as one of the most popular TV series in recent history, it only makes sense to use it as a teaching tool. This creative grammar lesson uses characters, locations, and events from Westeros to teach grammar rules in a captivating manner.

4. Unlocking Science Mysteries with Escape Rooms

With their intricate puzzles built on riddles and trivia, escape rooms are a natural fit for science-based lessons. By tying in scientific concepts into entertaining escape rooms experiences, many students find the hands-on activities wildly engaging.

5. Memes Make Learning Vocabulary Vibrant

When vocabulary words are illustrated with relatable memes and gifs, students are more likely to recall these words in the future. The Achievery takes advantage of this memorable teaching tool by using popular internet memes to drive home the meaning and use of new vocabulary.

Conclusion:

The Achievery’s use of pop culture-themed lessons has unlocked a treasure trove of educational opportunities for today’s students. By making learning fun and engaging, these innovative lesson plans ensure that students become passionate about their education and look forward to discovering more in the classroom. Whether it’s tackling math problems with Marvel superheroes or exploring scientific concepts through escape rooms, students are guaranteed to flip for these unforgettable lessons from The Achievery.

As the world shifts towards a more digital landscape, it’s essential for educators, students, and professionals alike to keep pace with emerging trends and key learnings. That is precisely why we are excited to mark our calendars for LearnOn, EVERFI’s free summer conference this year!

LearnOn is a virtual learning experience that offers a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insights into educational technology and stay ahead of the curve. Here, we share some compelling reasons to why you should also consider adding LearnOn to your calendar this summer:

1. Cutting-Edge Topics: LearnOn curates a diverse range of topics centered around digital learning and innovation for a comprehensive understanding of the evolving edtech landscape. This allows you to explore new methodologies, technologies, and approaches that can help elevate your skill set and enrich your perspective on education.

2. Industry Experts & Insightful Discussions: At LearnOn, you have a unique chance to learn from leading experts in the field of education technology. The conference hosts interactive panel discussions that encourage knowledge-sharing and participation from all attendees, ensuring you gain first-hand insights from thought leaders.

3. Networking Opportunities: Despite its virtual format, LearnOn enables attendees to branch out within their professional circles and meet like-minded peers from different industries in an engaging environment. Networking opportunities provide chances for collaboration, mentorship, and mutual learning.

4. Flexible Schedule & Accessibility: As a free virtual conference, EVERFI’s LearnOn brings high-quality content right at your fingertips without any costs or travel limitations. With sessions scheduled over several days to fit different time zones and preferences, you can attend sessions that best align with your schedule.

5. An Emphasis on Diversity & Inclusion: LearnOn values diversity in its programming by prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the conference. This ensures that participants understand how to create more inclusive educational environments and better support diverse learners.

In conclusion, EVERFI’s free summer conference, LearnOn, is an event that should not be missed by anyone interested in educational technology or staying at the forefront of innovation in the digital era. It offers a wealth of knowledge and opportunities that can positively impact your professional growth and enable you to contribute meaningfully to the education landscape. Mark your calendars today and get ready for an enriching experience at LearnOn!

Introduction:

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, it seems that educators everywhere are finding themselves once again pivoting back to virtual teaching. After months of adjusting to in-person learning and all the challenges that come with it, we’re now faced with the reality that remote education is still very much a part of our lives. In this article, we’ll delve into what this transition means for teachers, students, and parents alike and explore some strategies to make the most out of this situation.

The Sudden Shift Back to Virtual Learning:

Just as educators and students were starting to settle back into the routine of face-to-face learning, another wave of COVID-19 cases has forced many schools to revert to virtual instruction. This sudden shift can be understandably disorienting for both teachers and learners alike, as it requires navigating a different set of challenges and adapting once again to new methods of delivering education.

The Impact on Teachers:

For teachers, the move back to virtual teaching can be especially challenging. Managing an online classroom brings its own set of hurdles, such as keeping students engaged during lessons or ensuring that they have access to necessary resources. Additionally, the isolation associated with remote teaching can be emotionally taxing for educators who are used to working in close contact with their colleagues and students.

Strategies for Effective Virtual Teaching:

Despite the difficulties that come with remote education, there are several strategies that can help make virtual teaching more effective:

1. Establish clear expectations: Setting well-defined expectations for both behavior and academics can help provide structure and reduce confusion for your students.

2. Create opportunities for collaboration: Encourage group projects and peer feedback sessions by utilizing tools like breakout rooms on video conferencing platforms or using apps like Padlet for group brainstorming activities.

3. Utilize multimedia resources: Incorporate videos, audio clips, images, and interactive elements into your lessons to keep students engaged and to cater to different learning styles.

4. Encourage self-directed learning: Allow students to set goals for themselves and to track their own progress using self-assessment rubrics and reflection activities.

5. Engage parents as partners: Reach out to parents and guardians for support, providing them with resources and tools they can use at home, such as tips for reinforcing the material being taught or utilizing educational websites the students can explore independently.

The Way Forward:

While we don’t know when the threat of the pandemic will dissipate enough to allow consistent in-person education, it is crucial for teachers and students alike to be adaptable in these ever-changing times. While virtual teaching may not be an ideal situation, it has pushed us to innovate our approaches to education and develop new skills that are likely going to have lasting positive effects on the way we teach even after physical classrooms reopen.

Introduction

Graphs are a fundamental part of data visualization and analysis, helping to present complex information in an easy-to-understand format. Teaching and learning graphing skills is essential for students and educators in various disciplines, such as mathematics, science, and social studies. With the abundance of online resources available today, it can be challenging to know where to start. This article will explore some of the best websites for teaching and learning graphing.

1. Desmos (https://www.desmos.com/)

Desmos is a free, online graphing calculator that provides an intuitive user interface for creating and analyzing mathematical graphs. Users can easily create a variety of graphs, including lines, arcs, scatterplots, and polar graphs by inputting functions or data points. Additionally, this interactive platform allows students to explore transformations, regressions, and other advanced concepts.

2. GeoGebra (https://www.geogebra.org/)

GeoGebra is a versatile math software that extends beyond graphing into geometry, algebra, calculus, and statistics. Its user-friendly interface enables students to interactively explore mathematical concepts through graphing tools and dynamic applets. Educators can access numerous ready-made resources or even create their custom classroom activities.

3. Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/)

Khan Academy hosts an extensive library of video lessons and interactive exercises on various topics, including graphing functions using slope-intercept form or plotting linear equations in addition to more advanced concepts like systems of linear inequalities. Additionally, the website offers quizzes and performance insights to help students track their progress.

4. National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (http://nlvm.usu.edu/)

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) contains engaging online activities to teach various math concepts crucial for students at different education levels. Among these digital learning materials, NLVM offers a collection of tools for exploring graphing principles, such as algebra tiles, coordinate plane explorers, and slope sliders.

5. Plotly (https://plotly.com/)

Plotly is a powerful data visualization and graphing tool that offers a wide range of customizable graphs and charts. Its focus on interactive data visualization makes it suitable for more advanced students learning statistical analysis or seeking to create professional-quality graphs for reports or presentations.

6. Datawrapper (https://www.datawrapper.de/)

Datawrapper is an easy-to-use web platform for crating graphs from raw data, making it an excellent choice for educators who want their students to engage in real-world scenarios. Users can import data from spreadsheets or CSV files and choose from various graph types to visualize the information clearly.

Conclusion

The diverse assortment of websites featured in this article provides valuable resources for both teachers and learners seeking to master graphing concepts effectively. By combining these platforms with traditional classroom instruction, educators can offer engaging and comprehensive experiences that foster deep understanding and practical application of graphing principles.

In the digital age, online education has become an essential aspect of the learning landscape. Whether you are transitioning to remote learning or supplementing your in-person classroom with online resources, this guide will provide you with the tips and strategies you need to effectively teach 5th grade online. Let’s dive in!

1. Establish a well-structured digital classroom.

A well-organized and user-friendly digital classroom goes a long way in ensuring a smooth online learning experience. Create a designated online space, such as Google Classroom or Canvas, where students can easily access course materials, assignments, and resources. Organize content logically by dividing it into modules or folders, making navigation stress-free for both students and their families.

2. Set clear expectations.

At the beginning of the year or semester, provide students with a clear set of expectations for their participation and behaviour in the virtual classroom. This may include guidelines on communication etiquette, timely submission of assignments, and attendance during live sessions. Communicate these expectations to parents as well to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

3. Utilize engaging instructional materials.

Fifth-graders are typically enthusiastic learners; however, their attention spans can be short in an online environment. Keep students engaged by using interactive materials such as videos, slideshows, and digital manipulatives. Ensure that activities cater to various learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic – to reach all learners effectively.

4. Encourage collaboration and interaction.

Provide opportunities for students to interact with each other through group projects and discussion boards in your digital classroom. Collaborative learning fosters engagement and helps students understand different perspectives while also promoting social skills development.

5. Monitor student progress through assessment and feedback.

Implement online assessments such as quizzes, tests, or written assignments to gauge student understanding of material covered consistently. Develop prompt feedback mechanisms alongside these assessments so that learners are aware of their progress and areas for improvement.

6. Use technology to differentiate instruction.

Leverage the capabilities of online learning platforms to cater to diverse learning needs. For example, consider offering optional supplementary resources or activities for students who need extra practice or additional challenges. You can also provide personalized feedback or instructional support through one-on-one video calls.

7. Foster a sense of community.

In an online setting, fostering a sense of belonging and community among your students is crucial. Encourage class participation during live sessions, create opportunities for peer recognition and facilitate icebreaker activities to help students connect and build relationships with one another.

8. Be present and supportive.

Your 5th-grade students will need ongoing guidance and support throughout their online education journey. Maintain open lines of communication with both students and parents/guardians, offering encouragement, assistance, or additional resources as needed.

9. Reflect on your practice.

Finally, reflect on your efforts in teaching 5th grade online and seek out opportunities to continuously improve your skills. Engaging in professional development courses, webinars, and collaborating with fellow teachers can provide valuable insights into new strategies to elevate your virtual teaching experience.

With these tips in hand, you can create an effective and engaging virtual learning experience for your 5th-grade students. By staying organized, setting clear expectations, utilizing engaging materials, and supporting your learners in a meaningful way, you’re well on your way to a successful year of online education!

As educators across the world continue to grapple with the challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to find ways to adapt, evolve, and bring some humor to the reality of teaching during these uncertain times. To help illustrate the various stages and emotions we face while acclimating to this new-normal, we’ve turned to our beloved Disney characters, whose GIFs perfectly capture each experience. So let’s dive in and explore planning for teaching during COVID-19, all as told by Disney GIFs.

1. Assessing the Situation – Cinderella’s Mice


Just like Cinderella’s hardworking mice friends led by Jaq and Gus, teachers kicked off the endeavor of remote learning by assessing their situations. They took stock of their resources, skills, and students’ requirements to develop a strong plan for managing distance learning.

2. Embracing Technology – Wreck It Ralph


In a world filled with ever-changing technology platforms, teachers bravely transitioned from physical classrooms to digital spaces. Much like Wreck It Ralph venturing through the virtual landscape in his quest to save Vanellope, teachers explored new tools like Zoom and Google Classroom, taking these platforms head-on.

3. Juggling Multiple Roles – Mrs. Potts


Teachers played multiple roles during remote learning – being instructors, caregivers, and cheerleaders all at once! Just as Mrs. Potts managed countless tasks to keep the enchanted castle functioning, teachers juggled curriculum planning with stimulating, engaging, and providing emotional support for their students.

4. Adapting Lessons – Ariel


Translating lessons from the classroom to online platforms was no small task. Like Ariel discovering the human world, teachers dove into creating a remote learning experience that captured students’ attention while maintaining educational value.

5. Overcoming Challenges – Dory


Setbacks and technical difficulties were inevitable hazards of virtual learning, but teachers embodied Dory’s resilient spirit and motto, “Just Keep Swimming.” Despite everything, they continuously improved their teaching methods and adapted to unforeseen challenges.

6. Celebrating Victories – The Incredibles


Finally, as remote learning progressed and led to unique successes in education, teachers deserved to celebrate their achievements! Just like the Parr family striking their superhero poses in triumph, educators had every reason to be proud of their incredible efforts during these unprecedented times.

While we continue fighting against COVID-19 and reshaping education in its wake, let us revel in our resilience as educators through lighthearted moments and Disney GIFs that speak to our shared experiences. Together, we will overcome these hurdles and ensure the best possible education for our students.

Introduction:

In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever for children to learn about digital citizenship. Teaching young kids how to be responsible and respectful online is crucial in helping them navigate the digital world safely. Cartoon Network’s popular animated show, We Bare Bears, offers an entertaining and engaging way to teach these essential lessons. This article will explore the Digital Citizenship lessons for kids that can be found in We Bare Bears.

Lesson 1: Online Etiquette

In various episodes of We Bare Bears, viewers witness the importance of expressing oneself appropriately online. The three main characters, Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear, model respectful communication and demonstrate the consequences of poor online etiquette. Kids can learn how to collaborate with others online, embrace diverse opinions, and disagree respectfully.

Lesson 2: Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are vital components of digital citizenship. In We Bare Bears, the bears face numerous situations that teach kids about protecting their personal information and staying safe online. The bears’ adventures encourage kids to set strong passwords, avoid oversharing on social media, and recognize phishing scams.

Lesson 3: Cyberbullying Prevention

Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears tackles cyberbullying head-on by showcasing various scenarios where the characters must stand up against or prevent bullying from happening online. Kids can learn to identify cyberbullying behavior and understand the importance of empathy and support for those affected by it.

Lesson 4: Digital Footprint

The concept of a “digital footprint” can be hard for young children to grasp fully. However, watching Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear maneuver their way through social media platforms gives kids a relatable way to think about their own digital footprints. As they watch the bears leave behind a trail of their actions online, children will begin to understand how they too are creating a lasting record of their digital lives.

Lesson 5: Copyright and Intellectual Property

We Bare Bears provides an interactive platform for children to learn about copyright and intellectual property. The characters encounter various challenges related to creating and sharing online content, which allows kids to better understand the importance of respecting others’ intellectual property and seeking permission when necessary.

Conclusion:

Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears is an entertaining way for kids to learn important Digital Citizenship lessons. Through the adventures of Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear, children can understand the significance of responsible online behavior. The show seamlessly introduces topics such as online etiquette, privacy and security, cyberbullying prevention, digital footprint awareness, and understanding copyright and intellectual property. We Bare Bears offers a fun and engaging method for educating children about how to be safe and respectful digital citizens in today’s increasingly connected world.

Introduction:

In the era of social media, where personalities become brands, and followers transform into customers, joining an influencer network can work wonders for anyone looking to create a powerful online presence. Aspiring influencers, content creators, or brands can leverage influencer networks for success and growth.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of joining an influencer network and navigating this new-age marketing platform.
Benefits of Joining an Influencer Network:

1. Collaborations and Partnerships

Joining an influencer network helps forge partnerships with like-minded content creators and influencers who share similar interests and goals. These collaborations lead to increased visibility by co-promoting each other’s content and reaching a more extensive audience base.

2. Access to Resources and Tools

Being part of an influencer network gives you access to various resources like educational materials, webinars, workshops, exclusive events, and tools geared toward your success.

3. Improved Branding Opportunities

Partnering with established influencers accelerates your brand building process by increasing credibility through endorsements. This process strengthens brand awareness and attracts potential sponsors or partners.

4. Monetization Opportunities

Influencer networks often serve as a bridge between brands and influencers, helping you find monetization opportunities through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, product placements, or even merchandise creation.

5. Analytics and Insights

Influencer networks typically offer analytics tools that help you better understand your audience demographics and engagement rates. This data-driven approach is essential for fine-tuning your content strategy to create highly engaging posts that resonate with your target audience.

6. Community Support

Being part of an influencer network grants you access to a supportive community of fellow influencers who can provide valuable insights into best practices in the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing.

Steps to Become Part of an Influencer Network:

1. Identify Your Niche: Recognize your passions and expertise, and create content that reflects your unique interests.

2. Build Your Online Presence: Create profiles on relevant social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or LinkedIn. Leverage these platforms for self-promotion through quality content, hashtags, and frequent engagement with followers.

3. Seek Out Influencer Networks: Research available influencer networks relevant to your niche and join those offering the most value in terms of partnerships, resources, and community support.

4. Connect with Influencers: Engage with other influencers in your niche to build relationships that foster collaboration and mutual growth.

5. Stay Consistent: Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and increase visibility on the platform.

Conclusion:

Joining an influencer network is an invaluable step in building a successful social media presence. Whether you’re an aspiring influencer or content creator or a brand looking to capitalize on this powerful marketing avenue – exploring influencer networks could unlock new opportunities for your online growth journey.

Introduction

The flipped classroom model is a teaching methodology in which the students gain their first exposure to new material outside of class, usually through pre-recorded lecture videos. This allows for more active learning in the classroom as students spend class time working on activities and problem-solving exercises. Creating high-quality videos is crucial for successful flipped classrooms. In this article, we’ll explore 12 tips, tricks, and tools that can help you create amazing flipped classroom videos.

1. Plan Your Video

Begin with a clear outline of what you want to cover in your video. Break down the content into smaller segments that are easy to understand and remember. This will make your video engaging and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

2. Keep it Short and Focused

Keep your videos short by limiting them to one topic or concept at a time. Aim for 5-10 minutes per video as this duration has been proven to maintain student engagement and enhance knowledge retention.

3. Be Conversational and Engaging

Speak in a conversational tone throughout your videos. Be energetic, enthusiastic, and use real-world examples to ensure students find the content relatable.

4. Use Visuals Effectively

Visual aids like slides, diagrams, images, or animations help reinforce concepts and keep learners engaged. However, avoid cluttering your visuals with too much information or excessive animations that could distract from the message.

5. Include Interactions

Incorporate interactive elements within your videos by asking questions or prompting the viewer to pause and reflect on the content just presented.

6. Choose the Right Platform

Select a video hosting platform that suits your needs as well as your students’. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or specialized educational platforms like Edpuzzle can be used to host and share your flipped classroom videos.

7. Edit Your Videos Efficiently

Trim any unnecessary parts of your videos using editing software like iMovie, Adobe Premiere, or Camtasia to create polished and professional-looking videos.

8. Ensure Proper Audio Quality

Use a good-quality microphone to ensure clarity and professionalism in your videos. If possible, eliminate background noise during recording.

9. Use Closed Captions or Transcripts

Adding closed captions or transcripts to your videos can benefit all students by providing an alternative way to access information, especially for those with hearing impairments or language barriers.

10. Encourage Active Note-taking

Instruct students to take notes while watching the videos and provide them with guided note-taking templates if needed.

11. Review Analytics

Periodically review video analytics provided by hosting platforms to determine which videos are more effective and identify areas of improvement in content, delivery, or technology.

12. Continuously Improve and Update Content

Finally, always aim to improve your flipped classroom videos by incorporating feedback from your students and staying updated on best practices in teaching methods and technology.

Conclusion

Creating high-quality flipped classroom videos requires careful planning and attention to key components such as engaging content, effective visuals, interactive elements, and proper audio quality. By following these 12 tips, tricks, and tools, you will not only improve the overall learning experience for your students but also enhance the effectiveness of your flipped classroom.

In today’s world, there are countless resources available online for music teachers and students. We’ve compiled a list of 16 great websites that cater to teaching and learning music. These websites provide valuable resources for both beginners and advanced musicians, offering a vast array of tools, lessons, software, and more.

1. MusicTheory.net – Offering music theory lessons, exercises, tools, and even mobile apps, this site is perfectly suited for anyone wanting to learn or teach music theory fundamentals.

2. MusiciansWay.com – Created by Gerald Klickstein, the author of The Musician’s Way book, this site offers free articles and resources to help performers practice efficiently and build thriving careers.

3. Teoria.com – This website offers interactive music theory tutorials and exercises covering topics such as intervals, scales, chords, harmony, and ear training.

4. YouTube.com – The popular video-sharing platform has countless channels dedicated to teaching various aspects of music such as songwriting tips, instrument tutorials, vocal lessons, and more.

5. AudacityTeam.org – Audacity is a free open-source digital audio editor suitable for recording, editing, mixing, and exporting audio files in various formats.

6. VirtualSheetMusic.com – A digital sheet music library with thousands of classical compositions available for immediate download at a reasonable price.

7. Garageband.com – Apple’s entry-level Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) offers user-friendly multi-track recording software If you own an Apple device.

8. Ultimate-Guitar.com – A vast collection of guitar & bass tabs alongside useful guitar forum discussions providing support for guitarists or any level.

9. TakeLessons.com – An online platform connecting students with certified teachers for private lessons in instruments such as piano, guitar, voice coaching across various genres/styles.

10. TonalEnergy.com – A tuner/metronome app aimed at helping musicians improve their pitch, timing, and basic music theory.

11. Ableton.com – An innovative DAW that offers unique features tailored for electronic music producers, also featuring a comprehensive online learning platform.

12. SmartMusic.com – An interactive website that provides a repertoire of sheet music and notated music parts for various instruments to help students practice and assess their skills.

13. SightReadingFactory.com – A unique online tool allowing users to generate custom sight-reading exercises personalized based on their desired specifications (e.g., instrument type, difficulty, length).

14. IMSLP.org – The International Music Score Library Project provides free access to an extensive collection of public domain compositions and sheet music from various periods and styles.

15. GuitarTricks.com – A monthly subscription website offering an extensive library of beginner to advanced guitar lessons covering fundamental techniques, popular songs, blues, rock, country, and more.

16. ProTools.com – Industry-standard DAW software offering professional-grade recording, editing, and mixing features catered towards seasoned musicians or audio engineers.

These 16 websites can provide the tools needed for an immersive music education experience for teachers and students alike. Combining the website’s various offerings will help create a well-rounded learning journey in the world of music.