Keeping track of all classroom projects and all students' progress isn't an easy task. You'll agree with us if you're an aspiring teacher or already an educator. Staying updated with teaching methods is just as important as regularly showing up in the classroom. For that, online tools and software applications are becoming quite popular.
One such software is Trello, a project management tool. And as you can guess, it helps teachers introduce project-based learning to students. It also improves communication, participation, and time management from the students' end. Plus, if you ever teach from home or conduct online classes, Trello's the perfect tool.
A Quick Overview of Trello
To start off, Trello is a project management software application equipped with an array of features that make it suitable for classrooms and workplaces. It’s also free and works quite efficiently as a collaboration tool for multiple projects.
It helps educators create, customize, and visualize a project in teams. Teachers can use boards, listings, and card systems to organize a project seamlessly. It follows a central storage structure which means that all the information is in one place and easily accessible by all credentialed users (i.e., students and teachers).
The main interface is like a fridge door with sticky notes, i.e., boards. Every board highlights a different project; you can create as many as you require. Also, you can attach cards, checklists, labels, pictures, and comments to every board. It’s extremely easy to create a project using Trello:
- Run the Trello software
- Click on "add a board."
- Start including elements like card system and listings
- Include features and attachments
- Collaborate and use other app integrations
- Construct a workflow
- Attach a project due date/deadline
- Mark the main objectives
- Use smooth editing features
- Include to-do/task lists, and you're done!
- Benefits of Trello and Appealing Features for Classrooms
You can check out countless online resources about how using technology could improve the in-learning experience for students as well as teachers. A 2017 research paper from the University of New England states that using technology can benefit students.
It suggests that students could experience an increase in creativity, motivation, and performance (i.e., productivity). So, let’s find out some more reasons why you should be using Trello as your teaching companion!
- Easy-to-Navigate Database
This project management software application stores all the data in a systematic and easy-to-reach manner. You can store discussions, classroom data, and project information very easily using this interface. Trello also has a backup feature to help you retrieve data in case of system failure or security breach. You can use a wide variety of filters and labels to search and locate files in the database.
- Optimal Security Protocols
The whole platform comprises advanced security protocols to keep you safe from viruses and threats. Due to prolonged internet connectivity, it's possible to encounter viruses and infected files. However, Trello's security protocols and safety checks are reliable.
It uses bank-level encryption to keep the entire database safe, even when you're not using it. Furthermore, it offers admin controls through which you can set user permissions and board access requirements for safer use.
- Seamless Editing Features
A great perk of using Trello includes editing features. Once you’ve created a project, you can customize the digital content using the simple drag-and-drop tools. The software sends automatic notifications to inform you about project progress. It also sends completion alerts on your phone. Trello has specific customization tools for teachers, ensuring fast-paced editing.
- Systematic Card and Board System
The unique board and card system helps you create a flawless workflow. On top of that, timely notifications, customization options, and countless other features mean that you can monitor the progress. You can change the visual formats from bar charts to pie charts using Trello.
In addition, it’s quite difficult for teachers and students to get confused while using Trello. Thanks to the systematic board and card organization, anyone can pick particular projects and view the performance lists inside.
- Mobile Optimized User-Interface
Teaching doesn’t have to be confined to a desk! Trello helps all teachers and educators get project management done faster through a mobile-friendly user interface. If you've created a Trello account and optimized the application to your preference, you can access it from any device with an internet connection. You can use Trello on iOS, Android, and Windows.
The company behind this amazing project management tool has worked with countless other developers. And due to that, you will notice a lot of safe third-party extensions on the Trello platform, along with several plug-ins.
A Few Tips to Get Trello Into Your Classroom
Here’s a quick overview of how you can incorporate Trello into your teaching activities. Whether you teach students at the elementary school or high school level, Trello works in all cases. It’s worth mentioning that if you’re part of a corporate workforce, you can use it to guide and manage teams as well! So, here’s how you can use it in classrooms:
- Higher Education
You can use the card and board system to create research paper titles and assign projects to your students. You can also share editing and viewing rights with your peers to have your students’ work go through several checks.
- Grades 9-12 (High School)
You can have a training session with your students to familiarize them with using Trello. After that, you can guide your students to create a list of topics and concepts that they will study in the current year. The content could be as per the current year’s curriculum. For example, under the "Algebra Course," your students can include concepts like "Scientific Notations" and "Understanding Linear Inequalities."
- Grades 6-8 (Middle School)
After a short training session, you can guide your students and divide them into teams to complete projects. You can also surprise them with quizzes, MCQs, and other fun activities. The digital interface and colorful features will surely make it more engaging for middle-school students.
The Bottom Line
The board customization, listings, and education templates are some of Trello's major pros. It also features a lot of extensions and add-ons in the form of calendars, content creation, and integration with other tools. In a nutshell, it’s the perfect tool for in-class and online teaching. And Trello’s convenience and simplicity make it one of the best project management tools on the market.
Reference Links:
https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/articles/5-solutions-to-classroom-organisation-lesson-planning-using-trello-2/
https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/pages/eTools_Trello_July_2018.pdf