GoAnimate

What is it?
GoAnimate is a website allowing users to create animation videos online. Essentially, GoAnimate is a cartoon creation software. GoAnimate has a free version in which the basic user can create an unlimited number of animations; however, these animations are restricted to 2 minutes in length and the inability to upload images or flash files. The paid version requires a subscription fee, but allows users to have unlimited time length in animations, and the ability to upload images and export to YouTube. GoAnimate is available online at http://goanimate.com/

GoAnimate4Schools is the educational version of GoAnimate. The educational version has a private and controlled environment for classrooms, easy-to-use animation tools, unlimited choice of characters, and social networking features. This version of GoAnimate is fairly comparable to the free non-educational version. However, the educational version, which is supposedly free, allows the teacher to create 100 student accounts and provide students with access to the teacher-created animations. GoAnimate4Schools is available online at http://goanimate4schools.com/


Literacy and Technology?
For the most part, GoAnimate would be considered a post-reading activity type, which assesses students’ interpretation and comprehension of the text that was read. While GoAnimate would be considered primarily under the "Creating Projects/Artifacts" activity type, it could also be useful for "Summarizing," "Retelling," and "Visualizing" activity types. Through GoAnimate, teachers could bring together technology, pedagogy, and content by having students illustrate their interpretation and understanding of a text through an interactive and user-friendly technology.

When I student taught Romeo & Juliet to freshmen ESL students, I provided students with a variety of options for a technology project. One of the options involved re-creating a scene from Romeo & Juliet. Students had to understand the scene they were re-creating well enough to illustrate the actions of the characters in the scene. This technology project helped students think more deeply into the text of their particular self-selected scene, and ultimately provided some wonderful final projects.


Students could also create their own stories using new vocabulary. For example, in a foreign language class, students could create original stories using new vocabulary from each chapter. A great example of this type of learning assignment is from a Spanish class. A student created a story about a robbery, which was stopped by Batman and Robin, using a chapter's new vocabulary (Tayjay3, 2011). Student Spanish Video

More ideas?
GoAnimate has a resource page providing educators with sample animations, lesson ideas, and more, separated up by subject area. This is available at: Lesson Gallery (GoAnimate, 2011).

iLearn Technology provides a multitude of ideas for using GoAnimate in the classroom, including creating "an impressive alternative book report by creating an animated book talk, interviewing a character from the story, or re-creating an important scene in the story" (iLearnTechnology, 2010). This is available at: iLearn Technology: GoAnimate

References

GoAnimate. (2011). Lesson gallery. Retrieved from http://goanimate4schools.com/public_animations

iLearnTechnology. (2010). Go animate 4 schools. Retrieved from http://ilearntechnology.com/?tag=movie

Tayjay3. (2011, October 25). Spanish 97. Retrieved from http://goanimate.com/movie/0aLY_6I4zQUM?utm_source=emailshare&uid=

Animoto : Video Slideshow Maker with Music

What is it?
"Animoto is a web application that produces videos from user-selected photos, video clips, and music. Animoto analyzes the provided photos, video clips, and music, using them to generate a video similar to a trailer. According to the website, the song is analyzed, producing a unique video every time. The site also claims that no two videos are ever the same." ("Animoto," 2011) There are various pricing plans, but the free version allows for the creation of unlimited 30-second videos. Animoto is available for free at http://animoto.com/ It seems the creators of Animoto are working on a educational plan for educators. In the meantime there appears to be a free all-access pass for educators which must be renewed online every six months. You can get the specifics at the following website: http://help.animoto.com/entries/104075-what-s-going-on-with-animoto-for-education


Literacy and Technology?

Animoto is a wonderful, easy-to-use video creator which takes pictures and video clips to make professional quality videos. Animoto is similar to Photo Story and could be used in project-based learning. You might be wondering how Animoto can help with literacy instruction. Animoto helps with information literacy, visual literacy, and technology literacy. Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and synthesize information. Visual literacy is the ability to understand, produce and communicate throughvisual images. Technology literacy is the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance. Students develop each of these types of literacy through Animoto by needing to self-select the pictures and videos being used in their video, and determine which music piece and video background best fit their project and audience. Students can use Animoto for presenting on practically any topic. Animoto would help students learn a subject matter in a whole new way. Some sample ideas for using incorporating Animoto into literacy instruction would be with vocabulary. Students would need to know the definition of the word as well as how to represent that word in either picture or video form. Here is an example of a vocabulary Animoto for the class novel The Breadwinner: The Breadwinner Vocab. Students could also create a book trailer for their independent, literature circle, or whole class book. Teachers can use this as a way to introduce students to a new topic or unit. A fantastic example of a teacher using Animoto to introduce a new topic is from an American History teacher: TeacherThink Presents: Animoto 4 Education. Another example is a science teacher's Animoto on the periodic table: Animoto in Education.

More ideas?
Students can improve literacy skills through Animoto by creating digital stories revolving around personal narratives, examining historical events, and stories that inform or instruct.

References

Animoto. (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animoto

cutekitten20. (2008). Animoto in education [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Xzmx2kWpM

Etzel, M. (2010, January 26). What's going on with animoto for education?. Retrieved from http://help.animoto.com/entries/104075-what-s-going-on-with-animoto-for-education

Sweeney, J. (2009). The breadwinner vocab [Web]. Retrieved from http://animoto.com/play/5nPQiBNB4yHHjVeSXRSZDg

TeacherThink. (2010). Teacherthink presents: animoto 4 education [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8UpgYnGWe4

Prezi : The New and Improved "PowerPoint"

What is it?
Prezi is FREE for students and teachers, and is available at: http://prezi.com/ "Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software and storytelling tool for exploring and sharing ideas upon a virtual canvas. Prezi is distinguished by its Zooming User Interface, which enables users to zoom in and out of their presentation media" ("Prezi," 2011). Users can place text, images, videos, and other presentation media on the Prezi "canvas" and group the items together in frames, designate the size and position of each presentation object, and pan and zoom in between objects ("Prezi," 2011). Prezi allows for both linear and non-linear presentations, depending on whether or not users decide to designate a navigational path on their canvas. Limited Internet capabilities in the classroom? Not to worry! Users are able to download their Prezi presentations onto their computer to avoid any potential Internet problems in the classroom.

What are the major differences between Prezi and PowerPoint? Prezi is non-linear navigation with a map layout; PowerPoint is a linear navigation with a slide stack layout. Prezi is web-based and downloadable; PowerPoint is computer-based. Prezi has limited printing options; PowerPoint has multiple printing options. Which is better? That's up to the user to decide.




Here is a great introductory video for Prezi: YouTube video link (PalmBreezeCAFE, 2009)

Literacy and Technology?
Prezi is a wonderful tool for teaching literacy with technology. As human beings, are thoughts are not exactly linear. Students can often find themselves limited or frustrated with PowerPoint presentations. So why not allow students to not only be creative by also present in a non-linear fashion? How can Prezi be incorporated into the classroom? The possibilities are endless!

Let me begin with a simple example of a Prezi before I start tossing out Prezi ideas for the classroom. The following Prezi discusses Web 2.0 in the classroom. It's fantastic and actually related rather well to my own course on literacy and technology. Simply click the right arrow to go from frame to frame. Engage Your Learners Better With Web 2.0 (McCallum, 2010)

From a student's perspective, Prezi could be used for a multitude of items:

• Concept Mapping : Students can create concept maps using more than just text! With Prezi, students can incorporate text, images, videos, and other presentation media. Students are not limited to a linear mode, and can easily use Prezi to create a concept map to help illustrate relationships among concepts as well as organize and represent knowledge.
• Mind Mapping : Students can create a diagram to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. For students who are less artistic, Prezi can help them better utilize the mind mapping technique as well as create a multimedia mind map.
• Graphic Organizers : Students can create multimedia graphic organizers.
• Character Maps : Students can create simple character maps for any literary character. They can build the Prezi over time or create a character map on Prezi as an assessment.
• Book Reviews : Yawn... Traditional book reviews can not only bore the student but also the teacher. Why not spice up the book review by making it a multimedia presentation? Book reviews could go from a yawn fest to an exciting and engaging presentation!
• Vocabulary : Students can collaborate to create a Prezi to help them better understand and learn the vocabulary. Students can also use Prezi to review and study for upcoming vocabulary exams.
• Storytelling : Create a story using pictures and videos! Students could also create a storyboard using text, drawings, and videos.

From a teacher's perspective, Prezi could help make a lesson more meaningful and interactive for students:

• Zooming in on details : Prezi allows users to zoom in on images rather easily. Teachers can help students study images in a lesson much easier. Forget that obnoxious laser pointer; teachers can zoom into a specific area of an image they want students to focus on. This could not only help create a more in-depth discussion, but help students understand what they are studying more clearly.
• Lesson Introduction : Create a lesson introduction or provide further instruction through an interactive Prezi.

More ideas?
Prezi Templates - Not the best at creating interactive Prezis? It just became a whole lot easier! There are reusable Prezis, essentially templates for you to insert your own information. Simply go to Reusable Popular Prezis (Prezi Inc, 2011)

More ideas on using Prezi in the classroom. The following website provides a Prezi explaining how to use Prezi and ideas of integrating and innovating Prezi in your classroom. Again, click the right arrow to move from frame to frame in the Prezi. Using Prezi In Your Classroom (Davenport, 2010)

References

Davenport, C. (2010, October 26). Using prezi in your classroom. Retrieved from http://colleendavenport.com/go/using-prezi-in-your-classroom/

McCallum, R. (2010, March 31). Web 2.0 in the classroom: meeting learners in their own world [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/obqzirjhtf-q/web-20-in-the-classroom/

PalmBreezeCAFE. (2009). Prezi - part one [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pWV8dUhoq8&feature=player_embedded


Prezi. (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prezi

Prezi Inc. (2011). Reusable popular prezis. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/explore/reuse/

Glogster : Poster Yourself

What is it?
Glogster is a free social network that brings together blogging and creative expression through the creation of glogs. A glog (i.e. graphical blog) is an interactive multimedia image; in other words, it's an interactive poster. Glogster allows users to express their moods, feelings, and ideas in a way that text or video are unable to do on their own. The user inserts text, images, photos, audio (MP3), videos, special effects and other elements into their glogs to create an interactive multimeda image. Similar to blogging, glogs can be shared with other glogsters and a variety of social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter. Glogster is available at: http://www.glogster.com/

GlogsterEDU is the educational version of Glogster. It has all the same features and functions as Glogster, with the exception that teachers and students can use glogs as instructional aids and share their glogs in a safe, private virtual classroom through GlogsterEDU. GlogsterEDU is available at: http://edu.glogster.com/

Literacy and Technology?
Glogster is a fantastic technology tool for literacy instruction in the classroom. By using Glogster, teachers can create instructional glogs for their classroom, which students can access at any time for future review. Teachers can use glogs on an interactive whiteboard (if available) or even on a projection screen via their computer. Glogster helps innovate instruction by turning a simple, ordinary lecture into a multimedia presentation which addresses all the different modes of learning and multiple intelligences as described by Howard Gardner. Teachers can also provide assignments within their instructional glog.

A history teacher's innovative lecture on the War of 1812

A math teacher's innovative lecture on integers

A glog about GlogsterEDU

By using Glogster, students can create glogs as part of the learning or assessment process for practically any subject. Glogs allow students to learn in a new and creative way by bringing together multimedia and blogging. Students are able to create unique glogs that not only demonstrate their understanding of a subject, but also allow them to illustrate their creative side, which is often underutilized in many school subjects. I created a glog to demonstrate how it could be used in the learning process for a foreign language classroom: Example. My glog is dealing with family vocabulary in which students would need to create a glog about their family. The audio button in the top right corner would include the students' own recording in which they discuss their glog in the target language using the desired vocabulary. There are many more possibilities for this assignment through Glogster, as this was simply my first attempt at glogging.

A science student's glog

A Spanish student's glog

A language arts student's glog

Glogster is a wonderful tool for the classroom, especially for students. It provides students with a multi-sensory outlet for creative expression and academic development. The possibilities for Glogster and literacy development seem endless!

More ideas?
Why not have students collaborate?! Educators are constantly pushing students to collaborate on projects as a means to learn a basic skill which is essential in many careers: Example.

Have students create a virtual tour on the country they are studying or researching: Example.

More resources?

Here is a PDF on how to set-up a teacher account on Glogster: Teacher Glog Account Set-Up

A guide to using Glogster, provided by Jefferson Township Public Schools: User Guide

A guide for students creating glogs: Student Guide

References

(2011). Making your glog using glogster. Retrieved from https://edunology.wikispaces.com/file/view/Student+-+Create+a+Glog.pdf

jhoertel. (2011). Teacher glog account set up. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7t2gFUF5PYjYjY3N2YwNjEtNmZlMS00ZDZjLWExNjEtMDY4YTVkZmQ2ZjJl&sort=name&layout=list&num=50

Walker, D. (n.d.). A guide to using glogster. Retrieved from https://edunology.wikispaces.com/file/view/Getting started with Glogster EDU.pdf

MixedInk : Collaborative Writing

What is it?
MixedInk is a free collaborative writing tool which allows groups of any size to bring the best ideas and language together in a single text. MixedInk encourages accountability by highlighting which pieces of text were written by which students, and analysis by having users rate which ideas and language is the most popular among the group working on the piece. MixedInk is available online at http://www.mixedink.com

Literacy and Technology?
Collaborative writing is an essential skill as group projects become more common in the workplace. By providing students with the opportunity and experience in collaborative writing projects, teachers can not only help students learn from one another but also help students develop necessary skills in teamwork and cooperation. Collaborative writing is difficult to achieve without the use of technologies such as wikis, blogs, Google Docs, or another similar tool for helping students collaborate on an assignment. MixedInk is another Web 2.0 tool which allows students the opportunity to share information and collaborate. However, MixedInk differs from wikis, blogs, and Google Docs in several ways, including authorship and and drafting. While traditionally difficult to track in most collaborative writing tools, authorship in MixedInk is tracked automatically and color-coded. MixedInk also enables an unlimited number of users to collaborate on a task at once, rather than only allowing a single user to to edit at a time. Drafting is not confined to a single document. MixedInk displays every user's work rather than simply displaying the most recent editor's work, allowing user's to draw ideas from a multitude of revisions no matter what stage of the drafting process.

MixedInk provides a fresh look at collaborative writing. Not only are students able to submit their own drafts, but they are able to draw upon the writing of their group members to create one cohesive piece. MixedInk is a great tool for teaching about collaboration and use of secondary sources. Through the automatic color-coded authorship feature, students learn about analyzing ideas and ethically incorporating another person's ideas with their own, thus teaching students about the concept of plagiarism and giving credit to appropriate authors. This would be a great tool to explore in the classroom and help innovate the instruction of literacy.

More ideas?
MixedInk combines community action with collaborative writing. MixedInk's website suggests some of the following ideas for writing projects which would best utilize their features: mission statements, editorials, political platforms, product reviews, and so forth.

Skype

What is it?
Skype is a software application which allows users to make voice and video calls over the Internet. Skype allows users to call anyone for free within the Skype network. Skype can also be used to make traditional phone calls internationally rather inexpensively. Skype also offers instant messaging, file transfer, and videoconferencing. Skype can be downloaded for free at http://www.skype.com

Literacy and Technology?
One of Skype's slogans is, "Skype is for doing things together, whenever you’re apart." Through Skype, people are able to remain connected. You might be asking yourself, "How does this apply to literacy?" Skype allows students to use all four basic skills (i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading). Students can develop their literacy skills through Skype by sharing and communicating with real audiences, and engaging in collaborative learning. Skype has an enormous potential for being "innovative" with literacy instruction and technology. One example of this potential comes from my own experience during student teaching in May 2011.

During my student teaching experience with a ninth grade English Language Arts classroom, I was teaching a descriptive writing unit. My students were struggling with this particular mode of writing, and expressed concern at the thought of completing their unit project - a descriptive essay disguised as a visitor's guidebook. In order to help my students understand not only descriptive writing but the writing process itself, I contacted a young adult fiction writer and asked if she would do a virtual author's visit to my classroom through Skype. The author was delighted. Several days prior to the author's Skype visit, I had students write three questions they would ask their favorite author about descriptive writing. I previewed the questions, selected questions that kept occurring over and over among students' papers, and e-mailed the list of questions to the author for her to prepare. The day of the visit, I arranged my students in the classroom to fit in front of the webcam I had brought in. I handed back student's question sheets and highlighted which question of their three they were going to be able to ask a real author (I highlighted the questions so each student was able to ask one of their questions and not have the same question repeat multiple times). The author visited all three of my freshmen English Language Arts classes over the course of the day. The students were excited about being able to interact with a real author and receive feedback and advice. Needless to say, the students talked about the author Skype visit for days afterwards. If I repeated this experience, I would follow-up this particular lesson with a short written reflection from each student.

Skype is a user-friendly software application that is extremely easy to learn. It is also perfect for schools that have little to no budget to spend on expensive educational software because Skype is free! It is an effective innovative teaching tool because the technology becomes virtually invisible as students interact with the person on the other end of the screen (no pun intended). Skype provides an interactive, real-time experience for students, making the experience more relevant to their own lives and education.

More ideas?
After spending a few minutes searching the Internet, I found two resources which discuss ways to innovate literacy instruction through Skype in the classroom.

(1) This website provides 50 ways to use Skype in the classroom. This may help foster ideas for your own classroom and grade-level.

50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom

(2) This website provides a list of authors who Skype with classes and book list clubs for FREE!!! The authors are separated into lists by elementary, secondary, and higher education. According to the website, the authors "offer free 20-minute Q and A sessions with classes and book clubs that have finished reading one of their books."

Authors Who Skype with Classes and Book Clubs (For Free)

References

50 awesome ways to use skype in the classroom [Web log message]. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/

Messner, K. (2009, May 28). Authors who skype with classes & book clubs (for free!) [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.katemessner.com/authors-who-skype-with-classes-book-clubs-for-free/

Literacy and Technology Blog - Introduction

What board does this classroom have? :)

Hello fellow classmate or complete stranger,

Before starting my blogging assignment, I thought it might be helpful to provide some insight about the perspective I will be coming from throughout the course of the semester.

I am a huge proponent for bringing literacy and technology together in the classroom. Throughout the course of my education, I was often taught to "integrate" technology into the classroom as an addition to literacy instruction. After the first day in this course, I quickly realized that the idea of "literacy and technology" is much more than "integration;" it's about innovation, being able to use new developments to change how teachers provide literacy instruction and how students learn. As I progress throughout the course and my teaching career, I hope to continue moving towards the idea of technology innovation.

My focus for literacy and technology is centered on secondary education, specifically grades 5-12. Despite having a focus on secondary education, I will attempt to make my blogs relevant to elementary education educators, as I realize that many of my classmates are certified or becoming certified in elementary education.

I hope my blogs provide ideas and information that is relevant and applicable to educators, regardless of being certified in elementary or secondary education.

-Caitlin