VoiceThread

While exploring VoiceThread for an upcoming Science project with my first graders, I came across many ideas on how to use VoiceThread to display the final product of our Animal projects.  Below are a few samples that I have starting showing my students as examples to how this project can be used.  My students are eager to begin.  They are in the process of writing their scripts and some have begun creating their pictures to do with their work.  Let me know what you think of these examples and which one you think would work best with first graders.  There are many great ideas that I am having a hard time deciding which format to use.

 Animal ABC's

Animal Research Projects

Animals

Animal Facts

Google Reader

I have been using Google Reader for over a year now and find it very helpful in reading rather than browsing through multiple websites.  I check my reader every morning like I would read the newspaper.  This is a great way for me to know what is happening in the Education world and hear what is happening in other classrooms.  Currently I am subscribed to over 40 blogs.  Most of the blogs that I am subscribed to are other teachers who teach at the primary level, technology specialists, like Stump the Teacher, and professional organizations.   I completely agree with Krysta's blog post where she stressed how useful the tools was and how it is the central point to checking everyone's blog posts as they are posted rather than looking through their whole blog.  Krysta, I am glad you are enjoying using Google Reader!  Once you start you will be hooked!
Krysta's Blog

Wiki Project and Digital Storytelling

    I am really enjoying this Wiki Project.  It is a wonderful way to collaborate with each other.  I have learned many new things from all of the tabs that could be used in my classroom regularly.  I really enjoy the tab where we can post our digital story projects and classmates can view and offer comments or suggestions.  The comments that I have received so far have been very helpful as I have taken them into consideration while making adjustments to my project.  I also like the tab that was created where we offer our topic five websites off of our Diigo.  That was a great idea.  I have found many more sites that I enjoy and have added to my own Diigo account to use.

    Using the Wiki project I have used recommendations on my Digital Story to make improvements to my project.  I have added more sentences to my story and took Lisa's suggestion of adding more about how to care for a pet dog to my piece.  Originally, I found myself being focused and having a one-track mind on how I want my project to look now I think I have opened up and am beginning to explore more options to make my story better.  I used a wonderful resource- Amalia on Purpose-Storytelling to help organize my ideas and further plan my project.  This also gave me a clearer understanding of what digital storytelling entails and how to move forward.  I feel like this has given me more ideas and guidance.  

Diigo

Her is a link to my Diigo site.  I just figured out last week how to add the bookmarks without adding the Diigo tab to my tool bar so it is a working progress.  I have been trying to add at least on bookmark a day.  I have some many bookmarks on my personal computer and then on my work computer so I am working to put them all into Diigo so that I can access them from both places!  What sites do you find most useful?

Diigo-RField

Digital Storytelling Resources

As I was planning my digital storytelling project format I came across a great resource on the Free Technology for Teachers blog.  Check it out!  There are some great resources to use and people to research for further help for this project!


 Free Technology for Teachers blog about Digital Storytelling

Week 6- Student Digital Stories

I watched Shapes Project student digital story.  This was a really cute video that I think woul dcathc the attention of the young children.  I like how it used real pictures and she changed her voice to match characters.  I think this really made it more interesting and catered to the young children.  The other stories were great as well but this was once that stuck in my head.  In the classroom, this could be used in a Preschool or Kindergarten to teach students their shapes but it can also be used across the board with students in math intervention that still need shape reinforcement. 

Week 6- Skype with Alan November

I really enjoyed the Skype time last week with Mr. November.  It really put into perspective the ideas and examples that are explained in his book.  I found it very useful the way he presented information as it showed his desire to help technology continue to grow and conquer some of the challenges that are getting in the way, administrators.  I particularly liked when we said we as the new generation to technology with the fresh ideas need to present and teach those who are resistant to the change.  At first I thought that would be impossible but after thought I think if approached appropriately our ideas can be expressed.  It may not work but I think we all have the new tools that we need to share to express the benefits to learning that they each have.  I think of it as "I am going to teach my administrator, ya right" but really they need to understand the tools and the true benefits to the students since this is 21st century learning.  It is overcoming the fear and going working to help this move further and expand!

I also liked the piece on parent communication.  I think it is very important to get parents involved and the resources and tools he offered to make this happen were great!  Megan also talked about this on her blog.  Find the link below where Megan talks about these concepts as well. 
Megan's blog

Here is also a great link I found about education and parent involvement.

   "In this complex world, it takes more than a good school to educate children. And it takes more than a good home. It takes these two major educational institutions working together."
                                        - Dorothy Rich, Author of Megaskills.