Prezi Sample

This is a sample Prezi for an assignment I am thinking about for the first week in my new Sophomore English class next year.  Students will create a getting-to-know-you Prezi about themselves with minimal text and mostly images (like my sample).  They will present to the class, talking about each image as they click through.  The Prezi theme must in some way connect to a way in which they see themselves, their life, etc (you will see mine is a journey).  They will turn in a brief written piece explaining this more symbolic connection--so I will have a baseline speech and writing sample from one assignment!

Animoto Sample

Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

Activity #8-10 Reflection

Although I have trouble thinking about how I will use Voki in the classroom, I really do have lots of ideas for Prezi and Animoto.  I used Animoto for a project in World History last year (transformed a traditional poster project into an Animoto project--my model for this WH project is what is shared here) and not only did I enjoy the films, the kids had a great time making them!  I think I would like to use Animoto more next year as well as start using Prezi.  As I embark on teaching Sophomore English, which has a siginfiicant speaking component to it, I think that both of these tools could help support student speeches.  They can be more dynamic and less text heavy than power point, and yet they can offer visuals for students to speak from during an in-class, live presentation!

Voki does provide a bit more of a challenge for me to integrate; but after looking through some of the sample lesson plans, there are some good ideas!  One for High School Social Studies suggested having students input information they learned or researched into their Voki and then the teacher collects and embeds them into a website for a study guide.  This could work well, especially when preparing for exams; I could help the students make a more comprehensive study guide by dividing up the units and having them share virtually in this way.  I also liked another idea I saw about creating a Voki for a character from a book and creating a "slogan" or "modern phrase" for that character via the Voki. That seems like a fun way into a book or an historical figure!

Overall, I think these three Web 2.0 tools could really help to engage more learners in more dynamic ways. They can be made an shared during class, or they can be created at home and shared via a class blog, Google Doc, or email for students to access outside of class. They all give students more opportunities to have their voices heard.

My Voki!

Activity 7-Google + Reflection

Google+ is an interesting place to be--it seems to have great capacity for personalizing and connection with others, both professionally and personally.  In addition to adding the D113 Learning 2.0 collegues, I added a number of friends and family to my circles.  I'm not sure how many of them do use Google+, but it was fun to see who had photos posted.  I looked around in the communities and joined a couple education ones (Google Apps for Educators is one) and some for my interests (Indian Food Bloggers and Great Books for Kids).  At first, it was a little hard for me to navigate around Google+, but the more I did it, the more intuitive it became (back to that principle of "play to learn"!).  I did not complete my hangout experience yet, but I watched a good portion of the recording of Maureen's "Giddy for Google" hangout, and it was really neat to see how this concept can bring together people virtually for a really healthy, interactive experience!  It was interesting to see too that even the pros have some technical difficulties (that were quickly ironed out); it gives me confidence to work through issues I might have with technology when I see others, even those who are experienced, do the same.  I am interested in trying a hangout and then seeing if I can use it, especially for connections with my family that does not live close by and always wants to see my kids!    

Activity #6 - Twitter Reflection

I am not sure a live tweet session would be something I'd be interested in.  I think it would be very hard to follow, and I'd rather be part of a full conversation than one via twitter; I think that even a chat room or a video chat would be more my speed.  However, I think it is an interesting concept, and I believe our students would really be into this type of communicating and collaborating.  I followed a wide range--from famous people who I think it would be fun to see what they say to news sources to entertainment news, to some of my friend who tweet.  It was neat to see who all has twitter feeds, I think it is very cool to get the news updates so quickly and concisely   I like the brevity of twitter for these quick updates!  I have not yet picked up any followers, we'll see if I do as I continue to explore.  I honestly don't think I have anything that interesting to say!  I liked the titter glossary; I now really do understand what someone says when they say "hashtag. . . "  That feels good!  

Activity #5-Google Chrome Reflection

Reflect on your experience using Google Chrome. What do you like/dislike right off the bat? Which apps or extensions did you explore? What additional apps or extensions did you install? After using Chrome for a few days, what are some words of advice you would share with your colleagues?

Google Chrome is a very intuitive browser.  I like the home screen; it is very clean and neat.  It also seems to run a bit faster than my Internet Explorer, so that is nice!  I explored Edmodo, Read and Write, and Google Dictionary.  Read and Write and Google Dictionary seem to have great potential for me to use with my students to help differentiate my instruction.  Edmodo is interesting  but to be honest I don't think that I will use it that much; I don't have the time to sift through what's there.  But, it could be good if I want to brainstorm and connect with other colleagues to get some ideas.  Some advice I would give other is give it a chance--use the browser for a few days and play around with it.  It might be hard to change, since many of us are used to explorer, but this browser has amazing potential and actually is very easy to use once you get the hang of it!