3 ways to practice fluency online

Is it just me or do you hum the tune of "Material Girl" every time you write or say "virtual world?"  

There are days where it comes clear to me why I chose the name Messy Tech for my blog.  This is one of those days.  Last year I used Seesaw for fluency and loved it.  But this year we are not using Seesaw, so I am trying out different options.  And, well, it's messy.  

I guess what I like about the "messy" concept is the idea of trying things and figuring things out and things not having to be perfect.  Not messy as in I'm-not-going-to-plan or I-don't-know-what-I'm-doing.  More like trying new things and new ways and seeing what works best.  I'm sure you've also noticed that many methods have YAY! spots and NAY! spots.  

I guess what I am saying is I don't come to you with a perfect solution for things.  Just little bits of trial and errors to share along the way.  Forgive me if that is too messy for you.

Pros and Cons of 3 Different Fluency Options Using Tools Most of us Are Familiar With 

1. Kami
Pros:

• You can assign it in Google Classroom and then see them all within Google Classroom.
• You can see it all on one page.  
• Students can do audio or video.
• If you are just checking to see if they did it, you can see it quickly on their document.
• It can be posted quickly onto Google Classroom.

Cons:

• The recording feature is a little cumbersome.  But maybe that's just me.

2.  Book Creator
Pros:

• Students can do it all on one page.
• Students can use audio or video.

Cons:

• You need to plan more ahead to make sure you have a book for them to copy.
• It can be cumbersome to grade because you have to open each of the students books.

3.  Flipgrid
Pros:

• Students love Flipgrid.
• You can set the time for video for the amount you want.  
• Students can comment on others.  (Okay, that can be a con too, but you can moderate the videos.)
• It's easy to post on Google Classroom.

In Flipgrid students can open another tab for the text and the camera in Flipgrid will keep recording.

I'm a firm believer in fluency practice.  It helps the reader clear up their mind for comprehension if they can read fluently.  It also gives me a ton of data about my students and how they are doing.  Lastly, I can go in and help students when I see they are struggling with the passage.   

PS My videos are far from perfect.  I make them quickly or else I would obsess and not make them at all.  :)