Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Digitales
I am using class time tonight to sit and work on my digital storytelling project. I wrote my script and so I was ready to sit down and do some further planning on a storyboard. I was having trouble with the storyboard that was posted on our wiki (probably operator error), so I decided to search the internet for another option. In my search I found a really cool website that I don't think that we have talked about yet. It is called DigiTales. I found a lot of good examples of digital stories on this site, as well as a very useful storyboard. I just wanted to share this with you! If you are looking for an idea it may be a good place to look.
Technology and Assessment
One of my research interests is using student data to change teaching practices. I decided this week that there must be lots of connections between gathering , presenting, and using data and technology. I did a searched google for technology and literacy assessment. One of the interesting sites I found was to the Oregon Department of Education. They have developed a program called Technology Enhanced Student Assessment. Basically, students are given reading and math tests on the computer. The results of the test are put into a spreadsheet and teachers are able to gain insights about their students' strengths and needs from the information. (I would personally go beyond the spredsheet and create visual representations for the class and each individual student.) Using technology alleviates the need to correct paper and pencil test. It also eliminates the paper and pencil, which saves the district money! I would assume that is is also easier to compare testing results over time if the computer is used to present the data. If you are interested in seeing more, the website is http://159.191.14.139/.docs/pg/11493.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Digital Storytelling
I have been curious about digital storytelling since we started discussing it. I wanted to know more about the possible applications in the classroom and I found a fantastic website that I wanted to share with all of you. The link is http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/.
First of all, it shares some really good start up information. For example, this website shares 7 Elements of Digital Storytelling, samples for evaluation, and a step-by-step guide to create a digital story. There are also links to other 2.0 resources: a podcast, a list of digital storytelling blogs and wikis, etc.
However, I thought the most interesting part of this website was the example section. There are multiple different examples of digital stories across content areas. Check these examples out and let me know what you think! I absolutely love the ESL stories. I can see how they could easily be used and incorporated into instruction.
First of all, it shares some really good start up information. For example, this website shares 7 Elements of Digital Storytelling, samples for evaluation, and a step-by-step guide to create a digital story. There are also links to other 2.0 resources: a podcast, a list of digital storytelling blogs and wikis, etc.
However, I thought the most interesting part of this website was the example section. There are multiple different examples of digital stories across content areas. Check these examples out and let me know what you think! I absolutely love the ESL stories. I can see how they could easily be used and incorporated into instruction.
Monday, October 12, 2009
ipod possibilities...
Since the class when we discussed the new ipod coming out, I have been compelled to go buy one. Up until this point I have been able to resist purchasing one, but I spent some time online this morning researching all they can do. I might have to go buy one!
As I was reading through the features, I was trying to think about all the possible usages in an elementary classroom (a high school classroom brings even more potential)! The ipod has the capability of recording and playing back speech. I thought this would be fun for writing stories. Can you imagine if students were able to record their "seeds", or writing ideas, as they came to them? Then during Writer's Workshop students could play back their notes. They wouldn't be able to say, "I don't know what to write about!" The connection between their own life and the writing process could potentially become very strong.
This recording feature can also be used to post audio to websites. Students could read the class news into their ipod and then take it home for their parents to listen to or easily send it in an email. This function could also be used for fluency work, to listen to the teacher read books, or to get information from a class that they missed. These are just a few of the ways that the audio playback feature could be used.
The ipod also has the capability to record like a camera with audio. This would also have many potential uses. For example, students could do Reader's Theatre and easily video tape it and play it back. Students could do an interview and video tape it. There are so many possibilities!
The best part of the whole product is that they really are quite inexpensive. I probably sound like an infomercial, but I really do think that these new ipods could have a great place in the classroom.
As I was reading through the features, I was trying to think about all the possible usages in an elementary classroom (a high school classroom brings even more potential)! The ipod has the capability of recording and playing back speech. I thought this would be fun for writing stories. Can you imagine if students were able to record their "seeds", or writing ideas, as they came to them? Then during Writer's Workshop students could play back their notes. They wouldn't be able to say, "I don't know what to write about!" The connection between their own life and the writing process could potentially become very strong.
This recording feature can also be used to post audio to websites. Students could read the class news into their ipod and then take it home for their parents to listen to or easily send it in an email. This function could also be used for fluency work, to listen to the teacher read books, or to get information from a class that they missed. These are just a few of the ways that the audio playback feature could be used.
The ipod also has the capability to record like a camera with audio. This would also have many potential uses. For example, students could do Reader's Theatre and easily video tape it and play it back. Students could do an interview and video tape it. There are so many possibilities!
The best part of the whole product is that they really are quite inexpensive. I probably sound like an infomercial, but I really do think that these new ipods could have a great place in the classroom.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Another late post....
I have decided that posting on Wednesdays actually works best for me. I hope it doesn't bother anyone. I have actually been at home with sick kids the past couple of days, but I have been busy bleaching and spraying Lysol everywhere! I am very disappointed that I am going to miss the IPTV presentation tonight. I feel like I really know something about IPTV...Sid the Science Kid, Cailou, Super Why, etc.! I have seen most of them. ;0)
This week I decided I would look up online activities for preschoolers and I found one that I really like. It is called http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/other.asp. The reason that I like this website is it includes an online story, online activity, activity to at home, and a list of related books. It is also very easy to navigate, which is very important for young learners. Check it out and tell me what you think! Also, if you know of other free online sites for very young learners, let me know!
This week I decided I would look up online activities for preschoolers and I found one that I really like. It is called http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/other.asp. The reason that I like this website is it includes an online story, online activity, activity to at home, and a list of related books. It is also very easy to navigate, which is very important for young learners. Check it out and tell me what you think! Also, if you know of other free online sites for very young learners, let me know!
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