Nifty 50: Tools to Create - Build School-wide Literacy with Student Choice

Purpose & objective

This session will open with a brief poll and a discussion about the importance of student choice and the variety of tools available to show what they know. In addition to sharing the 50 FREE tools, classroom use ideas will be provided. We will also take some time with each tool to discuss the "need to know" details, such as age requirements, restrictions in the free plans, and other important information. Finally, the resource page will include all 50 tools and tips for using each tool.

The model for building schoolwide literacy will also be introduced during this session. This model offers 1-2 tools per grade level (especially in the primary grades), so students can master those tools and then build on their tech toolbox of tools as they enter new grades. For example, in Kindergarten, students may master Adobe Express Video Maker and Flip. In First grade, students may master Breaking News Generator and SWAY (but still have Adobe Express Video Maker and Flip in their tech toolbox, as tools they have mastered during the previous year). This model will be discussed, and a general plan will be shared for participants to try in their own schools.

Outline

8 minutes - Intro, poll, and link to collaborate on Padlet (or similar tool)
20 minutes - First 25 tools shared (including tools to create blogs, podcasts, posters, and social media images)
7 minutes - Introduction and discussion of the Building School-Wide Literacy model
20 minutes - Final 25 tools shared (including tools to create videos, timelines, maps, games, and more)
5 minutes - Q/A and closing

Supporting research

Bower, Kevin. “Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers.” TeachersFirst Blog, 27 Sept. 2022, teachersfirst.com/blog/2022/09/choice-boards-for-the-classroom/.

Ferlazzo, Larry. “Increasing Engagement with Student Choice (Opinion).” Education Week, Education Week, 5 Mar. 2021, www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/opinion-increasing-engagement-with-student-choice/2021/01.

Larmand, Andy. “Eduporium Weekly: The Growing Importance of Student Choice.” Eduporium Blog, 23 Oct. 2022, www.eduporium.com/blog/eduporium-weekly-the-importance-of-student-choice/.

Lynette, Rachel. “72 Creative Ways for Students to Show What They Know.” Minds in Bloom, 7 Aug. 2023, minds-in-bloom.com/72-creative-ways-for-students-to-show/.