Charlestown Adult Education

Charlestown Adult Education

TAGS: #InstructionalRoutine #Survey #GoogleForms #CAE

WHAT: Create online quizzes with built-in answer keys for students to use as a post-lesson assessment tool that provides students with quick, actionable feedback and explanations.

WHY: Provide learners with immediate feedback on the accuracy of their answers to address misconceptions, reinforce knowledge, and help make content “stickier.” Learners often become more self-aware when reviewing their responses, asking themselves metacognitive questions such as “Why did I think the answer was….and not…?” Providing quizzes that provide immediate feedback also increases opportunities for learners to conduct independent self-study.

Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:

• Immediate Feedback

• Error Analysis

• Formative Assessment

• Foster Growth Mindset

HOW | Google Forms (Quiz)

1. Create a quiz and answer key using the Google Forms “Make-this-a-quiz” setting

2. Type in your first question, and select multiple-choice as option

3. Type in the answer choices

4. Click on “Answer Key,” then select the correct answer from the answer options available

5. Provide written feedback on incorrect answers so students know where their mistake was and can “learn from their mistakes.”  

Note: Quizzes will be short and focused on the main points of the lesson taught.  Learners will be able to see their results immediately. Quizzes will be stored in the same folder as the class materials, accessed via the class QR code.

We envision student access as follows:

1. Students will use the QR routine to access the classroom google drive

2. Students will navigate to the folder containing the module they are working on

3. Students will be able to review the class material and take the associated quiz

4. We will name the files something like this:  

lesson1.pdf       quiz1.pdf 

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

• IS.4: Self-assess Your Skills: Google quizzes provide an excellent self-assessment tool for learners to use to test the skills covered in each lesson. Learners can review material at their own pace and get immediate feedback, making it easier for them to track their progress and “self-correct”. Learners will be coached by asking: “Why is it important to find opportunities to test your skills? When you take an online assessment, what should you do with the results? What can you do if you don’t pass an online assessment?” 

• LL.2*: Adapt to New Technology: Students will learn to take online assessments, a tool frequently used in both workplace training and certification, and academic settings. These assessments will build learners’ confidence by increasing learning and experience.

Charlestown Adult Education

TAGS: #InstructionalRoutine #Spreadsheet #GoogleSheets #CAE

WHAT: Create an online lesson/unit glossary for students using a spreadsheet program that includes content vocabulary, pronunciation prompts, and images.  Students/teachers will be able to communicate via a comment field.

WHY: Transferrable, independent language learning skills. Provide learners with relevant vocabulary in an accessible format online to enhance learning and provide opportunities to review and practice what was learned in class.  Students can apply these skills while working independently and add words to their glossary as they discover new words.  Learning new vocabulary is key to understanding every subject and builds confidence in future learning and skill acquisition.  

Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:

• Accessible vocabulary and syntax

• Explicit Instruction: Vocabulary

• Multimodal Instruction

HOW | Google Sheets 

• Create a Google Sheet with key vocabulary words from each lesson.  The document will contain the following fields:

  • Word(s)  

  •  Image        

  • Pronunciation  

  • Usage/Example          

  • Comments/Questions

• Lock all fields except for the Comments.  This will provide communication between students/teachers/peers if needed to clear up any problems or misunderstandings.

• Allow forced copy to allow learners to add new words and personalize their glossary

• Key vocabulary will be added to the sheet after each lesson so that by the end of the year, students will have a complete glossary of terms.

The glossary will be stored in the same google drive folder as the class materials, accessed via the class QR code.

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

• CO.2: Collaborate with Technology

• CO.7: Share Information with Others

• EF.6: Save & Find Documents

• IS.2: Access Information Sources

• WO.8: Create Spreadsheets

Charlestown Adult Education

TAGS: #ProgramPractice #Internet #TranslationTools #CAE

WHAT: Use internet browser-specific translation tools to enable students to translate English-language web pages, forms, and documents into their first language.  

WHY: By utilizing browser-specific translation tools, you can improve language access and accuracy while reducing frustration. This applies to tasks such as completing intake forms, reading classroom assignments, and browsing the web. Enabling learners to utilize these translation tools empowers them to translate any English language form, document, or website, ultimately enhancing comprehension. Educating teaching staff, teachers, and students on the usage of these resourceful tools promotes efficiency and comprehension. The availability of instant translation tools fosters enhanced learning, understanding, and independence for all learners.

Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:

• Learner Choice

• Building Empathy

• Strengths-based Approach

HOW |Built In Translation tools

• Open any document, form, or webpage in your favorite internet browser (ex. Chrome or Microsoft Edge) 

• Right-click in the browser window

• Select Translate to English

• In the window that opens in the upper right window, click on choose another language

• The content of the webpage or document is immediately translated into the selected language.

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

• EF.1: Use Accessibility Features

• EF.3: Use Basic Browser Tools

• EF.2: Search the Internet

• IS.2: Access Information Sources

• OL.1: Find Services

Charlestown Adult Education

TAGS: #ProgramPractice #WebDesign #GoogleSite #CAE

WHAT: Learners will have 24/7 access to a structured wiki intranet website where they will find a variety of class resources such as class presentations, online quizzes, and online class-relevant vocabulary tools.  In addition to this, students will have access to school information such as school calendars, handbooks, and current newsletters.

WHY: The main idea is to provide 24/7 access to educational materials through a structured wiki intranet website, allowing students to find relevant materials to expand and reinforce their knowledge using an internal educational-friendly platform. The platform connects with other tech tools such as QR codes, Google Drives, Google Slides, Google Sheets, Online forms, PDF classroom material, and a Glossary of new English vocabulary words, and their proper pronunciation. All these tools will be located in one user-friendly place.

Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:

• Literacy Environment

• Clear Structure and Presentation

• Instructor Accessibility

HOW | Google Sites

1. Use the Google tool Google Sites

2. Start a new website

3. Create the website structure using the drag and drop website builder

4. Create the pages needed

5. Integrate other Google workspace applications to share class material content such as google slide, google forms, google sheets

6. Provide editing access to the Instructors

7. Encourage Instructors to create class material content and provide the uniform structure

8. Share the class material content with students using a QR code or a direct link to the website

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

• LL.1: Find Learning Resources: Google sites allow students and instructors to find class material, supportive documentation, school information and external links to other websites, in a user-friendly and familiar way.

• EF.6: Save & Find Documents: Instructors will structure and save documentation to support their classroom learners, using the google applications such as google sites, slides, sheets, forms, PDFs, etc. Learners and instructors can use the class material 24/7 through the use of the structured wiki website. This routine allows students and Instructors to improve and interact with the use of the internet, online tools, search skills, share content, accessing using computer devices as well as mobile devices.

Charlestown Adult Education

TAGS: #ProgramPractice #MobileDevice #QRcodes #CAE

WHAT | Learners use their smartphones or tablets to scan a QR code and access class materials (lessons, practice, and assessments) stored in a google drive. This enables students to access class materials “on demand” and offers students a unique experience in that all lessons are accessible on their smartphones.  All students, even those without computers or WiFi, are able to engage with and review class materials at a time that is convenient for them.

QR codes are black and white square symbols that can be scanned with a smartphone or laser to access information about a product or service. They can contain links, coupons, and event details.

WHY: Ensure that all learners have 24/7 access to digital literacy lessons and materials through cloud storage, allowing students to access course content and extending opportunities for students who may have missed a class. Using QR codes provides a unique experience for students to practice scanning codes and accessing materials on their cell phones. This approach promotes self-directed learning.

The goals for this routine are to:

• provide access to course content by allowing students to use their phones to scan a code (like with a restaurant menu) and bring students to a google drive where all course materials are stored.

• connect with students by enabling them to access class materials “on demand.” 

• provide examples for class assignments and expectations

• make learning more interactive

• extend learning opportunities for students, particularly if students miss a class and need to make up classwork.

The use of QR codes makes a unique experience because students learn to use their cellphones to practice scanning QR codes, access online documents, and save class materials to their own google drive storage so that they have 24/7 access to class materials for additional learning and review.

Connected Evidence-Based Strategies | This strategy connects to the following evidence-based strategies:

• Experiential Learning – interacting with students through direct experience to increase knowledge and develop skills. Students learn to access and navigate the internet, google drives, etc., by doing.

• Multi-modal Instruction – engaging multiple “senses” at a time to foster learning.  We envision this to be more than a scan and access routine once we’re done with building out this app.  We’d like it to include different methods of teaching and learning and interacting with technology and the material.

• Strength-based Approach – allows students to work and review materials “on-demand” and at their own pace while mastering both the material and the technology used to gain access to the material.

HOW | QRCodes:

1. For teachers: 

   1. Choose any web-based QR code generator. At CAE we use the Adobe QR Code generator 

   2. Enter the URL of the page you want learners to access; in this case, it directs to a class materials folder in Google Drive

   3. The code generator will immediately create a QR code that is ready for download

      1. Adobe QR code generator allows you to customize the style, color, and file type (PNJ and JPEG are the most common types)

   4. Click "Download" and save the file to your computer

      1. Adobe requires you to sign in, but it's free, and you get access to even more creative tools

   5. Add the code to any materials you want your learners to scan 

2. For learners: 

   1. Scan the QR code displayed on the slide or printout using the cellphone camera

   2. Tap the link that appears on the cellphone screen

   3. The link redirects the user to the class material stored in google drive

   4. Students click on the folders for the module they are working on (for example, Module 1: Basic computer skills, Module 2: Internet Basics, etc.) Each lesson is stored in the folder in pdf format. 

DIGITAL SKILLS | Implementing this strategy connects to the following digital skill(s):

• EF.11: Connect to Wifi

• IS.2: Access Information Sources

• LL.1: Find Learning Resources

• LL.2: Adapt to New Technology

• MO.4: Identify Basic Mobile Features