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My Technology Use; Learn Zillion: March 19, 2018

This week I incorporated Learn Zillion into my math lesson on line plots. I have heard many teachers in my hallway discussing Learn Zillion, but have not used it in my classroom before until this week. The discussions that take place between my students and I often lead my math lessons as this is where we address misconceptions and the students ask great questions that further their learning. I was nervous about utilizing Learn Zillion and my students becoming bored.  The video introduced line plots for students and gave them a solid basis of understanding before our in-class lesson.  However, the lesson turned out way better than I expected.  I was able to pause the lesson and the students asked questions that really started a great conversation such as, "In the video it said that the x's represent..." The students were using the knowledge from the video to lead their learning and then I was there to assist with the in-class examples.  To be honest, this was my first time ever teaching line plots, so the video was a great help at building the foundation for my students.

The only con to using the Learn Zillion video was that it took up about 13 minutes of our class period.  I can see where Learn Zillion would be a great resource in a flipped classroom as students could watch the video before coming to class and then practice the skill in class.  I think that next time I will ask my students to try to watch the video before class, if they have access, so that we can jump into class discussion.  I am hoping that since my students really enjoyed the Learn Zillion video they will try really hard to find a way to watch the video whether through a mobile device, tablet, or computer, if I give them a day or two heads up next time.  Has anyone tried this in their classroom in a Title I school?  I am nervous but definitely am feeling inspired to give it a shot after this class!

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 21, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    I've never heard of Learn Zillion. I'm glad the outcome of your lesson went well! I wonder if Learn Zillion has more than just math lessons? I'll have to check it out!

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  2. UnknownMarch 21, 2018 at 6:16 PM

    I have heard of Learn Zillion but I've never used it. I agree with you that being tied down for that length of time might not allow the flexibility that some classrooms need. I'm curious to see if I can teach some lessons using Learn Zillion in my special education resource room. It sounds like it could occupy some students while I'm working closely with others.

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    Replies
    1. Danielle TerryMarch 22, 2018 at 5:31 AM

      I hadn't thought of that idea, Joe, but I definitely think it would be helpful in a small setting. Let me know if it works for you!

      Delete

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