Canva

I explored more of Canva when I saw it on the first page of resources. It would be great to show students the basics of Canva so they are able to utilize this tool for speeches, or presentations they have to give in core classrooms. In today's world, visuals are a big deal when presenting as you want to keep the audience's attention somehow.
I have used Canva with a 5th grade Computer Science class as they were working on some green screen projects this school year. I had a group that planned to do a commercial for a new makeup line that they just created (they made this up for the project.) They were able to use Canva to create the video, or backgrounds they wanted to show up on the green screen behind them as they were reading through their script they wrote.

I am fairly familiar with Canva. When I was a permanent substitute teacher for junior high family and consumer class, canva was great for students to watch videos and helped with visual learners. I used it for group assignments as well. It is great for critical thinking in the upper grades.

I started using Canva and really love how simple and easy it is to use.  Canva is now my go to platform when creating and using content for my classroom.  The great thing that I love about Canva is that they have recently added educator approved templates that you are able to use.  You can use these templates as presented, but they are very easy to customize and make them more relevant for your students and your classroom.  I love your idea about doing a green screen project in your computer science course.  I wonder if you could turn that into a template for others to use at their school as well.  

- Tyler Bleckwehl

Thanks for sharing Stephanie.  I have not used canva, but have used other programs to utilize a green screen.  It sounds like Canva makes it simple and easy for kids to use this cool video tool. As a father of a 5th grader, I can confidently say he would struggle using it in iMovie, so Canva maybe a better option!

I've also started using Canva and really like the simplicity and ease of use. It has become mine and my students preferred platform for creating classroom content. One feature I particularly enjoy is the addition of educator-approved templates. The templates can be used as they are or easily customized to better suit your students and classroom needs.