Show Me

Have you ever used the app Show Me?

I started using Show Me on my iPad last year, and it was a classroom GAME CHANGER!

What is Show Me?

Show Me is an app on the iPad, and all videos can be accessed online on their website: www.showme.com

The app is free - with up to 60 minutes of recording space. If you need more space than that, you will have to pay ($4.19/month)

Using the app, you can create videos, add drawings, and record your voice. Take a look at my demo to get an idea of what you can do - here.  Don't be alarmed when it asks for your name - you can list your first name or initials :)

In addition, you can create student accounts, as well as different groups/classes - perfect for Middle School teachers, or even differentiating which student watches which video!

How can I use Show Me in class or with my students?

There are many ways you can use this app. See my list below, and comment if you have another idea of how to use this app in class!

1. Create mini flipped lessons

This is the main way that I have used the app in my classroom... Have you ever had a parent ask about the Common Core math or complain about the "new way" we are teaching our students? Well, creating mini flipped lessons is great for your students AND their parents. 

Last spring, I began recording 2-5 minute Show Me videos, walking the students step-by-step through the math that I would teach the following day. This helped to keep parents in the loop (so much positive feedback from providing the videos), as well as front load the lesson material for all of my learners. 

The effect from these Show Me videos was immediate. My struggling learners had more confidence during the math lesson and were participating more. Students seemed much MORE excited about math time. 

See an example Show Me video I made for my students here.

In addition, show these videos to your parent volunteers, paras, and classroom aides. It will help them understand how you teach it, and it will help them to help the students. 

Lastly - you can use Show Me to create completely flipped lessons. Students can watch the video at home, and come to class prepared and ready for activities and discussions revolving around the lesson. 

2. Search lessons 

If you are feeling overwhelmed and short for time, head to the Show Me website, and search for other teacher-made videos! There are TONS on there - and not just math related!

For example...

Here is a video on conjunctions.

Here is a video on the water cycle.

Here is  video on subtracting mixed numbers.

You can also search by Common Core Standard - how great is that????

3. Videos created by students

Why should teachers have to do all the work? Have your students create a Show Me video where they explain their thinking to you while they solve a math problem. This is a great way for us to catch and correct any misunderstandings and mistakes. 

ALSO, have students create videos to explain concepts to their classmates. This is great especially for my high achieving students. I'm always amazed at how creative they can get with their videos!

See one of my student's videos here.

I hope this helped you to understand the app Show Me a bit more, and that you were able to get ideas to use in your own classroom!!!