Cracking the Digital Code

Creating lessons and activities with the 21st century 4C's can be an endeavor when balancing the curriculum act. What can be more tasking, is when technology is being pushed to be implemented without guidance.

My friend Lydia encouraged me to give "Tasks Before Apps" written by Monica Burns who emphasizes that before we can successfully integrate a piece of technology, we must consider...

"What is the task? What are our expectations for the learners in our classroom? How will we help them explore the content we are charged with teaching?...What would I like students to accomplish today?"

I'd like to share an activity that I helped create with the instructional technology team in my district. I was fortunate to share these materials at our District Wide Day to secondary teachers and it's been catching on! The best part? It's helpful for ALL content areas - not just mathematics.

After attending the Digital Summit (shoutout to Matt Miller for hosting!!), it encouraged me to share materials with others beyond my district.

Title: Digital BreakoutEDU

Description: Students work in groups of 3-4 to enter in codes (or answers) from a clue on a Google Sheet. Students can receive the codes in MANY ways:

• On a printed handout 

• On a task card

• Scanned through a QR code

• Some multiple choice on a Google Slide 

• Perhaps a keyword given at the end of watching a video through EdPuzzle. 

Students enter in the code on the Google Sheet, and if it's correct, the sheet will provide them with the "next step" or clue to solve. If the code is incorrect, the Google Sheet won't change and will encourage them to try again.

What I LOVE about this type of activity:

• Allows students to self-assess so that you can focus on supporting students who are struggling.

• Encourages students to utilize error analysis when the code in incorrect. 

• They must communicate with each other about the questions and dissect their thinking to help all team members understand their processing.

• If they want to breakup the questions/clues, students must collaborate with each other to "beat" the clock.

• Utilize critical thinking skills to answer clues correctly and efficiently. Clues can be riddles and even involve exploring various website sources. 

• Encourage students to get creative and make the "clues" for you! They can choose from a variety of technology tools or on paper. When they share their questions with you, you can build code-breaker Google Sheet.

Interested in some materials?? Check it out below! 

• How-To Guide (with Google Slides)

• Breakout Template (with Google Sheets)

• Hiding Formulas Video Tutorial