Digital Story Project - Work in Progress

 Symmetry Digital Story

Whose Line is it Anyway? (Rough Draft)

Work in Progress

This is the rough draft for Krysta and my Digital Story on Symmetry. We still need to work on fading the music, slowing down the text, possibly some narration, and editing some of the pictures to make it a shorter story.  It has been a long process and having not used imovie before it's been a rough road.  However, once we realized that it saves automatically we weren't so intimidated that we would loose all of our work. Then we began to take risks. Thankfully we were able to import the pictures, arrange them by activity, clip the videos to show student learning, create interesting transitions, download and import music.  This being a holiday weekend and reportcards going home next week, Krysta and I are trying to be flexible and creative with our schedules in order to research how to make the changes that need to be made.  Work in Progress

Screencasting in the Classroom

Screencasting

I think this is a great video on Screencasting and how to utilize it in as a tool to engage students in the 21st century classrooms.  I have found that many students in my class are visual learners.  Screencast can meet this need to meet the expectations to differientate for all types of learners.

I recommend watching this video....



What do you think? I can see myself using screencasting.  However, I just started doing a Wiki with my class, so I'll probably wait until they have the hang adding to their Wiki for a few weeks before introducing another tool.

Interactive Treasure Hunting Game

Ning, Computer Exchange

Please check this Youtube video out and let me know what you think. What age range would this App be geared towards?  Does anyone know if there is a PC version?

While I was viewing some of the postings on the Computer Exchange Ning forum I came upon an interesting submission by Keyosha Olive.  Thanks Keyosha Olive!!! Treasue Kai  is an App that is based on a series of books written by Karen Robertson.  I plan to try out the game with my class...if I can get access to an ipad.  I'm not sure if there's a PC version. For now I asked my 9 year old daughter if she was interested in trying it out, and she said 'yes'.  The game is interactive and does allow for plenty of reading. It seems thrilling, and I have several students in mind when I say...Yes, I think it'll be a big hit!
 Have you used this App?

Wikispaces Tutorial

         Wikispace Video

         When I watched the Wikispace tutorial video on how to change the look and feel of a Wiki I learned that the organizer of the Wiki has many options. They can change settings easily so all users can have a single wiki look.  The site wide theme & colors would look the same.  For younger users this may be helpful because the continuity would make it easier to navigate.  I like how organizers can adjust the setting to allow the freedom to choose color and theme.   It is a reflection of the wiki creator.  Teachers that teach multiple classes like Middle School or High School teachers may find organizing Wikis by their look & feel helpful.  I would love each student to be able to create a personalized Wiki.  Any chance you can get a student to take ownership of their learning, they put more effort into each project and lesson. What are your thoughts about using a unified look and feel of a wiki to organize or create consistency for students? or Should students be allowed to create their own look and feel? 

                               

Symmetry

Useful Video for Teaching Symmetry

     I've been gathering ideas for our Digital Storytelling Assignment and I came across this YouTube video. The objectives are clearly stated, and the speaker talks slow enough for students to understand. While watching I thought of so many ways for students to demonstrate the different terms of Symmetry. Can't wait to get started!

Following Ms. Dunsiger Blog

Mrs. Aviva Dunsiger Favourite Links and 

Now Some of My Favorite Link Too!

When visiting Aviva Dunsiger Wiki I happened upon an interesting tool.  It's called Gamestar Mechanic.  This is the pdf for Gamestar Mechanic.  It seems to be an excellent way to engage the students who are always completing assignments before others.  I will not simply give extra work because they're done early.  It's important that students don't get bored with learning.  This digital tool allows students to problem solve using 21st century skills through designing their own video game.  They share their video and then collect feedback.  Is this something that you would use in your classroom?  It's geared for 4th graders through 9th graders.  Do you think it could be used for Enrichment for my advanced third graders?  This video explains Gamestar, take a look at let me know if you like it or have used it before.  

Little Kids...Big Potential

Useful Video About Using Wiki's, Blogs, and 

Other Technology in the Classroom - Week 5 Blog

This is a very useful video I found on Youtube when searching for Classroom Wiki's.  This video demonstrates the different ways to use technology within the classroom.  Children explain how they blog, use wiki's and even Skype. It is obvious they are in control of their learning.  They show ownership and understanding through their digital demonstrations.  The collaboration between students within the class as well as throughout the country is evident, and extremely wonderful! Very impressive and something to strive to incorporate into my teaching.  Please enjoy!  What do you think about letting the students play Nintendo DS in school?  In this video children are allowed to play a game called Nintendog, an educational game, would you like to see kids bring in their technology devises to use in school?

How to Build An Educational Wiki

Wiki Tutorial - Week 5 Blog

This is a great tutorial for teaching how to build a Wiki.  He breaks it into easy to follow steps and shows a visual representation while verbally walking you through each step.  It's a full 10 minute video but is worth the time watching if you need detailed instructions.  I plan to visit this site when creating my own class Wiki.  Right now we share a Wiki through EASTCONN, which they designed and set up but my class gets to participate in.  I would post the Wikispace address but from what I hear it's limited to only those involved.  

Kids and Handhelds

                             

In this video I found on You Tube, students are asked what difference using handhelds has made to their learning.  I was intrigued by their responses.  The CEO, of GoKnow Inc. Mr. Elliot Soloway helps listeners understand why handhelds have so many advantages.  They help students take control of their own learning, it allows for collaboration, and helps to organize.What do you think?

A Vision of K-12 Students Today

This YouTube video digitally represents many thought provoking questions and gets you thinking about the importance of using technology in and out of the classroom.  I just loved it and wanted to share.