Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 150

By using the software, Parlay, I had the ability to conduct anonymous online discussions about Global and controversial topics that are school appropriate for a high school class that uses research-based debate techniques on a regular basis. With the software, students remain anonymous, but I am able to know who the students are and also able to facilitate discussions and grade them on evidence based discussion techniques.  I am able to teach them to find credible sources by directing them to websites that are research-based and not funded by interest or political groups.

Students read, watch short videos, answer questions and respond the classmates who are all assigned random historical figures' names, so they never know who they are chatting with online. I am able to observe, monitor and grade, and give feedback in a private setting. Kids feel safe to discuss and question without feeling as if they will be judged by their peers based on their lack of prior knowledge or comments they make. 

We were able to tackle topics such as Urbanization, Ecotourism, Child Labor, the United Nations Sustainability agenda, Media Bias, Social Media Activism, Human Rights, the use of DNA in solving crimes, and Climate Refugees. Parlay is a tool that I will always want to have available in my social studies classroom. Kids need a place to voice themselves with direction and good discourse. I am grateful for this grant to provide this opportunity.