Digital Project . . . Continued!

Here is an update on some of the things I have been doing.

The biggest part of my project is my Science 6 Moodle Page. With our present unit in mind (Earthquakes and Volcanoes) I have been adding different components to it including embedding of videos, links to various websites and documents, and attempting to make the sections ‘self-sufficient’ (students could do the required components if they were not able to attend . . . everything they would need they could access through the Moodle Page) however some documents are copies and not available electronically, therefore unable to be linked to. I am not sure if there is a way around this or not, may be there are some suggestions. This has been challenging but the students seem to enjoy the ‘freedom’.

Within 2 sections (Plate Tectonics and Earthquake Damage) I have introduced two Voicethreads. The Plate Tectonics one is ‘ready to go’ and the students will be starting this week. I used Muppet characters for all of the students so as not to worry about posting their faces online. Most students got a laugh out of the character they were assigned. This is my first attempt at Voicethread and should be interesting. The students seem excited and ready to go. I will look to finish the Earthquake Damage one as we get closer to doing it.

I have also attached a blog to the Moodle for communication with students and parents. Some students have commented, but since the Easter break, my communication with students has been decreased. I have attempted to keep things light hearted and funny on this blog. I will often comment on the day and attach a funny picture or animation video for a laugh. The kids enjoy this part. I also try to send a ‘message’ to them with regard to how things are going in the school . . . a proactive approach to trouble-shooting some of the trends that the school sees annually!!

I also experimented with Animoto. I used pictures from home and created a few videos . . . even subscribed because I liked the tool so much. I did attempt to embed it into my student blog, but Animoto does not directly ‘link’ to WordPress. I had trouble trying to figure out what I could do differently . . . I ended up sending it to YouTube and then was able to embed. This was a process I never would have been able to do months ago . . . I am learning!!

The best thing about this process is that I am introducing the technologies to my students and they are trying them on their own, and more importantly . . . talking. Staff has come to me to inquire about the ‘things they hear’ about my class. I have had one teacher begin experimenting with Voicethread and another come to inquire about Animoto (for graduation videos). It has been empowering . . . I am a bit of a ‘go to guy’ in our school!! I also find myself excited about the technologies and looking to incorporate it and promote it wherever and whenever I can. I see my staff seeing the potential and this is a huge step in the right direction.

Here is my Animoto video. I hope you enjoy it. Please check out my Moodle page, ‘other blog’, and Voicethread. I know it is very modest (compared to other projects in the class) but I feel as though I have come a long way in attitude toward technology and in my ability to use it.