Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark is a useful tool to make several different types of media. From flyers to social media posts and from webpages to videos, Spark simplifies creativity. This WebQuest was created using Spark and other online chemistry learning tools. The aim is to have students understand what an atom is made of (protons, neutrons, and electrons) and how each affect the atom's behavior (element number, ions, or radioactivity).

This WebQuest used the Page template and allowed for several options to order text around images and links. WebQuests are a like a scavenger hunt to help students learn concepts on their own and can be helpful with engagement. Assessment strategies can probably be inserted in as the teacher sees fit. For this particular WebQuest, a Google Form was created.

As stated previously, Spark can create videos. Spark was used to create this short PSA on the oxidizer label for the Global Harmonization System (GHS) hazardous communication. The idea of this assignment is to have students (in pairs or small groups) research and create PSAs over the nine different labels. This video is the example to model for students.

Personally, I hate using Spark for videos. The interface is too user-friendly and my technology philosophy is that the more user-friendly something is, the less customization I can do. I am used to more professional video editing software. However, Spark is an excellent resource for assignments like these and there is hardly a learning curve for the students.

Assessment of assignments would use a rubric. In the case of the PSA assignment: length, accuracy of statements, and excellent use of examples would be factors in the criteria.