Presentation Title: “Vocabulary 2.0: Next-Generation Tools for Every Classroom”

In this session, I will lay the foundation for explicit pre-teaching of vocabulary first by touching on the Science of Reading, Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and general research recommendations from the National Reading Panel and the West Virginia Department of Education. I will then move into a demonstration of various activities, many of which will allow for total audience participation (by choice) on their own devices. Tools and strategies will include: digital flashcards through Google Classroom/Quizlet/Kahoot, Fast and Curious EduProtocol through Gimkit, digital Frayer models in Google Slides, Repuzzler EduProtocol, Diffit for Teachers, and Flashcard Factory from Pear Deck. All of the tools used in the presentation are easily accessed, safe for students, and free for use (premium versions for some tools available but not necessary).

I have used and coached the use of all of these strategies, and teachers are consistently pleasantly surprised by how well students learn the words while having fun. This would be most helpful for teachers of any content in PreK-12 schools, but higher education faculty may find value in activities or ways to adapt them depending on their course. Instructional and technology coaches as well as teacher supervisors/administrators would also benefit by knowing the strategies in order to recommend them as needed to others.

While I live and teach in Ohio, my last three years as a virtual student at Marshall University created a connection to and interest in West Virginian education and technology opportunities. I have begun instructing at Marshall as I work on my dissertation, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to West Virginia education and technology at this conference.