ThatQuiz Website

ThatQuiz

https://www.thatquiz.org

           For this blog post I decided to share some details about the online website ThatQuiz. ThatQuiz is a free online testing service that can be used by both teachers, students and parents. Teachers can test students' knowledge on a number of subjects through test-formats such as multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer questions. By signing up teachers have access to a complete record-keeping service for their students' grades; can create tests with more-precise tools and use questions from different categories; and access a public test library.

            As you can see in this first activity, users can set the length, level and time of the quizzes. Also, the user can choose between currencies from different nations, as opposed to just American and Canadian currencies.

            And as illustrated in this measurement-type quiz, users are automatically provided with a ruler that they can move across the screen and set with their cursor and then give their answer. Related quiz-types also provide users with tools such as protractors.

            Based on what I have observed thus far, ThatQuiz can be a highly useful tool, yet its plain appearance can make it seem a little underwhelming at first glance. This website first became available in 2004, and thus lacks the flashy presence and guidance that younger users often expect from educational websites. Although, this simplicity may be beneficial as some students could also become distracted and/or overwhelmed by too much stimuli. And the straightforward design makes it easy for teachers and others to adjust the content for individual students. Overall, I feel that this website is worth looking into more in the future.

Courtesy of Michael O.@NU (OTECA)

Professionally Speaking Article: Tools of the Trade (Part 1)

Think Outside the Map

Take your geography lessons to the next level with these tools for deeper learning and a new spin on core concepts. Students will leave their classroom behind and become explorers of distant continents and their own backyards.

BY CAELI MAZARA

1. Google Earth Education 
   
   Free; Available in FrenchThis groundbreaking 3D-viewing platform offers explorers a chance to go on a global adventure. Search filters make it easy to find an ideal lesson, whether it's geographic sleuthing with Carmen Sandiego or biodiversity on the high seas following marine biologists off the coast of Costa Rica.Grades K–12
2. GeoGuessr
   
   
   Free for limited use, or $4.79/month; Available in French

   This point-and-click game drops players somewhere in the world and asks them to figure out where they are. The app gets students thinking critically about geographical and cultural identifiers. They'll look for clues like flags, writing and vegetation to solve this geographical puzzle.

   Grades 4–12

How to Use Tik Tok in the Classroom

How to Use Tik Tok in the Classroom

Tik Tok is a social media application that includes short videos that has risen in popularity within the past few years. The platform is used across many different countries and provides users with the opportunity to search through endless videos to find topics of interest. Tik Tok is a user-friendly video application that allows users to search for what they are interested in or even create their own videos! With that being said, there are thousands of educational videos on Tik Tok that can be used to enhance the overall learning experience. Using these videos will provide the educator with a simple way to make a classroom or virtual lesson more interactive and engaging. An educator's comfort with using technology may impact the extent to which Tik Tok is used but given how easy it is, many may find it simple to introduce to their lesson. Tik Tok can also be used in both primary and junior classrooms. Here are some great ways to use Youtube in the classroom:

1. Ask the students to make videos - the students will delight at the opportunity to make their own videos and submit to the teacher. This can be used in a lesson whereby students are asked to submit their final assignment through Tik Tok.

2. Follow accounts of interest - there are hundreds of thousands of videos on the topic of teaching. Educators are able to find accounts that feature tips, tricks and advice for fellow teachers.

1. Use Tik Tok as a reward - Tik Tok has a plethora of fun videos that may not be educational but they are engaging and put the students in a good mood. Educators can search for fun videos to use as a reward for when the students are behaving or modelling positive behaviour in the classroom. 

Overall, Tik Tok is an effective tool to be used in the classroom and affords the teachers with countless opportunities to incorporate technology and get learners engaged. 

Thanks,

Katherine, NiagaraU

References:

https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-can-tiktok-be-used-in-the-classroom

Professionally Speaking Poll (OCT)

PS Poll

School of Thought

Here are the Top 10 reasons Ontario Certified Teachers take Additional Qualification (AQ) courses, courtesy of our latest poll.

ILLUSTRATION: JEANNIE PHAN

1. To enhance my professional knowledge, skills and qualifications.
2. To better support students' learning and well-being.
3. To expand my employment and earning prospects.
4. To teach or be qualified in another division or subject.
5. To engage in new areas of learning and critical inquiry.
6. To expand my understanding of current educational research, pedagogy, policy and practice.
7. To foster more equitable, inclusive and supportive learning environments.
8. To develop/advance my leadership skills.
9. To demonstrate commitment to the profession.
10. To engage with colleagues and build professional relationships.

Explorance Article: 7 Reasons Why Students Need Technology in The Classroom

For this post, I decided to do another article analysis and summary as I thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast similarities and differences between each article (Here is a link to my other article review >>>> Concordia University Reasons to Use Tech).

This article, "7 Reasons Why Students Need Technology in the Classroom" starts by discussing the way the current world we live in today has remodeled and refined classrooms and learning environments around the globe. Advancements in educational technology have come a long way in the past 10 years and due to the rise of remote learning, teachers' dependence on these resources are higher than ever. This article then presents its argument being that students need technology in their classroom environments and that its presence can positively impact student engagement. 

The first point mentioned is that technology helps connect students to the real world. Due to technological advancements, teachers can now remove physical barriers of the classroom and help their students to connect the curriculum with the world around them. With amazing resources such as virtual tours, teachers can take students on field trips from the comfort of their own homes! 

The second reason is that using technology aids in preparing students for the workforce. By integrating technology into the classroom environment, students can be made readily prepared for today's modern office. In the 21st century, students should have the opportunity to have more than a working knowledge of tools such as electronic calendars, web pages and teleconferencing. 

The third point focuses on collaboration and the ways in which technology can encourage teamwork. Many platforms such as Skype, Zoom and google docs allow for students to work together even when they are not in the same room. 

The fourth reason mentions how technology can aid in differentiation and reach all types of learners no matter what pace they work. While technology promotes collaboration, an abundance of different resources can be used for learners at different levels and follow them on the pace they work at. 

The fifth reason mentions how information is made available in such an efficient manner. On top of research, resources such as e-textbooks and online tutors are easily accessible to students to support them throughout their studies. 

The sixth point mentions how technology can also teach students how to be responsible when online. With the many new social media platforms being created, it is important students know how to be a responsible digital citizen. In teaching responsibility, students can learn how to appropriately communicate with other digital citizens and network themselves using platforms such as LinkedIn. 

The seventh point discusses the ways in which technology can provide a fun factor to learning. With an abundance of creative resources to choose from, teachers can bring excitement into their classrooms. 

Overall, I found this article to have a strong argument, although it did not have as many statistics to back up the statements made contrasting to the last article. Both articles reviewed from this blog post and my last post had similar points of view, however the first one came from a teachers perspective while this article focused more on student perspective.

For more info visit:  https://explorance.com/blog/7-reasons-students-need-technology-classroom/

Here is a link to my other article review >>>> Concordia University Reasons to Use Tech

Courtesy of Marleyrae@NU (OTECA)

Concordia University Article: 3 Reasons Why Teachers Need To Use Technology in the Classroom

After stumbling across this article on the internet, I thought it would be the perfect article to analyze and summarize as a blog post. This article starts by discussing the new and persistent challenges the pandemic brought upon teachers and their ability to teach. While it was quite the daunting task, 87% of teachers surveyed by the Edweek Research Center reported that their ability to use educational technology in the classroom effectively improved in 2020. 

The article then continues to have the position that teachers should use technology in the classroom and provides 3 reasons as to why it is beneficial. 

The first reason stated is that technology in the classroom provides teachers with more tools to support students. As all teachers know, each and every student has a unique way of learning. Using technology provides an additional amount of methods and tools to use while teaching students. This is because technology accommodates a variety of learning methods and can be used in many ways including online videos, audiobooks and interactive online games just to name a few. These resources are also adaptable as they allow each individual to utilize these resources at their own pace. On top of this, technological tools are constantly being updated and invented so the options are endless. This point in the article was also backed up by some statistics found by McKinsey and Company including reports that found that students who achieved the highest outcomes for reading and science spent more than 60 minutes per week using technology in the classroom. Studies also showed that students performed better in reading when both teachers and students used devices in the classroom. 

The second reason mentioned in the article was that students become active participants in the learning process by using technology in the classroom. When technology is not used, students tend to be passive participants however when technology is used, a bigger opportunity for student engagement presents itself. Educational tech provides incentive for students to become active learners, especially when learning is done through online educational games or immersive virtual reality. This argument was also backed up by a statistic claiming that challenged based gamification can improve students performance by up to 89%. Among the many options that can be used to bring technology into the classroom, some more frequent resources include interactive online games, virtual games where students put knowledge to action, Smart boards, access to computers for online research, online video series and presentation tools. While these resources aid in encouraging student learning, many of them can also be found for free use as well. 

The third and final reason mentioned in this article was that teachers who become experts at using technology in the classroom can advance their careers. While the standard skills and knowledge are required to be a teacher, more institutions actively look for teachers who have experience using technology in a classroom setting. New job opportunities are constantly emerging within the educational technology field which is yet another reason why teachers should use technology in their classrooms. 

Overall, this article had some very compelling points with proof to back up the presented arguments. It was a very enjoyable and light read and I would definitely recommend it to my peers. 

>https://www.concordia.edu/blog/3-reasons-why-teachers-need-technology-in-the-classroom.html

Brought to you by Marleyrae@NU (OTECA)

Professionally Speaking Article: Tech Class

She Codes the Future

An Ontario Certified Teacher uses a boardwide approach to introduce girls to the possibilities of tech.

BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI

December 2021

The Challenge: Help teachers find appropriate computer-coding activities for students. Help students go beyond the screen to understand technology.

The Solution: Have students and teachers participate in the Hackergal Hackathon.

Lessons Learned: As a student success pathways consultant with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board in Peterborough, Ont., Jaime Nobes, OCT, was looking to help teachers boost their capacity to teach computer coding, since it's now part of the high school curriculum. And she wanted to help youngsters become more than just technology consumers. She wanted them to understand the mechanisms behind the software.

She discovered the Hackergal Hackathon, which seemed just the answer. Hackergal is a charity that introduces girls to technology as a career path and a creative outlet. The organization holds an annual "hackathon" for schools to participate in. It's a virtual event in which girls in Grades 6 to 9 code games and mini-websites focused on creating social impact, and is based on a surprise theme announced just a week before.

Nobes wasn't sure students would be interested. But she went ahead and promoted the hackathon anyway, sending messages to administrators, teachers and parents. "By the time I checked at lunchtime, up to 50 girls [had already signed up]…And over the weekend, it went up to 400."

Read more by clicking here >>>> TECH CLASS

Tech Tools are Good

Over this course I have learned a variety of new tech tools to be used in various ways in the classroom, all which are low prep times, engaging, fun, and exciting for all age groups.  Blooket was a tech tool that stood out to me because of all the visual aids that are provided when trying to spell a certain word. 

This tool can help with assigning work and also reinforce the concepts in learning. I will definitely be using this tech tool with my future students

Melissa OTECA @NU

Professionally Speaking Article: Healthier Relationships, Healthier Schools

The Ontario College of Teachers' landmark sexual abuse prevention program puts trust and care at the centre.

BY ANDREW FIFIELD

December 2021

"He's on our level. He was one of us … so he became a really relatable person. When I look back, I felt like I was putty in his hands."

Those words, spoken by a survivor who was sexually abused by a teacher, can be found among the video testimonials that are a powerful contribution to a new online sexual abuse prevention program developed in partnership between the Ontario College of Teachers and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P).

The program, which formally launches on January 3, 2022, was legislated by the provincial government to bolster the College's ability to serve the public interest by protecting student safety. All Ontario Certified Teachers (OCTs) are required to successfully complete it by August 31, 2022, while new and returning applicants must complete it to be eligible for certification by the College.

"The College protects the interests and well-being of students, so C3P is a natural partner for us," says Paul Boniferro, the College's Transition Supervisory Officer. "While incidents of student abuse are rare, this program reflects our ongoing commitment to student safety by providing professional development opportunities to College licensees."

To read more, click >>> Healthier Relationships, Healthier Schools

Physical Education - Who Knew?

Throughout my grade school years, four years of university in my Early Childhood Studies program, and endless amounts of placement in schools, I have never really come to a clear realization and awareness that physical education and activity in schools is not as high of importance as other curriculum subjects. I always knew that subjects like math, science, and language were taught on a daily basis and that gym was typically only held around two to three times a week, but it never really clicked in that this was problematic until taking the “Methods of Teaching Health & Physical Education and The Arts” course at Niagara University.

Through class discussions and course material, I came to the realization that physical education isn’t deemed important, when in actuality, it should be held at the same standard as other subjects. As a future educator, not only do I want to make physical activity more of a priority in my classrooms, but I also want to spread awareness of this issue. There is a positive correlation between being active and academic performance, among a number of other things, which is more of a reason to promote it. One way I would introduce it more in my classrooms is first by extending the 20 minute minimum requirement of daily physical activity to approximately 40 minutes.

This does not have to be all at once, but even having two separate 20 minute periods throughout the day to give the students a brain break and to get them moving out of their chairs. Being active and healthy living in general is so important and needs to be made aware of more than it is. Another way I would instill healthy living in my classroom is by reading related books, watching videos, planning lessons around the four food groups, sending letters home to parents and making sure to notify the other teachers as well as the principles to include it more into practice. My perspective on physical education has definitely changed for the better, and I cannot wait to be the change for the next generation.

By Teresa G@OTECC (NU)

Ted Talk: Spiraling the Curriculum to Get Sticky Learning

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend you watch Kristin Phillips', Ted Talk on “Spiraling the Curriculum to Get Sticky Learning.”

I personally found it so fascinating and informative. When she first mentioned her car time analogy, I thought that was such a clever way to introduce “sticky learning.” She mentioned even though she changes her time twice a year, whenever it comes time to change it, she never remembers how to. She then asked a question that struck my thinking; “how to teach in schools to get sticky learning.” I really had to pause and think critically about that question because I always found myself doing well in a unit at school right after learning about it, but if I ever had to go back to the lesson or material, I would be completely lost as if it was never taught to me to begin with. She mentioned a “try something new, no one will die” approach to teaching, which although made me laugh, also intrigued me and I was so eager to know what her new approach was. She had suggested returning back to difficult concepts multiple times throughout the year because the curriculum doesn’t specify at what month in the year the students must master the unit, it only says they need to know by the end of the year.

This is what she called “spiraling the curriculum,” which is a change in the “normal” way of teaching which is to teach the unit, test the students and move on to the next. I never really thought of a teaching strategy such as this one and I feel like it makes so much sense especially because the majority of students learn through repetition as I do as well. She backed up her teaching approach with two pieces of research.

One of them spoke about the term “spaced practice” which explained that in order for information to stick, the child needs to learn in a “teaching, waiting, teaching, waiting” pattern. Going back to the material helps the child to remember what was taught.

The second piece of research looked at the term “interleaving” which explained learning multiple areas of the curriculum in one week and repeating the same topics the following weeks after but interchanging the days of the week that topic is taught.

Personally, I wish that teachers had used these methods of teaching when I was in school because I never seemed to remember anything after we completed a unit, both in elementary school and high school. As a future educator however, I definitely plan on using these new found strategies on my students to ensure that the information they retain sticks with them throughout the entire year and possibly the years after as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this Ted Talk and definitely learned and took a lot from it. I look forward to applying what I've learned in my future teaching career. 

By Teresa G@NU (OTECC)

EDUTOPIA Article: 3 Ways Teachers Can Build Confidence

To be more self-assured about your teaching, try making these subtle shifts in how you think about and react to events in your classroom.

It’s common for new teachers to doubt themselves, to feel like their best isn’t good enough, and to wonder if they’re cut out for the profession. And confidence matters. In fact, research indicates that teacher self-confidence can have a greater impact on student achievement than student-teacher relationships, home environment, or parental involvement. So much of why teachers lack confidence, however, is the result of what they say to themselves.

Three subtle shifts in mindset can add up to a huge impact in how new teachers approach their classrooms and become models for their students as learners.

Want to know more? 

Click here >>> What You Can Do

Importance of Play Based Learning

A play based learning approach is very beneficial - not only for kindergarten and early years but should be included throughout different ages groups. Play based approaches allow students to to develop their social skills as well as all other developmental domains. 

Play based approaches is easy for us to incorporate within our lesson and will allows a hands on approach as well. Play based learning allows educators to focus on inquiry based learning and incorporate what students are interested in. Incorporating what students are interested is another good way to get students engaged and interested within the lesson.

Brought to you by: MackenzieV@OTECA(NU)

Posters for Short Novels

Something that I saw in a school this week when I was teaching I found an incredibly cool concept that the teacher did with her Grade 6&7 class.  The teacher had her students write a short novel and then made posters for the novel. At the bottom of each poster she had a barcode that you could scan with your phone and the students had made a trailer for the movie version of their novel.  The students were telling me what they had to do to make the trailer.  All of the students were saying how all the work that they did for this assignment didn't even feel like work. 

I later found the teacher and asked her about it, she told me the process that she went through and how it engaged her students on a whole new level.  I loved this idea and if I did ever teach Grade 6&7 this would definitely be something I would try to implement. It really does show a different way and experience of using and adding technology to the classroom.

By Rachel B@NU (OTECC)

EDUTOPIA Article: The Importance of Brain Breaks

We Drastically Underestimate the Importance of Brain Breaks

When it comes to optimizing learning, we don’t value breaks enough, neuroscientists suggest in a new study.

Practice makes perfect. To become ambidextrous in basketball, dribble with your left hand, switch to your right, and repeat the process again and again. Likewise, to solve differential equations in math, pile them up and work your way through them diligently.

According to one popular school of thought, it’s this active, repeated manipulation of material that lays the neural foundations for skill development. All too often, time away from the basketball court—or the math books—is seen as a break in the learning process, a way to cool off, re-energize, and then return to the vital work of actual practice.

But for Leonardo Cohen, a neuroscientist at the National Institutes of Health and the senior author of a June 2021 study published in the journal Cell, the idea that breaks are a cooling-off period is a misconception.

Cohen and his colleagues used magnetoencephalography—a highly sensitive brain-scanning technique—to observe the neural activity of young adults as they learned how to type with their nondominant hand. After a practice session, the study participants were given a short break and then continued practicing for a total of 35 sessions.

When analyzing the data, Cohen’s team made an intriguing discovery: They observed a spike in brain activity, mimicking the neural pattern seen during the practice session, but compressed by twentyfold. Rather than being idle, the brain was replaying the practice session over and over at an astonishingly high rate of speed—flipping the material from the neocortex, where sensory and motor skills are processed, to the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, over two dozen times in the span of 10 seconds. Stepping away from the activity, it turns out, is not stepping away from the activity at all.

The findings echo the groundbreaking discovery in 2001 that after successfully running through a maze, rats replayed those memories repeatedly during REM sleep, with the same spatial circuitry flickering to life as they slept.

Want to read more? Click here >>> AN INSIDE LOOK