Ideas for itslearning

Ways to use itslearning in the classroom:

Topics include uses for playlists and discussion board ideas.

Playlist organizes steps to a project:
Benefit: Student Access & Autonomy
Details: Set up each step as an expert page. The blocks on the page can have instructions/visuals, rubric, links for info. Students work at the pace they need and can click directly into the "Step" that theyre on. Comprehensive information is available and accessible at all times.
Types of projects that could be organized: Research, Argument Driven Inquiry, Genius Hour, Passion Project, literally anything...

Example 1: Large Ecosystem Project

*Block features can be numbered in the titles, color coded to help organize and support student workflow.

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Project Example 2: We had students complete a STEAM Career survey & write a mock resume for that career:

Details: The first page organizes the input resources students need. The directions are organized from top to bottom. Each "block" represents one step. Blocks are great for "chunking" information. 

The second page includes information for the product students are expected to make. The blocks have instructions, a motivational image and then a third block for additional student resources to complete the task of writing a resume.

Resume sample picture below. Google is now integrated with itslearning!!! Using the integration tool it will be much easier for students to submit work and teachers to provide feedback. 

(Google integration could be a whole other blog post!)

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Project Example 3: Use playlist for an unplugged Escape Room: 

Details: The Escape Room Activities are actually unplugged- but online the "codes" are organized in one space for students to access. Here's the hack: Students get the codes from their unplugged puzzles then click a link to a PDF file that is "password protected." When the pdf unlocks it gives them directions to advance to the next part of the "escape room." I kept a table in the front of the room for the materials, the students would show me their screen and I would give them the things they needed for the next part.

Project Example 4: Here's a bonus hack~ use password protected files so students can check their own work. Keep the passwords in a teacher notes column in the planner.

Details: Students read instructions and then practice independently. Notice in block #4 there are directions for students to unlock a file with a link. The unlocked file will provide students with instructions on how to continue.

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Build individualized items on a playlist using "groups" and "permissions" :
Benefit: Individualization for students.

Details: In your Skyward generated courses individualize activities by changing the permissions. Students will then see material customized for their cognitive need/interests rather than a "1 size fits all" playlist. Save time by using data/student interest profiles to build preset student groups. You can either change permissions for one cohesive "group" or selecting individual students one by one. Groups can easily be adjusted throughout the school year as needed.

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Create expert pages for comprehensive exams.

Benefit: Student access to information in one space.

Details: Students click into each page for VIP information for each TEK. By nature of these pages, it only offers "recall" information. Teachers need to design activities for higher application of information while reviewing outside of the playlist.

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Discussions Hacks: Organizing responses.

Details: Preset thread responses by class period. Click "start new thread" and title it by class period. Copy and paste the prompt into the 1st reply (shown in picture 2 below).

Hack: Title each thread as the designated class period to organize student responses. Then copy and paste the prompt with directions as the "first post."
Benefit: Students wont have to flip between screens.

Use a discussion as an 'engage' with a thought provoking video. 
Details: Discussion's are built via a "rich content editor." You can embed the video directly into the discussion board, provide students directions and sentence stems if necessary. 

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Use a discussion as a final posting place, or place to reflect. 
Details: Have students answer the prompt in an offline activity (example: warm up or exit ticket) where they can collaborate with peers, revise, participate in class discussion. Afterwards have students post their final thoughts in the class discussion board.

Threads don't have to be organized by class period, you can organize threads by categories or topics.