Bringing your classroom devices to life. Leslie Crawford ITEC 7445 Dr. Moore Summer 2015

What is ClassFlow?  ClassFlow is an online instructional delivery system that engages students through interactive and collaborative uses of technology.  ClassFlow provides a platform for online instruction, curriculum, differentiation, and assessment using classroom devices.  Existing lessons can be uploaded, or they can be created from scratch.  Capture teacher screen and project onto student devices.  Compatible with SmartBoards.

ClassFlow Introduction Video Click on the video above to link to a ClassFlow Introduction video.

How does ClassFlow support the ECS vision for technology?  “The mission of Echols County Schools is to include all stakeholders in providing students with a rigorous curriculum and access to technology that will enable all students to reach their maximum potential in a safe, nurturing environment.”  ClassFlow gives teachers the opportunity to use technology to differentiate lessons, provide rigorous curriculum, and meet the needs of all learners.  The use of ClassFlow will provide students with real-world learning experiences that allow for collaboration, instant feedback, and encourage critical thinking.

What is the target population?  Echols County Schools serves 757 students in grades K-12.  90% of the system population are from low-income families and qualify for free or reduced lunches. Therefore, many students do not have access to technology at home.  ClassFlow can be utilized for grades K-12.  A 1:1 model would be ideal for the use of ClassFlow. however, using ClassFlow with the current school technology setup will assist students with technology literacy.  The best way to ensure equitable access would be to provide equal computer lab time for all grade levels, and provide access to ClassFlow before and after school.

What equipment is needed for implementation?  ClassFlow can be utilized with Promethean and Smart boards, laptops, desktops, tablets, the Microsoft suite, and Windows and Mac operating systems.  Students and the teacher need a computer, headphones, and interactive white board for ClassFlow. Headphones eliminate the distraction of other students’ lessons.  Ideally ClassFlow would be used in a 1:1 scenario, however it can be used with the current classroom computers and labs we have available.  Easy to implement resource for High School BYOD initiative.

Does Classflow align with instructional and technology standards?  ClassFlow provides teachers with the platform to present classroom information and lessons on an interactive platform.  The interactive platform gives teachers the ability to differentiate according to the needs of each individual learner.  ClassFlow aligns with technology standards by giving students the ability to create original works, collaborate online with peers, solve authentic problems, and exhibit digital citizenship.  ClassFlow gives students the opportunity to experience real- world learning experiences using real-world technology platforms that is focused on digital literacy and college and career readiness.

Is technical support available?  Teachers would need extensive professional learning before implementing ClassFlow.  ClassFlow provides a community page for technical support and collaboration.  The ClassFlow community is a forum for users to ask one another questions, share ideas, solve problems, and provide feedback.  A help library is stocked with tutorial videos, tips, and tricks for navigating ClassFlow and making implementation most effective.

Is technical support available?  ClassFlow publishes a blog to share user experiences and share ideas.  Free webinars are offered for teachers and administrators to understand ClassFlow features and learn how to implement it effectively.  To participate in a webinar, a teacher or administrator can sign up and attend the online session. Webinars are recorded and archived for later viewing.

What are the limitations of ClassFlow?  The free version of ClassFlow offers limited storage and basic support.  The free version doesn’t offer individual student accounts, item analysis, or unit planning.  It will be time consuming to convert lessons into the interactive format.  A limitation of this emerging technology is the amount of technology available to students on a daily basis.  For ClassFlow to reach its full potential, students would need to use their own device or have access to one several times a week.

What is the cost of ClassFlow? Free ClassFlowClassFlow for Schools Multimedia content integration Multiple device collaboration Device agnostic Instant polling Formative assessments Assessment summary 100 MB of storage Basic support All features of Free ClassFlow Unlimited storage Premium support Student accounts Student lesson creation Lesson sharing with students Homework Performance reporting Item analysis Third party integration ClassFlow desktop Course & unit planning Teacher dashboard Class calendar SIS, LMS, CMS integration

What is the cost of ClassFlow?  The teacher version is free. However, there are limited features available with the free version.  ClassFlow for Schools is a paid subscription. The cost can be requested by school administrators.  Echols County Schools are Title I schools. Title I schools can use Title funding for computers or accessories used to increase student achievement.  Technology grants can be written to purchase ClassFlow.  Training is free due to extensive online video tutorials and online community.

How can ClassFlow be used in the classroom by teachers?  Teachers can use ClassFlow to share a screen (such as a SmartBoard screen) with students individually so they can have the information directly in front of them.  ClassFlow offers online assessments with instant feedback. A live assessment screen shows teachers which questions students struggled with which guides re-teaching.  Assessments can include multiple choice questions, equations, true/false, sort, order, and open ended responses such as R.A.C.E. questions.  Encourage critical thinking through guided independent discovery of classroom concepts.

How can ClassFlow be used in the classroom by teachers?  ClassFlow encourages collaborative learning.  Learning can be done beyond the classroom through assignment sharing, so students can work on class assignments both in and outside of school.  ClassFlow could be used for a Flipped classroom model.  Students can be grouped within in the online class for differentiation.  Collaboration is encouraged by sharing assignments both in and outside the classroom.  Students can use the interactive platform to solve real-world problems.

Is ClassFlow safe for students to use?  Students connect to class assignments using a unique classroom code. This prevents unwanted users from entering the learning environment.  Lessons created by the teacher allow for controlled content available to students.

Is ClassFlow research based?  “ClassFlow, the leading interactive lesson delivery platform from Promethean, was named Best of Show by Tech and Learning at ISTE ClassFlow was one of numerous new products evaluated at the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) annual conference, which took place June 28 through July 1 in Philadelphia, Pa.”(Business Wire, 2015)  “ClassFlow really makes lessons more engaging. The kids get feedback on their work and everyone collaborates together. ClassFlow really connects us all.” – Ron Clark

Is ClassFlow research based?  “Young learners are attracted by the technology, games, and real learning. It can encourage the young learners to understand the facts by their eyes. Perceptual learning happens through virtual learning. It paves the way for learners to learn at their own pace. Retention power of the learners can be increased through virtual learning. (Singraavelu, 2013).

How can we implement ClassFlow into our school?  ClassFlow does not have to be a platform for every lesson.  Before full implementation, focus heavily on professional development. Teachers need to know how know how to implement ClassFlow for it to be effective.  Focus on creating tech-rich ClassFlow lessons through collaboration with peers and Technology Coach.  Begin implementation one lesson or concept at a time.  Arrange the computer lab schedule to give teachers the lab time to implement ClassFlow lessons.

How can we implement ClassFlow into our school?  Focus on using ClassFlow for differentiation or remediation.  Intervention teachers, Special Education, ESOL, and Migrant teachers can use ClassFlow during pullout times to focus on class specific content with students.  High school teachers can fully implement ClassFlow using the BYOD initiative for assessments, lessons, collaboration, and differentiation.  As we work towards BYOD in middle school, full implementation on a daily basis can begin as the initiative begins.

Reflection  I began looking at this technology as a way to put my lessons into an interactive format. I was impressed by ClassFlow and the many features it offers to teachers and administrators. I was very impressed by the ability to put SmartBoard material on each individual students’ device to interact as they would while standing at the SmartBoard.  Due to limited technology use, I know that for the time being I cannot fully implement ClassFlow as intended. However, it is my plan to create two lessons to use each month with my students.

Reflection  I think ClassFlow could be an invaluable resource for differentiation and remediation. Its ability to provide students with individualized instruction could really change the way we provide instruction for struggling students. Using ClassFlow, teach student can get exactly what they need to learn the material. Articles can be differentiated and tiered according to the student. Manipulatives can be provided to enhance learning and encourage critical thinking.  The thing that drew me into ClassFlow was the immediate assessment feedback. Receiving feedback quickly allows me to tailor instruction on a dime and determine if students need more instruction or if they have mastered a concept.

Resources Businesswire (2015) ClassFlow Wins Tech&Learning ISTE Best of Show Award. Retrieved from /en/ClassFlow%E2%84%A2-Wins -Tech-Learning-ISTE-2015-Show#.VaRi1JNViko Echols County Schools (2013). Echols County Elementary/ Middle School Title I Schoolwide Plan. Retrieved from Divisions/DocumentsCategories/Documents/ ECEMS_Schoolwide-Plan_FY14.pdf Singaravelu, G. (2013). Learner-Oriented Virtual Learning: A booster to primary school learners. i-manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 9(1), p