Getting Started With Gizmos

I often recieve emails from teachers asking me for information on how to get started using their ExploreLearning account so they can use Gizmos with their students. Here is the 3-step process to getting going:

  1. Register for your account with your school board registration key (Umm..I need more info?)

  2. Read the self-guided tutorial - Download Self Guided Tutorial (PDF)

  3. Watch some of the How-to Movies to clarify the details.

 

 

 

 

However, most people prefer a workshop session, as the resources above only really get you understanding the ExploreLearning website but not how to effectively use Gizmos. Hosting a workshop in your school is by far the best and fastest way to get you and your colleagues started.

The full description of the workshop can be found here. (Additionally, we have web-based training and a 3-week online course) 

Basically, what I aim to do is get the participants comfortable with using ExploreLearning.com and model 2-3 different lessons specifically highlighting how I have used Gizmos to differentiate my instruction, identify student misconceptions, and gather assessment information to guide and pace a lesson sequence.

There is also a significant portion of the session where teachers simply explore the library of Gizmos and experiment with ones of interest to them. When time permits, the ideas and discoveries are shared in a collaborative way either by teachers simply sharing what they have discovered and how they will use a Gizmo or, for a full day session, actually creating support materials to get them prepared with at least 3 or 4 lessons. The presentation is really tailored to the needs of the group, so sometimes a lot happens, other times, less happens because the group needed more support.

The majority of the sessions that I do are half day sessions (3 hours) that occur in a morning and/or afternoon. Occasionally, I do a full day session (6 hours) which allows for a slower pace, more exploration time, and the creation of a “mastery task” (collaboratively created lesson document, teacher lesson presentations, etc.). 

If you are interested in scheduling a session, the best starting point for me is for you to fill out this form: www.tinyurl.com/OntarioTRF. We can then work on finding a date that works for us. 

Still not sure how to get started?  Help just an email away: slippa@explorelearning.com

(image credit: www.sanfranciscosentinel.com)