Engaging Elementary Students Using Canvas
“Together, we prepare our students to successfully meet the challenges of the future” is the District OR-1 mission statement. In an effort to help students prepare for their future, Mr. Smidt is using Chromebooks in the elementary library with the fifth and sixth grade classes to explore different tools. One of these tools, Canvas, is an online learning platform that students in grades 7-12 use on a daily basis. To help the younger grades prepare for the junior high school transition, Mr. Smidt is teaching this online learning tool. All of the work is completed online by the students, during block time in library, and the grades are instantly uploaded in Powerschool.
Mr. Smidt interviewed five students to learn their thoughts on this new system. He talked with two fifth graders, Lauren and Lincoln, along with three sixth graders-Kayley, Cameron, and Emily. Kayley said one thing she likes about Canvas is being able to check her own grades within the program. Emily mentioned how she liked having access to multiple classes in one area. Currently only computers and library are the only two classes the 5th and 6th grade are using in this platform. Cameron talked about how Canvas can extend classroom learning into online learning. Lincoln enjoys the fact once logged into the class, the assignments are right there to access. Lauren likes bring her Chromebook to class each week and completing the assignments using Canvas instead of using paper and pencil.
Some current and future projects that students have or will be completing include:
5th grade - book report project using Google Docs and transfering to Canvas. Along with video and script of one of their favorite hobbies and why they enjoy the hobby.
6th grade-Choose a famous person and write a research paper and create a Google Slides presentation about their topic.
8th grade-In groups, pick a household item and create a video to sell the product.
In January, the 6th and 8th grade classes will be doing a group project where we will create a video and give a virtual tour of both buildings to that will be used to introduce Bennet Elementary and Palmyra Jr-Sr. High school to new families that move into our district.
Their final products are uploaded into Canvas and submitted to be graded.
