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: TeachersFirst Smackdown (Classroom Management Edition) - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Explore new and...more
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 (131), professional development (319)
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: 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 (319), timelines (44)
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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Embracing Research - Identifying Reference Resources - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 8tag(s): Research (67)
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: 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): ELL/ESL (27), Google (38), professional development (319)
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 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 (6), ELL/ESL (27), Microsoft (75), professional development (319)
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: Computational Thinking and Coding with Google Tools - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 9It's important...more
It's important for students of all grade levels to have exposure to computational thinking and coding. Learning to code helps students understand problem solving and logic while expressing their creative side. While increasing student fluency in coding technologies helps them prepare for many academic pursuits, it also helps them build perseverance, determination, and grit. Join us to explore a few cool tools that will help as you embark on this journey with your class. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the components of computational thinking; 2. Explore Google tools that engage students in coding; and 3. Plan for the use of coding activities in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): coding (75), computational thinking (37), Google (38), professional development (319)
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 (37), professional development (319)
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 (48), professional development (319)
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 (3), Microsoft (75), professional development (319)
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: 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 (75), professional development (319), 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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Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
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 (38), professional development (319), 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: Sway Cool Student Projects - TeachersFirst
Grades
2 to 12Looking for great...more
Looking for great ideas on how to measure learning with engaging student projects? Look no further! This workshop will introduce you to a wide range of projects designed with Sway, a free edtech design tool for students in grades 2-12. This visually dynamic, intuitive tool easily combines text, images, designs, audio, video to spark student creativity. It's shareable, can be collaborative, looks fantastic, and is accessible on any device, making it a perfect addition to your 1:1 initiative toolbox. Learn the basics in minutes and translate your new learning into powerful formative and summative student projects that focus on content rather than bells and whistles. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Learn basic use of the free Sway tool; 2. Understand what elements must be present to have an authentic, successful show-what-you-know student project; and 3. Plan for the use of Microsoft Sway in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): assessment (125), Formative Assessment (48), professional development (319)
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 tech...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 time-saving tools in this fast-paced session. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Explore the categories and tools reviewed in 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): professional development (319)
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
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: 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): ELL/ESL (27), professional development (319)
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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Going Deep with Award Winning Books: Close reading and text-dependent questions - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 6tag(s): commoncore (78)
In the Classroom
If you are fortunate enough to have a library/media specialist to partner with you, try these ideas together during read-alouds both in the library/media center and in your classroom. Mark this article in your favorites and refer back to it as you move forward with Common Core.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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OK2Ask: The Fantastic Four: An Intro to the Free Office Online - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Microsoft's Office...more
Microsoft's Office Online is a completely free, web-based version of Microsoft Office. Designed to facilitate workplace readiness skills including communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity, Office online can be used with students of all ages. We will share promising practices as well as strategies for staying organized, easily sharing files, and using these tools with your students. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the features of Office Online that support the 4Cs; 2. Explore classroom applications for Microsoft Forms and Sway; and 3. Plan for the use of Office Online in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): collaboration (87), communication (136), creativity (92), critical thinking (102), Microsoft (75), professional development (319)
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 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 (38), professional development (319), remote learning (61), 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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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 to Amp Up Collaboration - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Learning is always...more
Learning is always better together! Explore, compare, and contrast three free online tools for collaboration with peers and students. Discover the differences between collaboration and group work and discuss ways to foster collaboration in the classroom. Share the positives of collaboration and strategies for encouraging participants when faced with difficulties with peers and begin to develop a collaborative activity to fit your individual needs. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Understand the difference between collaboration and group work; 2. Explore three online tools for collaboration; and 3. Explore ways to use these tools for collaboration in the classroom. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): collaboration (87), professional development (319), student-centered (4)
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: 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 (77)
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: TeachersFirst Tech Tools Smackdown - TeachersFirst
Grades
1 to 12There are many technology...more
There are many technology tools available for classroom use, but which ones are teachers' favorites? Join TeachersFirst as we showcase and compare some of our contributors' favorite edtech resources. Explore new and tried-and-true technology tools for your classroom and help us decide which tool is the winner of this season's Smackdown! As a result of 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): communication (136), Formative Assessment (48), Online Learning (37), professional development (319)
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
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!).
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