FANGeopolitics
Written by Doug, a high school social studies teacher from Illinois. Doug’s school is a 1:1 device environment and has a high number of low income students.
EdSurge: What was the problem in your classroom or school that you were trying to solve when you implemented FANGeopolitics?
Doug: My students were disengaged during our current events unit. I was looking for a way to increase interest while also gamifying my classroom. Fanschool.org's FanGeopolitics [formerly Fantasy Geopolitics] accomplished both tasks for me.
Describe how you used the product
FANGeopolitics completely revolutionized my students interest not only in current events, but global awareness as well. The fanschool.org platform allows students to keep updated on their countries current event scores with the dashboard. Numerous other resources such as maps and assignments can be shared between teachers across the globe. I have my students use the New York Times specific page of each country on their team.
What worked and what didn’t?
I have experienced infinite success engaging my students using FANGeopolitics. They have increased their global competence in a world where it matters more than ever. The fanschool.org platform has numerous activities on the website and I have designed several as well. The Super Bowl Media Days assignment worked very well last year and my students were extremely creative. I had a student who was being interviewed by his fellow classmates about Russia speak with a Russia accent for 20 mins during the Super Bowl Media Days while he talked about Vlad Putin and the dependence of the Russian economy on oil.
School 4 One
Written by Don, an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology from New York. Don’s school is a 1:1 device environment.
EdSurge: What was the problem in your classroom or school that you were trying to solve when you implemented School 4 One?
Don: Efficiency of workflow on digital devices (ipads). Also, standards-based assessments.
Describe how you used the product
We have a 1:1 ipad initiative in grades 4 and 5. Teachers use School4One to facilitate our math curriculum. Students annotate assignments, record answers, and submit to the teachers; all through School4One. Teachers then mark assignments, grade assessments, and record video feedback. Assessments are graded against standards-based rubrics offering a true data profile of students.
What worked and what didn’t?
The only "hiccups" were minor, and quickly fixed by the support team. The product continues to evolve based many times on teacher feedback and recommendations.
Lexia Reading Core5
Written by Xanthy, a 4th grade teacher from New Jersey. Xanthy’s school has a 1:1 device environment, as well as high populations of special education and low income students.
EdSurge: What was the problem in your classroom or school that you were trying to solve when you implemented Lexia Reading Core5?
Xanthy: We are trying to improve students' reading level and fluency.
Describe how you used the product
We mostly used the product during our intervention and enrichment block. Students used it during their independent time to help support their learning. We pulled lessons based on their Lexia levels to use during small group instruction.
What worked and what didn’t?
It worked well with our schedule. We were able to use student data to provide instruction on targeted skills. I don't think it would have worked the same if we were able to use the data or if we didn't know how to access this information. The prepared lessons targeting specific skills were very beneficial to our students and teachers.
