Know
This assignment required knowledge of the Explain Everything program, as well as SmartArt features in Powerpoint for the demonstration. I would say that this is a Redefinition stage assignment, as it allows for a new, visual presentation of information that is accessible to a wider audience than a text tutorial might be.
Do
This video demonstrates Explain Everything as a tool for explaining things visually and orally to students with various learning needs – videos like this are advantageous for helping students to learn independently. The accompanying post discusses use of Explain Everything as an option for students with diverse needs to show their learning as a part of Universal Design for Learning, as well as an example of how my cohort is using it for deeper learning opportunities in the mathematics classroom. These elements align with the following ISTE standards:
- “5a: Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.” (ISTE, n.d.)
- “5c: Explore and apply instructional design principles to create innovative digital learning environments that engage and support learning.” (ISTE, n.d.)
Understanding
As stated above, tools like Explain Everything are great for UDL – they allow students who struggle with reading or writing access to visual/oral means of accessing information and expressing themselves. Screencasting has a lot of potential in flipped classroom settings, where students move at their own pace. I can see myself using Explain Everything as a TL to create videos demonstrating all sorts of things and making them available on the virtual LLC.
Sources
International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). ISTE Standards for Educators. https://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators.