TeachersFirst Professional Exclusives
TeachersFirst’s Professional Exclusives help you learn as a teacher, try new technologies, explore new teaching strategies, or understand student differences. Discover how and why to use wikis from the Wiki Walk-Through. Learn to adapt for ESL students in a regular classroom. Learn the how and why of better rubrics – and locate or create them easily. Every TeachersFirst professional exclusive is written by experienced teachers and includes the pragmatic, teacher-friendly details that you count on from our Thinking Teachers.
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OK2Ask: 5 Strategies for Building Content Area Literacy - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Content area literacy...more
Content area literacy is the ability to use reading and writing to acquire information in a subject area. It involves general literacy skills, content-specific literacy skills, and prior knowledge of content. This interactive workshop will explore five technology-integrated strategies that will enhance content-area literacy across the curriculum, focusing on supporting the needs of diverse learners to ensure an inclusive and equitable learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explain the definition and benefits of content area literacy; 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the five strategies presented for their students' learning needs and goals; and 3. Plan hands-on, engaging activities that will help students develop content area literacy skills. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): literacy (106), professional development (388), reading strategies (96), teaching strategies (41)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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OK2Ask: MIE Day - 2 Free Apps for Inclusive Learning: Office Lens & Translate - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Making a learning environment...more
Making a learning environment accessible for everyone is critical to a successful inclusive classroom. Today's classrooms are diverse and include English Language Learners and students with learning challenges, whether they have been identified or not. Teachers need to be able to create and deliver content and communications in a way that is accessible to each student. Fortunately, there are free technologies that do just that. Join us as we explore strategies and two free tools that facilitate an inclusive learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of accessibility; 2. Learn about a free Microsoft tool that can be used to digitize content into accessible materials; and 3. Discover a tool that helps bridge communication gaps and supports accessible classroom learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Accessibility (9), Microsoft (84), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: More Authentic Learning Activities with Jamboard - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Keep on jammin'...more
Keep on jammin' with Jamboard - Google's power-packed whiteboard app. We're back with more great classroom collaboration and integration ideas! Simple enough for even young learners, Jamboard gives students tools to share what they've learned and demonstrate content mastery. Use Jamboard to facilitate active learning strategies that include individual and group work. Come prepared to learn strategies you can use in traditional and remote classrooms across multiple content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review the basics of using Google Jamboard for remote learning; 2. Explore strategies that foster 21st-century skills; and 3. Share ideas for using Jamboard in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (44), professional development (388), Whiteboard (7)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Classroom Activities to Promote Computational Thinking - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Computational...more
Computational thinking prepares students to understand how to use today's digital tools to help solve tomorrow's problems. Most teachers are already teaching elements of computational thinking without knowing it. This workshop will help participants understand the fundamental tenets of computational thinking, most notably, how this concept combines critical thinking skills with the power of computing to make decisions or find solutions. Learn how to infuse computational thinking into your classroom activities across all core content areas. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the fundamentals of computational thinking; 2. Explore activities and resources that promote computational thinking; and 3. Plan for the use of computational thinking in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): computational thinking (41), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cycles vs. Checklists: Fostering Creative Process in an Accountability World - TeachersFirst/Candace Hackett Shively
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): creativity (92)
In the Classroom
Teachers in any subject will find ideas for fostering creativity in their classroom, especially with students developmentally ready to talk about their own creative process (usually middle school and up). Make this professional information a discussion item among your teaching peers and with parents. Share it with colleagues for an informal inservice session. Use the many resources to help students discover their own creative process just as you would help them discover their learning styles. Make creative process a habit in your class assignments through electronic idea bins and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Embracing Research - Identifying Reference Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8tag(s): Research (83)
In the Classroom
Mark this Help! guide in your Favorites for use and review when planning your next research project or whenever students need to "lookup" something. The resources and ideas will help every student be successful. Adapt for weaker readers by using resources or ideas from lower grades. Don't forget to look at other resources "tagged" research here on TeachersFirst.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Timelines - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Creating and using...more
Creating and using timelines is a great instructional strategy that can scaffold student comprehension in all subjects. From the introduction of a concept to assessment, timelines can help empower learners and inform your instruction. Explore, compare, and contrast three different online timeline creators. Participants will learn about the features of these three free tools and then explore ways to use them in the classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand various ways that timelines can be used in the classroom; 2. Explore 3 timeline tools to use in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of one of the three tools in your educational setting This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (388), timelines (47)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Supporting Students Learning English as a New Language (ENL) with Google Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Do you work with students...more
Do you work with students whose primary language is not English? Google's suite of free products includes several features that can help your students leverage their native language as they practice literacy skills. Join this session to learn about Google tools that will support your students learning English as a New Language (ENL). As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand instructional approaches that are consistent with Universal Design for Learning (UDL); 2. Learn about tools that facilitate UDL practices in support of ENL students; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of the UDL-friendly strategies taught. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (44), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Language Learners - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Are you looking for...more
Are you looking for ways to supplement your instruction with technology tools that engage your language learners? Join us to learn about three tools you can use with language learners at all levels to incorporate reading, writing, speaking, and listening in your lessons. Learn how to enhance your students' creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the needs of language learners within the classroom. 2. Explore three online tools to engage language learners, and 3. Plan for the use of these tools in your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Comics in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Looking for an easy...more
Looking for an easy way to infuse visual literacy in your instruction? Try using comics in the classroom! Visual literacy is quickly becoming a must-have skill, and infusing comics in your instruction can help students easily learn and practice it. In this workshop, you will learn to help students create comics that demonstrate both their visual literacy skills and comprehension of the content they are learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn to use comics to teach visual literacy strategies; 2. Explore tools to create comics; and 3. Discuss assessment strategies for using comics in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (54), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Choice Boards for Differentiation Pt. 2 - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Take your choice...more
Take your choice boards to the next level! Regular choice boards allow your students to complete equally active, interesting, and engaging assignments that demonstrate their comprehension of the presented material--but not all students learn at the same pace or have the same background knowledge coming into a lesson. In this session, you'll learn to differentiate your choice boards by process, product, or content to support students as necessary. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basics of Tomlinson's differentiation model; 2. Learn to differentiate choice boards for both instructional and assessment purposes; and 3. Use a template to create a differentiated choice board. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (83), personalized learning (9), playlists (10), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Questioning Strategies for Engaging Classroom Discussion - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Do you want to...more
Do you want to improve your classroom climate by including better questioning strategies? This workshop is for you! This session will delve into the transformative power of questioning techniques that will help you enhance social and emotional learning (SEL) and foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment. We'll explore how integrating specific questioning strategies can improve engagement and participation. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify and use different types of questions to promote higher-order thinking, engagement, and feedback. 2. Explain the benefits of questioning strategies for enhanced SEL and classroom climate. 3. Create an actionable plan to implement improved questioning techniques in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (388), questioning (32)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Microsoft Teams Basics and Best Practices for Use in Remote Learning - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Microsoft Teams...more
Microsoft Teams is a great all-in-one hub for the collaborative classroom. This "basics" session will introduce you to channels, tabs and posts which are the foundation of communication and collaboration in Microsoft Teams. When used with remote learning best practices, these building blocks can help you create a welcoming environment for your students. Join us to make the best use of these tools to provide structure for your remote learning environment. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about Microsoft Teams settings and options; 2. Understand how to use channels to foster student communication; and 3. Plan for the use of Microsoft Teams to support instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Microsoft (84), professional development (388), remote learning (61)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Podcasting 101: Using Podcasts in Your Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Looking to change...more
Looking to change things up in your classroom? Try using podcasts! Improve your students' listening comprehension skills, build academic vocabulary, and strengthen literacy skills with this easy-to-use, research-based instructional strategy. Join us and learn to find appropriate podcasts and use them instructionally. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn ways to use podcasts as an instructional strategy; 2. Explore podcasts series created for students; and 3. Plan for the use of podcasts in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): podcasts (72), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Made EZ with Adobe Express for Education - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Ignite creativity...more
Ignite creativity and learning with Adobe Express for Education. Provide challenging learning opportunities for your students by using media creation to engage them and deepen their content area knowledge. Students can create posters, presentations, images, animations, web pages, videos, and more that demonstrate their knowledge construction skills. Learn to use Adobe Express for classroom projects and personal productivity, and brainstorm with others about ways you and your students can use this tool to demonstrate learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of Adobe Express for Education; 2. Explore three different ways to use Adobe Express in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Adobe Express in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (147), creativity (92), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Strategies for Supporting English Language Learners - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12As teachers, we need...more
As teachers, we need to facilitate opportunities for students to engage with the language they are acquiring. This session will explore strategies to help you increase student background knowledge and differentiate instruction when necessary. We'll explore tech tools and activities that help students connect what they're learning in the classroom to experiences in their own lives. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn strategies that support English Language Learners; 2. Explore tech tools that provide differentiated instruction; and 3. Plan an activity designed to increase student background knowledge. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (83), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Digital Escapes with Flip (formerly Flipgrid) - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Looking for a fun...more
Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach a lesson? Digital Escapes made with Flip will fit the bill. Digital Escapes are online versions of immersive games where teams discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks to escape from the game site. They're an exciting, fun, and effective learner-centered teaching strategy you'll reach for again and again. Learn how to implement this instructional strategy in your classroom and about the many benefits of this approach, such as developing problem-solving skills, fostering a growth mindset, encouraging collaboration and teamwork, and promoting access to content knowledge. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand Digital Escapes as a learner-centered instructional strategy; 2. Explore a collection of Digital Escape examples to understand how to use this strategy in the classroom; and. 3. Plan for the use of Digital Escapes in instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): digital escapes (4), Microsoft (84), professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Google MANIA - Five Strategies for Feedback - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12In this session, you...more
In this session, you will learn to see feedback as a teaching opportunity that motivates students to make further progress. Students need descriptive feedback to improve their achievement. Using technology tools to deliver information that is both meaningful and actionable can change students' reactions to feedback. With good information on how their performance compares to the goal, students can become partners in a collaborative effort to better align their work with the instructional objective. Join us to learn five strategies that change the feedback loop in your classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Recognize the components of effective feedback; 2. Develop an understanding of the RISE feedback model; and 3. Discover ways to use Google tools to deliver feedback to students. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (44), professional development (388), remote learning (61)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Choice Boards for Differentiation Pt. 1 - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Help students focus...more
Help students focus on building knowledge, understanding, and essential skills by empowering them to choose how they will meet their learning goals. Learning menus or choice boards allow your students to complete equally active, interesting, and engaging assignments that demonstrate their comprehension of the presented material. This session will teach you to use choice boards to help students demonstrate mastery of content. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand how choice boards support student voice and choice; 2. Learn about the use of choice boards for both instructional and assessment purposes; and 3. Plan for the use of choice boards as part of instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (388)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Gamification in the Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Gamification is an...more
Gamification is an advanced pedagogical strategy that facilitates students' ownership of their learning goals. Learn to design independent and group learning experiences that use authentic learning activities to bring game design and game elements to the classroom. Explore resources and strategies that foster student engagement with gamification methods. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the difference between gamification and game-based learning. 2. Explore gamification strategies and templates; and 3. Plan for the use of gamification in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): gamification (74)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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