Written by Emily Upton - Posted Sept. 20, 2023
Think video lessons are something to leave back in 2020 with virtual teaching and making bread from scratch? Think again! If you're all about making learning fun, collecting immediate data, and creating interactive digital experiences that are actually worthwhile, then you've got to check out Edpuzzle. This secret weapon can totally transform how you show videos in your classroom! (P.S. I'm not getting paid or endorsed by Edpuzzle in any way. This is just a tool that I loved using in my classroom that I want to share with you!)
What is Edpuzzle, Anyway?
How often do you show videos in class? I love using YouTube videos to engage students during my lessons. But there are some issues. Kids zoning out, fast-forwarding through content to get to the end, and not being able to see if my students are actually "getting it". That's where Edpuzzle comes in. Edpuzzle lets you add interactive questions throughout any video (including those YouTube videos you already use in your lessons!) Also, there is a giant library of videos that other teachers have made that you can use immediately with your students. No prep is my jam!
Reasons it Rocks
- Engagement Galore: Edpuzzle makes learning exciting by letting you add questions, quizzes, and notes right into your videos. So, as your students watch, they're not just sitting there—they're actively participating.
- Dive into Differentiation: You can personalize your lessons with Edpuzzle. Create different versions of the same video with varying levels of challenge. That way, every student gets what they need. You can even assign different videos to different students, allowing you to reteach or enrich your students' learning simultaneously in a way that you can't when you're instructing at the front of the room.
- Instant Feedback: Edpuzzle gives you the lowdown on how well your students get it. You can track their progress, see which questions gave them trouble, and adjust your teaching accordingly. I loved using the reports in math to see who still needed additional small-group instruction!
- Flexibility: Use Edpuzzle in class, for homework, or as part of a flipped classroom approach. I like to use it whole-group to discuss the video, or independently to frontload new content. It's perfect for math to review a skill taught the previous day, or record yourself teaching students how to play a new center game. The possibilities are truly endless. Plus, open-classroom mode means no additional logins for students; just share the link, and they're in!
My Fave Ways to Use Edpuzzle
- Frontloading New Content in Science: Teaching about ecosystems? Use an Edpuzzle video like this one to introduce Invasive Species. Then, have students complete this research project to dive into a specific animal and plant and how it impacts the ecosystem it invaded.
.png "Invasive Species Research Project")
- Planning Seamless Reading Centers: After reading and completing these reading activities with students in small groups about character traits vs. feelings, assign an Edpuzzle video like this one to put their knowledge to the test and see who needs additional support.
- Real-World Connections in Math: After students complete this decimal menu project, have them practice applying that real-world knowledge using a video experience like this one.
.png "Invasive Species Research Project")
Edpuzzle is one of my absolute favorite tech tools for upper elementary classrooms. It turns your teaching into a dynamic, engaging, and interactive experience. By using tech in the right way, you can cater to your students' needs and set them up for success in the digital world. How will you use Edpuzzle in your classroom?