Using Multimedia to Support Readers in a 21st Century Classroom with Rachael Parlett

Listen to the full episode to hear how you can use multimedia to support readers in a 21st century classroom:

I’m so excited about today’s episode because it’s a topic that I haven’t discussed in almost 100 episodes, but is so important and relevant in our world today. That topic is multimedia in a 21st century classroom. Now, you might think you know what all of this entails, but some concepts discussed might surprise you. To help me dive in, I have guest Rachael Parlett and we’re discussing using multimedia to support readers in a 21st century classroom.

Rachael Parlett has been an educator for 16+ years, having spent most of her time teaching 4th grade.  Currently, she is the founder and creator of The Classroom Nook, an educational company that supports upper elementary teachers with resources that make learning interactive, engaging, and fun for both teachers and students.  She is also the host of the podcast The Classroom Commute where she shares tips, strategies, and best teaching practices for a 21st century classroom.  

Most recently, Rachael, along with her husband, Jacob, have founded a second educational company called LINKtivity Learning – a membership that provides teachers with a growing library of interactive digital resources known as LINKtivities.  LINKtivities have been used in tens of thousands of classrooms around the world and provide students with a multimedia learning experience that truly ignites the love of learning and is powerful enough to meet the demands of a 21st century classroom.  

At the heart of everything, Rachael believes that classrooms should be student-centered, hands-on, and collaborative.  She loves sharing this passion with educators around the world.

You’ve probably heard of multimedia and a 21st century classroom as buzzwords circulating through the educational world, but what do they actually mean? Rachael helps break down each of these terms, but explains that there are 5 components that make up a 21st century classroom. Those components are:

1. The use of collaboration
2. Emphasis on hands-on learning
3. Transparent assessments
4. Reflection
5. The use of multimedia and technology 

One of the great things about a 21st century classroom, is that you’re probably already incorporating most of the components without even knowing it! While most might assume the use of technology is the most important one, Rachael explains that while it plays a huge role, it needs to be supported by the other components as well. 

Since multimedia does play an important role, Rachael thoroughly breaks down the science behind the process, its use, and how the brain processes the different mediums when it comes to learning information. Along with knowing how multimedia works, Rachael explains how to effectively use multimedia in your classroom, which works for all subject areas. 

Throughout my conversation with Rachael, I was so impressed by her knowledge and passion that I know she will inspire you to be more intentional about using multimedia in your classroom this school year!

In this episode on ideas for a 21st century classroom, we discuss:

• The 5 main components that make up a 21st century classroom
• Rachael shares examples of how to easily incorporate the five components of a 21st century classroom
• How to use your students as digital natives to your advantage in your classroom
• Rachael breaks down the research behind the process behind using multimedia and the student brain
• An explanation on how to implement multimedia in simple and gradual steps

Resources Mentioned:

• Monthly Writing Prompts

Connect with Rachael:

• Check out the Membership Site for LINKtivity
• Free LINKtivity Resource
• Visit Rachael’s Website
• Check out Rachael’s Instagram
• LINKtivity Instagram

Connect with Megan:

• Check out my TpT Store
• Subscribe to my E-mail list
• Instagram Posts
• Blog Posts
• Facebook Posts
• Watch my YouTube channel 

About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!