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Explore & Explain - EDPuzzle & Padlet:

I chose to use EDPuzzle for this activity for several reasons. EDpuzzle's elements of video combined with questions add powerful effects to students' formulating of mental schema and retention on memory. Basically, learning with videos facilitate synthesizing of information with multiple processing channels (Kruger, Soto-Sanfiel., Doherty, and Ibrahim , 2016). Combining visual and auditory forms of representation maximize the capacity of the short term memory by coding information in both cognitive channels. In turn, the capacity assigned for germane load will increase which ensures the students can reach the learning outcomes despite language difficulties. Also, with EDPuzzle, students are able to watch small parts of the  video and answer questions at various points of the video. Segmenting of the information in the video allows learners to engage with small pieces of new information as well as to give them control over the flow of new information. As such, it manages intrinsic load and can also increase germane load by emphasizing the structure of the information (Spiro, n.d.).

On the other hand, Padlet is a user friendly brainstorming tool that  allows for students who have difficulty formatting their thoughts in writing to use Padlet’s images, voice or video features to present their thoughts in formats that match their interests and capabilities. The multimodal elements to this task (images, voice narration, text, animation) engages those hard-to-motivate students by giving them a sense of ownership. Basically, students will have the opportunity to add their own ideas, and personalize it by adding finishing touches of pictures, and other media. Additionally, encouraging ELL students to participate in classroom presents a challenge especially that they often feel powerless in class which impedes their participation level. With Padlet, students are more comfortable in participating in class and completing this English infused science activity.