Actively Learn

I am constantly searching for new and engaging technology to use with my 6th grade students.   Working with students who are digital natives challenges educators to reach them in ways that they are used to, and online digital tools allow teachers to do just that.

One of the best tools I have come across this school year is Actively Learn.  Actively Learn allows you to insert text from the internet, pdf files, Google Docs, or choose from already created assignments.  Once a text is chosen teachers can insert questions to check for understanding. Questions can be multiple choice or short answer and can be labeled with Common Core Standards. You can also insert video clips and pics into your questions.  Questions can also be set up as gates that  students must answer before being allowed to go onto the next question.

Another feature of Actively Learn that I really like is the ability to insert notes.  Teachers can insert notes into the text to help clarify meaning of words or parts of the passage.  Links can also be inserted into the notes or directly into the article that will allow students to access other websites to further their understanding of the material.

I have also given students a text with few or no questions and allowed them to insert their own notes. Having students insert notes into the text serves as a great way for students to annotate what they are reading.

Actively Learn is a great tool to use with students and I am constantly discovering new ways that I can use this tool with my students to enhance their learning.  I would highly recommend that you give it a try.