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: Microsoft Teams: Getting Started with Class Notebook - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from November 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Managing paper...more
Managing paper...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from November 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Managing paper notes and handouts in a remote or hybrid environment can be challenging. OneNote is a multifaceted note-taking and organizational tool that is built into Microsoft Teams that can be used to enhance lessons and activities. OneNote Class Notebooks include a personal workspace for every student, a content library for handouts, and a collaboration space for lessons and creative activities. Join us and learn how to get started using this digital notebook powerhouse to support effective classroom instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basic components and uses of a OneNote Class Notebook; 2. Explore ways to use OneNote Class Notebooks to support instruction; and 3. Collaborate with other educators on strategies for using OneNote Class Notebooks in Teams. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Managing paper notes and handouts in a remote or hybrid environment can be challenging. OneNote is a multifaceted note-taking and organizational tool that is built into Microsoft Teams that can be used to enhance lessons and activities. OneNote Class Notebooks include a personal workspace for every student, a content library for handouts, and a collaboration space for lessons and creative activities. Join us and learn how to get started using this digital notebook powerhouse to support effective classroom instruction. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn the basic components and uses of a OneNote Class Notebook; 2. Explore ways to use OneNote Class Notebooks to support instruction; and 3. Collaborate with other educators on strategies for using OneNote Class Notebooks in Teams. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (143), Microsoft (54), organizational skills (97), professional development (217), remote learning (13)
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.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Questions and Thinking in Common Core; Part 1: Teachers as Questioners - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 8
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This installment is part of a series of articles about implementing Common Core. This article examines the role that questioning can play in the Common Core, and offers some tips ...more
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This installment is part of a series of articles about implementing Common Core. This article examines the role that questioning can play in the Common Core, and offers some tips for teachers as questioners from elementary grades and up. The ideas are easily adapted as appropriate for middle and high school grades. A separate article, Part II of Questions and Thinking in Common Core will discuss Students as Questioners. The article is intended for elementary teachers as part of our Help! I lost my library/media specialist series.
tag(s): commoncore (86), questioning (34), thinking skills (12)
In the Classroom
Read lesson ideas and explore the question repertoire sources as you begin to implement Common Core. Mark this article in your Favorites. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Tech Integration Made Easy with Screencast-O-Matic - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Recorded screencasts...more
Recorded screencasts...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Recorded screencasts can support a flipped/blended pedagogical approach, give activity instructions to students, or help parents support students who are struggling with an assignment. Using Screencast-O-Matic, you can quickly create a screencast that enables you to respond to student needs. Learn best practice use of screencasts to support instruction and put screencasts to work in your educational setting tomorrow! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how to use Screencast-O-Matic; 2. Share ideas for the use of screencasts; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of screencasts. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Recorded screencasts can support a flipped/blended pedagogical approach, give activity instructions to students, or help parents support students who are struggling with an assignment. Using Screencast-O-Matic, you can quickly create a screencast that enables you to respond to student needs. Learn best practice use of screencasts to support instruction and put screencasts to work in your educational setting tomorrow! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn how to use Screencast-O-Matic; 2. Share ideas for the use of screencasts; and 3. Plan for the instructional use of screencasts. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (217), teaching strategies (32), video (249)
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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Common Core: The Fuss Over Non-Fiction - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Delve into the Common Core Reading standards and the shift to greater emphasis on non-fiction, "informational texts." If, like many teachers, you teach in a state that has adopted the...more
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Delve into the Common Core Reading standards and the shift to greater emphasis on non-fiction, "informational texts." If, like many teachers, you teach in a state that has adopted the Common Core State Standards, this Q/A article will help you to make sense of this shift and provide you with some practical tips and resources to get started. Although the article is intended for elementary teachers as part of our Help! I lost my library/media specialist series, the general questions about Common Core and reading informational texts apply at any level. TeachersFirst plans to offer further articles as Common Core "rolls out" in more and more schools.
tag(s): commoncore (86)
In the Classroom
Read the questions/answers and explore the suggested resources as background during this new challenge. Mark this article in your Favorites as you begin to implement Common Core. Many of the suggested resources may be helpful during curriculum planning sessions with other teachers. Click the "share" widget to send them to others!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: TeachersFirst Smackdown (Classroom Management Edition) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Explore new and...more
Explore new and...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Explore new and tried-and-true technology tools for your classroom. Join TeachersFirst as we showcase our favorite edtech resources. There are many technology tools available for classroom use, but which ones are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of the TeachersFirst contributors' favorite classroom management resources. Participants during the live session helped to decide the winner of this Smackdown! As a result of viewing this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Explore new and tried-and-true technology tools for your classroom. Join TeachersFirst as we showcase our favorite edtech resources. There are many technology tools available for classroom use, but which ones are teachers' favorites? This session will share and compare some of the TeachersFirst contributors' favorite classroom management resources. Participants during the live session helped to decide the winner of this Smackdown! As a result of viewing this session, teachers will: 1. Learn about and compare some of TeachersFirst contributors' favorite technology tools; 2. Evaluate one or more tools for classroom use; and 3. Share ideas for using resources with other participants. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (143), professional development (217)
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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You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
OK2Ask: Tech Integration Made Easy with Nearpod - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
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0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Nearpod is a free...more
Nearpod is a free...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Nearpod is a free tool that can enhance interactivity in your instructional presentation. Use Nearpod on any device to engage students with interactive multimedia and formative assessments and learn to use data gathered through activities to inform instruction. 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. Explore Nearpod library; 2. Customize a digital lesson; and 3. Plan for the use of Nearpod as part of instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Nearpod is a free tool that can enhance interactivity in your instructional presentation. Use Nearpod on any device to engage students with interactive multimedia and formative assessments and learn to use data gathered through activities to inform instruction. 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. Explore Nearpod library; 2. Customize a digital lesson; and 3. Plan for the use of Nearpod as part of instruction. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): classroom management (143), professional development (217), remote learning (13)
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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You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Meet the Author - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers step by step instructions and resources to learn about authors direct from the source: by Skyping with...more
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This installment in the Help I lost my library/media specialist series offers step by step instructions and resources to learn about authors direct from the source: by Skyping with them! Written by an experienced elementary library/media specialist, the feature explains the simple steps and tips (even for working with your tech department) to hold your first live author interview. After that you and you students will be "hooked"! Excite your students about authors, reading, and writing. Learn more about Skype (here).
In the Classroom
Mark this one in your Favorites as a lessons you want to try as soon as you can. Make it a professional goal to try just one author interview. Once you realize how easy it is, you can expand into interviewing other experts for other subjects, as well.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 12
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0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
One of the more...more
One of the more...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from January 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
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.
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): classroom management (143), professional development (217), remote learning (13)
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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You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Been There, Done That - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
Find TeachersFirst's time tested tech tips from the trenches to help technology-based lessons run smoothly. These ideas will prevent many "disasters" before they happen. Of coure, technology...more
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Find TeachersFirst's time tested tech tips from the trenches to help technology-based lessons run smoothly. These ideas will prevent many "disasters" before they happen. Of coure, technology has a mind of its own, but hopefully you can outsmart it!
tag(s): classroom management (143)
In the Classroom
Mark this page in your favorites and click the "share" widget to share it with the other teachers in your school. If you are all on the same page using shared laptops and labs, you all benefit. If you work with student teachers or new teachers, this is a must share. If you have parent volunteers or aides helping with computer activities, share with them, too!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: Make the Most of Your TeachersFirst Membership - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Learn about the features...more
Learn about the features...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from October 2020. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Learn about the features and benefits of your free TeachersFirst membership and use it to inspire technology-integrated lessons. This session will briefly share how to find and use resources on TeachersFirst to help you save time. Remember, it is OK2Ask questions at any time! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore TeachersFirst membership features; 2. Identify and share resources to support classroom instruction; and 3. Prepare to use the features of TeachersFirst membership to maximize student learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Learn about the features and benefits of your free TeachersFirst membership and use it to inspire technology-integrated lessons. This session will briefly share how to find and use resources on TeachersFirst to help you save time. Remember, it is OK2Ask questions at any time! As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore TeachersFirst membership features; 2. Identify and share resources to support classroom instruction; and 3. Prepare to use the features of TeachersFirst membership to maximize student learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (217), resources (96)
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: Assessment with Student-Centered Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Are you looking...more
Are you looking...more
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This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Are you looking for ways to make your formative and summative assessments more effective? Join us to learn how to use Flipgrid, PowerPoint, Whiteboard, Forms, and Sway to create effective assessments throughout your units. Whether it's a formative or summative assessment, finding ways to effectively measure students' understanding is crucial to ensuring student progress and future success. In this session, we will explore how you can use free Office and other Microsoft products to create better formative and summative assessments that reliably measure student learning, promote critical thinking, and help students develop real-world skills. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the purposes of and differences between formative and summative assessment; 2. Explore several forms of assessment for their usefulness to evaluate student learning; and 3. Examine a variety of assessment methods and begin planning for their use in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
Are you looking for ways to make your formative and summative assessments more effective? Join us to learn how to use Flipgrid, PowerPoint, Whiteboard, Forms, and Sway to create effective assessments throughout your units. Whether it's a formative or summative assessment, finding ways to effectively measure students' understanding is crucial to ensuring student progress and future success. In this session, we will explore how you can use free Office and other Microsoft products to create better formative and summative assessments that reliably measure student learning, promote critical thinking, and help students develop real-world skills. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the purposes of and differences between formative and summative assessment; 2. Explore several forms of assessment for their usefulness to evaluate student learning; and 3. Examine a variety of assessment methods and begin planning for their use in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (116), Formative Assessment (17), Microsoft (54), professional development (217), remote learning (13)
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: More Authentic Learning Activities with Jamboard - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Keep on jammin'...more
Keep on jammin'...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This recording of an OK2Ask online professional learning session is from February 2021. You can register and immediately view the archive of the session.
Keep on jammin' with Jamboard - Google's power-packed whiteboard app. We are back with more great classroom collaboration and integration ideas. Simple enough for even young learners, Jamboard gives students tools to share what they have learned and demonstrate content mastery. Use Jamboard to facilitate active learning strategies that include individual and group work. Come prepared to learn strategies that can be used in traditional and remote classrooms across multiple content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn 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.
Keep on jammin' with Jamboard - Google's power-packed whiteboard app. We are back with more great classroom collaboration and integration ideas. Simple enough for even young learners, Jamboard gives students tools to share what they have learned and demonstrate content mastery. Use Jamboard to facilitate active learning strategies that include individual and group work. Come prepared to learn strategies that can be used in traditional and remote classrooms across multiple content areas and grade levels. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn 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 (15), professional development (217), remote learning (13)
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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