As educators it is important that we model the expectations that we have for our students and each other. To that end, it is vitally important that we continually look for ways to push our own thinking and leadership in order to improve professional practice. In my role as a presenter this is key. I routinely ask all types of educators to be innovative and take risks. As I continue to grow in this area, I am always on the look out for new tools that I can integrate into my presentations to demonstrate these two points as well as to illustrate the pedagogical link that technology supports in our schools. Often times I will double down and also make the connection of how certain tools can be used to support the work of administrators.
Recently I was tasked with delivering a two and a half hour keynote to 1700 educators in Missouri. This posed quite the challenge thanks to the large size of the crowd and duration of the presentation. As I went through my deck I looked for opportunities to build in numerous interactive activities where everyone in the audience would be able to respond. Lately my tools of choice have been TodaysMeet, Answer Garden, and Mentimeter (my all time favorite). Once all of the interactive components were added I noticed that I had more questions than different tools. It was time to take a risk and learn a new tool.
Thanks to the assistance of my PLN I had a variety of new tools to choose from. I settled on ProConIt. This is a very cool, yet powerful tool that has applications in the classroom and to strengthen relationships with stakeholders. With ProConIt your audience can discuss and debate any topic you develop. Unlike typical polling tools, you create something called a "Procon" by defining both the topic of discussion and the two sides of the issue you want to gather opinions on. ProConIt allows you to ask these questions and then invite students, stakeholders, or audience members to provide their thoughts. Essentially an open debate unfolds where everyone can participate.
As others navigate the Procon, opinions up to 225 characters can be submitted on both sides of the issue. People can even evaluate comments that were previously submitted. What then happens is the best opinions, either for or against, rise to the top. The needle at the top of the page tells you which way the issue is leaning while the specific arguments identify why. Take a look at the results from a ProConIt I recently used during a recent keynote. The prompt was as follows: Do you feel gaming and the gamification of education can lead to better learner outcomes? Submit your opinion with a reason.
This is a great tool to use in the classroom and with stakeholders to facilitate open debate on issues relating to learning concepts, global problems, policy changes, new courses, referendums, technology purchases, proposed school schedule changes, and the list goes on and on. The key to using this tool, especially with students, is for respondents to explain why they are for or against. Shortened URL’s can also be included as a means to provide evidence to support a pro or con stance.
Upon reflecting on my use of this tool yesterday, so many useful applications come to mind. For starters, it is an incredible tool to use during presentations to engage attendees in a thoughtful dialogue. However, the real value of this tool will be found in the hands of students, educators, and administrators. Think about the possibilities of using ProConIt as a powerful way to improve student agency in your school or to build consensus around major decisions with a better sampling of stakeholders. How do you see yourself using ProConIt in your respective position? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Recently I was tasked with delivering a two and a half hour keynote to 1700 educators in Missouri. This posed quite the challenge thanks to the large size of the crowd and duration of the presentation. As I went through my deck I looked for opportunities to build in numerous interactive activities where everyone in the audience would be able to respond. Lately my tools of choice have been TodaysMeet, Answer Garden, and Mentimeter (my all time favorite). Once all of the interactive components were added I noticed that I had more questions than different tools. It was time to take a risk and learn a new tool.
Thanks to the assistance of my PLN I had a variety of new tools to choose from. I settled on ProConIt. This is a very cool, yet powerful tool that has applications in the classroom and to strengthen relationships with stakeholders. With ProConIt your audience can discuss and debate any topic you develop. Unlike typical polling tools, you create something called a "Procon" by defining both the topic of discussion and the two sides of the issue you want to gather opinions on. ProConIt allows you to ask these questions and then invite students, stakeholders, or audience members to provide their thoughts. Essentially an open debate unfolds where everyone can participate.
As others navigate the Procon, opinions up to 225 characters can be submitted on both sides of the issue. People can even evaluate comments that were previously submitted. What then happens is the best opinions, either for or against, rise to the top. The needle at the top of the page tells you which way the issue is leaning while the specific arguments identify why. Take a look at the results from a ProConIt I recently used during a recent keynote. The prompt was as follows: Do you feel gaming and the gamification of education can lead to better learner outcomes? Submit your opinion with a reason.
This is a great tool to use in the classroom and with stakeholders to facilitate open debate on issues relating to learning concepts, global problems, policy changes, new courses, referendums, technology purchases, proposed school schedule changes, and the list goes on and on. The key to using this tool, especially with students, is for respondents to explain why they are for or against. Shortened URL’s can also be included as a means to provide evidence to support a pro or con stance.
Upon reflecting on my use of this tool yesterday, so many useful applications come to mind. For starters, it is an incredible tool to use during presentations to engage attendees in a thoughtful dialogue. However, the real value of this tool will be found in the hands of students, educators, and administrators. Think about the possibilities of using ProConIt as a powerful way to improve student agency in your school or to build consensus around major decisions with a better sampling of stakeholders. How do you see yourself using ProConIt in your respective position? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
I love mentimeter. Thank you for showing that to us when you visited our district in September. I will try Answer Garden and ProCon soon.
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ReplyDeleteGood information, thanks for sharing
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