*Digital Storytelling*

Digital Storytelling is another option of telling stories using technology. The stories can be about anything and everything but should be appropriate. Digital storytelling uses the available tools of the computer and Internet, and morphs it with words and narration, with the final outcome being an interesting multi-media mix of images and voice. Numerous tools can be used to create a digital story from a basic powerpoint to dedicated digtal-story program. What is awesome about digital story telling is that it can be used in all subjects and across the curriculum!
Ideas
Source:http://www.eaglepnt.k12.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=1894

Beginning of the year-

• make a movie to introduce yourself (this can be posted to the internet so others may view it later)
• have student make a movie of a rule(s)
• show off student work from last year (work can be digital photos or scanned)

Social Studies

• student can make a movie of historical event or person
• plan a dream vacation. Pick a country to visit and discuss/list information, pictures, how to get there, etc. 
• story about how to make a traditional meal

Science

• student can make movie to show growth of organism and explain what is going on

Math

• student can explain how problem was solved (each step can be scanned)

General

• students can make a review of sections of the unit or key concepts; then they can be posted to the web as a study guide
• if some work is shown and explained this may help students and parents understand what the expectations are

LA

• Digital Story Telling- Anyone can draw their own pictures (have them scanned), use their own photos, or get pictures online then narrate their story.  The story can be fictitious or true.  How about getting rid of the “What I did during My Summer Vacation” essay and allow them to bring in photos and use PhotoStory 3 to “tell” about their summer.  If they don’t have photos they can be found online.
• Poetry- record one line on a picture
  
  
  10 Tools for Digital Storytelling in the Classroom
  Source: http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2011/06/10-tools-for-digital-storytelling-in-class/

Global Education Communities

As I started my search to see what is out there for our students to connect globally I first went to google. I typed in "connecting students globally" in the search engine and came across ePals. 


"ePals is the world's largest K-12 learning network. ePals is the leading provider of safe collaborative technology for schools to connect and learn in a protected, project-based learning network. With classrooms in 200 countries and territories, ePals makes it easy to connect learners locally, nationally or internationally."Our global community reaches more than 600.000 educators and millions of students in over 200 countries and territories. ePals technology enables these learners, who speak over 136 different languages, to connect, share, collaborate and learn.Membership in ePals Global Community is free, including the use of ePals safe and secure email platform, and access to all ePals collaborative projects and thousands of classrooms world wide with which to do them. ePals also offers select premium services for a fee."


You can search random classrooms around the world or certain classroom with a particular project or topic. You can limit your search down by age as well. When you find a classroom you like you contact them. There is a lot of information about the site and a lot of other things to do on it. What a great resource!

Food for Thought-Educational Blogs

As my internship is soon approaching I have been thinking about having my own classroom. I have been writing down ideas about teaching and my classroom setup/environment and I am excited to see how my host teacher does things. That being said, I read three articles by Angela Bunyi from the scholastic.com site. The articles discussed classroom design, classroom library, and classroom management. 

Classroom Design
by Angela Bunyi 
Expert teacher, Angela Bunyi, presents six easy recommendations for setting up your classroom.

I liked how Angela made gave her classroom a homey feeling. The lamps and soft furniture are great ideas. I thought it was interesting that she said she "got rid of her teacher's desk". I don't think I will do that but I definitely want to put my desk somewhere that won't be a focal point. I want my classroom to be about my students. 

A Balanced Classroom Library
by Angela Bunyi 
Angela provides tips for setting up large classroom libraries to help students self-select books.

I was never the biggest fan of reading but after taking child's literature class (Early Childhood requirement) I fell in love with reading! Thanks Hilary Seitz! Building a great library has been a goal of mine and Angela presented some great ideas. One thing I learned is that a lot of times kids pick books by the covers (even I do that) so it's a good idea to put them in bins with the covers facing out forward. 

Classroom Management Based on Trust
by Angela Bunyi 
Classroom management strategies based on mutual trust work well in Angela's classroom.

One of the most important things I have been wanting to learn is good, class management; this was one of my goals for internship as well. I think you can be the greatest teacher and know your "stuff" but if you can't keep your class under control, it will be a little hard to teach (and learn for the students). One of the main things Angela discusses in this post is "rewards" for class management. She is not a fan of bribing kids with stickers, food, etc. or using punishment. Rewards is something I go back and worth on. It will be something that I will have to work with or experiment with and decide in teaching. I do like how Angela stated how she likes to do "a random reward" and I definitely think I will do something like this. Angela said "I love good surprises. Just for the heck of it. Like last year when it was really cold, I placed a nice hot cup of coco on each child's desk before school started. And yes, I threw in some candy stirrers and marshmallows too. Or I'll just say, "Hey, we need a PJ day." It seems more fun to me that way, and when I provide this upfront, the kids stay happy. I don't want to dangle the carrot along. I just hand the carrot first and know they will appreciate me more and go further knowing this."