Wow. Over the course of this class, I have not only learned new technology, but have gained new confidence in sharing this technology with my colleagues. The different tools we used were varied in focus and difficulty and really made me move beyond my comfort zones to create.
Infographics, screencasts, and cartoons/comics were my favorite three to explore and create with. I was a beginner in all three of these areas and the time I spent making infographics, screencasts, and comics was both enjoyable and educational. I have attempted to create infographics for classes previously, but after making and learning more about them in this class, I hope to have my students create them this year as proposals for their British History research paper. Instead of writing a proposal (BORING), I will have them create an infographic of basic information about their person, place, or event as a springboard for their project.
I don't think any of the applications were truly challenging for me, but some were less engaging. Because of the capabilities we already have with Google Apps and Classroom, Animoto didn't interest me. My students created book trailers using only Google Slides and timing their slides perfectly and including Creative Commons music and images last year, so Animoto doesn't really have an advantage.
But, regardless of what I loved and what my opinions are on technology in the classroom, the teachers' wants and the students' needs are the most important elements in technology integration. Teachers must truly understand what technology integration means to their teaching pedagogy in regards to student-centered learning and technology as a pathway to differentiated success. Spending an immense amount of time learning new technology is not feasible for anyone. Therefore, the right tech at the right time needs to be focused on to truly be successful.
Cheers to technology in the classroom!
Great idea for integrating Infographics into your British History project. I think students will like that format. I really liked learning about Animoto. I can see how if you all ready are using something similar how that tool would not be as engaging. I think Animoto is a great option for elementary students just starting out in learning how to do book trailers. Taking a tool and looking at it from several different perspectives is necessary in order for us as librarians to be able to connect the best content with the most appropriate technology tools for our community of learners.
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to be moved outside your comfort zone?!?! That challenge to try something new is what will make us great librarians. Our job is to learn, create, and reflect so we can take that information and share it with our colleagues. In turn, we can help our teachers gain the confidence to successfully integrate digital technology into the learning process.