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Looking for Technology Integration… Read On!
Observing the level of technological integration in our society, many
teachers see the clear and present need to reflect that integration in
their day-to-day curriculum.
The question becomes not whether we should or not but rather where to
begin. There is a plethora of resources available – more than can
effectively be examined in a reasonable amount of time. If the term,
“K12 web 2.0 tools” is Googled, it yields 9,970,000 results.
Rather than perusing 9,970,000 web pages, take a look at the
recommendations below, you may well find your starting point.
Edmodo has been a fixture in our school board over the past couple of
years. As you may know, it provides a solid platform with which students
and teachers can discuss their learning. Teachers can also create
folders, which can be accessed anywhere, containing resources students
will need to enhance their understanding of any given lesson, concept or
process.
Further to the above, Edmodo provides any teacher with a vehicle with
which he or she can distribute and collect assignments; develop online
quizzes; and, conduct polls.
Edmodo is available for use on iPads, MACs and PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request. VoiceThread allows you to
upload images (from your digital camera, scanner, or even image-editing
program). You can also upload PowerPoint slides. Students can then
record; write their own comments; or narrate the given images. Other
listeners can "comment" back, as well.
VoiceThread is available online for use on iPads, MACs and PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request.
Blogs are really digital journals. They can be used as communication
vehicles, by the teacher, or as journals, by the students. The number of
digital journals can be limited by grouping students into writing teams.
Blogger can be rendered secure as per MELS instructions.
Blogger is available for use on MACs and PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and assistance is available on request.
Smartboard In-Class Activities
Pre-written Smart Notebook activities can be acquired from the sources
listed above. They’re worth more than a passing look.
Note that the aforementioned resources
cannot be downloaded from a school location. It would behoove you to
download them from home, copying them to a USB key for transfer to your
school computer. Be sure to run the activities from the USB key at
school.
Secondly, to view the activities themselves you must have a copy of
Smart Notebook loaded on your computer. You can download a copy
here.
Smartboard in-class activities can be acquired using either MACs or PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request.
Podcasting
For all intents and purposes, podcasts are audio presentations similar
to radio broadcasts. Their topics can vary to encompass any theme or
concept your class may wish to explore. If desired, they can be
published to the web in a wide variety of formats.
Perhaps the best manual on
the topic has been published by
Willowdale Elementary School.
Podcasting can be accomplished using iPads, MACs or PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request.
Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of
storytelling. Throughout history, storytelling has been used to share
knowledge, wisdom, and values. Stories have taken many different forms.
Stories have been adapted to each successive medium that has emerged,
from the circle of the campfire to the silver screen, and now the
computer screen. (Digital Storytelling Association, 2011, paragraph 1)
Topics can be wide and varied, ranging from students recounting their
lives in heroic format to recording their families’ stories.
Digital
Storytelling can be accomplished using Microsoft PowerPoint, Movie
Maker, or Audacity, a sound editor, with a PC or GarageBand and iMovie
when using an iPad or MAC.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request.
Documentary or Feature Production
Given that media production plays a prominent role with the curriculum,
a class or multiple class media project may be considered since it not
only incorporates the use of media but rests heavily on Language Arts.
Teachers mat refer to the LEARN-produced booklet,
Making Media Manageable, as
well as the student toolkit.
The concepts contained within can be applied to fictional media as well.
Media Production can be accomplished using iPads, MACs or PCs.
SWLSB-based instruction and
assistance is available on request.
iPad Apps
Teachers may avail themselves of many free iPad apps.
This link provides a list of apps successfully deployed by other
SWLSB teacher
More Projects
If teachers are looking for more varied projects,
Amazing Web
2.0 Projects may provide an answer. You can download it
here. |