Photo by Quael Ben Salah on Unsplash
Title
Language and culture comic creations with Canva’s AI features
Tool used
Canva
Target group
The activity was implemented at the Primary school ZŠ Janáčkovo náměstí Krnov in Czech Republic, with students aged 11-12 years old.
Description
This activity can be implemented as a self-directed learning session.
Introduction:
Students engaged in this creative exploration of language and culture by crafting comic strips with Canva. The aim was to enhance vocabulary retention, language comprehension, and cultural understanding in an interactive and enjoyable way.
In preparation for this project, the foreign language teacher introduced the idea of using Canva to create comic strips as a way to reinforce language learning and cultural exploration. Students were familiarised with the basics of comic strip creation and the AI features available on Canva through a brief tutorial session.
Implementation:
During the execution phase, students were divided into pairs or small groups to collaborate on their comic strip projects. Each group was tasked with selecting a language concept or vocabulary theme relevant to their foreign language curriculum. Using Canva's user-friendly interface and AI features, students designed comic strip panels, populated them with characters and added dialogue and captions in the target language. They incorporated cultural nuances and scenarios into their comic strips, drawing inspiration from real-life situations and cultural contexts discussed in class. The creative process involved brainstorming, drafting, editing, and refining their comic strips to effectively convey language concepts and cultural themes.
Once completed, students presented their comic strip creations to the class. During the presentations, each group explained the language concepts and cultural contexts depicted in their comic strips, showcasing their understanding and creativity. Classmates engaged in active listening and provided feedback, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Outcomes
● Improved language proficiency
● Cultural awareness
● Engagement and creativity
● Collaborative learning
● Presentation skills
The language and culture comic creation project using Canva proved to be a dynamic and effective approach to language learning and cultural exploration. By leveraging technology and creativity, students engaged actively in the learning process, resulting in meaningful and memorable learning experiences that transcended the boundaries of the classroom.
Through the process of creation, presentation, and reflection, students demonstrated enhanced language comprehension and vocabulary retention. The use of Canva empowered them to express themselves visually and develop their design skills while reinforcing language learning. Collaborative teamwork encouraged peer learning and communication skills development, as students exchanged ideas and collaborated on their comic strip projects. The integration of cultural elements deepened students' cultural awareness and appreciation, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
Title
Interactive learning about science with ChatGPT
Tool used
ChatGPT
Target group
The activity was implemented at a science and digital technology-oriented summer camp in Czech Republic with children aged 11 and more.
Description
This activity can be implemented as a self-directed learning session.
Introduction:
During a summer camp focused on digital technology and science, John, an enthusiastic elementary school student, was introduced to ChatGPT as one of the tools besides textbooks, encyclopaedias and educational videos that can be used to enhance knowledge on specific topics. With guidance from his teacher on using ChatGPT independently, John started an interactive session to improve his understanding of some basic scientific concepts.
Implementation:
John and his teacher provided ChatGPT with written learning materials about concepts such as the solar system, states of matter, simple machines, and the water cycle. Afterwards, John asked ChatGPT to generate questions based on the learning content.
The session with ChatGPT:
ChatGPT: "Great to have you here, John! Let's kick it up a notch. Can you tell me which planet is known as the Red Planet?"
John: "Is it Mars?"
ChatGPT: "Spot on, John! Mars is indeed known as the Red Planet due to its reddish appearance. Now, let's keep the momentum. Can you name a state of matter that takes the shape of its container but has a definite volume?"
John: "Hmm, I'm not sure."
ChatGPT: "No worries! The answer is liquid. Liquids like water and juice take the shape of whatever container they're in, but they still have a fixed volume. Now, tell me, what do we call the process of water turning into vapour and rising into the air?"
John: "Is it evaporation?"
ChatGPT: "Exactly! Evaporation is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas and rises into the air. You're doing great, John. Now, let's delve a bit deeper. Can you name a simple machine that helps us lift heavy objects with less effort?"
John: "Is it a lever?"
ChatGPT: "Good guess, but not quite! The correct answer is a pulley. Pulleys help us lift heavy objects by changing the direction or magnitude of the force needed. Now, let's explore a bit more. Can you name a natural satellite that orbits the Earth?"
John: "Is it the Moon?"
ChatGPT: "Absolutely right! The Moon is Earth's natural satellite, and it orbits around our planet. You're navigating through these questions really well, John!"
ChatGPT: "Now, let's imagine you're learning about the water cycle. Can you tell me what we call the process where water vapour cools and turns back into liquid water?"
John: "Um, is it condensation?"
ChatGPT: "Absolutely! Condensation is when water vapour cools down and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds. You've demonstrated excellent knowledge today, John. Well done on tackling these engaging questions!"
Outcomes
Better understanding of how to use ChatGPT to revise for an exam and understand specific topics.
Title
Collective revising for a chemistry exam with ChatGPT
Tool used
ChatGPT
Target group
The activity was implemented at the Primary school ZŠ Janáčkovo náměstí Krnov in Czech Republic, with students aged 10 – 12 years old.
Description
This activity can be implemented as a self-directed learning session.
Introduction:
A group of 11-year-old students prepared for an upcoming exam on basic chemistry, a topic they had been exploring during their science class. With ChatGPT serving as their digital study companion, these students experienced a collaborative journey to solidify their understanding and ready themselves effectively for the exam.
Implementation:
At the end of a regular science class, the teacher allocated 15 minutes for students to engage with ChatGPT and review key concepts about basic chemistry. Students used their textbooks and notes and gathered in small groups to interact with ChatGPT. They were encouraged to compare the information provided by ChatGPT with their class materials and consult any discrepancies with their teachers.
As students interacted with ChatGPT, they worked collaboratively to formulate questions, seek clarification, and deepen their understanding of basic chemistry. ChatGPT served as a valuable resource, providing explanations and additional insights to support their exam preparation efforts. After reviewing with ChatGPT, the teacher also encouraged them to watch explanatory videos on YouTube at home.
Outcomes
● Enhanced collaboration: Students effectively collaborated within their groups, leveraging ChatGPT to improve their collective learning experience on basic chemistry.
● Improved understanding: Through interactive engagement with ChatGPT, students gained clarity on complex concepts and reinforced their knowledge of basic chemistry.
● Enhanced exam preparedness: By actively revising with ChatGPT's assistance, students felt more confident and prepared to excel in their upcoming exam on basic chemistry.