Canvas
Due to us being a Virtual Academy, our classroom is based in Canvas. This year I learned to design Canvas classes for each subject. I incorporated themed buttons and headings to help students and parents navigate the website easily. I also learned to embed assignments that students could annotate and submit directly to the website. Moreover, Canvas has been a great tool to use for communicating with families through their easily accessible message center and announcement page.
Peardeck
Throughout the beginning of the school year, I was having a difficult time testing my students virtually in Math. I wanted to be able to see a picture of their work to understand better why they came to their answer. Once I began using Peardeck for my assessments, I was better able to give appropriate feedback to my students and see where they were succeeding and where they may need more help. Peardeck has also been great for creating interactive slides and an engaging learning environment.
Padlet
Finding a platform that encourages student engagement in a virtual setting is important for assessing students throughout a lesson. I found Padlet useful for tracking students' understanding and participation. They are also able to view their peers' answers and leave comments which led to relationship growth within the classroom. The backgrounds are bright and themed, which grabs the students' interest at first glance.
Quotes
"Amanda is positive, heartwarming, and encouraging. She truly take the time to get to know your students and it shows. She wants her students to succeed and help them feel comfortable and confident where they are, while pushing them to strive for more. The interest she shows in students' heritage and empower students to succeed is imperative." - Lana Gadea, Principal