Learning About HyperDocs

 What is a HyperDoc?
A HyperDoc is an interactive document, like a slide presentation or google doc, that provides students with access to all learning materials, resources, and activities in one, easily accessible document. HyperDocs shift instruction, providing students the content needed to explore and apply their learning by using communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. 

How does it enhance student learning?

HyperDocs enhance student learning in a number of ways. There are hyperlinks, embedded videos, interactive elements, and various activities to make learning for students more dynamic and engaging. Teachers can customize HyperDocs to meet the specific needs of individual students or groups, allowing for differentiated instruction. It also allows for students to explore content and topics at their own pace, and in ways that suit their learning needs best. HyperDocs can include reflection prompts to encourage students to think critically about their learning and make connections to real-world applications.

What is an example of a HyperDoc?
An example of a HyperDoc I had viewed, was a simple one-paged google doc. Students would access this document and see the content they need to view and the assignment to complete in three easy steps. The first step is to click on the link provided in the doc, and watch the video. After watching the video, they will follow the next step and look at an infographic of kids in nature. After reviewing the infographic, they will follow the last step on the HyperDoc, which asks a question. They are guided to click on the link which will take them to another google doc, which provides them with pictures, a graphic organizer, and steps to completing the assignment. Each HyperDoc is designed in a clean and colorful way, while incorporating pictures or videos, which make it engaging for students. 

Global Education with 'Global Kids'

In today’s world, global education is more important than ever. It goes beyond teaching students about geography or world history, but instead it’s about fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and global issues. By incorporating global education into the classroom, we give students knowledge and skills they need to navigate an interconnected world. This type of education not only broadens their worldview but also encourages empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration. In this blog, I’ll explore how global education benefits students and share a classroom activity that highlights the power of community both locally and globally. 

          As I explored the various amounts of incredible global education tools we have access too, there was one for primary education that really stood out to me called Global Kids. Developed by global education expert Homa Tavangar and the creators of Barefoot Books’ bestselling Mindful Kids deck, Global Kids includes over 50 hands-on activities that are divided into 5 categories to teach children about food, festivals, games, crafts and ways of helping others around the world. 

        Each card features a front side that introduces the activity, offering an overview of its cultural significance and meaning within the specific location. On the reverse side, students will find step-by-step instructions guiding them through the process, empowering them to recreate the dish, craft, or game as it is practiced in the culture they are exploring. One example of a preview offered by the website is an activity where students learn about the Festival of Lights in India. For example, Diwali, which means "festival of lights," is a time when many people in India and beyond celebrate the power of good over evil. Students are then provided with instructions on how they too can create a lantern inspired by this vibrant and meaningful celebration.

        What is inspiring about these cards is that they serve as a solid foundation for lesson plans, offering educators a starting point for exploring diverse cultures with their students. Teachers can easily build upon the activity, expanding it into a week-long exploration filled with deeper discussions, projects, and hands-on learning. This allows educators to tailor the experience to their classroom’s needs and interests, creating an immersive cultural learning experience. In my future classroom, I am eager to incorporate this global education tool, as it will not only enhance traditional lesson plans but also broaden students perspectives, encouraging creativity and critical thinking through the lens of different cultures.

Collaboration Through Media

Education is always powerful for growth and inspiration, but in recent years, technology has taken it to new heights. With an expanding world of media outlets and educational resources, teachers now have so many ways to enrich their lesson plans and make learning more dynamic and engaging for their students. As educators embrace these new tools, students are also empowered to take ownership of their learning and dive deeper into their subjects.

In Sail the 7 Cs by Becky Keene and Kathi Kersznowski, the authors dive into the impact of media and technology through education and in any workplace necessary to benefit from these tools. In Chapter 2, the focus is on collaboration, and one tool that stands out for facilitating this process is Microsoft Teams. Teams offers an easy way to share and consume media through video, audio, and file sharing in a collaborative space.

A great example provided in the chapter discusses how two people might collaborate on a PowerPoint presentation. Tools like Google Docs let users see changes made in real-time, but communication still relies on emails or text messages, which can lead to delays of hours or even days when trying to reach a consensus. However, Microsoft Teams allows group members to work on their slides, see each other's changes in real-time, and communicate instantly using Teams audio feature. This means decisions can be made and revisions discussed right away, cutting down the time it would typically take to reach an agreement and/or completion.

With tools like Microsoft Teams, collaboration is no longer confined to slow, drug out communication. Instead, educators and students alike can experience more efficient interactions that enhance learning and creativity. It’s clear that technology, when used appropriately, can be extremely beneficial in growing how we learn and work together. 

There are many other incredible media platforms that provide collaborative learning in education. Social media networks like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Bluesky, and others provide opportunities for connecting with like-minded individuals. These platforms enable people to share, discuss, and learn from one another. What I find particularly valuable about these media sources is that, when you're stuck on lesson plans, projects, or any other challenge, you can easily reach out for guidance, ideas, and advice.

Setting goals to Empower the Individual

There have been many positive changes within education that focus on the individual student, rather than the class as a whole. With these changes, educators have seen their students take learning into their own hands and push to achieve goals they feel can be reachable, while also giving them a challenge to go above their typical learning limits. In the book, Adventures in Authentic Learning by author Kristin Harrington, Harrington dedicates a passage on pages 4-6  to “Goal Setting for Empowerment.” As a future educator, this passage is crucial in establishing ways to encourage students to transform into leaders, rather than listeners or followers, and have a say in how/what they learn. This is developed through goals and Harrington gives great ways on how to implement them in the classroom.

Every student learns differently, what may be beneficial for some students may not be as favorable to others. When having students set goals, it is important to give options on how and where these goals can be accessed. Some students may prefer their goals to be written, others might rather see their goals through pictures or drawings, while another group of students do best hearing their goals out loud. There are so many incredible resources, whether it be through technology or what can be used within the classroom, students have the ability to decide what works best for them. Let’s get into some ways students can create their goals, that correlate with how they learn best:

A great way for students to see their goals is by creating vision boards, or also known as idea boards. Educators can encourage their students to find pictures and/or create drawings that show what their goals are. For example, if a student's goal is to do well on their science labs, they could draw beakers with A+s in them and have an arrow pointing to a happy face. Another way to lay out this goal could be to find a picture of a scientist or other students working on an experiment. This can help students visualize the goal they want to achieve, instilling motivation for them to feel the same way as the students pictured. 

Another incredible way for students to lay out their goals is on websites like Animoto. Students are able to create their own videos through a safe space and in any form that fits their way of learning best, while implementing their goals. This allows them to not only see their goals, but to also hear them. They can incorporate their own voices to an Animoto video, while also having the option to add music or better yet, their favorite song. 

In Kristin Harrington’s book, she also provides a great example for students who want to read their goals, by creating goal cubes. Students can have the option to have wooden cubes where they write their goals on each flat side of the cube, or they can build their own with paper or card stock. The idea of having something they can carry with them or have at their desks is a great way to keep reminding them of their goals. Students can get creative by writing out their goals in different colors or maybe even in a plain color, but adding drawings or colors around their written goal. 

It is important to note that while giving students the freedom to create goals they can strive to achieve for the week, month, or year - goals need to be measurable and guided with an educator on what is important/appropriate in the classroom. After these goals are discussed and made, it is essential that students revisit and reflect on them. Educators can include time in their lesson plans for regular check-ins on their goals. This time can also allow students to share their progress with classmates, teachers, guardians, and other school staff outside of their immediate classroom group.