Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Plot Mountains and Photostory!

Photo Story is a great software program that allows students to create movies from still images with accompanying music and narration. Many classrooms use Photo Story for digital storytelling or creating book trailers. Mr. Pane's sixth graders used Photo Story to apply their understanding of plot mountains. Instead of filling out a graphic organizer, the students participated in something much more engaging, creative and authentic. The students had to decide on appropriate images and music to represent the rising action, climax, falling action and resolution of an independent reading book. Have you tried Photo Story yet?
Check out some examples of Plot Mountain Photo Stories from Mr. Pane's students.




Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Using Podcasting to Increase Fluency

Mrs. Nypert's 3rd Grade class recently wrote and recorded stories they've written. As students listened to their recorded voices, Mrs. Nypert used this as an opportunity to work on fluency skills. Podbean.com, a free online podcast hosting site was used to allow these recordings to be shared and saved. Also using Audacity, each student in Mrs. Carpenter's 1st grade class was recorded reading a familiar book. While listening to themselves read during a special story hour (complete with hot cocoa!), students were able to hear how they can improve their expression and fluency.

Listen to these podcasts of the third and first grade at: http://awright3.podbean.com/

*Audacity files were first exported as a .wav file and then converted to a usable mp3 file using this free online, easy to use converter: http://download.cnet.com/WAV-to-MP3-Encoder/3000-2140_4-10060500.html

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Audacity and The Morning Meeting

The Morning Meeting is a wonderful way to build community and establish routines. Mrs. Carpenter's first grade class uses 'The Good Morning Song' during this important part of the school day. Using the Audacity program installed on RSD6 computers, a recording of Mrs. Carpenter and her class singing this song was saved. This recording was then embedded into Mrs. Carpenter's daily "Morning Meeting" Smart Notebook lesson. The students enjoy singing along to their very own voices each day. Have you used Audacity lately? Check it out....There are many ways to apply this easy to use program.

Come sing along with these beautiful voices: http://awright3.podbean.com/



Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Using Podcasts to Enhance Instruction


A podcast is an audio recording, much like in the format of a radio broadcast, that can be played and downloaded off the Internet. Podcasts can be used in education for a variety of purposes. Students can create podcasts to publish writing pieces, perform a reader's theater, conduct interviews, and produce a class news show. Teachers can use educational podcasts to enhance instruction or they can create their own podcast for a study guide. Podcasting allows students to be creative and reach a wider, more authentic audience. Check out this podcast created by Mrs. Martinelli's third graders. Each student expresses what they are most thankful for during this holiday season. Students had to write their story, practice reading clearly, and then record and publish the podcast. The podcast episode was then posted on the classroom website so parents and community members could listen. How would you use podcasting in your classroom? If you have any great podcasting resources or ideas, please share them by posting a comment.


3M Podcast Episode 1

Monday, November 22, 2010

Using StoryJumper to Reinforce and Engage Learning

StoryJumper is a free online book making program (http://www.storyjumper.com). Teachers of RSD6 have been using StoryJumper to create both class and individual books to reinforce and engage student learning. This program is user friendly and allows you to upload your own images and text. After using StoryJumper in school, many students have taken it upon themselves to create their own StoryJumper books at home. Click on the covers to read these class books:

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Students and Teachers Love Voicethread!

Many teachers are using Voicethread, a multimedia presentation tool, to encourage student creativity and collaboration. Students from all grade levels can create a Voicethread, and share it with classmates, teachers, and parents. Voicethreads can even be shared with students from other schools! Many teachers are using Voicethread to publish pieces of writing, create class books, and share book reviews. Here is a sample of a Voicethread that has been created at RSD6.

Welcome!

Hello RSD6 Staff, Students, and Families! Welcome to the RSD6 Elementary Technology Showcase Blog! We are are going to use this blog to collaborate, share, and showcase all of the wonderful things we are doing to promote 21st century learning. I encourage you to leave comments. Let's get the conversation going!