#BPOPchat Archive
The official educational chat of BrainPOP. Like most Twitter chats, BPOPchat is structured around six to seven open-ended guiding questions, so there’s easy entry points for sharing and getting ideas.
Thursday April 7, 2016
Tonight's starts now! Topic: Student's as Creators
Please introduce yourself, and share with the community the last thing you “made!"
I'm Andrew, from BrainPOP - last thing I made? a swaddle for my newborn daughter!
Jordan from BrainPOP here. The last thing I "made" was a make-shift tripod for my camera.
Laurena 4th grade teacher and CBE - made toy keys and screwdrivers for my 2 boys today!
I'm Carrie from BrainPOP - the last thing I made was a snack when I got home :)
Matt, teacher from NJ & blogger. Last thing made, do lesson plans count? LOL
sure, it's an open ended question . . .I almost wrote "dinner"
Welcome! Looks like you created tools that can be used or more creation!
What if organelles could talk? Ss creating interactive posters with Scratch and MakeyMakey! https://t.co/scnpOJMcxF
Helped my girl make rice krispie treats for a bake sale yesterday.
mmm - sounds tasty, and for a good cause!
Keisha O'Neal from in Virginia Beach
Hi I’m Sharon - the last thing I made was a cat scratching post!
Cathie from Pittsburgh and the last thing I made was a mess when I didn't clean up dinner and started the
Matt from Perth, Aus. Will be in and out of the chat. Just heading to work! I haven’t made yet, but sausage rolls today!
love the idea of an interactive poster!
Regina joining a bit late from NJ
Thanks for the introductions, first question comin' up!
Hey Monica, NYC Educator here. Guess the last thing I made was dinner. It was actually a big hit around here 😉
I see lots of CBEs here tonight - welcome!
Hi - Jessica from here! I made a table in Google docs - very exciting.
What is ? The convo's look interesting.
If anyone is having trouble accessing the chatroom for 2nite's , clear your browser's cashe and try again! https://t.co/MEW5DsjO9D
Thanks for posting that - I had this problem. Switching to a different browser worked for me.
3rd grade Ss made complex machines to address real life problems.
A1: Allows them to actively engage in learning and concretely use skills taught
Join us, we chat the first thursday of each month at 7PM ET! This month we're talking students as makers.
A1 Ss need to make prototypes and learn that the final product isn't the end it's about the journey
Hi! I'm , STEM EC Specialist . The last thing my students and I made was a wind powered car.
A1 Balance and to physically engage
I think you and your students win
Q1: Ownership, engagement, retention, meaning...
Hey BrainPop! my 7th graders want to know: Why don't you have any LGBTQ videos on your site?
A1: Cause its too easy to be a consumer. Creating is application of learning. It is active learning. Mistakes are good!
A1: Keeps them engaged and accountable for their own learning.
A1 21st century skills, design thinking, user empathy, systems thinking. It's authentic & real world. Also, creating is meaningful
A1: Ownership, engagement, retention, meaning...
So true! It's not about the destination, but rather the steps taken to get there. https://t.co/Z05KUEL2AV
A1 Ss need to make prototypes and learn that the final product isn't the end it's about the journey
Ss are beyond excited when given the tools to create Make-A-Map coding in tinkering with
Also making something brings a self-satisfaction that adds to their confidence
I'm intrigued about adding empathy (or other SEL skills) to that list .
A1 I think giving students the opportunity to create prepares them for life outside of the classroom.
Allows them to become teachers of their own creations
A1: Allowing student's to create is a great way to tap into their own unique approach to learning.
Checking in for the 1st time. Pam, Sped & PL Teacher, Charleston, SC
A1 Creating and storytelling is how people learn
Although maybe sort of answered it there - builds confidence, understanding.
Ss have a false sense of instant gratification and don't engage in the making process
Tamyra Natividad from in VB
welcome! thanks for joining us!
A1 Ownership, engagement, building their own knowledge, creativity, just so many reasons
Q1 - With BrainPOP, my students love to create mind maps. It's important, because it allows them to think critically.
Ss learn best when they can teach others what they've learned. Producing and creating let's them show what they know!
When my students made stories using Twine, they were highly cognizant of UI.
A1: Producing & creating gives kids pride, ownership & transfers learning to long term memory.
What suggestions do you have for Ts who want to promote a culture of production in their class? https://t.co/DKXykp0qn8
Q2 - Student goal setting!
A1 There must also be student choice, too. And play. Students must feel a sense of play with the creation tool.
RT: Q2 - What suggestions do you have for Ts who want to promote a culture of production in their class? https://t.co/1PKl2o2r3P
A2: Begin small and ask students what they want to create!
A2 - Don't be afraid to let your students see YOU create...and make mistakes!
A2: share widely whatever you are doing! Give Ss a real audience for their work.
A2 Read the book Invent To Learn, Incorporate design challenges, create a fail to win culture in your classroom
EACH OF US deals with big issues. Sometimes we chose to keep those issues secret. Should we? Read -> https://t.co/WikVGamMI2
A2: Don't be afraid of letting the Ss have control or of a mess they may make ; mess = actively engaged and learning
A2 make it fun! Let students come up with their own ideas, opportunities to collaborate. Give them choices
A2 Create w/students and find authentic reasons to create
Q2 Dive in and play! Don't feel you need to master all the skills before introducing tools to your Ss.
A2 - Also share stories of successful creators/producers. . . create stuff yourself!
A1: Allowing S to create allows them to own their learning, especially when they are given choices about what they create.
A2: Talk with your students. Be brave. And by brave I mean realize that there will be tweaks.
A2 - Student goal setting it vital. Allow them to explore and become risk takers. They will actively engage and blossom.
Right! It's all about the process!
Making mistakes is HUGE! We talk about my mistakes all the time in class!
A2: Back when I taught 1st grade, during the 2nd wek of school, Ss created a movie about the classroom rules!
A2: be willing to change the way you do things based on student feedback.
A2: Show them that failure is okay and even expected! 0 tollerance for picking on others, true transparency w/T's & S's.
yes! It took me a while to come to terms with this (lol) but the mess is so necessary!
Q2 - Encourage curiosity! It's often a foundation of creativity.
if it wasn't hard, we didn't learn anything!
Engage in the "what do I need to to know" process with a production based task. Really helps to show all the steps needed
A2 Establishment a culture of cooperative learning within your classroom. Also look into . Have fun!
Use the clip from Meet the Robinsons "I failed"... perfect intro!
A2 Also let them explore the tools, just play with without any pressure to actually have a finished product at the end, have fun
A1 Producing and creating enables Ss to take pride and ownership of their learning.
Such a great idea for all lessons!
"Hard fun." - Seymour Papert
Welp. I know what I'm watching tonight!
My students are focused on creating social change and heard BPop is reluctant to feature LGBTQ history and rights videos!
Good evening ! Cathy, edtech specialist in NYC, fr NJ joining you after dinner w the whole family for the first time in weeks :)
I'd watch it again even without a child around. You'll love it!
ha - you beat me to it with the papert reference! Iposted the paper though :)
A2: Teachers should model by joining in production projects with kids! Learn something together
Yes! "What I know" / "what I need to know" are key steps! Kids get into finding those answers as well. Love this thought.
I found instead, because I don't have anything to do (hahaha).
hey there! Hope you're have a fab Thursday :)
A2: I love the idea of structuring PBL around "what I know/need to know" - GREAT advice for new teachers to get started.
A2 Provide voice and choice in learning. Allow Ss to problem solve and work through issues they encounter.
A2: Promoting good decision-making, providing Ss with caring, family-type environment within the classroom, and resect among all
A2- Let the Ss take control. Let go of the idea that the end product needs to be Pinterest perfect.
hey Cathy! You and the Mr. are both here. How fun! Sounds like u had a great dinner :)
A3: give students choice about what to produce, and why.
A3: Use their interests and run with them
Will do. I haven't heard of "hard fun" before. Very cool. Thanks!
A1: Creating and producing empower students in the learning - crucial to the process - encourages innovation as well
I agree-when you need to know you pay attention and remember because you apply the new knowledge
A3: I use first of all! 15 minutes a day can do wonders to bridge gaps. Choices based on learning styles & passion too.
Hi all! Melissa, tech specialist in NJ, stopping by tonight.
welcome Melissa, nice to see ya!
A3 - Student choice is number one in my book when it comes to creating.
Hi Cathie! Miss you! Hope you are having a great year! Have you seen my ? (when I'm home)
A3 I would have to say choice. Kids get so into it all when they are allowed ownership
A3: Give a task with some constraints, but allow for personal creative expression and exploration
RT: A3 - Student choice is number one in my book when it comes to creating.
Q1: The problem solving & thinking that is involved in making is more closely related to real world jobs!
A3 Harness the power of play wi student choice on creation tool and outcome.
A3: I teach using a choice / quest based systems - students choose their learning path
That's a nice resource thank you for sharing it!
A3 this was so much more accepted when I was an early childhood teacher seems the older the kids get the more locked into content
A3: I stay out of their way.
agreed, I think there's more room for creativity when you provide appropriate restraints!
A3 Personalize by giving choices, providing great tools, relevant topics, and be their personal cheerleader!
A3: I used to have reservations about Montessori approach - I have made peace and embrace the power of exploratory learning
It was yummy! I am loving our crockpot lately!
A3 Give your students choices in the making experience. Ss building a community collaborated https://t.co/ayD0xzV7o8
is a great way to give S choice and personalize learning!
Hey ! I'm a little late, but here! How's the new baby? told us abt at
That is really true but as middle school teachers you can give your Ss more personal responsibility.
A3: Giving Ss the chance to choose/set their own goals AND figure out how they will measure/determine their progress.
Hi, bit late, Rachelle frm Pittsbgh, SPan & culture teacher, A3 give them choices in assmt class activ,
We're glad you're here! =D
A3 - Relevant learning opps. Center research around objs, provide resources for learning, and allow Ss to explore & produce.
I love when they share their interests and it inspires an amazing new project, one I hadn't even thought of!
A3: If you engage the mind with a personally relevant problem, they will work to create a solution for a long time
I observed so much Montessori method in diss field research that I had to add it to my theoretical framework!
Totally agree! We had a class create a class-wide PSA and offered different jobs to Ss. Ss loved taking roles.
just started looking into can't wait to try it out with my Ss!
A1; So they're not just memorizing and forgetting the material presented, and can construct their own knowledge and meaning
thanks for asking, I could probably ace an audition for walking dead, but otherwise all is well!
today I gave a group of 6th graders create something with this-figure it out!
So many great ideas being shared tonight!
Personally relevant problem solving - I like that
Hey Jordan - great to see you :)
oh! I need one of those! I'm always hearing about these yummy crockpot meals. Why don't I have one yet? I dunno
A2 Take a chance w/somethn new, involve Ss, get fdbk, be creative, fun, show mistakes ok, get input & set goals togethr
it's really crazy - put the food in in the morning and come home to great smell and deliciousness
Hi, Steve! Glad you could join us tonight. : )
Yes- building knowledge structures (Papert)
Me too, thanks Pam for the heads up :)
My kids are really interested in learning about LGBT history -- why no videos on this topic?
I just realized how appropriate my profile pic is for this chat. :) Annual photo at
Oh boy...The application of this is so great for inside AND outside of the classroom! https://t.co/QbBSuYNDK2
A2 Take a chance w/somethn new, involve Ss, get fdbk, be creative, fun, show mistakes ok, get input & set goals togethr
Agreed! My students are interested in LGBTQ rights and have decided to demand BrainPop include videos on these issues
oh I need that fabulousness in my life lol!
Definitely a gd bk to read book study, lots of info
A3 Provide a framework/constraint, but then allow students to explore. Using the engineering design process worked well for us.
Q4 - What strategies do you use to support Ss working collaboratively through a production process? https://t.co/ZvXEvsu8yt
Yes, been trying new things this gradng pd, & new :)
*scrolls furiously through sea of tweets* hey !!!
hope you are doing well. Pittsburgh is well represented in this chat
I see all of your other hellos. Felt left out! Great topic for tonight!!!
RT: Q4 - What strategies do you use to support Ss working collaboratively through a production process? https://t.co/3YRcjmGX3o
I love the choose their own learning path thing. Too sad that many schools don't allow that wiggle room.
A4 Meaningful roles, like ideation lead, usertesting coordinator
A4: Group passion projects, especially Slides & Draw, no assigned seats,
A3: By giving them permission to lead their learning. Take control of what they want to learn and more importantly, how!
A4 - Choice! I always consider learning style, personality, and readiness to ensure effective collaboration.
A4: I support design teams and often self selection of roles is best to foster organic collaboration
This has been great! Have to put my kiddos to bed!
A4: Physical space to work in is really important to promote student collaboration as well as knowing it is ok to talk
A4: culture of classroom has to be collaborative throughout the yr in order to expect Ss to be collaborative in their product.
A4: share project management and collaboration skills, begin by identifying how and why each role is necessary.
A4:Self and group assessments, discussions about what pruductive team work looks like, daily reflections, group checkins by the T
A4: helping students form groups, take on roles. Be explicit about their ind. contributions to group work.
A4: Let them collaborate & learn what it's like to work in a group-give them space-cheer them on!
A4 Digital media albums. Teaching them to document and keep notes, pictures, and video. Cause when the bell rings it's over
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning
A4 When I did coop ed projects each team gave periodic reports on progress. My Cooperative Learning page https://t.co/yRmeUKVdMy
I am very fortunate to have the autonomy and ability to create an elective program that allows for it.
How do we help Ss who struggle w/ collaboration?
lucky you! Super lucky kiddos! :)
A4 - It's important to set clear expectations and model "etiquette" for when students work in groups.
A4: in my experience, even adults have trouble working in groups. (Talking abt student teachers, not at BrainPOP of course!)
A4: Have suggested jobs/taks to get each group started. They can take 'em or leave 'em, but guide Ss who need that extra help.
indeed, so much of the success of what we're talking tonight depends on school culture.
A4: Modeling is a great way to demonstrate effective collab. You could even have two or more students demo for their peers .
Great question - sometimes it'ss ok to not force collaboration -other times we need to coach reluctant Ss
A4: Take some time to talk about what it means to work together, what does it look like and sound like
A4 - I also find application like Padlet and Google classroom to be effective. Perhaps BrainPOP could add a collaboration space.
Defined jobs & letting the quiet ones pick (job & group) first helps with mine.
A4: Build their capacity to offer suggestions, to listen. To be sure, learning to collaborate is also a process.
Model/role play for students who may need extra help getting involved.
A4: Listen, offer suggestions, which may trigger more ideas 4 them, ultimately it's their project & they decide.
sometimes I feel like a skippin' CD with my praise of digital portfolios.
A3: Build up their "tool belts" so they can choose how to create/express their knowledge
It's not out of the questions .
A4 Give Ss choices, support changes of ideas, their input, facilitate but don't tell what/how to do,let them prob solv
A4: By letting Ss know I'm always a member of their team as well...encouraging their ideas, modeling teamwork for/with them.
Love that. Have students reflect on and discuss the "characteristics" of effective collaboration.
& conversations like this are so vital to changing up that school culture.
That's a nice support - help the quiet ones succeed from the beginning.
A4: Whenever I work with Ss gps, I model interactions I expect within the gps with pretend groups or even coteachers.
I love seeing them WORK it out in groups. That's the real learning experience!
Unique jobs that cover the different types of learners. Clear and organic expectations on Ts and Ss during the production process.
showing Ss we're part of the team is necessary . . . integrate ourselves in, through regular meetings etc
A3: Letting Ss choose to study the part of the material that is most interesting to them. Share out in culminating project
Voice and choice within the group to guide the direction of the finished product without loosing site of learning.
remember to help them establish roles/responsibilities. Sometimes group Ss to foster better collaboration
agreed, helping them see it through, not give up, and the reflect on how ultimately problem was solved
Being a special ed teacher, that's most of my kids. If not quiet, just unsure of themselves (and FAR from quiet). ;)
Sorry I'm late. Shana from Atlanta...on spring break so my brain is on chill mode but wanted to pop in!
sorry late! had to put kids to bed! A4 my support came from modeling & prodviding opportunities for synergy also conferenced a lot
true but so important - we need to get past the whole rigid structure that still plagues schools :(
A4 Lot of success when kids play multiplayer, & not always in creative. Team building sim in survival with role-play
Me too! I feel they same way.
Many learning/instruction questions are answered with digital portfolios. https://t.co/VnJsVObxt8
sometimes I feel like a skippin' CD with my praise of digital portfolios.
indeed, knowing their strengths and weaknesses helps, also being flexible about grouping!
A4 Agreed, part of what they have to learn, working togethr, decide roles, part of life/work/
A4 Let them to choose roles, switch them up if not working, let them move around, explore what other groups might be working on
Have you had kids play the mod - very cool mod based on sustainability and teamwork plays big part
It is interesting to watch Ss and Ts work on a problem together when neither of them know the answer
Hey Andrew!!! Sorry I'm late!! Hope you are well :)
RT x 100: Me too! I feel they same way. Many learning/instruction questions are answered with digital portfolios.
true - as with all gbl, does the skill transfer out of the game environment?!
This is my mantra! co-learning - nothing beats it :) https://t.co/zRCPH9weV8
It is interesting to watch Ss and Ts work on a problem together when neither of them know the answer
A4: Talk beforehand with Ss who may have challenges. Sketch out a game plan. If things tank...what would a redo would look like?
Best real world experience there is!
YUP! https://t.co/UK4WWq9DOo
It is interesting to watch Ss and Ts work on a problem together when neither of them know the answer
What's the best place for an educator to learn about how to use educationally? I'm clueless
A4 Also teaching them and supporting them through organization skills, letting them see models and explore different ways
It's so hard to find accessible resources for my 1st and 3rd grader on LGBT civil rights movements. We really need these!
You know it! I love it when they see they need to regroup or CHANGE to make something work.
I think that Common Sense Media has good primers on why (and how) to use Minecraft 4 learning. Gd starting place.
A5: I think makerspaces and afterschool clubs are great for this. Will run my 1st STEAM/Maker camp this summer for our Ss
all the good stuff happens in afterschool :) :(
That's exciting - good luck with it!
A5: Social Media! Messages & encouragement through comments on Google Docs, etc.
A5:I provide resources that are relevant and kids will want to continue working on at home
LOVED being a student during collab projects, working w/the kids, & reaching out to mentors it's ok not to teach it all
A5: The key is offering the opportunity. I'm all about exposure for all Ss in my building and making that happen
A5: When students start creating for authentic audience they are motivated to continue - love
A5: Genius HOUR or Ask students to TEACH style lesson of THIER choice.
A5: Let parents know about how they can keep the learning going after school hours with some at-home project ideas.
thanks my admin was excited I proposed the idea and I have a science teacher on board to help!! Should be good!
I'm also interested in motivating students to want to create- it's an uphill battle in such a "consumption" based culture.
A4: Adequate space, set expectations up front, put the kids in charge of monitoring each other
A5 Share what S's are learning with parents and offer suggestions for going deeper.
A5 I have used past few yrs, also use for metgs
A5 If the tool is engaging, Ss design from home. i.e. , , podcasting, ...
A5: My Tech Club Ss get a taste during school&they get so excited they come bk following wk telling everything they cont. @ home!
Love seeing all of these creators in action!
A4: Giving kids a role in the group based on their strengths
Yes, love getting the community involved!
love the physical hardhat for a virtual construction site!
A5: Get them interested (relevant & engaging) and they will naturally want to keep it up after school is out.
A5 During many Ss chose topics w/potential to spark multiyear projects-it was more of a life decision not a school one
Q6 coming up! Hour is almost coming to a close!
A5 It's great when the kids feel motivated enough to continue working at home, after school, Saturday programs are great too
A5: Allow them to create with tools they can access inside and outside of the classroom-(I really like Scratch)
I think gave one of the best reasons of all to make classrooms maker spaces - almosteverywhere is just about consuming.
A5: Pull in a real world connection. Why is this important to our Ss? Why should we keep learning this? Light the spark in them!
A5: Encourage Ss to enter "optional" contests with opportunities to create.
A5 Find opps for Ss to share work showcase events & w/
we're on the same page, you and I!
Speaking of , check out - I am super excited to be part of the production team! Oct 15-16 Greater Philly Expo
A5 have an analog and digital experiences and supplies for your students
A5: And encourage - even restrict! - students to use material on hand.
A5: Student choice often leads to increased engagement beyond the classroom
. love getting kids to present to adults had her Ss lead PD w/ Ts re: BrianPOP
That LGBTQ issues are "not in the standards" (in fact they are in K-8 NY, CA) and "not enough interest"
A5 At the end of the yr SS T sent home a list interesting places and activities in the area.
A6: Rubrics might help, but feedback throughout the process is helpful. I think allowing the Ss to grade their creation is good.
A6: Does it solve a problem? Is it relevant? Did it require them to solve problems along the way?
"allowing the Ss to grade their creation" worth repeating, so powerful!
A5: Love when kids ask, "Can I work on this at home?" Um, yeah you can :)
We designed digital game tasks based with content constraints-kids designed the games and loved making them for others
Definitely, they are Ts, gives them new perspectve, exper, confid, exctment
Gotta run. Glad I stopped in! See you next time!
A6: Because my classroom was a safe space..I usually allowed peer grading often. Ss love that responsibility and took it seriously
ooo , examples? Would love to hear more! What tools/curric did you use, or did you make it up yrself?
A5 We create rubrics together, I like to give Ss time to reflect on their own work first, then peer evaluations & feedback
again,great teaching practice and Ss learning begins with establishing a culture of respect.
A6: For games- we often use gallery walks for others to play and give constructive peer feedback then use feedback to improve
We give "Crit"- cool & warm feedback before the end of the creation. It allows students to help each other improve.
A5: Rubrics are great to eval student creations,also have other Ss eval w/positive comments and suggestions to improve.
A5 Find events and opportunities in the community that match their interests and help connect them with like minded S's.
A6 PBL+makered+genius hour = amazing opportunities for kids and they all work together
My favorite is when Ss made me templates -- not for extra credit, but for fun! GBL FTW!
It's so great when you can create real-world connections by having students learn and interact with their community!
A6 Last year I took many notes but asked Ss to create their own rubrics for their passion based projects-they were unbelievable
A6 Grade process, not deliverable. Assess learning outcomes, not play.
Q7 - Folks - we're coming to a close, thanks for a thoughtful and stimulating chat! Suggestions for next month?
Oh, that's a good one too! ;)
A6 - I evaluate S creation by their growth. Know them & you can grow them. Rubrics = best friend in evaluation if used properly.
A6: Understanding of expectation, met their goals, gallery walk
A7 How do we give students a voice ?
& remember to join for chat with at 8 tonight! https://t.co/OXPOuEghkb
Q7 - Folks - we're coming to a close, thanks for a thoughtful and stimulating chat! Suggestions for next month?
A6: Self and peer assessment; maybe reflection?
some of my 2nd and 3rd graders want to use every min of the day:) Begging their Ts to use at home!!
