A month into this remote teaching gig, I could have never imagined we’d be out of the classroom this long. When our building shutdown March 16, 2020, I swore I was golden sending students home with six weeks’ worth of learning material. As the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, I’m realizing there’s a serious possibility we won’t be back in the physical classroom again this school year.
If you’re anything like me, you’re scrambling to find engaging materials for digital learning. Let me introduce you to Boom Learning, an online platform for self-checking, interactive, digital task cards. Now through June 2020, Boom is offering free Ultimate memberships for new members due to Covid-19 closures. It’s the perfect time to dive right in if you’re curious!
Background – Key Terms
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s define some vocabulary. As previously mentioned, Boom Learning is an online platform that hosts Boom Decks. A Boom Deck is a set of Boom Cards. Boom Cards are digital task cards hosted on the Boom Learning website. That means no printing, cutting, laminating… none of it! Boom Cards are self-checking and may present with any or all of the following answer options:
- Fill in the Blank
- Multiple Choice
- Moveable Pieces (think drag and drop activities like matching)
Who is Boom Learning intended for?
Quite literally everyone. I first learned of the platform through my speech therapist friends. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) have been creating Boom card sets to provide services remotely to clients. As a special educator, Boom is great because I can assign students different decks according to their individual educational goals. Parents are also jumping on the Boom bandwagon to reinforce skills with additional practice.
There are LOADS of Boom decks on the platform for elementary-aged students. Upper elementary and middle school resources are being created with more urgency as of late given the current situation. My sixth graders are loving them!
What software does Boom Learning require?
To use Boom, you need an Internet-enabled device. Boom Cards play on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Apps are also available for Android devices, Apple products, and Kindle Fires.
Where do I get Boom Decks for play?
You can either DIY and create your own for free or purchase decks for personal use. I’ve been making mine on PowerPoint and adding the finishing touches once uploaded to the Boom Learning site. The Ultimate membership allows you to sell your personally created decks for profit.
You can purchase Boom Learning Decks through Teachers Pay Teachers (I’ve linked all my current decks here) or straight from Boom Learning (linking my storefront here). If you’re purchasing through Boom directly, you’ll have to purchase a points package. Currently, points are less than 1 penny each, and there are value packs for purchase. Either way, you’ll still have access to Boom Deck play!
How do I use Boom Decks?
I’ll do a separate blog post outlining how to step by step instructions later. Just know it’s pretty easy! For security and privacy, adults must have a Boom Learning account to use and assign Boom Cards. Once you create an account, you’ll create student logins. With older students, you can share the classroom username and password and let them set up their own accounts. Personally, I did it myself because why not?
Once students have their logins, you will be able to assign the Boom Cards with “fast plays” or through a hyperlink/assigned play. The only difference between these two game options is reporting. Fast Play is always free for students to engage with Boom Cards decks, but it won’t record student progress for teacher data. If you want additional assignment options, you’ll need a Power or Ultimate account.
You can also send Boom Cards to individual students or groups of students through Google Classroom. I am unfamiliar with this option, as I work in a Microsoft district.
Why should I use Boom Learning?
In the little time I have explored this platform, Boom gets two thumbs up. The decks are easy to make or purchase. They are completely digital, which means NO PREP or storage is required. Because the cards are self-checking, students can work independently from home and still receive immediate feedback. The interactive, easy-to-use interface makes Boom Learning engaging for all ages and stages. So far, so good!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Teachers and parents new to the Boom Learning platform can receive a FREE upgraded account now through June 2020 so get signed up today! With this upgraded trial, you can create up to 8 classrooms/sections and add up to 200 students.
