Microsoft Sway is a great resource for creating school newsletters, presentations, and simply adding a little flair to any array or content. To create a Sway, you can choose from a variety of different templates or start from scratch. In my project, I started from scratch. Then, you choose what types of elements you want to incorporate into your project. You can add in images, videos, text, audio, or groups of similar content. For example, there is an option to insert a slideshow into a Sway so that students can scroll through pictures and interact with the information. There are also many different layout options in which you can rearrange the order of each element or add different background images. Upon completion, the Sway acts almost like a mini website! Once you complete your Sway, you can print it out, give students the link, or embed it into other media as an additional resource.
I would love to use Sway in my own classroom as a template for weekly newsletters. I love that the site creates different layouts for you because it make sit extremely easy to rearrange information in a visually appealing way. I could add information such as events coming up, homework reminders for parents and students, and even weekly inspirational quotes. I could also use it during lectures to add an extra interactive component to my teaching. It would be great to add a Sway to a lesson so that while I work individually with some students, others can be interacting with the Sway and gain a deeper understanding of certain concepts. It is also helpful for visual learners who may need the extra videos and pictures alongside text.
Google Sway ties in with the Danielson Framework for teaching, particularly domain 3A and 4C which promote communicating with students and with families. If you choose to use Sway to create newsletters, it can be an extremely helpful tool for communicating with families. The adults will be able to see the events and important information for the week so that they can stay updated and involved in their child's education. It is also important to communicate to students what the agenda is for the week and what will be expected from them. Google Sway also helps educators meet domain 1B: Demonstrating knowledge of students. It is essential that teachers understand that every student learns differently and some may prefer more hands-on activities. When using Google Sway to enhance lesson content, it helps those students get that extra interactive component so that they can learn best. One cool feature of Google Sway also includes an accessibility checker. The tool reminds you to add captions describing pictures for those who have sight impairments and need the written descriptions. It is important for educators to cater to the needs of every student.
Check out the Sway that I created about Outer Space below!
Resources: - Misachi, J. (2017, August 2). How Far Is the Earth from the Sun? WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-far-is-the-earth-from-the-sun.html#:%7E:text=At%20perihelion%2C%20the%20Earth%E2%80%99s%20closest%20distance%20to%20the,is%20closest%20to%20the%20Sun%20in%20early%20January. - National Geographic Kids. (n.d.). The Phases of the Moon. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.natgeokids.com/au/discover/science/space/the-phases-of-the-moon/