Week 11: Article review

Evaluating pedagogical affordances of media sharing Web 2.0 technologies

I see the potential of implementing the technology of VoiceThread in the educational setting.  This article clearly stated the methodology used in the technical features of VoiceThread  and their affordable in the table.  I found that some of the most valuable features of the tool included the ability to "doodle" on the page as the speaker emphasis on key aspects of the topic.  This can be very useful in all types of settings, especially math.  I like that the tool allows for learners to receive feedback from a global audience.  This is a great way to fulfill technology standards for 21st century learners.  The most valuable feature to this program I believe is the ability to bring the classroom into the learners home by the interactions not only through text but voice as well. 

Dropbox book builder

file:///Users/jessicamcdonald/Dropbox/book_print.html

Book Builder Link Take two

Hope this works!

http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=view&book=57710&page=1

DRAFT: Keystone

Initial draft for Final Keystone Unit Implementation and Evaluation

1. Subject: ELA teaching with highlight on using Book Builder to create a book or Microsoft Movie Maker to make a
2. Grade level: Self-Contained 9-10
3. Standards addressed:
1. Common Core ELA

                                               i.     W.9-10.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

                                              ii.     SL.9-10.1. Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

                                            iii.     SL.9-10.2. Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

                                            iv.     SL.9-10.5. Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

2. ISTE technology standards

Teacher Standards:

1.     Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

2.     Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

3.     Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Student Standards:

1.     Creativity and Innovation

2.     Communication and Collaboration

3.     Research and Information Fluency

4.     Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

5.     Digital Citizenship

6.     Technology Operations and Concepts

4. Intended results of the proposed technology integration: The teachers will get to see students use their 21^st century technology skills as they incorporate technology into their learning in the ELA classroom.  The goal of this project is for student to make a digital book report through either Book Builder or Movie Maker. 
5. Support and format of training needed for the effective implementation of the selected technology in their classrooms: The teachers will need to go through a tutorial on how to use Book Builder and Movie Maker in order to explain the programs to their students.   The students will be given a day to explore the two programs before they decide which one they will use for their project. 
6. Requirements (computer lab and/or classroom computers): This project will take approximately four, 46 minute class periods.  In this time, students will go to the computer lab as often as it is available or use the laptop carts in the classroom.
7. Evaluation plan: The students will be given a rubric that will evaluate them on all the objectives.  They will also evaluate their peer’s projects.  Once completed, the students will upload their projects onto the school website to show their talents to the rest of their peers and staff.

Digital Story Telling Project

Here is the video for my digital story telling project.  I did an author review on Eric Carle.  I remember reading his books as a young child.  When I worked in a daycare we had a library full of Eric Carle books and the children were drawn to the fun and colorful illustrations.  I really enjoyed creating this digital story through iMovie.  It took me a very long time to get use to all the functions but now that I am familiar with the program, I see myself using it for both personal and professional projects.  Enjoy!

Article Review

The Impact of Using Blogs on College Students' Reading Comprehension and Learning Motivation

I found this article to be very informative in the area of digital technology and college students.  With the implantation of "New Literacy, future college students will be better prepared for the digital learning atmosphere.  Although I have been exposed to technology as a young adult, I am not as familiar or efficient in the areas of digital technology that some of my students are.  This supports the articles view on the importance of digital education in the school setting.  We as educators need to prepare our students to the challenges that they will be facing in the future.  This includes the movement of digital media into the workforce and college settings.

I have never used a blog until this class and I see the benefits that are described in the article about  use of blogs to support college reading instruction.  I enjoy the opportunity to quickly and easily share my thoughts and projects with my classmates and instructors by a click of a mouse.  I have to admit, at first I was a little skeptical about the whole idea of blogs because I am not a fan of social networking but blogs are effective in the educational setting. I have talked to ELA teachers about the benefits of blogs in the classroom and some seem to be willing to try the new idea.  I enjoy the sense of community that the blogs offer for an online class like ours.  Now you can bring the classroom into your students homes with uses of blogs!

I find the results of the experiment in the article fascinating and surprisingly accurate when I think about it.  The fact that the data indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups of students in the areas of reading performance, motivation, and retention rate is impressive.  I never would have thought that using blogs would be so beneficial to educational learning environments.  I am excited to begin using blogs in my own classroom to see if I experience the same positive results.

Book Builder Project

The book that I created was geared towards 3-8 grade students.  The book title is "Pi Day"  and takes you through a students perspective of what he thinks pi day is going to be about.  Being a math teacher, Pi Day is an excuse to party in the classroom while learning about circumference and area of circles.  I had a lot of fun creating this book and I will be presenting it to my Integrated Algebra class on Wednesday!  I think that they will like it and be supportive of my first web published book.  I will ask for their feedback and improve the story as needed.


http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view.php?op=view&book=57710&page=1

In the ELA classroom, Book Builder can be used at all levels.  In elementary setting, students can work in teams to develop a story line and create the book through Book Builder.  In middle school and high school settings, teachers can instruct students to be creative and express their thoughts through story telling.  They can also present poetry and book report summaries with this tool.  Many of the essential ELA components can be incorporated in the Book Builder program with the different features that it offers.