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!