Due to the changes brought on by hybrid and distance learning in this non-traditional school year, bitmoji classrooms are all the rage. Teachers of all grade levels have scrambled to create their own personalized digital classrooms. In my school's remote period this past spring, I was able to create a bitmoji classroom on a Google Slide for the end-of-year project in Spanish 1. I found it to be a convenient, one-stop spot for students to access a project or assignment. On my bitmoji classroom slide, I posted links to speaking, listening, reading, and writing tasks. My main priority was to keep things simple for my students, which I was able to achieve in this format.
Now that the school year is starting up again on a hybrid schedule, I am revisiting the idea of using a bitmoji classroom. I know that it will get some of my students to smile, and will offer the same level of convenience as it did in the springtime. Rather than using it on a regular basis, I am hoping to give my students access during the first week of school. On the "board," I will be posting a link to our class syllabus, as well as a welcome video for students to view with some instructions/tasks to complete during the first few days.
As a creative, artsy person, I enjoyed creating mine. Nonetheless, it is important to note that it is in no way necessary - do not fall into the trap of "teacher guilt" if this trend does not serve you! A bitmoji classroom offers convenience and visual appeal, but does not offer groundbreaking learning outcomes. Depending on the group, it could have the potential to make your students feel welcomed and excited to be part of your class. However, if you feel it's not for you, take a pass! There are PLENTY of other ways to build community.
On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring this more, take a look at this Edutopia article written by one of the outstanding editors to see how you can create your own bitmoji classroom and better understand the rationale behind it: www.edutopia.org/article/educators-turn-bitmoji-build-community-and-engagement
See my example bitmoji classroom below (all links/videos for students to access would be posted on the "board," front and center).
Sending good vibes to all!
Elena
Now that the school year is starting up again on a hybrid schedule, I am revisiting the idea of using a bitmoji classroom. I know that it will get some of my students to smile, and will offer the same level of convenience as it did in the springtime. Rather than using it on a regular basis, I am hoping to give my students access during the first week of school. On the "board," I will be posting a link to our class syllabus, as well as a welcome video for students to view with some instructions/tasks to complete during the first few days.
As a creative, artsy person, I enjoyed creating mine. Nonetheless, it is important to note that it is in no way necessary - do not fall into the trap of "teacher guilt" if this trend does not serve you! A bitmoji classroom offers convenience and visual appeal, but does not offer groundbreaking learning outcomes. Depending on the group, it could have the potential to make your students feel welcomed and excited to be part of your class. However, if you feel it's not for you, take a pass! There are PLENTY of other ways to build community.
On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring this more, take a look at this Edutopia article written by one of the outstanding editors to see how you can create your own bitmoji classroom and better understand the rationale behind it: www.edutopia.org/article/educators-turn-bitmoji-build-community-and-engagement
See my example bitmoji classroom below (all links/videos for students to access would be posted on the "board," front and center).
Sending good vibes to all!
Elena