So, after playing with screenflow last night and then most of this morning, I finally created a video that is at least better than the last one. I still need to learn a few of the positioning features and how to narrow in on things, but I am happy with this one. Let me know what you think or any suggestions you may have for me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
BP13_ScreenFlow_Post 2
This is sooooo funny and rather embarrassing, but maybe you will get a good laugh today. I was just going to begin playing with screenflow to see if I could figure it out. I kept trying to understand how to record the screen. I didn't realize that it was recording the screen the minute that I hit record. I thought that was only for my voice recording. I was waiting for some prompt that would ask me to go to an image or video that I wanted to insert. Well, now I know. This validates that learning is hands on. You can hear in the recording when I get click happy and just start clicking on everything because I couldn't figure out how to stop the voice recording. I will continue to play with this and see if I can create a video to be proud of.
BP12_ScreenFlow_Post 1
This week I have decided to do my practical experience assignment on ScreenFlow. I have seen people use this before and really thought the application was neat; however, I did not even know where to begin. Today, I finally activated my lynda.com account as well as ScreenFlow. I think it is sad that I am four months in and have not utilized either of these tools. Anyway, it is better late than never. I watched the videos in lynda.com today for screencasting. I have watched so many videos, that I should feel a little more comfortable about the application, but I think I am still as confused as I was when I started. I think that I am just going to play around with ScreenFlow and see what happens.
Here is a list of just a few videos that I viewed today.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
BP8_storyjumper
storyjumper.com is an awesome tool for the reading classroom. This web tool allows students to create and publish original stories. Students can create work on their own, or the teacher can create a class site and monitor student work. After learning about plot in the classroom, students can follow 7 steps and create their own book. Students can use original art or art within storyjumper to illustrate their book, and then share their book with friends and family. ready made templates are provided or images can be uploaded to make the book more personal. There is the option to have your book printed and students are able to purchase it, or students can simply save their created books online and send links for friends and family to read it.Easy to follow instructions are available in print format to guide students through each step of the process in the story creation. A story starter worksheet is also available to allow students to brainstorm ideas for characters, challenges, setting, climax, and resolution. Resources are provided to help students with creating characters or setting. This tool will have students begging to write.
Not only is the tool itself fun and engaging, but students will have created a memory that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
BP4_Quizlet
Quizlet is a great web tool that allows teachers to have students study in a way that is fun and engaging. This site allows teachers to create flashcards or use already created flashcards for every subject area. Whether your desire is to have students study alone in class or at home, or you want to place your students in groups and have them study together, this is a great way to spice up the boring flashcards. There are always terms that students must know in order to be successful with new material. There are two sections where students engage. One is called study. Here students are able to learn (simply view/review flashcards) or test (be tested on the cards, which includes various test types). The second section is games. Two games are given: scatter (you match terms with definitions), or space race (you try to write the correct definition before the term flies off the page).
In my reading class every year there are numerous greek and latin roots that the students must learn. This would be a great tool to help in memorizing these roots. I can create cards for the roots that the students need to know, and then they can go in and review the cards and play games. The games provide feedback with a grade for correct or incorrect answers, as well as provide opportunities for the students to beat their previous time.
Friday, July 2, 2010
BP3_Fotobabble
When studying elements of plot for stories, there are so many ways that the students could use this tool. When studying setting, students could take pictures of different settings for a story, and then add their personal voice recording for what type of story could be written in the particular setting. Students could also dress up like characters in the story, take pictures of themselves, and then record an important part that the character says in the book. Also, students could draw postcards of places within a story, and then create voice recordings from the character to other characters within the book. Students could create a talking photo journal when creating original short stories.
Fotobabble would also be a great tool to allow students to send personal messages to future students. They could take a picture of an activity or assignment that they really enjoyed and then create a message of why it was meaningful to them. This tool would also be a great way to remember field trips. Students could create voice recordings for different photo shots of class field trips.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
BP1_Google Reader
Google Reader Screen Shot
(Image of my 6th Grade Reading Class)
Here are several blogs and sites that I follow to help keep me informed on middle schools students as they transition from elementary school to middle school.
*******
http://middle-school-life.suite101.com/
This website contains access to numerous blogs that touch on various topics concerning middle school students. Everything from the transition to middle school, bringing up grades, peer relationships, parental fears, cyberbullying, goal setting, and finding a tutor.
*******
http://middle-school-preparation.suite101.com/
This site offers specifics for teachers to help students in the process of making the transition to middle school. There are many practical ways listed to help students prepare mentally, as well as academically.
*******
schoolfamily.com blog
This is a great feed that offers so many suggestions or advice to families to help their child succeed in school. Discussions for involvement, games, reading, activities, as well as how to help your child deal with issues that they face in middle school
*******
http://www.nmsa.org/
This site is for the National Middle School Association.I receive information helpful
for parents and teachers regarding academic and developmental needs for students
ages 10-15.
*******
http://thinking-forward.typepad.com/
Here you can follow blogs and links to Joe Bruzzese, a nationally known author and former classroom teacher. He offers a wealth of advice for parents and teachers on having success during the middle school years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)