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: Playlists to Personalize Learning - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Personalizing instruction...more
Personalizing instruction doesn't have to be complicated. Using an instructional playlist is a simple way to honor student voice and choice while structuring your students' independent work. This session will help you create playlists that integrate multiple types of activities while using incremental checkpoints. Of all the tools you can put in your blended learning toolkit, the playlist is one you don't want to miss! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the purpose of instructional playlists; 2. Learn how using playlists can support student voice and choice; and 3. Begin planning an instructional playlist. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): personalized learning (9), playlists (10), professional development (395)
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: Branching Forms for Differentiation - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Just as everyone has...more
Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, every student has an individual learning path. Chances are your students grasp subjects differently and have varying levels of ability--so how can you better deliver instruction to reach everyone in class? Branching forms allow teachers to differentiate assessments and account for differences in pacing and outcomes. Join us to learn how to use Microsoft Forms to apply this strategy in your lessons. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how Microsoft Forms can support differentiation; 2. Understand how to plan for a branching form; and 3. Learn multiple uses for branching forms. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (84), Microsoft (84), professional development (395)
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: Live Lessons and Meetings - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Use Microsoft Teams...more
Use Microsoft Teams meeting tools to help structure your virtual meetings and increase participant interactivity when teaching remotely. You can share documents, collaborate on whiteboards and facilitate full class, small group and one-on-one meetings to complement instructional activities that students are working on. Join us and learn to make the most of your live lessons and meetings in Microsoft Teams. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn to use Teams meeting tools; 2. Explore ways to increase interactivity during meetings; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of meetings using Microsoft Teams. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (128), Microsoft (84), professional development (395), 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: 3 Cool Tools for Persuasive Writing - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12Persuasive writing...more
Persuasive writing is a critical skill that can seem daunting to elementary and middle school students. Now more than ever, readers and writers must be able to distinguish between fact and opinion and clearly identify supporting evidence. Understanding the terms "fact", "opinion", and "evidence" is key to digital literacy, and using them appropriately will help students to construct (and deconstruct) an argument. Join this workshop to look at three tech tools that support authentic persuasive writing. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand how facts, opinions, and evidence come together form an argument; 2. Explore three online tools for persuasive writing; and 3. Plan to use persuasive writing in instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): persuasive writing (55), professional development (395), writing (315)
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 the Flipped Classroom - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12Let's flip the...more
Let's flip the classroom by sending direct instruction materials home and completing application exercises in class! This model of instruction works well for blended classrooms where the emphasis is placed on student autonomy - allowing students to learn at their own pace. Join us for this session on using Microsoft Flip (formerly Flipgrid), Sway, and Forms to facilitate student instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn flipped instruction basics; 2. Explore three tools that can facilitate flipped instruction; and 3. Plan for the use of flipped instruction in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): blended learning (16), flipped learning (9), Microsoft (84), professional development (395), 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: Tech Tools Smackdown: AI Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The bots are battling...more
The bots are battling it out in this AI-themed Tech Smackdown! Our TeachersFirst contributors will showcase their favorite classroom AI assistants in an epic showdown. From creative bots, to time-saving bots, to student-engaging bots, to organizing bots, these artificial intelligence dynamos will digitally duel for the title of most valuable AI. With new AI tools emerging faster than you can say "machine learning," finding the top tech can be a challenge. Let our tech-wise teachers be your guides in this fast-paced, fun session! The future is now - come see which classroom AI education tool will be crowned king! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Compare and contrast the most popular AI-powered education tools to discover which ones are most effective for classroom use. 2. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of leading AI learning tools to determine which provide the greatest benefits for students. 3. Discuss implementation strategies and best practices for leveraging AI tools to enhance teaching and optimize student outcomes. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): artificial intelligence (101), professional development (395)
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 Timelines - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 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 in this session. 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 three free timeline tools; and 3. Plan to use one of the three tools in your educational setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (395), timelines (50)
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 - Choose Your Own Adventure with Google Slides - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Go digital with Choose...more
Go digital with Choose Your Own Adventure stories! Google slides presentations don't have to be linear. Learn to create a nonlinear show that can engage learners while helping them learn content. Join this session and learn to use Google Slides to create an interactive, engaging instructional activity or interactive Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) story then guide your students as they create their own. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Review storytelling elements; 2. Understand how to create nonlinear Google Slides presentations; and 3. Learn ways to use CYOA slideshows in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Google (46), professional development (395)
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 Station Rotation - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12One of the more...more
One of the more popular blended learning models is station rotation. Having groups of students change tasks on a schedule allows you to meet student needs by differentiating instruction. Join us to explore, compare and contrast three tools that can be used to maximize your "computer station" time when using the rotation model. Learn about the features of each tool and understand how to add them to your instructional toolkit. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about the station rotation model; 2. Share ideas on ways to differentiate using station rotation; and 3. Plan to use station rotation when delivering instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): blended learning (16), classroom management (128), professional development (395), 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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Read, Tell, and Sell: CCSS through student book promotions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): book reports (27), commoncore (75), listening (68), process writing (38), speaking (22)
In the Classroom
Save this article in your Favorites to have it ready. Use the comprehensive tips and resources to have students create book promotions as your next (traditional or digital) writing activity as part of your usual reading activities. Let this reading and writing activity do double duty to meet speaking and listening standards, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: MIE Day - Enhancing Assessment for 21st-Century Classrooms - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Learn to use technology...more
Learn to use technology to promote student engagement and achievement in the classroom. Explore the potential of three powerful assessment tools - Clipchamp, Flipgrid, and Microsoft Forms - and gain practical insights on how to leverage them to enhance assessment practices. Leave this workshop empowered to use modern digital tools to incorporate effective formative and summative assessment strategies in your instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the importance of assessment in 21st-century classrooms and its impact on student learning and growth; 2. Explore the features and capabilities of Clipchamp, Flipgrid, and Microsoft Forms as formative and summative assessment tools; and 3. Learn how to use digital tools to design effective formative assessments that take diverse learning needs and objectives into account. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (84), Formative Assessment (70), Microsoft (84), professional development (395)
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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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: 3 Cool Tools for Digital Portfolios - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 12There are many reasons...more
There are many reasons to use portfolios in the classroom - documenting student growth, reflecting on assignments, and developing communication skills are just a few. But once you've decided to implement them, how do you decide what tools will work best for your class? Join us and learn about free digital portfolio tools that can be used in multiple instructional settings. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about three tools for creating student portfolios; 2. Share ideas on ways to use portfolios; and 3. Plan to use portfolios in your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): portfolios (22), professional development (395)
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: MIE Day 2 - Flipping Out for Fliphunts - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Have we got a powerful,...more
Have we got a powerful, engaging, video discussion-based instructional strategy for you! Take free discussion-based edtech tool Flip, add a well-crafted lesson and a dash of any content area at any grade level, and then stir in a heaping serving of critical thinking, creativity, and student voice. Voila, you have a fun formative assessment to inform your instruction. Fliphunts are video-based scavenger hunts organized within Flip -- get kids active in kinesthetic learning while immersing them in content. Challenge your students to show-what-they-know with a Fliphunt. Make room in your lesson plans for Fliphunts. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basic use of Flip to record responses and set up a grid; 2. Understand ways to use Fliphunts as formative assessment; and 3. Learn how Fliphunts are created. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (70), Microsoft (84), professional development (395)
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: Resource Roundup: Free Tools from the Edge - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Looking for new...more
Looking for new tech tools? Go to the cutting edge with TeachersFirst! Discover tools you and your students can use to create images, timelines, whiteboards, mind maps, and more. Learn how the TeachersFirst Edge collection is organized so you can find a tool that fits your needs. Get inspired and explore classroom applications for timesaving tools in this fast-paced session. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore the categories and tools reviewed on the TeachersFirst Edge; 2. Plan to implement an Edge resource for student-centered use as part of an upcoming teaching unit; and 3. Use an Edge tool to create an instructional learning object. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Creating Media (5), professional development (395)
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: Remote Learning with Microsoft Forms - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Microsoft Forms are...more
Microsoft Forms are often overlooked when discussing free tools for remote instruction. Join us for this session and learn to use Forms to personalize instruction, accommodate learner differences, foster independent learning, and implement formative and summative assessments. Come prepared to explore and to add this tool to your teaching toolkit. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basic functions of Microsoft Forms; 2. Understand how to use Forms to support remote instruction; and 3. Create a form for instructional use or data collection. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (70), Microsoft (84), professional development (395), 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: Daily 5 and CAFE with a Technology Twist - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12The Daily 5 and CAFE...more
The Daily 5 and CAFE are research-based frameworks for reading instruction in grades K-8. Educators can use these frameworks to assess, instruct and monitor student reading progress. But what tech tools should you use to facilitate that instruction? In this session, we'll share some cool tools that perfectly fit the framework. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the five tasks required in the Daily 5 framework; 2. Explore tech tools that support the framework; and 3. Plan to use one of these tools in your instructional setting. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): fluency (24), professional development (395), reading comprehension (143), vocabulary development (90)
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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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: Tech Tools for Language Learners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12As teachers, we...more
As teachers, we need to provide effective instructional support for the increasing number of multilingual learners in our classrooms. Free edtech tools used in concert with best-practice language acquisition strategies can increase student achievement while providing an engaging, accessible, and supportive learning environment. In this session, we'll explore tech tools and activities that foster independent learning and facilitate vocabulary building, writing, comprehension, reading fluency, and access to curricular content. Join us to learn how to integrate technology to effectively serve linguistically diverse learners. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Identify language acquisition strategies that support multilingual learners in your classroom; 2. Explore tech tools that foster independent learning; and 3. Plan for the use of these strategies to support multilingual learners. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): differentiation (84), Formative Assessment (70), Microsoft (84), multilingual (66), professional development (395)
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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Mining the Riches of History: Creating Oral Histories - TeachersFirst
Grades
3 to 9tag(s): interviews (14), local history (14), primary sources (117)
In the Classroom
Mark this in your Favorites as a way to develop information literacy in your classes, even if you no longer have a library/media specialist to help out.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Integration Made Easy with Animoto - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Engage students...more
Engage students and deepen content area knowledge by using Animoto to create instructional videos. Use text, audio, and video to provide additional context to content area instruction for your students or use student-created videos as formative assessment. Learn with other educators and brainstorm ways you and your students can use Animoto in the classroom. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of Animoto; 2. Explore three different ways to use Animoto in the classroom; and 3. Plan for the use of Animoto in instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): Formative Assessment (70), professional development (395), video (258)
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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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: Save Time, Enhance Learning, and Maximize Resources with TeachersFirst - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Spend less time...more
Spend less time searching and more time teaching with TeachersFirst.org! This workshop will empower educators by introducing them to the thousands of original and curated classroom resources on the site--all reviewed and rated by real teachers. You'll learn how to enrich instruction by taking advantage of lesson plan ideas and explanations of how to integrate top-rated resources into your classroom. You'll also discover how to stay on top of education trends through TeachersFirst's blogs, workshops, and weekly newsletter. Maximize your time and resources by finding everything you need in one place. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Discover time-saving strategies for finding top-rated teaching resources reviewed by real educators. 2. Learn how to integrate TeachersFirst's highly-rated resources into engaging and effective lesson plans. 3. Gain access to a network of support through TeachersFirst's blogs, workshops, and newsletter to stay on top of education trends. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (395), resources (88)
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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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
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