Newbie User's Smart amp Tips

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A Newbie finally succeeds at using Smart amp.

During the past two school years, I’ve attempted to incorporate Smart amp into my Language Arts classes. The idea of using an “infinite” virtual whiteboard space that allowed students to collaborate in real time using text, images, video, and audio clips was just the tool that would be breathe new life into my Language Arts lessons. I also loved that I could monitor student progress and student work anywhere that had wi-fi access. Another bonus is that students would be practicing their digital learner skills.  I attended several training sessions and each time I was inspired by our resident Smart amp expert, Amy. 

One of my original workspaces. I tried to have 22 different shapes designated for each student.

I had so many ideas for how I could use Smart amp to enhance my lessons. I would eagerly sit and start to create workspaces for upcoming lessons.

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm would quickly fade as each attempt to create a workspace was impeded by stumbling blocks.

Stumbling Block  #1: Creating workspaces

Unfortunately, each time I’d attempt to create a workspace, I’d run into a problem and end up abandoning it. Originally I had tried to create workspaces for all 22 students to access at one time. I also tried to create an original design for the workspaces.

All of the workspaces I attempted to create.

As a newbie Smart amp user, these attempts proved to be too complex and daunting.  Eventually, I would get too frustrated and I would  inevitably promise myself that I would use SmartAmp next time.

Other times the stumbling blocks took so long to resolve, that I had to resort to my traditional lesson in order to not fall behind in my curriculum.

Overwhelmed by trying to control all the bookmarks and pre-designating 22 spaces, I gave up.

In March I met with a couple of our Educational Technology Integration Specialists and was once again inspired. I decided to create a workspace for my Literature Circle groups. This time was a little different. I had two tech experts sitting with me, and they helped me to simplify my workspace design. I originally wanted to create workspaces with complex graphic organizers for each literature circle role. Following their advice enabled me to successfully create workspaces.

Key to Successful Workspace Design:

Keep it simple. Creating a simple workspace, by using a ready made workspace template for groups of 4-5 students. Using the template was quick and stress free. Not only did keeping it simple save me a lot of time, it gave my students a blank canvas to be creative in their ability to demonstrate their learning.  After all, the beauty of Smart amp is that it allows students to be creative and to collaborate.

My simplified workspace. Completed in under 20 minutes. 

Stumbling Block  #2: Sharing Workspaces

I created workspaces for each of the six Literature Circle novels. Each workspace has the Literature Circle Role Descriptions, the rubric, and a calendar that detailed the assigned reading for each day.

I logged into Smart amp using my Google+ Google account information. I selected View Class, then selected Edit Class. I copied and pasted the student emails for each of my Language Arts classes. So easy!

Unfortunately, when I selected the Sharing icon and tried to Hand Out Copies, all of my student emails ended up labeled as Anonymous Student. It took several days of seeking help from several Smart amp users on campus to find a solution to this problem.

Key to Successful Sharing:

Luckily, Dr. Lee had a similar issue earlier in the year. She asked if I had ever had students log into Smart amp. Nope. This was my first attempt to use the app. She said that once students logged in, then their emails would become visible. She was right!  I was so excited! Maybe I could FINALLY use Smart amp. I crossed my fingers that there would be no surprise stumbling block ahead.

Smart amp Success:

Smart amp was easy to introduce to students. We were finally using it in Language Arts! Smart amp is a great tool for allowing students to create content, collaborate, and communicate ideas through words, images, and links. All group members have access to each other’s content at all times. The space also served as an accountability tool. Students tended to do better quality work, since their peers would have immediate access to it. I was pleasantly surprised by how honest and constructive their peer feedback was with each other.

Example of students creating their own spaces.

Student Reflections:

I like using Smart amp for our literature circles. The workspaces makes it clear that everyone did their work, and it is easy to find.you can be more creative in the workspace, instead of just using Google Drive. -B.A.

I absolutely LOVE the Smart amp workspace-it's so organized and much easier to write and work on than Notability or paper. It also is neater and more modern which I enjoy. I would give it a thumbs up because of the organization and cool gadgets. - C.K.

Their creativity and excitement to share their own spaces makes me smile.

I would give Smart amp a thumbs up. It is easy to use and a great way to work at home but still be connected with your group members. I like how you can draw on it, put pictures, put up links, and put up videos. - J.F.

I think the Smart amp use is both good and bad. It is very convenient that we can all share our work on one workspace, but sometimes the application can get quite glitchy while we are working. So, I think the Smart amp Workspaces deserve a "mid-thumb" rating.  - J.K.

(Response to these students: Have you recently closed all tabs and apps, then do a full shut down of your iPad?)

I give the Smart amp a thumbs up. I gave it a thumbs up because it is easy to see everybody's work on your iPad. Before when we did work, we'd have to look at the person's iPad, but now that we use Smart amp, when we share we can just look on our own iPad. - S.S.

Another awesome workspace. They love to personalize and organize their workspaces.

I like the Smart amp for Lit Circles because it is very organized. We can be creative and split our work up by the day. I also mostly like it because it is shared with our group. We can see what others are doing and be able to make sure we're all on the right track. It is a fun way to express our ideas about the novel. We can even message people if we are confused about something or have questions. I love using this app for our work! It is awesome! ~C.O.

I don't really like using it because it needs wifi and if you want to do it in your car you can't. ~J. S.

(Response to these students: Do your work in a Note or in another app, then copy and paste/screen shot it when you have internet.)

Tips for new Smart Amp users:

1. Design simple workspaces. A space for each student’s work, task directions, and a rubric are often all that is needed.
2. Have students log in to Smart amp, prior to assigning workspaces.
3. Be part of Smart amp communities. They inspired, guided, encouraged, and helped make using Smart amp a success in my classroom.
4. Be resilient. Persist. It’s worth it in the end.
5. Have fun!