Literacy Project

 

I can not believe we have reached the end of this class, for me I feel like I am just beginning.  In an earlier post I created a digital story (using photostory), on the biography of a famous black American, Marian Anderson.  I had so much fun creating it, I knew my students would too!  In third grade we have been reading and writing biographies all year.  I thought this would be the ideal way for my students to demonstrate what they have learned so far.  I assigned each a group a person of interest. Using a graphic organizer, various books, and websites the students worked creatively and cooperatively to create thier own digital story.  The results are fantastic!  I was pleased that photostory was simple enough for them to use, with my assistance ofcourse.  The only problem I had was having 5 groups, and only one computer to use.  It took some time, but well worth.  The best part of this experience was the reaction of the students when they viewed their digital stories on the smart board.  We had a "viewing party" and it was obvious how proud they felt.  This is a great tool to enhance learning and motivate students to learn!  I had 5 videos total, however I have only posted 2. Tell us what you think!?

Web 2.0 Tools

This course has really opened my eyes to the many ways technology can be used in the classroom.  Integrating the various web 2.0 tools has spiced up the learning and teaching happening with my students.  Eight weeks ago animoto,voki, and diigo sounded like swear words, watching some of Judy's tutorials were like watching scary movies, and hearing the technology lingo was a foreign language.  However, that has all changed.  I now have new ways of enhancing my student's learning.  Thank you EDU584, I can say I am prepared to teach in the 20th century!

Diigo! Diigo!!

It has taken me some time but I think I finally understand how my sweet ol' diigo tool works.  I have to start by saying, after having a pinterest account for almost a year I just finally learned how to organize and create my boards, so I guess I'm doing "ok" considering!!  Now that it is up and running and a bit more appealing to view please check it out...

My Digital Story

My Digital Story! I created a digital story on the biography of Marian Anderson. I used this video for two reasons.  First, I used this video with my class to summarize a story, "When Marian Sang".  The story is about the life and dreams of Marian Anderson, however, there were parts that were difficult for my students to follow.  After viewing this video I felt they had a better understanding of the important events in Marian's life.  The second reason I chose this video is to use as a model for my students to create thier own digital story.  For black history month my students have chosen a person of interest that they have been researching.  Before the end of the week, the students will attempt to create a digital story to summarize the life of their chosen person.  Wish me luck! I hope it works out as well for them as it has for me.                                                                                                             

 

 

Ants in our pants!

With CMT's approaching I know we are all looking for ways to keep our students brains awake and alert.  In search for a short class appropriate- get up and move- video, I found this...Ant in your pants!

Too young for online/ digital literacy ?...maybe not

At what age can online/digital literacy activities be integrated into the classroom?  When I read this question I immediately thought of my 3 year old son.  He has been engaging in digital literacy since he was 2.  He watches videos online, listens to digital stories through bookflix, and plays educational games on various websites.  While researching the web in search of evidence that would support my choice to use digital literacy activities with my son and my students students, I found a video titled  "A video of k-12 students today".  In the video children of all ages give thier reasons for wanting technology in the classroom...very interesting check it out...

Ms. Wade's blog...

Found this blog, Ms. Wade's 2nd grade blog. This teacher has great ideas for centers. I am currently working on mulitplication and this was a very creative idea.