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Videos and films have always been part of the classroom and according to Technology & Learning (2008) “more than ever, teachers are using digital video to enhance their lessons.” But should they be?  Yes. Videos help students make connections between the real word and the classroom. The right video can help you illustrate an abstract concept, travel to a faraway destination or bring literature and the arts to life. It’s also the easiest way for a technology shy teacher to begin experimenting with technology. Propriety video-on-demand services like Discovery Streaming or Learn360 offer the widest range of educational content that is aligned to state curriculum.

If your school does not subscribe to a subscription service you still have options for finding quality educational videos to keep your students interested and ready to learn.

SchoolTube: SchoolTube is a free safe video sharing website for students and teachers. School Tube moderates all student crated materials and is nationally endorsed by leading education associations.

WatchKnowLearn: WatchKnowLearn has indexed over 20,000 educational videos and made them available to teachers without a registration or fee. The directory is categorized with teachers in mind so it’s easy to navigate.

Have Fun With History: HFWH is an online resource of history videos and activities. There is no registration required and all videos are free to watch and in the public domain.

NeoK12: NeoK12 offers a free collection of educational videos, lessons and quizzes for Kinder through twelfth grade. The videos are categorized by content area for easy searching.

YouTube: As the premier online video site Youtube has tremendous educational value. There are several education channels and channels from reputable organizations like National Geographic and PBS.  Not sure where to begin? Check out the video below.

Things to think about:

• Worried about ads and inappropriate comments on YouTube? Try out QuietTube to watch YouTube videos without the ads and comments.
• Digital content constantly changes so be sure you have a ‘Plan B’ if the video you plan to use has been removed
• Teachers have to model good digital citizenship. Remember to follow the appropriate copyright guidelines. Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers

Are you already a pro at accessing digital resources for the classroom? Then it’s time for you and your students to actively participate and create new content.

Reference

Technology & Learning Editors. We All Stream for Video. (2008). Technology & Learning, 29(3), 22. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

#1Digital Storytelling

What is digital storytelling? Digital story telling uses computer based tools to tell a story. It can contain images, text, audio, video and/or music.

Why use it? Allowing students to create digital stories gives them an opportunity to collaborate and communicate with others, write creatively, express themselves and use technology in a meaningful way.

Should you try try it in your K-4 classroom? Older students with a little ‘tech know how’ can use tools such as Audacity, iMovie or Movie Maker but for elementary students there are some great web applications that are much easier to navigate.

1. LittleBird Tales http://littlebirdtales.com/ : LittleBird Tales have a very user friendly interface. Upload images (students can draw them or take pictures), record narration, and share their story by emailing the URL.

Student example: Judy Moody Predicts the Future  

2. Blabberize http://blabberize.com/ : Easy tool for beginners. Upload a picture and outline the mouth, record, save and receive a URL to share with others.

Second grade example:  Chickie by Lance

3. Storybird http://storybird.com/ :  Students choose artwork to inspire writing and create a story from an image gallery. The finished story can be printed or watched on screen. * It’s easy for students to focus on the artwork instead of the writing.

Student example: The Busy City

4. Photo Story 3 http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11132 : Older elementary students will be able to use Photo Story with some guidance. Upload images, add text and/or record narration and select transitions and/or effects. Photo Story will render the story that can be played in Windows Media Player. * you will need to download and install Photo Story 3

Photo Story 3 User Guide: www.jakesonline.org/photostory.pdf

Photo Story 3 tutorial video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0oH9qE9qEY

What equipment do I need?

Computer with internet access

Microphone

Digital camera *only if you are going to take your own pictures

Scanner  *only if you are going to scan student drawings

How do I get started?

Decide what story you are going to tell. Are your students going to do a personal narrative, put a twist on a traditional story or create a story that highlights a concept you’ve taught?  Pick an application and you are on your way.