The internet is filled with amazing content. I am always assigning web articles, blog posts, and other web content to my students. I hope they read it deeply and critically think about what they are reading but, I can’t really be sure.
Insert, InsertLearning, formally known as DocentEDU.
Add Interactivity
InsertLearning is a Chrome extension that lets you embed interactive elements, such as discussion questions, multiple choice questions, and other media into any web page. Below is an example of a web page with highlighted text and a discussion question.
You can even embed other media such as YouTube videos, Google Slides presentations, or anything with an embed code.
There is a long list of apps that can be added to a web page. I’m sure all your favorites are there. Such as FlipGrid, Thinglink, Edpuzzle, and more. The complete list is available once you have created your free account. It even includes easy to follow tutorial videos like the one below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ygj6xRWg0]
As you can see, it is super easy to add interactive elements and there are several templates that can help you based on the type of webpage you are using. For example, if I am assigning a current event news article, InsertLearning has sample lessons and discussion questions. Take a look here.
Key Features
There are tons of great features with this tool. Here are just a few.
- Free access to all features – InsertLearning is a free Chrome extension. With the free version, you can create an account, create 5 lessons, manage unlimited students, and use ALL the features, not just a limited set. If you want to create more than 5 lessons, there are a few tiers of pricing. An individual teacher can add unlimted lesson creation for only $40 a year. Here is more information on the pricing packages.
Easily assign lessons to multiple classes. - Assign and Manage Lessons – The dashboard is simple to use. You can create classes and assign lessons to one or multiple classes. Students join classes using a join code. You can even push your lesson out using Google Classroom or via an assignment link. You can also manage student scores through your dashboard.
- Student Dashboards – Students can use their Google login to create a student account. Once they are signed in, they can use the class code to join the class. They now have a list of all the lessons assigned.
- Tutorial videos – Ther is a substantial video tutorial library to help you make the most of all the features. You can find them on YouTube under DocentEDU. I already mentioned that this tool connects with many of our other favorites. The video library has videos that will help you incorporate those tools into your lessons.
- Teacher Ambassadors – InsertLearning was developed by two classroom teachers. They have also created a community of educators called Ambassadors. It seems like a wonderful support community. You can even become an Ambassador by running your own PD session. InsertLearning supplies all the training materials.
I am excited to start using this in my classes. My courses are mainly online and I’m always looking for discussion board alternatives. I think this has a lot of potential to add engagement to my online readings assignments.
Thank you InsertLearning for a powerful online learning tool!