gizmos

This is where you will find information about Gizmos by [|Explore Learning]


 * = How to Login ||  ||   ||= Navigating Explore Learning ||   ||   ||= Shockwave Issues? ||   ||   ||= Lesson Materials ||   ||   ||= Assessment Questions ||   ||   ||= Ways to Use Gizmos ||

On the top left of the website under the Explore Learning logo you will find "LOGIN". Your login information is as follows: username is the same as your email username (ex:smithj01) and your password is the school password for Study Island and AR.

Once logged in, you can use the tools on the top right to navigate through the website. The **house** will direct you back to your homepage. This is where you can add classes, get class codes, and manage your rosters (students). The **person** is your profile. Use your profile to change your password. The **buzz** is the direct link to Explore Learnings blog. Here is where you can find out new information, tips, tricks, and ideas for using Gizmos with your students. The ? mark will show you help items and tutorials. The last icon is the Explore Learning icon that will provide you with videos on "Why ExploreLearning?"

Underneath these icons, is the search feature where you can search for Gizmos based on content/topic. Then there is a "Getting Started" section that will show you how to add Gizmos, search for Gizmos, and enrolling your students in your classes. After the "Getting Started" section, there is a search section that will allow you to search by state standard. You will have to be careful here, because not all the Gizmos that are aligned with every part of the TEK.

Gizmos are simulations that you can do with students to help them better understand Math and Science topics. You will need the latest full version of Shockwave installed. If you can not see the Gizmos, you will need to download the [|Full Shockwave installer.] Be sure to install the uninstaller first before installing the full version.

You can add many Gizmos to your class. You can even have more than one class. For example, you can have a Math class, a Science class, or even a Homework class. Once students enroll in their first class they can log in with their username and password. The student's username is their lastname and your room # (not including spaces). The password is the same as the school password. Students can perform the Gizmos in the Homework class at home if they have access to the internet.

Each Gizmo comes with Lesson Materials available both in PDF and DOC format. They include Teacher Guides, Student Guides, Student Keys, and Vocabulary. You can print and copy these guides, copy them to your class' "Pick-up" folder on the server, and/or use these with Activstudio flip charts to use on the Promethean board.

Each Gizmo also comes with Assessment questions at the end of the Gizmo window. Students can answer these questions and the data is stored for your view in your homepage. You can give grades, look at weaknesses in each student, and locate whole class re-teach based on these assessments.

Feel free to use Gizmos during your computer lab time or with the mobile laptops. Gizmos can also be a great computer center activity and as remedial instruction during tutoring.