Engaging Preservice Teachers with #ISTESnaps: A Creative Twist on #BookSnaps

Welcome back! I’m excited to share a creative classroom activity I recently did with my preservice teachers. This engaging lesson is a cousin to the popular #BookSnaps concept created by @TaraMartinEDU. If you’re unfamiliar with #BookSnaps, I highly recommend checking out her inspiring 2017 ISTE Ignite session video.

What Is a Snap?

Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app that allows users to annotate images or videos with text, drawings, and stickers. In an educational context, this can be a powerful tool to help students make meaningful connections between academic content and real-world experiences.

Classroom Activity: #ISTESnaps

In a recent class session, my preservice teachers participated in a warm-up activity where they created their own #ISTESnap—a visual representation of an ISTE substandard. The twist? They couldn’t choose a substandard they had previously worked on. For example, students who had created slides for a teacher-focused ISTE standard had to explore and snap about a student-focused one instead.

This approach encouraged peer learning and deeper exploration of the ISTE Standards for Educators and Students. It also provided a fun, visual way to review and reflect on the standards.

View Our #ISTESnaps

I’ve compiled our class’s #ISTESnaps into a Sway document (link to your Sway here). Please take a look and let us know what you think! This activity not only reinforced our understanding of the ISTE standards but also demonstrated how digital tools like Snapchat can be used for good in the classroom.

Why This Matters for Preservice Teachers

By introducing this strategy to preservice teachers, we’re equipping them with creative, tech-integrated methods they can use in their future classrooms or student teaching placements. It’s a great example of how to meet students where they are—using tools they’re already familiar with to enhance learning.

Bonus Activity: #DanielsonSnaps

Inspired by the success of our #ISTESnaps, we recently tried a similar activity using the Danielson Framework for Teaching. These #DanielsonSnaps helped students visualize and internalize key components of effective teaching practice.

Try It Yourself! This was a fun, engaging, and educational activity that I highly recommend trying with your own students or teacher candidates. It’s a great way to blend creativity, technology, and standards-based learning.

Enjoy—and happy snapping! 📱✨

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