This week has
been all about learning the many options for presenting and sharing
information. I have really enjoyed learning what is available. I am so used to
simply using PowerPoint and Smartboard to create and present my lessons. Now,
both of those tools seem so boring. I am excited to get started using more
eye-catching, attention-grabbing lessons. The two tools that I enjoyed the most
are Blendspace and Thinglink.
This web tool is a
game-changer for me. It is so simple to use! I was able to create a lesson in
about 10 minutes on my very first attempt. I love how this tool allows the user
to add pictures from your personal photos or Flicker images, videos, documents
from your Google Drive or Dropbox, webpages, and more. Each lesson starts off
with six boxes that you simply add whatever you choose. Each of these are
linked together. The user can go through each section in chronological order or
move back and forth between sections at will. This tool is a real time-saver
for lessons. Instead of bouncing around from website, to document, to quiz,
etc. all sources and links are conveniently placed together. The other feature
that I liked was that when you select Youtube videos, only the video plays. No
need to wait out the annoying advertisements at the beginning of each video.
This tool is
similar to Blendspace in that the user can add several different links to the
same presentation. However, this web tool requires the user to use a still
photo rather than several separate pages. This tool would be excellent for use
as a portfolio of student growth throughout the year. Students could add pictures
and videos of their work. Parents, teachers, and students could then easily
monitor progress over the school year. Students could also use this tool to
create projects and presentations. It would be a wonderful way of presenting
their progress as they work through STEM challenges, science experiments, book
reviews, and more.
I'm with you in that I have only used power point and smart board and now I wonder what was I thinking! The creative tools to use are endless and are so much more interactive and fun than PP and smart board. I also liked that the tool provides all the links and websites in one place for Blendspace. I love the idea of using these presentation tools to show progress during STEM challenges. Part of the challenge could be for the students to create an interactive presentation of their journey.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea of using Thinglink for student portfolios! Parents and students alike would love looking it over at the end of the year.
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