Our questions are focused on digital tips and the voicethread. Please answer at least one of the questions and you are encouraged to respond to others' posts.
Q1. What tip has been the most helpful to you? Which tip holds the most importance? (Reading 10.1)
Q2. Pick one of the Top 10 Best for Young Learners and give a scenario of how you could use this in your classroom. (Reading 10.2)
Q3. After viewing the side order voicethread examples, which do you think is the most effective in provoking thought? Why?
Please share your opinions so we can discuss them.
Happy Posting!
Love, Melissa, Cheryl, Nicole, Katie and Chelsea
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Q2) One of the Top 10 Best for Young Learners that I found most interesting was Storybird. I could use this in my classroom by having the students create their own story. My students could use their creativity to write their own story and create their own pictures, using the website. The students would also work on spelling, punctuation, and grammar when writing their story. Overall, the students would benefit immensely from Storybird.
ReplyDeleteQ1) I think that tip #7: Keeping a schedule to stay on track is a valuable tip. Especially with elementary and high school students, if there is a project that has many components, it is helpful to give a guide for the students to follow. It will not only help them be sure they are including all of the elements in the story you are requesting such as voice over or a soundtrack, it will help the students feel a sense of accomplishment as they go along to see all of the progress they have made. Students may feel overwhelmed at the sight of a lot of request for a digital story telling project, especially if its all new to them. I feel that a schedule would be very beneficial to both the student and the teacher so the teacher can also monitor which students might need extra help or guidance.
ReplyDeleteQ1) I agree that tip seven was very useful. I think having a schedule would help not only the students stay organized, but it would also help the teacher to help the students stay on task. Breaking a larger task into many steps is a great way to help the students conquer a larger project. I think tip number five was also good. As a first time user, I did not think about writing a story before I made the actual voice thread, but it only makes since. I would also make sure my students had a good story first, before letting them record.
ReplyDeleteQ2) There were many good examples, including ones which we have talked about in class such as blogs, wikis, skype and voicethread. In my class I think I am more likely to use blogs and voice thread. Instead of using voice thread with my younger students, I think story bird would be a good program to use. The students still would be able to create a story using the computer, but it is a little less technical. I played on Kerpoof for a while. While it was fun, I do not think that I would use it in my classroom. The pictures are already given to the students and I would want them to be able to create their own.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone who has posted!
ReplyDeleteAmy and Brienna, I agree that Storybird is a great technological tool to use in your classroom. Amy, I like how you stated ways to use the program by teaching grammar and spelling. Teachers have a limited time to cover a wide range of material so it is important to incorporate these important
skills into projects.
Katrina and Brienna, I think it is interesting that you both selected the same tip and that it was different from the article's top choice. As college students, we like to have rubrics and clear directions that guide us to do projects. I agree that younger students would greatly benefit from checklists that will help them complete a bigger project such as voice threading. Students will learn more and enjoy learning if they don't feel overwhelmed.
Great job so far everyone :)
Q1. I think that tip number 5 was a very important tip. Students may be very excited and anxious to work with technology however, if the teacher emphasizes the importance of correct writing, the students will know that the media is a way to help them learn, not just a game. I beleive that using media is a very effective teaching tool however, the basics of education still should be the basis.
ReplyDeleteQ3. I think that the vocie thread that impacted me was the Picture Writing. There were four subjects, science, literature, art, and technology in one assignment. The students were able to share their work on the computer and then their parents could see what their children had been working on in school. This voice tthread really helped me understand how I could us this in my classroom and why it is good for students.
ReplyDelete1) I read the article 10.1 and I found two points to be very helpful; point number 7 and point number 2. Point number 7 said that keeping a schedule will help keep the students on track. I believe that with big projects that are done on the computer need to have visual schedules in the classroom. A lot of the time big projects can overwhelm students so by having a schedule the students can see that if they do a little amount at a time, all of the work will get done. This works on the student’s time management skills as well as furthering their knowledge on technology.
ReplyDeleteThe next point that I found to be helpful was point number 2. This point says that showing examples are extremely valuable in helping the students further understand the task at hand. So by showing the students examples of movies and videos, they will be able to comprehend what exactly they need to do. I believe that examples and models are extremely important for students to have at certain times. I do not think that models should be used all of the time because it takes away the creativity of some students. However, when using programs like voice thread I think that students need to have examples. These programs can be confusing so examples are necessary.
Heather, picture writing is a great voice threading method. Integration of different subjects into one assignment can help teachers cover a wide range of materials. It can help teachers manage their time, and therefore the students will benefit. I also think that this is a good resource because parents can easily view their child's work and progress in school. Parents will gain a greater connection to their child's education and classroom.
ReplyDeleteErica, examples are a great way to teach children. I do think that students need to explore new information in order to be more creative. At the same time, I agree that modeling can help children understand material better. The goal of teachers is to help all students learn, and some children will benefit from having examples. Our college instructors use examples all the time to teach new ideas or concepts, and it has helped me to understand assignments better. Great Post!
Q2) I liked Glogster. It seems like it would work in any subject area. I could use it as an introduction to new material, or expand kids knowledge in an area they know. The best part in my opinion is that it's private and teacher monitored.
ReplyDeleteQ3) Personally I did not find any of it thought provoking. I'm not impressed with voice thread and see it as a tool that might be useful IF you have the time. But it's just a tool. If I want to provoke thought, I'll read a good piece of Literature.
ReplyDeleteAs I read article 10.1, I found point number 2 to be very appealing. This point discussed using usual examples such as videos to enhance students learning. Personally, I would love to use this in my future classroom. I feel that this would really help students who are more visual learners. Viewing actual images would be helpful for me, as well. I am a visual learner myself and this would be a great tool for me and my students, too. Point number 2 also discussed the importance of showing students examples of the task at hand. This would give students a better understanding of what is expected of them. When students receive clear and straight forward instructions, I believe that they will be able to produce high quality work. Lastly, clear instructions will help students decrease the amount of potential frustration that may come along with being unsure of what is expected of them by their teachers.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Alicia that point #2 seemed to be the most appealing and important. We read about how examples are very helpful in Bergers book and how they don't just create replicas, but allow for the students to see what the perfect outcome should look like. It says that "we can absolutely make connections between what we are doing and what impact we can have on an audience." I think by seeing examples of other peoples works, the students realize that their projects might turn out to be samples for future students. That may enhance their efforts in creating a final product that they are proud of and would share with anyone around the world.
ReplyDelete2) http://edu.glogster.com/ allows you to share your knowledge and creativity of a certain topic online. The site seems very user friendly and has a tutorial for novice users who might not be very skilled in computer usage. Basically, on glogster you create an interactive poster with videos, mp3s and other visual images to share information. You can share teaching strategies, lesson plans, class project ideas and any other type of educational tool you can possible think of. It seems like something Shufang should include next semester when teaching this class.
ReplyDeleteQ2. It was hard to chose my favorite Top 10 Best for Young Learners, but I really found Kerpoof.com to be a great deal of fun. It is extremely interactive and is pretty easy for young students to use. There are so many different things that the students can do on this site. For instance, if my class was creating a fiction story as one of their assignments, they can go right onto this site and choose illustrations page by page. They can print off this pictures, and create a story that would be creative and fun. They can make movies, cards, pictures, and doodles, all on one site. I know that if I had the opportunity to use this site as a child, I would have had a blast with it.
ReplyDeleteWalter, thank you for being so honest. Privacy settings are a good thing to use if young kids are using these different online tools.
ReplyDeleteTom, I looked at the site as well. For someone who isn't used to using these different resources it was great to have a user friendly website. Using sites like this will allow students to share their work with a wider audience as well.
Gina, I'm glad that you enjoyed using the site. Children will enjoy learning if it is fun. In addition, students today are more technology oriented and making crafts online will be more appealing to our students in the future.
Alicia, I think that it is important that you are concerned about the many different types of learners you will encounter in every classroom. I think that examples can be very helpful. Students who become frustrated will inevitably shut down and not want to try anymore. I believe that teachers should guide students in whatever ways they can
Q2. I loved all of these interactive websites, however I would have to agree with Gina that Kerproof is my favorite. As most of you know, I am a very colorful creative person and I think this website would fit very well with my personality. I think that by bringing this type of website into the classroom it will make learning lots more fun! A project that I can use in my classroom with this website would be for my students to make an animated cartoon. This cartoon can be based off any topic that we are discussing in class such as a math problem, social studies content or a science experiment. Using this website will make the activity more interactive for the students, increase their technology usage and help them make a creative and fun project.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1-
ReplyDeleteI felt that many of the tips for digital storytelling were all interesting and important. However, tip number 2 really stood out to me. Number 2 is titled, “showing samples is extremely valuable in setting the stage to understand the 7 elements of storytelling.” I connected this idea of samples to our Berger readings from EDU 378. Berger stressed the application of using as many models as possible. Therefore, students are able to critically analyze the work of others and build upon it. I think that it is very significant for students to become critical thinkers, and a great way to do so is to have them critically view the samples given to them.
*I also agree with many of my classmates that tip number 7 (keeping a schedule for students to stay on track) is very important as well! I feel that students need to be aware of their own deadlines and responsibilities.
I agree with Gina that there were so many different things on the “Top 10 Best for Young Learners” it was difficult to choose one! However, I really enjoyed the Storybird site. Similarly to what Amy G said, I would use this site to have my students create their own books/stories (through the use of the computer). Personally, I think that this is a great site because students who have difficulty drawing pictures will have a lot of fun with this site because it is all through online photographs and clip-art. This experience has made me realize that it must be difficult for children to write out an entire book by hand along with illustrations. Personally, (while completing the rock story for EDU 374) it was very time consuming for me. I also like how you are able to view other people’s stories and comment on them as well! I hope to refer back to this interactive site to have my future students explore with in creating stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sam and Lindsay for posting!
ReplyDeleteSam, I like that you picked a site that fits your personality. I think students would favor these sites the same way based on their learning styles.
Lindsay, it is great that Storybird allows students to be creative even if they don't enjoy drawing! I think it is a great website to use in a classroom for ELA.
I definitely agree with Sam and Nicole about choosing sites that fit your personality. We are all well aware of the different modalities and that children learn in different ways. Each of the sites that were listed were unique and when using websites, maybe teachers should start giving more options out, to satisfy all the types of learners.
ReplyDeleteArticle 10.2 not only reinforced the digital technologies that we have previously learned about, it also provided many new innovative ideas. Personally, I thought that Glogster was a neat idea to get students involved in digital medias throughout the school day. Basically, it is a digital poster that students can easily create to show comprehension on a topic. The students can put written information, videos, pictures, and audio on their poster. Glogster can be used to display knowledge in almost any subject. In my practicum classroom, the students had to do an autobiographical sketch on a famous character and I think that Glogster would have enhanced their learning. Therefore, in my classroom, I would have the students use Glogster to help aid in their final presentation. The students could add pictures of their person, show a video that emphasizes their talent (figure skating in the Olympics, singing their first concert, etc), or even have part of their project pre-recorded using iMovie. The students would be exposed to many digital medias throughout this project and it will make the project fun. Glogster could also be used as a get to know you activity at the beginning of the school year. Each student could write basic information about themselves and add some fun facts to their page. They could also add pictures of themselves, their family, and their interests as well as a video they have made. Each student would present their Glogster for four minutes and get to know more about each other.
ReplyDeleteI think that Erica did a good job picking two very beneficial strategies that can be used in the classroom. For instance, the student not only benefits from having a set schedule, but the teacher does to. For example, my practicum class was working on a large ELA project that lasted over the course of three weeks. Each week the students worked on a different component to add to the project (poem, picture, timeline, etc). The students knew what was expected from them each week and everything moved more smoothly because of it. As for showing examples, the teacher provided a few finished products from last year that she encouraged the students to look at before each class. These examples showed the students that the project could be done in multiple ways and helped to give them idea.
ReplyDeleteQ1. Many said that tip number 7 was the most useful and I agree. I feel making a schedule and sticking to it and keeping on track is very useful and necessary in the classroom. The other tips are important, but without a plan and a set schedule you cant move on or make progress. I feel whether in the classroom or in digital story making schedule is key! :-)
ReplyDeleteQ2. I really liked Kerpoof because it allows younger children to get involved with technology and I feel it would set them up for furthering their abilities in future years. I would probably have my students make a creative story and then using Kerpoof I would have the students illistrate and tell their story in this "movie" way. I also found the voicethreads and wikis useful the more we have learned about them.
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the many tips described in the article, I agree with Erica that Number 2 and Number 7 hold the most importance. Number 2 states, “Showing examples is extremely valuable in setting the stage to understand the 7 elements of storytelling.” Like Lindsay, I immediately connected this idea with one of Ron Berger’s strategies: models (EDU 378-602). Using models in the classroom enables students to critically analyze and critique the work of others. By displaying visual aids and samples of student work, young children are able to understand that sharing knowledge enhances learning. Number 7 states, “Keeping a schedule chart up helps keep students on track.” I believe that students should practice and apply the lifelong concepts of responsibility and time management throughout their schooling. Organization is the key to fostering such necessary skills.
ReplyDeleteI think step number 2 from the first reading is a very helpful tip. I believe giving a sample for the students, really helps them get a understanding of what is suppose to be done. I think that many students are visual learners, and as many demonstrations and examples given to them will help them reach their full potential.I also agree with many of you that having a set schedule is good for the students, as well as for the teacher. I feel that if students know what is excepted of them, they are more prepared for it making things more organized and under control.
ReplyDeleteI agree with with Gina, in that teachers should give the students more options on what websites they use. As a teacher you might find a website that works for you, but it might not be user friendly and work well with some of your students. Instead of forcing your students to use only one website on a project, you should give them several options. As students get older teachers should give students more freedom in choosing the websites they choose. Instead of you picking them, they should pick them and just get them approved by you.
ReplyDeleteMeghan, you have listed a really effective way to use glogster in a future classroom. I could see myself using your idea with my own students someday.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I think movies are fun ways for students to present information. It is more creative than former powerpoint or poster presentations.
Amber, as we learned in this class, there are many websites to use that will present information in the same way. Students should be allowed pick the website that works best for them.
Great posts by everyone!
I just want to point out a great comment that Stephanie made: Organization is the key to fostering such necessary skills. I have always used a 5 subject notebook for all of my classes until this semester. I now have each subject in a different 3 ring binder and I have been doing SO much better. If we enforce these organization skills into our students then we are bound to have students with better grades. I see some of my observation students and their desks are so messy and it reflects on their grades. The students with neater desks and without papers flying everywhere have better grades. Organization is so important in education and I know personally I will make sure each of my students are organized in my future classroom!
ReplyDeleteThank you to all of you for contributing!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I agree with you in that displaying visual aids and showing examples of past students work enhances learning. Students may want to work harder when they can see what their final product will be.
I agree with those of you who chose tip number 7 to be most important. Students need structure, as does the teacher. The day will run much smoother when there is a schedule to follow.
Q1. After reading the tips in reading 10.1, I decided that tip 1 and tip 7 (like most of you) are the most helpful and important tips. I chose tip #1 because without the prompt there will be no story and with no story there will be no imagination, creativity or learning. Without having an in depth prompt that will lead to the student's exploration and creativity the digital story will not be appealing to others. With just a little change in wording the outcomes will be significantly different. By having more open ended questions, the students will be able to really express themselves through their work. I also chose tip # 7 because I am someone who strongly believes in keeping a schedule chart with everything that I do. Visually seeing where they are in their work and what they need to complete is a sometimes easier way for children to learn. This will also be a tool to keep them on track of their work so that they do not fall behind. Like Amanda said if there is no base or plan then the students cannot move forward and progress in their work.
ReplyDeleteQ2. I would choose Kerpoof Studio as my number one out of the top ten for young learners. In the beginning of the site I chose to spell a picture. It then provides you with five backgrounds to choose from then you can start plugging in letters and things that relate to that background will pop up. Then if you finish spelling the word it will point to those items on the screen. I feel this will be useful in the younger grades helping them to spell and seeing what objects or animals are found where. I would use this in my classroom as a center. I would mainly use this for spelling and letter recognition. But this can also be used as a learning center when discussing what animals may be found on a farm, beach, sky or woods dealing with science.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have done a great job commenting on each other's posts. I really liked how you're giving your peers feedback.
ReplyDeleteAmber, I totally agree that samples are a vital tool to be used in your classroom. They need examples of work to know exactly how to do something.
Christina, I think you tapped into a great idea about creativity stemming from prompts. Open ended questions are great for letting a child share their ideas.
Article 10.2 presented several educational tools that we have previously discussed, including blogs, voice threads, and wikis, as well as new ideas to successfully integrate technology in the classroom. Personally, I feel as though Kerpoof is a fun, interactive website for young children to explore. This program offers a wide variety of activities. For example, students have the opportunity to spell a picture, make a picture, make a movie, make a card, make a story, make a drawing, etc. Kerpoof is a very engaging resource that allows for constructive digital learning.
ReplyDeleteQ1. The tip that has been most helpful to me was tip number 5. It may be easy to get caught up working with and exploring all of the new technology, but the most important part of any DST project is the story. This writing is important because it lays the foundation for the rest of the project to work on. I think Heather made a great point that students will learn that technology is not just a game, but a useful tool that can help them learn if we emphasize the importance of correct writing. The tip that I believe holds the most importance is tip number 2, showing examples. I find it very useful to see examples of projects especially if it is a project that I am unfamiliar with. I agree with what Alicia and Tom had to say about using examples and how they benefit a classroom. I am also a very visual learner so it really helps me to see examples and models.
ReplyDeleteQ2) After reading the top ten best scenarios for young leaners, I found the story board to be the most interesting and the most useful in classroom. There is so much you can do with a story board. You can have the students make their own stories on it or for young readers you can put a well known story on it and they can see it electronically in front of them instead of having to look at the teachers book and follow along. There is so much you can do with a story board that it will be beneficial to the classroom. Kenproof is another one that i found to be interesting and helpful to students especially those who are in the younger grades. This program helps the students learn to read and spell different words. I feel it would be very beneficial to the students
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for posting!! You all did a good job! I agree that point number 2 is a very good way of teaching because i personally learn from looking at examples. I like how lindsay related this point to the Berger book we are reading in EDU 378. As i was watching the side order examples I found that the voice thread on Washington D.C was a good example because it had many pictures where the child talked for a very long time on it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Kerpoof Studio is a good tool to use in the classroom.
Thank you all for posting, you have all provided great examples of the readings.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Amanda S and Heather's posts and completely agree with what you both have explained. I think that tip number 5 is extremely crucial. Technology is definitely not just a game, but a tool that will help children in the future. It will greatly improve students writing and engage them in what they are trying to write about. Throughout different forms of technology, the students will be more apt to want to do well and make their projects better.
Tip number 2 has definitely been mentioned by many of you and I also completely agree that it is so vital. Examples are what children learn by and through. I find it useful in my classes now if I am shown examples of the projects that I am expected of. If I am able to see what is going on and what is needed of me I can make comparisons and do my best to make it as good as possible. Often times there is confusion amongst the students and the teacher, if things are not presented clearly to them.
Personally, I really enjoyed Amber's post. I think that I am a visual learner as many children are as well. In my practicum classroom my teacher often gives samples of what is expected of them and I find that the children work better like that. It is especially obvious when my teacher does not give examples of what they are to do that the children do not do what is expected of them.
I really liked Kerpoof also. You can make a movie, story, drawing and it just looks like so much fun. I think any child would love to participate using this technology. They could create a story about a topic we have been studying whether it be science, social studies, ELA from lifecycles to Native Americans. One example for math could be to have the students create a Kerpoof Picture or Story that explains a mathematical idea (for example, if you have three blue fish and two yellow fish you have a total of five fish). Project each student’s picture on the screen and ask them to explain their picture and it’s meaning to their classmates. They will share their work and everyone can benefit from the presentations. I do agree with Bri however that Kerpoof does neglect some of the creative capabilities that a tool like this could have, but overall I think it's really great.
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