The Polar Bear of Manitoba: Digital Story Telling

Here is a digital Story on the Polar Bear of Manitoba.  As I teach a Canada Unit, I try to find one aspect of each province that students can relate to.  This also crosses over to Science as it discusses the effects that global warming has had on the polar bear and its habitat.

Guidelines for You Tube

After reading Jess Skoog's blog on You Tube, I investigated what exactly the guidelines are for the site.  Open the following url address to read guidelines that are in place for you tube.  (These are monitored on a 24 hour basis)

http://www.youtube.com/t/community_guidelines

PBSKids & Point of View

Had the chance to look at the website on PBS Kids and found it to be very good.  I originally thought it may gear towards a younger audience, but I was pleasantly surprised when I went to the teacher section of their website.  On it I found lesson plans on a wealth of subjects and POV film Clips.  I thought this was a great way to introduce Point of View to older students.  The clip below follows a blind man in NYC from his own point of view.  In another clip, a young mother was followed as she chose to put her baby up for adoption.  In  this clip, it also presented the adoptive parents point of view, so students were better able to get a "Full picture."   Other Film clips were presented in both cartoon & real Life images - but all with a message.  If you get a chance, check it out.  Again, although this part of the website is for an older audience, there were still other parts of the site dedicated to younger students.


Watch Video | Sound of Vision: Short Films | POV | PBS

Creating Books with Wikijunior

I spent some time exploring Wikijunior today and it seems a great way to motivate kids into exploring the world of non fiction by great books on topics that interest them.  I wasnt thrilled however, in the formatting of it.  For example, when viewing it as a PDF it was a tedious chore to scroll each page.  I did try other options, but I was wondering if there was one that I missed that actually read like a book.  For example, when Im on Amazon and want to preview a book, it shows me the first few pages, and actually shows the page turning.  Seems ridiculous I know, but I would enjoy more if it had the feel of a book as opposed to a slide show.  I do like that others can add to each book, however, the skeptic in my does worry about misleading or incorrect information could appear on a book that a student has put their own name on.  Is there a program that can be implemented that checks facts, or is this something the student would have to continually check themselves to verify information.

If anyone has used wikijunior to create a book - I'd love to hear how it worked out in your class.  I have several students working on independent projects right now and it seems like it would be fun to correlate this with their work.  

Soul Pancake - A Feel Good Video

A great clip to watch - kids always know the best things to say that come from the heart!!!

Diigo

In regards to how I am managing Diigo, I have to say that right now, I am using it minimally.  I do see the value of adding web pages that are useful to you and your students, as often, when I go to return to a sight (especially if it is posted by a school) either the web address has changed or site has been discontinued.  This frustrates me.  Hopefully as I continue to add bookmarks to Diigo, I will begin to rely more on it.  It is also nice to have everything in one place.  A few Questions:

Is it possible to group your book marks into categories and/or folders so it is even more accessible?

Is it possible to view other's diigo page to add sites that may be helpful to align with the units taught in your class?     or

Are others allowed to view your Diigo Acct and make suggestions?

This would also be extremely helpful.  If anyone know - please relay all info.  Thanks so much!

Digital Storytelling

When viewing examples of digital storytelling, what I enjoyed most was the examples of the moments in history clips. I thought it was a great way to entrench students in learning about where we, as Americans came from, and how it helps us to determine where we are going.  There were elements in each that I enjoyed, from hearing the voices of the past (Kennedy), music selected to coincide with the era, to seeing the atrocities of the holocaust in pictures.  Each of these elements invoked a sense of emotion within me.   What I did notice however, that in some clips in the Language Arts examples, the voice speaking, caused me to not view the entire clip, as it was dry, and did not have an ounce of enthusiasm to motivate the viewer to become involved with the piece.  Therefore, I learned a valuable lesson in how speech should be integrated with digital storytelling.   One other element I came across while surfing the net for examples, was interactive stories.  Although the subject theme was a bit mature for my class, I did find it interesting as it kept the viewer engaged, or as one with the piece.

Fun With Flickr

When it comes to technology, I am, well lets just say, challenged.  However, when reading chapter 7 in will Richardson's book, Blogs, Wikis and podcasts, I became really excited and eager to start using Flickr.  There was a number of great ideas that I can use in the classroom to involve not only the students in my class, but parents and others in the community.  Students are able showcase their work for others to view, whether it be a class present, a piece of poetry, or a tour of a school field trip.  It would be amazing for my students in my social studies classes to connect with other students from different parts of the world.  For example, I am currently teaching a unit on Canada.  It would be incredible if I could set up a folder for each province and get kids from each region to interact with my students, offer insight into the cultural differences, and discuss issues that affect both our countries.  Another activity that Im really pumped about is using it to teach geography, getting kids involved with google earth, and using the schools digital cameras for students to take and post pictures of the town and community.

RSS

In theory, RSS appears to make life easier for those who use the web on a continuous basis.  For those of us however, that are technology challenged, the task on navigating RSS seems daunting.  Originally in the first few pages of the chapter, my initial thought was " ok - this isnt so bad......"  but as I read on, I had more questions than I had answers to.  For example:

Is it possible to receive only certain kinds of information on RSS:  Say I put "Canada" in; is it possible to get only factual or human interest stories on the provinces?  Or..... will I be subjected to any subject, any news clip, any anything that relates to Canada?  (Yes, I understand I pick who submits to my RSS - but is their a way to filter things out)

Is it possible to receive info that is only at a certain age level  (Ex:  5-8th grade) so student are not able to pull up information that my be too advanced or inappropriate for their age?

It appears it takes a great deal of time to weed through what you receive.  I understand Will Richardson finds this easy, but this is what he does for a living.  How does the teacher, mother, taxi driver, maid, grocery shopper, cook, student in her master's class, find the extra hours to devote to this?

Am I making mountain out of molehills, or is this just the fear in me speaking?

Classroom Blogging and Multiple Literacies

In today's digital world, blogging, no doubt, has a huge impact in what students can achieve within the classroom.  Students are able to explore their interests, communicate their personal views and ideas through communication with others outside of the classroom, explores different cultures throughout the world, and heightens their awareness of issues around them.  In essence, blogging and technology within the classroom, engages students and ultimately keeps them connected to the outside communities of the world.  Students who build their technology skills will surely enter the world of critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, and fine tune their research abilities.  This aids students in pushing their depths of knowledge to higher levels, as well as encourages students to show their creativity.  This also aligns with the Common Core initiative and the National Education Technology Standards for Students (NETS).

Two teachers Johanna Cleary and Mr Seyfert use Kidblog to integrate technology into their classrooms.  Cleary uses this for "Book Clubs" and "Conversation Blogs" revolving around a weekly topic.  Seyfert uses it for student "Book Reviews & Recommendations"  I thought these were fabulous ideas.  In addition, teacher Aviva Dusigers used Skype Literature Circles so students in her classroom can communicate with students from other parts of the country who are reading the same book.  This is a great experience for students to hear alternate perspectives on literature for kids in different ares of the country.  I love this idea because I had given up on lit circles as students often did not do their jobs.  As kids are meeting with other kids through Skype, this may be an incentive to open lines of communication.

Another venue to motivate students was through a web site called new-casts.  Here students created short clips on assorted topics.  I thought this also could be used as a news broadcast on a school wide basis that could be shown weekly regarding events at school (Community), accomplishments of students (spotlight - bios), results of team games (Sports) or even an editorial.  It also could be used as a student council initiative.

Overall - the possibilities here are endless and definitely worth exploring within the classroom.  Although these may be difficult for the new comer of technology to initiate, once up and running, the benefits out weigh the risks.

Blogs & Blogging - New Ideas

When looking through the Blogs & Blogging page, I found that one teacher frequently uses media clips from the "Teaching Channel".  This site has clips that run in length from a few minutes to just under an hour that gives teachers great ideas for lessons within their classrooms that use DOK (Depth of Knowledge) questions for higher critical thinking.  Below is one clip that I found relevant to my social studies class as we study the aspects of culture throughout the year and the majority of my students are either 1st or 2nd generation emigrants.  It was also interesting for me as I have introduced to my class written material on the "Lost Boys of Sudan."  Click on "Exploring Emigration:Cultural Identity" below to brink up the link for your viewing.

Lesson Idea - Common Core

Lesson Idea - Common Core Exploring Emigration: Cultural Identity Grades 6-8 Social Studies Film 8 min Add to Workspace

Exploring Emigration: Cultural Identity

Animoto: 5 Themes of Geography

Here is an Animoto on Caribbean Architecture that I could easily adapt and use in my Latin America Unit.    It also ties in with the 5 Themes of Geography: Human Environment Interaction, where people use natural resources from their region to build and heat their homes.  The only change I would make to this, would be to supplement with calypso music which is native to the island of Dominca.

1. Animoto - Caribbean Architecture Dominica
   ►►	animoto.com/.../2XBtqk017yZtwy3i6...

Weblogs & Wikis

Weblogs and wikis can indeed be an asset within the classroom.  In reading Will Richardson's Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, I was intrigued with the possibilities for creativity and opportunities for learning through a variety of  technology avenues.  In the comparison between blogs and wikis, I originally favored the blog, due primarily to the fact that I found it easier to monitor as a teacher, in regards to "safe guarding" students from information that may be to mature for their ages, or information that may not be entirely accurate.  It had been my experience in the past, where students in my class had found objectionable content on wiki sites that not acceptable in the classroom. However, in exploring wiki's further, I am seeing the advantage of using them in the classroom to connect to others around the world to offer alternate perspectives and insights from their own, or adding factual information to a topic of interest.   It is definitely one avenue that I will continue to explore.

I do however, wonder if students will be able to take full advantage of this due to the limited resources available to schools.  While I am from a school that has more technology than most in our town, the fact that we still have 25 laptops for 75 students presents a problem. one that does not make it reasonable that students will in all likelihood, be able to use on a daily basis.  Yes, some use is far better than none,  but in order for students to benefit from new technology expectations, students must each be able to have access to technology on a daily basis.  It is surprising I know, but I have a high number of students, who do not have computers at home.  Therefore, school is their only option for interaction with technologies and the opportunities it provides.  I would love that every child in every school be provided with a tablet so technology, weblogs and wikis be used as a daily part of their lives.  

How are we able to bring all schools to a place where all students have the same opportunities from technology in the same way?

NETS for Students & Teachers

In reviewing the technology standards for both teachers & students, my first reaction was one of enthusiasm.  As a history teacher, there is so much I can incorporate in regards to historical events and the perspectives that surround them.  Students often gain a different insight into historical events or figures when viewing specific elements of various eras throughout history.  For example, I expose my students to a great deal of literature in my classroom regarding the civil rights movement.  However, I always notice a visible difference in my students when they view clips of what what actually took place.  It brings about a new understanding of the event.  While I believe the standards are necessary, there are a few obstacles that prevent teachers from implementing what is truly needed in the classroom for their students.  These are:

Funding:  With cutbacks becoming the norm, there are many schools that don't have up to date
                 technology, or if they do, it may be limited.  Example:  One COW cart per school.  This
                 limits access and opportunities for the students.

Training:  Where there is "new" technology, or tech programs within schools, training as to how to use
                or implement the programs, are not offered to teachers or given as a "broad overview."

Fear:  As many teachers grew up without technology - it can be a daunting task to use within the
          classroom.  To further complicate the matter, nearly all students have a greater knowledge of the
          ins and outs of any given pierce of technology.  Due to this, some teachers believe there are risks    
          as they essentially don't know what specifically to look for, or how to correct if a problem should
          one arise.

▶New Media Degree at Colorado Mountain College by cmceagle

This is an ad for Colorado Mountain College, however, I thought it may be a great intro for elementary/middle school students as a means to introduce Blogs to your class and begin a discussion as how blogs have the ability to allow people to share their thoughts and ideas, receive feedback, and reflect upon them.  In addition, you could segue into how blogs within the classroom can open doors to others around the world, offering the opportunity to communicate and explore others perspectives, as well as build bridges to new communities.   I found this to coincide with the first two chapters in Will Richardson's book, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, and it's emphasis on why it is so important to incorporate this form of technology into student's lives with the classroom.  If done so properly, it opens a world of possibilities in how a student learns and more importantly, how he or she will critically think when exposed to others thoughts and ideas.