Socrative: Student Response System

Socrative Teacher/Student is a free set of apps that allows for quick formative assessments using mobile devices.  The App also works on any web browser so it could be used on laptops as well.

The simple guide below will get you started using Socrative in short time.

1. Download Socrative Teacher onto your mobile device, or go to t.socrative.com. This will open up the teacher console. Below is a screen shot of the teacher console on an iPad.

2. Create a free teacher account and log into your room.

3. Students will download Socrative Student or go to m.socrative.com and enter the Room Number to join the class. No account required!

4. Start using Socrative!

Single question activities can be Multiple Choice, True False, or Short Answer.  The device acts only as a way to record answers for these activities. The teacher needs to say the question orally, write it on the board, or project it for students.  Responses are recorded automatically and will be displayed on the teacher's device.  A really interesting feature is the ability to do short answer responses and then have students vote on their favorite short answer response.

Multiple Choice Responses

Teachers can also create quizes under the "Manage Quizzes" tab.  Quizes will display questions and multiple choice options on student devices.  Quizes can also be shared with other teachers.

A fun feature is the "Space Race" where students can compete to answer questions correctly. The teacher can project the race so students can watch their Space Ships competing against each other.

Using Socrative as en exit ticket is another great way to check for student understanding of the lesson.  You can use the pre-formatted exit ticket or create a quiz that you call "exit ticket" with your own questions.


Student responses can be downloaded or emailed, making it easy to track student progress.

Overall Socrative is a great tool, particularly for those schools with 1:1 devices.  If you have ever used Socrative in the classroom, please share any creative uses in the comments section.

Google Drive iOS update: it's great!

Those of us who love Google Docs/Drive and iPads have long lamented that the two don't play well together.  An update to the Google Drive App is finally beginning to make that friendship a reality. Here is a quick overview of the top four new features.

Edit Google Docs within the App:

You can now edit Google Docs from within the Drive App. The lack of this functionality made the App virtually pointless before.  Shared Docs can be edited in real time and you can easily see who is editing the doc with you. Unfortunately the editor still lacks an integrated chat and does not have the full functionality of browser based Google Docs.  Most notably lacking is the comment feature that teachers love.

Create a new Google Docs within the App:

Now you can create a new Document, and also a new folder, right in Google Drive. Since you have always been able to control sharing within Google Drive there is no need for a computer to create and share your Google Docs.


Import Photo or Video:

Another great new feature is the ability to import directly from the camera roll.  This is great particularly for those teachers who want to use iMovie for students to create video project. Previously it was difficult for students to share their work without using Social Media sites or several Apps.  Now they simply save the video to the Camera Roll and upload it to Google Drive.


Keep your Google Drive Organized:

Google Drive now allows you to keep your files organized from within the App. You could always rename your documents, but now you an move them from one folder into another.

For now you can not edit Google Spreadsheets or Presentations from within the app. You also cannot convert .docs to Google Docs format from within the App. There is still plenty more functionality that I would like to see Google add, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

As more and more Apps add the functionality to export to Google Drive we may actually see Google Apps and and iPad becoming a great educational team.

Class Dojo: Free Classroom Management Tool

I recently ran across a great new classroom management tool for teachers called Class Dojo.  Class Dojo allows you to reward positive behaviors and keep track of negative behaviors in real time.

The interface is exceedingly simple. Simply sign up for free as a teacher, then create a class.  My imaginary class has four students as seen below. You can choose from their avatars or upload your own.

Next, create a list of positive and negative behaviors.  You could also create a list of tasks students need to complete and track these as well. 

Once a class is up and running you just click on a students avatar and then select from positive or negative behaviors.

Clas Dojo will record your selection and keep a running tally for each student. Once class is over you can run reports on an entire class or on individual students for selected time periods.

These reports can then be emailed to parent. (A feature to save the reports as a .pdf is coming soon according to the site).

You can also email a secret code to students or parents so they can go on to Class Dojo at home and check their progress at any time!

Last, but definitely not least the mobile Class Dojo site  (http://mobile.classdojo.com) allows you to use your iPhone, iPad, or other mobile device as a class remote to easily track student behavior as you walk around the classroom.