Working with Genailly

Hello everyone! 

I'm happy to share details about our recent student project, which saw incredible engagement and creativity thanks to the versatile tool, Genially. This project aimed to science in the English world. We were thrilled with the results and the innovative ways our students brought their learning to life.

To ensure a smooth and structured process, we followed these stages:

Stage 1: Choose Topic and Establish Groups 

Students were presented with a list of potential project topics related to science in the English world. We facilitated a brainstorming session where students could also propose their own topics, subject to approval. Following topic selection, students had the opportunity to form groups of 3-4 members based on shared interests.

Stage 2: Choose Modality of Genially and Initial Research 

Students explored the various interactive formats offered by Genially (presentations, infographics, interactive images, escape rooms, etc.). Each group discussed and decided on the most suitable Genially modality to effectively present their chosen topic. The initial phase of research began, with students utilizing provided resources and conducting their own investigations.

Stage 3: Content Development and Genially Design

Groups focused on gathering and organizing their research findings. They started developing the content for their Genially projects, including text, images, videos, and interactive elements. I provided guidance and feedback on content accuracy and Genially design principles during this stage.

Stage 4: Peer Review and Refinement 

Each group presented a draft of their Genially project to their peers. Constructive feedback was provided using a structured rubric. Groups then used this feedback to refine and improve their projects.

Stage 5: Final Presentation and Submission

Groups delivered their final presentations to the class, showcasing their Genially projects. The final Genially links were submitted for assessment.

Decision-Making on Grouping and Timings

We opted for student-led grouping to encourage collaboration among those with shared interests, fostering a more engaged and motivated team dynamic. While I provided the initial list of topics, allowing students to propose their own fostered a sense of ownership over their learning. The project timeline of two lessons was determined based on the complexity of the topics and the learning objectives. We allocated specific times for research, design, and feedback to ensure students had ample time to develop high-quality projects without feeling rushed. Regular check-ins and interim deadlines helped keep the project on track.

Sample of Additional Materials

Here’s a glimpse of a simple project planner handout we used to help students organize their work: 

**Project Title:** _________________________

**Group Members:** ________________________

**Chosen Genially Modality:** _________________________

**Timeline:**

Lesson 1: Topic Chosen: _______; Group Formed: _______

Lesson 1: Genially Modality Chosen: _______; Initial Research Goals: _______

Lesson 1: Content Outline: _______; Key Information Sources: _______

Lesson 2: Genially Design Progress: _______; Interactive Elements Planned: _______

Lesson 2: Peer Review Completed: _______; Revisions Made: _______

Lesson 2: Final Presentation Date: _______; Submission Link: _______

Key Tasks and Responsibilities (Assign to group members):

* _________________________

* _________________________

* _________________________

* _________________________

I also provided a rubric for both peer and teacher assessment, focusing on content accuracy, clarity of presentation, effective use of Genially features, creativity, and teamwork.

Sample of a group:

Link to Genially

Reflection on Learning and Objectives

The use of Genially has undeniably optimized my students’ learning experience in several ways. The platform’s intuitive interface and wide range of templates empowered students to create visually appealing and interactive presentations without needing advanced technical skills. This allowed them to focus on the content and creatively present their understanding. Genially’s interactive elements, such as quizzes, hotspots, and embedded media, encouraged deeper engagement with the subject matter. Students weren't just passively presenting information; they were actively involving their audience. This fostered a more dynamic and memorable learning experience for both the presenters and the audience. From my perspective, Genially has been instrumental in achieving several key objectives:

• Increased Student Engagement: The novelty and interactivity of Genially significantly boosted student motivation and participation.
• Development of Digital Literacy Skills: Students gained practical experience in using a digital tool for content creation and presentation.
• Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: The platform provided a canvas for students to express their understanding in unique and imaginative ways.
• Improved Presentation Skills: Students gained confidence in presenting their work using a dynamic and engaging format.

Would I Change Anything?

Overall, I am extremely pleased with how this project unfolded. However, if I were to run it again, I might consider incorporating a more formal element of feedback on the Genially design itself, perhaps focusing on user experience and accessibility. Additionally, providing even more structured guidance on incorporating interactive elements strategically to enhance learning, rather than just for the sake of interactivity, could be beneficial.

Stay tuned for more updates on our classroom adventures!