Deck.Toys

Learning Paths For Lesson Adventures

@LisaBerghoff

I learned about Universal Design For Learning in 2015 when I read a blog post explaining the brain science behind the framework. The post explained that UDL was about removing barriers and providing options for students. This really changed my way of thinking. As a special education teacher, I was writing IEPs where I had to list all of the students' deficits and reasons why they were not meeting learning expectations. 

Today, I use the UDL framework as a lens for looking at instructional technology tools. I look at a digital resource and think- Is this something that could be an option for students to engage with learning?, Is this an option for how students take in information?, or Is this an option for students to demonstrate their learning? 

That is why I was so thrilled to learn about Deck.Toys, it can really fit into all three of the UDL learning networks. The name Deck.Toys comes from the idea that a lesson is made up of 50% serious learning (the deck) and 50% having fun (the toys) by making it a fully engaging experience for students. 

What Is Deck.Toys?

Deck.Toys is an online platform that allows teachers to create self-managed interactive lessons for students. You can build a learning path filled with interactive activities for your students to learn, respond, and engage with. A learning path is a sequential path that your students take in order to complete a lesson journey. The path can be linear, divergent for a more challenging or less challenging path. Students might not be able to unlock certain paths until they unlock a previous path with a key. I like to think of these learning paths as treasure maps that students follow. Here is an example: 

How do I get started with Deck.Toys?

According to the quick start guide which can be accessed here, there are 3 options for ways creating in Deck.Toys. 

1. You can use the Learning Paths and Activities Wizard

2. You can make a copy and edit a pre-made deck that someone shared with you or from the public deck gallery.

3. Create from scratch.

Here's what I suggest:

1. Using the wizard, you will first enter your details such as grade level, topic/standards, and language. There is an AI button there to help you out if you want it.

2. Next, choose the learning path. You can choose from linear, forked, merged, spiral, web, and board game. Don't worry, there are examples to help you choose.

3. Add study sets. Again, you can create with AI, start with a blank set, import from other decks, spreadsheets, and more. Think of this as your vocabulary list or concepts.

I love the accessibility features built in here. You can record your voice and add images. These really help our struggling readers. 

4. The next step is to customize your activities. To me, this is the most important and fun step. You choose from many different activities. There is also an AI button that will build for you.

You now have your deck made! You can preview the deck so you can experience it as a student. I love that you also see the teacher view in a side by side layout. This is a simple civics lesson I created: 

As students work through the learning path, they earn points. In my simple example, students unlock activities sequentially. As you test out your learning path, you are able to edit and make changes to any of the activities.

How Do I Share With Students?

Sharing with students is simple. 

1. Create a Deck.Toys classroom

2. Assign the deck to the classroom

3. Share the classroom url on Schoology so your students can access it

Students can log in using their school Google account

On the dashboard you can view student progress

Deck.Toys is a wonderful activity idea for in-class time. You can enable certain activities for multi-player mode. This also works beautifully as an out of class assignment where students can move at their own pace.

Are you ready to try Deck.Toys? Want some help getting started? Feel free to reach out.

Have fun!