EDU 642 Portfolio

I updated my storytelling video. You can view it below.

Digital storytelling is a way to create videos that tell a story. It uses pictures, narration, music, and sometimes video. Using Window's Movie Maker, I created a digital story about places in the community where I work. In our kindergarten curriculum, students must know the places in the community. You can view my video below.

Copyright:
Music - "Favorite Secrets" by Waylon Thornton (http://waylonthornton.tumblr.com)
Photos were taken by my colleague Scott Hart and myself
Video was created using Window's Movie Maker.
Voice recording was provided by me.

Storify is an online resource where people can create a story or poster using multimedia elements. This resource allows you to pull videos from YouTube, pictures form Flickr, or sound clips from SoundCloud. You can also pull things from Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. You can view a storify project I created by clicking here.

Uses in the Classroom: Storify is another technology resource that can be used with students. Students can use Storify to create posters or stories of just about anything. This tool is a great way for students to demonstrate their knowledge of a certain topic since it allows them to access many other multimedia pieces such as videos or sound clips. For example, if students are learning about the planets, they could create a storify poster to explain what they have learned.

Issues to Consider: When using storify, teachers should ensure their students are using school appropriate language and information. Also, teachers may want to limit the use of images or information from Facebook or Twitter. Often times these social media resources are not available through the school's server. Also, social media is not always the best place to retrieve academically sound information.

Copyright: For my storify project, I referenced Ruth Clark's article about using effective graphics. The citation is included in the project and also below.

Concept mapping is a great tool to organize ideas. They can be used in several ways. By clicking the image below, you can view a mind map I created using MindMeister. This map shows how technology can be used to support and embrace technology in the classroom.

Uses for the classroom: Students can use concept mapping to organize ideas or thoughts. There are millions of pieces of information available, but sometimes it is hard to organize it all. Mind mapping would allow students to also present their information. Using technology resources to create mind maps let's students manipulate "bubbles" and easily insert information versus using pencil and paper. These resources also let students change font sizes and colors for emphasis. So, let's say you are teaching students about different types of animals: vertebrates and invertebrates. Students could create a mind map to demonstrate which animals are vertebrates and which are invertebrates. The online resources available also allow students to add images or symbols. Students could insert pictures of the animals to explain their ideas more.

Issues to consider: When having students create mind maps, be sure they are using accurate information. If students are adding images to their mind maps, be sure they are copyright friendly and that they site their sources. It is also important for students to cite where their information came from.

Photo editing can be useful for teachers and students. Editing photos can be simple for beginners or more advanced. I used Photoshop to edit one photo in three different ways. You can see what I created below. My images were changed using some of the basic tools of Photoshop.

Infographics can be used to display information and data. There are many different websites that allow you to create infographics. One site that I enjoyed using was Piktochart. I created an infographic describing the difference between realism and fantasy. Click here to view it. In my kindergarten class, realism and fantasy is a big focus. Even though parts of the graphic would be hard for kinder students to read, it can still be used within a lesson. This graphic can also be used as reinforcement for older students who may still struggle with the concept.

Uses for the classroom: Infographics can be used in a variety of ways. Teachers can use them to display information and data in the classroom. If students are to create infographics, then they could reach higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy. Creating infographics would require students to interpret data or information, create a way of sharing the information, and use technology to design the graphic.

Issues to consider: Teachers, when creating charts to display in a classroom, it is important to check for accuracy in the data or information. It is also important to spell check the work before sharing it with students. For students, it is important to check their data or information. Make sure it is accurate. Also, make sure students use appropriate language and check for grammatical errors.

Copyright: The infographic was created using Piktochart. All images and icons were obtained through the website.

Instructional videos are used to explain a specific learning activity. In my kindergarten class, counting is a crucial part of the curriculum. To help with counting, we do an activity called "The Counting Jar." I created my own instructional video explaining the counting jar using Educreations. This program is available online and as an iPad app. The program allows you add clip art, photos, actions, and audio to create an instructional video. It is one of my favorite applications to use. If you are interested in using or exploring the website/application, then you can create an account for free. To view the video I created, click here.

Uses for the classroom: There are many pieces of software you can use to create an instructional video. Instructional videos are a great way for teachers to introduce topics or reinforce concepts. Through instructional videos you can help students reach all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. The level students reach depends on what you are asking them to do. If you are asking students to recall facts, then they will reach the lower levels: remembering and understanding. If you ask students to use the information to solve new problems or construct meaning, then they will reach the middle levels: applying and analyzing. If you ask students to complete an experiment or project based on the information taught, then they will reach the highest levels: applying and creating.

Issues to consider: When using instructional videos, make sure each step or piece of information is clearly presented. Don't go too fast or skip anything that may be important for students to know. Use appropriate language, graphics, pictures, and audio. Also, make sure your video will work with different formats (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). This will allow students to have greater access to the information.

Copyright: In my instructional video, the clipart pieces were obtained through the Educreations program. Audio and animations were provided by myself.

You can check out two other instructional videos I created by clicking the links below. These videos address the concept of multiplication and relates to the story The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins.
Multiplication video #1
Multiplication video #2

Check out the two newest additions to my blog: Screencast and Digital Storytelling. You will discover two creative ways of incorporating technology into the classroom. Enjoy!