Bellringers are Spaces used at the start of a lesson. They can include review questions, a quick writing prompt, a brain teaser, or an introduction to the day's lesson topic. Ultimately, they help you make the most of your class time and get a pulse on student sentiment or understanding.
To create a bellringer:
Go to Spaces > Discover
Choose Bellringer
Enter a topic and use the dropdown to add more customization
Choose Launch
Pro tip: If you want help, the Space Designer Assistant can make recommendations for bellringers tailored to your classroom! Ask the AI a question about how you can use bellringers in your learning plans.
Customization options
AI is best used customized. It’s optional (but highly recommended) to tailor your bellringers toward a more specific fit for your class. If you enter the topic only, the AI will generate questions and conversation around that topic.
Custom instructions
Custom instructions
You get to decide what role the AI should play. A bellringer can be a facilitator, a quizmaster, or a character related to your lesson. Specify any requirements, such as time limits, content focus, or interaction style. Provide detailed instructions for the AI on how to conduct the activity, including:
Types of questions or prompts
Expected student responses
How to provide hints or feedback
Class description
Class description
Outline the specific task or activity that your students will see and use as instructions. For example, "The AI will present a quick quiz on last week's topics" or "The AI will introduce a historical figure who will ask the students questions."
Anything specific you want to ask each student?
Anything specific you want to ask each student?
This option can be used as an addition to the subject of your bellringer or something to help you gauge your classroom sentiment. For example, you can use the bellringer to quiz the students about material from last class, but also make sure it asks “How are you feeling today?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bellringer?
What is a bellringer?
A bellringer (like bellwork, do-now activity) is AI for students to interact with as soon as they enter the classroom. It’s a short task, designed by you, that maximizes instructional time by getting students focused right away. They can include review questions, a quick writing prompt, a brain teaser, or an introduction to the day's lesson topic.
How do I make a bellringer?
How do I make a bellringer?
To make a bellringer, go to Spaces > Discover and choose Bellringer. You can customize the AI, then launch to your classroom.
When should I use a bellringer compared to a Space?
When should I use a bellringer compared to a Space?
A bellringer is a type of Space used at the start of class. Bellringers are designed with customization options that can ask one specific question at the start of class alongside AI learning. This helps you learn how students feel that day as they engage with topic material before instruction begins.
Spaces are more general and can be used as homework assignments, during class time, or as a tutor. There are other Space activities besides bellringers such as exit tickets or topic explorers.
How do I view student answers to my bellringer question?
How do I view student answers to my bellringer question?
Use Mission Control to monitor student activity. Go to Spaces > Sessions and select the Space you want to monitor. You can then interact with the dashboard to get updates on students as a group or individually.
You can see Mission Control in a Space that’s ended, but the Space needs to be active to monitor student performance in real-time.