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Generate Instant Pear Decks

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  I’ll keep this short as the video explains most of you. Any new educational technology can be complicated to dig into from scratch as you attempt to align it to learning outcomes.  Well, a new feature that Pear Deck has introduced has taken a giant leap forward to help educators do just that.  Before we jump into the new features, if you are unfamiliar with Pear Deck and why my students and I consider it the #1 EdTech tool that helps their learning, check out the video in the previous blog post.   But if you are more concerned with why you should even dive into Pear Deck or learn about this new AI generation of Pear Deck sessions to a learning target, check out the video below. Like I said, I’m keeping it short so you have time to watch the video. If you have questions, please contact me at mohammam@elmbrookschools.org or the Pear Deck Learning team at support@deck.peardeck.com . Also, check out the amazing Stacey Roshan's video on this update. 
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Mo Portfolios Mo Problems: Version 1.0

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As we approach the school year, two big things have occurred that have made me realize that portfolios can be a place for literacy and learning to be reflected. The first is that we are going 1:1 with Chromebooks at the high school. The second event was our district being included in the Google Sites Beta.  The Beta represents a giant leap in accessibility for students who are able to use the core GAFE apps like Docs and Slides.

What these two changes mean is that we can access to the portfolio anytime (no need to sign up for computer lab) and with ease (it will be a much less intimidating process).  Students who are familiar with GAFE apps will be more able to provide peer support.  They don't need to know the complex menus of the traditional Google Sites (Classic Sites).

So, I'm calling this Version 1.0 because I'm really starting from scratch here guided by the work of George Couros and Vicki Davis with student portfolios. They have so many great resources that I had to use to think about when drawing up my first iteration I plan to implement in 14 days.

Couros asks a simple question about purpose of the portfolio format. Will the portfolio be used as a learning portfolio, a showcase portfolio, or both.  It is my intention that it be a place for both. The learning portion will be in the form of student narratives and the showcase will be presentation and defense of course artifacts.

The outline of version 1.0 is below for what will be in the portfolio. I'm currently deciding on the "visibility plan".  But, will make them live to myself and parents right away. Probably, live to the world after our first unit. And, promote to the world after the first 9 weeks.  I would love if you would provide me with any feedback, questions, concerns, or clarifications.  As my PLN, I'd love your help in clarifying and shaping my vision. I think it would be really cool if I was able to get enough feedback to draft Version 1.1 before school started.  Thank you!



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