Thing(s) #2

This post is really forcing me to learn a few more skills! Having already played in Wordle (and shared it with some teachers here as I think it could be a great tool for summarization on any topic), I chose to play with Wordsift. Here is that sample.


Then, I went for the poster-making Glogster! I still need to explore it a bit more but was anxious to embed my "Glog!" Of course, it appears that I need further instruction since my poster is only part of the "Glog!"


I think a student might need to think ahead a bit about turning in an online poster (as I think it requires at bit more thought to turn in anything electronically at this point being that they don't have email accounts or a district online space) but it is nothing monumental. I like Gogster in that it offers a variety of formats and is really easy. Could several kids work on the same poster, or is it individual. I need to research it a bit more.

I love VoiceThread and see a lot of use for teachers and students. However, since there is an associated cost, it might be a challenge to implement.

WOW! Animoto! I must admit I had never taken the time to make one. It is very easy! Can't believe it took me so long. I am going to make another using my own music, but for this one I chose one of theirs. That made it easy although I sould have preferred a patriotic song given the topic. I also like the way it is short. Kids (and sometimes adults as well) have a tendency to make things too long. I like the fact that they are short and sweet. Kids would need to be selective!

Take a peak at my creation!

And finally, my Bookr! Again, a DC theme! This time, I used the pictures of others! It was really simple as well. I think kids would enjoy using this. I would create a class Flickr account so we could use our own pictures!

Summer 2009 - 11.5 more things - Activity #1

WOW! Connectivism! I don't think in all my online journeys that I have heard that phrase before! I really like it. And boy, was that student connected or what! I wish I were as focused as he!

I think we all have a long way to grow to get to here, but I certainly think it is something we can work towards and attain! Since I embarked on 23 things last year, I have become much more connected and see the value for me and for our students! I have actually joined several social networks, asked questions and posted comments. I participate in webinars (love 'em) and more!

The teacher is truely a facilitator in this example. She helps the student learn information management skills, evaluation skills and communication skills. And, they are all on a need to know which makes it so much more powerful!

Yes, the librarian can assume a role in the process for the student! Accessing and validating websites, using the school's database, were a few right at the beginning. When you think about the role a librarian has always played - helping one find the information needed - then it is natural for a librarian to continue in the role. The places to find information have expanded!