Explain Everything

 Explain Everything is an interactive screencasting whiteboard app that is available on Android and iOS.  It can be used in classrooms by teachers and students  to convey material either being learned or for assessment.  I use it to reteach material covered in class.  It gives students an opportunity to hear the lesson again if they didn't get it the first time.  It's incredibly useful for students who were absent, so they don't miss out on critical information.  Even more useful for students who are out for extended periods.  It can also be used for summative assessments.  Having students "teach" or present projects on this platform is very revealing as far as the level of their understanding.  We only have a handful of iPads in our building, but I can have groups take turns recording, while the other students prepare and practice their presentations.  This would be perfect for a station activity.

There are many features in this app!  You can choose the color palette for starters.  You can also write by hand with a stylus or type in a text box.  You can use shapes or import pictures.  You can use a variety of laser pointers to help viewers focus, and of course there's audio!  When you record your presentation, it records everything you do on the screen and the audio, too! 

The best feature of this app is that it uploads to a wide variety of platforms.  Some of these include Dropbox, Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, and Facebook.  I created a YouTube Channel for my students and parents where I can directly upload my videos. It does take a while to upload - the longer the video, the longer the upload takes.  If you can upload through a MAC computer, it goes faster.  (I'm still saving!)

Using Explain Everything makes for a unique alternative to summative assessments.  Students can showcase what they've learned, and it's "safe" because it only uses their voices - their identity remains private.  It's very user friendly, and easy to learn to navigate.  Best of all, it's FUN! 

CCBOE Teachers:

Technology Tip of the Week

·         Need Office for your home PC, laptop or Mac?  Login to https://portal.office.com/home with your CCBOE email address and password.  Staff and students are able to install on up to five (5) personal devices.

OneNote is a great tool to collect information.  It is an electronic organizer/notebook. You can create sections and easily add multiple types of documents (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).