Technology Tool 1 - VoiceThread
www.voicethread.com
Getting Started:
What is it? VoiceThread is an online tool that allows users to build slideshows or "threads." VoiceThread can be collaborative since others can leave comments. The "thread" can contain images, documents, or videos; and the comments can be typed responses, audio recordings, or webcam recording. Accounts in VoiceThread are free! After creating an account in VoiceThread, find the "Tutorials" link on the left--an excellent tool for learning about different aspects of VoiceThread. At the top of the screen, "Ideas for Using VoiceThread" has ideas and lessons by content area for using VoiceThread with a class. More Ideas for Using VoiceThread: http://voicethread4education.wikispaces.com/home Here is a "cheat sheet" with specific directions for creating your own VoiceThread:
Assessment Options:
Grading a VoiceThread can take time. Here are some ideas from other educators: Bill Ferriter' Blog Video of a Teacher Grading a VT Website with Multiple Links (scroll down to Assessing VoiceThread Projects) Get the VoiceThread app on any iOS device! |
Sample Lesson:
To learn more about Farm Life, Kindergarten students developed "research" questions based on their natural curiosity. The classroom teacher collaborated with two farmers in Canada to create this VoiceThread using "copyright friendly" images from Flickr and video interviews. Students posed their questions to the "expert" sources of information (the farmers) in order to receive credible information about the topic. The VoiceThread below is the final product. View the sample VoiceThread below and consider: How does VoiceThread and/or this sample lesson provide an opportunity to integrate the NC Information and Technology Essential Standards? To learn more about this project, visit Kevin Jarrett's blog entry.
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Technology Tool 2 - StoryBird
http://www.storybird.com/teachers
Getting Started:
What is it? "Visual storytelling for everyone," Storybird allows users to select "copyright friendly" artwork in order to tell their own stories. Storybird works with illustrators and animators to build art collections; users select the artwork that inspires them, and then users add their story. You can purchase a printed copy of the story or share digitally for free. Classroom accounts in Storybird are free! Visit www.storybird.com and click on the Explore link in the top right-hand corner to browse through stories that others have created. You may also explore the artwork available--artwork that may inspire a story! View this short YouTube video explaining how to create your own project in Storybird: Storybird is a simplified version of Digital Storytelling. For more information about digital storytelling and using it with students, check out one of these links:
Kathy Schrock's Guide on Digital Storytelling Discovery Education's Digital Storytelling Hub Assessment Options: Digital Storytelling Rubric from UMass And Another Digital Storytelling Rubric |
Sample Lesson:
To build students' vocabulary and ability to write desciptive sentences, students in 1st grade read the teacher's Storybird "What Can We See." The scaffolded activity required students read the teacher's examples and then write increasingly complex sentences, focusing specifically on color, size, shape, and number words. View the sample Storybird below and consider: How does Storybird and/or this sample lesson provide an opportunity to integrate the NC Information and Technology Essential Standards? |
Technology Tool 3 - TimeGlider
www.timeglider.com
Getting Started:
What is is? Timeglider is a timeline creator that allows users to chronologically order events. Marketed as a timeline "Google maps," users can zoom in and out of events to explore the "span" of events or view the specific events. The online timeline can include text, can link each event to a website, or can embed pictures and video creating an interactive experience. Accounts in Timeglider are free! Click on How It Works for more information about creating your own Timeline in Timeglider. Here is a "cheat sheet" for creating your own Timeglider timeline:
More ideas for using Timelines:
Use Read Write Think's timeline and view lesson ideas. Learn more about using timelines at Teach with Web 2.0. Or explore ideas from other teachers collaborating. Assessment Options: Check out Read Write Think's rubric for timelines. Or this timeline rubric. |
Sample Lesson:
To research a historical person's impact on the world, students selected an important individual who impacted change. They analyzed the information collected on the individual and then determined what events in the person's life were the most important in order to prepare a timeline. Students were able to include images, videos, web links throughout the timeline (and links to their sources of information.) As time allowed, students included other major events that occurred in the world during this span of time. View the sample Timeglider below and consider: How does Timeglider and/or this sample lesson provide an opportunity to integrate the NC Information and Technology Essential Standards? |