Chalk.com allows teachers to create, edit, and share lesson plans. To begin, teachers will need to register with the Chalk.com website. After doing so, teachers enter the semester for their class, select or add a subject area, and the website guides them through this process. Next, teachers must choose if they wish to create lessons or assessments. If they choose to create lessons, teachers must first tap the “Insert Class” button on the top left of the screen and add the information for their class (e.g., subject and times/days when the class meets), and the app automatically inserts that block of time into the calendar. (Please note, after creating their first lesson, teachers can create additional lessons by clicking the “Lined” button on the top left of the screen and choosing the “Planboard” option.) After saving the changes, Chalk.com loads a new screen that allows teachers to name their lesson, create and assign it to a specific unit, and then type the lesson’s procedures. In addition, teachers can add standards and upload documents as attachments to their lesson by clicking the corresponding buttons on the bottom of the screen. When finished, teachers can click the “Save” button on the bottom of the screen, so they will be able to access the lesson in the future. They can also click the “Share” button to send a copy of the lesson plan via email or link. If teachers wish to keep a grade book using this website, they will need to click the “Lined” button on the top left of the screen and choose the “Markboard” option. Next, teachers must click the “+” button on the top right of the screen, choose if the assessment is going to be a percentage score, a yes/no question, or a rubric-based evaluation. Once selected, teachers will need to add the type of assessment (e.g., homework, quiz, test, or assignment), and each assessment carries a different weight (e.g., 20% of final grade, 30% of final grade, etc.). After making these selections and choosing if it is or is not a summative assessment, teachers will need to click the “Create Assessment” button. The first time teachers use the “Markboard” feature, they will need to add students. Once students are added, teachers are able to enter the student grades and add comments. Once grades are entered, teachers will have the option to create a PDF of the final grades. After entering grades and remaining in the “Markboard” feature, teachers can click the “Assessments” option on the top of the screen to view data by assessment in the “Card View” option or as a traditional grade book view in the “Table View” option.
Please Note: There are multiple additional options that exceed the scope of this review. We recommend teachers view the “Resource” feature of this website, which is accessible by clicking the “Lined” button on the top left of the screen.