Great video on exactly what that means.
This was created by the Mahoning County Educational Service Center of Ohio. It was passed along to me during NCTIES.
Category: Roanoke County Schools
How To Stories…with a Digital Twist!
What do Purple Cows, Nachos, and 3-D Robots have in common? They’re all things YOU can learn how to make, just by watching a simple Digital Story! Yep, so easy even a Third Grader could do it…actually, they did! And they created these digital stories to show YOU just how easy it is! Here’s an example:
So, how did they do it?
First, Mrs. Devlin worked with her students on writing expository “How To” paragraphs. Students then used their paragraphs to create a storyboard for their digital stories. Then they brought in supplies and had “picture day.” During this time, students followed their storyboards and took pictures of the step-by-step process of making their creation. The digital pictures were loaded on the computers in the lab, and students then used PhotoStory to finish their projects. It was interesting to listen to their problem solving skills as they followed their own directions…and even as they created their Digital Stories. Lots of learning took place, and the end product turned out great!
Check out all the projects here:
Digital “How To” Stories
Famous People Poetry Voicethread
First of all, I cannot take any credit for any aspect of this voicethread. I did not help with it at all, but it’s so good, and such a great example, I have to share it! It was done by Mrs. Hudson’s 5th Graders at Clearbrook. They wrote poetry about a famous people and used voicethread to record their poems. Mrs. Hudson taught a few students how to use Voicethread, and they helped their classmates record on one computer in the back of the room. After everyone had recorded, they were able to post the final product on their class blog! What a great project, and what a great way to use technology in the classroom!
Do You Have a Class Website?
I believe that in today’s world of technology every teacher should have a web presence–a way for parents, students, and others to learn more about their class. If you don’t, here are some quick and easy ways to start a class webpage. Once you have it finished, be sure to let your schools’ webmaster know so they can link to your site from your school’s website. Also let your parents know. You’ll be amazed at how happy they will be to have a way to find out information about their child’s classroom! A class site will also give you space to show off all those great technology projects you’ve been doing this year!!
So here’s a few of my favorites:
Blogging
If you want to blog (great if you plan on updating content frequently), here’s some great choices. I’ve included examples, but please know you don’t have to be that elaborate. It’s fine to start off with just text!
Edublogs
Edublogs allows you to create a teacher blog (like this one). You have lots of options for themes, and while you can stick to text, you can also embed lots of things into your blog. *This does cost $40 to turn off ads, but I may be able to help with this. Let me know if you choose this route.* Here’s an example of a 2nd grade class blog using edublogs
Classblogmeister
Classblogmeister is my favorite way to blog with students because it’s free and very, very safe. It’s a little clunky if you are just creating a teacher blog, but super for kids. Here’s an example of a Kindergarten class blog using classblogmeister.
Blogger
Blogger is not my favorite way to create a blog because of the “Next Blog” button at the top of site which could lead your students to who knows what…but there are ways to turn that off. And it’s really easy. If you want to do a blogger blog, let me know, and I’ll give you the directions for disbling that pesky button at the top. Here’s an example of a Kindergarten class blog using blogger.
Wikis and Website Builders
Want something a little more permanent? Try a wiki or a website:
Wikispaces
Want more of a static webpage? Try a wiki! Wiki means “quick” in Hawaiian, and wikis are quick ways to make a website. My favorite is wikispaces. They offer ad free wikis for teachers. Here’s an example of a fourth grade classroom page created with wikispaces.
Weebly
Weebly is a super simple webpage creator. I know lots of teachers that use this service! Here’s one example of a classroom website made with Weebly.
Google Sites
Google sites also lets you create a simple webpage. All you need is a google account (which is great to have for lots of reasons!) Here’s an example of a classroom site made with google sites.
Here are some other sites I’ve briefly viewed, but have not used extensively. If you choose any of these, check and see where links on these pages go, and check for ads. They appear to be okay at first glance, but it’s always good to check frequently since webservices sometimes change.
Yola
SchoolRack
ClassJump
Hipero
Third Grade Subtraction Voicethreads
Students in Mrs. Devlin’s Class have created these voicethreads to practice subtraction, teach others how to subtract, and see if anyone has a different way. Check them out, and feel free to comment with your own method!
Subtracting Numbers without Regrouping
http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=753061
Subtracting Numbers with One Regroup
http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=753020
Subtracting Numbers with More than One Regroup
http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=753017
Subtracting Numbers Across Zeros
http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=753007
Note: We did realize that you could keep the writing from fading towards the end of the project. To see how, read how to increase writing time in voicethread.
Teaching with Technology 