Curriculum Video about Figurative Language

Here is my curriculum video about Figurative Language:

VoiceThread reflection about EDUC552

Here is my VoiceThread reflection about EDUC552: a) I learned so many things from this course, such as: adding text and videos to an iMovie, what a screencast is, what educational podcasts are, how to utilize Twitter and Tweetdeck, the benefits of a Flipped Classroom, how to run a blog, how to subscribe to YouTube channels and create playlists, along with how to create a VoiceThread. The ISTE goals I met were 1a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4c, 5, 6, and 7a, which can be proved from the VoiceThread video and reflection. b) The most useful tools in this course were screencast and creating playlists on YouTube. The reason is because I see myself utilizing these the most in my classroom. I used to keep my YouTube videos on Microsoft Word documents, but now I have them on playlists. At the beginning of the school year, I plan to show students multiple screencasts on how to use Schoology, IXL, Classroom Booksource, and many more. These will benefit me as an educator, because I'll be able to incorporate them into my classroom. The screencasts are a wonderful visual tool for students to use to better understand and access a website. c) I plan to continue to utilize multimedia tools in my classroom in a variety of ways. For example, videos are a great activity for students to create to introduce themselves or show me what they've learned about a topic. Students could blog, so I get feedback about their thoughts on any lesson, assignment, or activity. Like I said earlier, screencasts are a tool I plan to incorporate, especially at the beginning of the school year.

Screencast on accessing Schoology

Here is my screencast video on accessing Schoology: How I can use screencasting in my educational setting is to show students and/or parents how to access commonly utilized websites. For example, I have a couple more parts about Schoology I want to show students (such as sending a message to a teacher or finding resources a teacher has uploaded). I can see myself creating a screencast for how students get around on IXL; parents can also watch the video. This is my favorite assignment so far, because students are able to watch the video as many times as they need, plus they can pause the video or rewind it.

Free Technology for Teachers

          I discovered a new text to speech tool called, Voicepods, which is a free account. This would be beneficial for students who cannot read or struggle with reading. On Voicepods, teachers can create a read-along to allow students reading practice, plus the students are able to hear someone reading properly. The link is https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2018/11/turn-text-to-speech-with-voicepods.html. In addition to Voicepods, I learned about Flipgrid, which is a great interactive website for students to post what they know or have learned from a lesson or topic. The link is https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2018/12/how-to-use-flipgrid-from-sign-up-to.html.

            An article I found fascinating was “5 Free Tools for Creating Online Picture Books”, because students could create their own book! I’m sure my students would love this, as they could write, draw, and be creative. Some students may prefer WriteReader, while others may like MyStorybook, so I can let them experiment with both. The link is https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2019/03/5-free-tools-for-creating-online.html. Wakelet is a free bookmarking and note-taking service, which the link for the article is https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2018/11/wakelet-now-lets-you-copy-and-build.html.

            Voicepods would be useful in my classroom for my special education students, which would provide differentiation, too. Flipgrid I could utilize in my classroom for a variety of reasons, such as for a pre-test to show me what they already know or for reviewing a topic to show me what they learned. Having students make a picture book could be a partner or group project; one student writes, while the other draws. Wakelet would be beneficial for students to take notes online. 

            If I made a blog that would be a great resource for my students, then I would post all of the links to websites we utilize on it. Therefore, the online tools we use are all in the same location, and students know where to find them. Also, students could explore some of the links on their own to extend their learning. I’m open to others’ ideas on how they would use a blog in their classroom. 

Classkick- Author's Purpose

Here is the link for the Classkick assignment I created-
app.classkick.com/#/assignments/AWmOZnUoRW61G-TK_0COqg

Classkick can be used in the classroom in many ways. For example, I'm having students support their answers for Author's Purpose, but I could also use it for Main Idea, Inferences, or any short answer topic. The types of projects that can be created on here could be a variety, because students can draw, type, or record themselves. Also, a quiz can be assigned on here to save paper.

It is very easy to use, plus students don't need to set-up an account. When I made an account, there were 7 different example assignments provided, so I could see how to make a Reading, Spelling, Math, or Spanish assignment for various grade levels. I made the assignment and added students to the roster. Today in class, I provided students with the class code, they typed it in, and then were able to do the assignment. I walked them through the steps of being able to type, use the pen and drawing tools, along with moving to the next page. The students enjoyed experiencing this website and liked being able to draw, underline, circle, or type details to support their answer.

Looking at some of the example assignments, this could be used for any age or subject area. Preschoolers or Kindergarteners would be able to draw an answer or voice record it, instead of typing or writing. A teacher can modify a Classkick assignment for differentiation, so students can be challenged at their level. Also, one can make higher level thinking questions for gifted students or higher grade levels. I would recommend checking out Classkick to see how you would use it yourself!

My tip to future users is to look over the example assignments Classkick provides when you sign up, so you have an idea on how you may want to utilize this website. I feel like ideas are endless depending on your grade level and subject area.

Animoto

Here is my Animoto video that I would show at Open House for parents and students to watch: I could see myself using Animoto for a variety of purposes. For example, I would be able to present information to students in a video. In addition to the Open House video, I think it would be fun to make an "About Me" one to show students on the first day of school, so they can get to know me. Then, students can make a video about themselves, so I can get to know them. Also, students would be to show me what they know by creating a video. I would love to have them do this prior to State Testing, so I can take notes on what they know and what we may need to go over more.

In fifth grade, Parent-Teacher Conferences are student-led, so I would love to have students make a video telling their parents about: how they are doing so far this year, their favorite part about 5th grade, what their strengths are, some areas they can improve in, their goals for the year, and what they are looking forward to throughout this year. At Conferences, students would play the video for their parents, and then we can discuss some of the topics the child addressed throughout the video.

Article Review Multimedia Project