Ontario News from ExploreLearning : How-To & Support

February 17th - Professional Development Around Ontario

February 17th is a busy day around the province with some spectacular learning opportunities for teachers. ExploreLearning is pleased to be a part of three of these events. Below are some resources that are related to the presentations happening for the Durham DSB, Toronto DSB and Ottawa Carlton DSB. 

Durham DSB - Graham Whisen, OCT

Downloadable version of the workshop folder:  Download Gizmo Folder

Getting started with Gizmos boo klet:  Download Self Guided Tutorial

What are Gizmos flyer:  Download What are Gizmos

 

Toronto DSB Eureka - Peter Wright, OCT

Workshop Handout:  Download TDSB Eureka

Workshop folder:  Download Gizmo Folder

Getting started with Gizmos booklet:  Download Self Guided Tutorial

What are Gizmos flyer:  Download What are Gizmos

 

Ottawa Carlton DSB - Stephen Lippa, OCT

Downloadable version of the workshop folder:  Download Gizmo Folder

Getting started with Gizmos booklet:  Download Self Guided Tutorial

What are Gizmos flyer:  Download What are Gizmos

 

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)

New "in-class" video showing best practices with Gizmos!

Recently published on YouTube is a 4-minute video demonstrating whole class instruction with Gizmos! Take a peek into a 5th grade classroom where students are investigating the Mineral Identification Gizmo.

Do you have videos of your students using Gizmos? If you do, please consider posting them to our Facebook page or YouTube channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAMP 2011 - Grade 9 Gap Closing & Gizmos with Peter Wright

Today (Oct 18, 2011) is the annual gathering of CHAMP teachers coming together to share best practices at St. Marcellinus Secondary School. Peter Wright is representing ExploreLearning and sharing a preview of the work we have been doing to build supports for the soon to be published Ministry of Education Gap Closing (Grade 9) materials. Here are the resources he refered to in his presentation:

  1. Gap Closing with Gizmos:  Download CHAMP handout (PDF)

  2. Link to register for your account with your board registration key (Umm..I need more info?)

  3. Getting Started with Gizmos Folder

  4. Self Guided tutorial - Download Self Guided Tutorial (PDF)

  5. Gap Closing Grade 9 Shared Gizmo lists (must be logged into your ExploreLearning account to view)

          Fractions          Decimals          2D Measurement          Volume and Surface Area

              (Other topics coming soon...)

 

Send Gizmos Home with Your Students

Gizmos aren't just for classrooms and computer labs. They can be used by students anywhere with an internet-connected computer.

To help parents understand more about using Gizmos, we've prepared a simple letter that teachers can send home with students. The letter explains what Gizmos are and how to access them from a home computer. The Word version even has space to include the students' login information.

Download the PDF version.
Download the Word version.