yourtake.org

Before a SCAN session

Setting up a session

Set up a SCAN session in advance of class (at least the first time). You will need to register or log-in. If you are a subscriber, make sure your subscription is activated. Once activated, you will automatically have access to subscriber lessons and functionality when you log-in.

Follow the directions on the screen for selecting and setting up a lesson - it’s easy to do! In addition to selecting a lesson, you have the option to:

1. Turn off points of view, if desired. SCAN is designed for students to work together on examining an issue, however, if a student needs to work alone on a lesson or if you are using one computer in full group, turn off the points of view.
2. Add password protection. This requires students to enter a password when logging in.
3. Lock the session for later use.

Please note: unless you choose otherwise, lessons default to including points of view, not requiring password protection and being available immediately.

Non-subscribers, please be sure to use your SCAN session within 7 days (subscriber sessions are held indefinitely).

Subscribers also have the option to:

1. Add your own content links, notes, or references - this allows you to provide additional information, material and/or directions for students.
2. Select an assessment activity.
3. Access downloads to support classroom use, provide the URL to students, and build accountability by tracking.

Subscribers: please be sure to activate your subscription by inputting your subscription code. You only need to do this once. If you have a school subscription, you can get the code from your school’s “subscription administrator.” If you don’t know who this is, you can find them via “Don’t know your subscription code?” in the registration area.

MySCANs

To access sessions you have set up (and SCAN session URLs) click on the “My SCANs” link in the upper right corner of the YourTake website. My SCANs will appear whenever you sign in.

Sessions will be held for 7 days for non-subscribers and indefinitely for subscribers.

Preparing students

Have students view the instructional demo video for a step-by-step look at the SCAN tool. Have students check out the YourTake.org website. There are quizzes, a demo movie, a blog, and other things to read which relate to the problem-solving and help prepare them for SCAN. This can help acclimate them to what they are about to do. The blog refers to issues, problems, and decision-making which affect teens - we would love to hear their (and your) thoughts on these various issues!

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During a SCAN session

Logging in

Students enter their own user names. Being able to choose their own user names can be fun for students - but also potentially time-consuming. However, there is a built-in incentive for students to quickly choose their names as the longer it takes them, the fewer the avatars (picture icons they select to represent them) that are available. If you don’t want students to pick their own user names, use whatever way you favor (e.g. first initial/ last name, student numbers, etc.)

Students will also be asked to select a point of view. To ensure all pre-defined points of view (if applicable) are represented during the SCAN session, you may want to pre-assign them.

Commenting

Students love the commenting feature and it’s also part of what engages them in reading and thinking about others’ comments. However, in some cases, students might become so engaged that they lose sight of the overall purpose of the exercise and forget to move on. If necessary, a reminder or limit on the commenting can help keep them moving. If necessary, you can print out a record of their comments and discussion by clicking the 'print page' button.

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After a SCAN session

The final step of a SCAN session contains a chance for students to reflect on the experience and what they learned. Check out some additional options in the “Follow-up Activities” section. Subscribers may choose from some built-in assessment questions/exercises.

Use the 'print page' button to print a record of content and comments that students have entered during a SCAN session. This can be a handy reference for later discussion.

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Follow-up Activities

Below are some activities teachers have used after SCAN:

1. Classroom discussion - e.g., compare issues and priorities among groups and/or points of view
2. Completion of a SCAN worksheet
3. Essay describing a recommendation for addressing the situation (if applicable) with supporting information
4. Role-play meeting: have students have a “meeting” where they play the roles of the stakeholders carrying out some possible next steps
5. Written reflection - have students reflect on key insights, thoughts, agreements/disagreements about what transpired
6. Debate - hold a class debate on an issue now that that issue is better understood

Subscribers have access to some follow-up questions or exercises which they may select for their students to complete at the end of the SCAN session.

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Helpful Resources

Lesson template

Each lesson is accompanied by a lesson description. This includes a sample of the kinds of issues students may identify in the first couple of steps (“S” and “C”). Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here. These do provide clues to what issues you might see and/or want to look for.

Downloads

All users have access to the Getting started checklist which is useful in preparing to use SCAN. In addition, after setting up a SCAN session, users can print out auto-generated copies of the session URL to distribute to students. This makes it easy for students to enter the session URL in a web browser and get started.

Subscribers also have access to other downloads and resources which can enhance or support classroom use:

• SCAN student login worksheet - a resource that you can print after you set up a SCAN session, and access later on the My SCANs page. Provides easy-to-follow log-in instructions, session URL and notes for students
• SCAN overview sheet - simple flowchart of the SCAN steps and key questions
• SCAN worksheet - for those who want students to complete part of the work on paper

Other areas of the site

• SCAN demo video - this provides an overview of the SCAN process and how it works.
• Blog - a regularly updated blog that deals with problems and issues affecting teens and schools. Some teachers use the blog as a basis for classroom lessons and discussions.

back to top Downloads
We have a several downloads available for subscribers. You don’t need these to successfully use SCAN—they just provide some options. Start a SCAN Session
Set up an online session in a few easy steps, and start using SCAN!