Online Video Tools

This week I have spent a great deal of time researching web-based video tools. Some of them are so user-friendly and allow first time users to easily jump right in and create. Others, however, seemed very cumbersome and time intensive. I am sure with the correct training and practice all of the sites would prove to be very beneficial. I can certainly see the benefit in becoming highly proficient in the creation of videos as they could prove to be wonderful student hooks when presenting new information and then could easily be added to teacher blogs for students and parent to review the information outside of class.

Of all of the sites I reviewed this week, three of them stood out as my favorites. Powtoon was easy to use and I enjoyed the cartoon creations. I feel that they would provide so much impact to pull even the most reluctant learners in to see just what information is being presented.

As a science and math teacher, I also felt drawn to the Animoto web program. I feel that the ease of use would provide a wonderful tool for beginning videographers and the design of the program lends itself to a step-by-step display.

My third favorite was Sharalike. I created this video using Sharalik for personal use. However, I could see the benefit of using it as a slideshow of student events and lesson activities to share with parents at events such as end of marking period awards and celebrations.
            

Trail Walking

Trail Walking is the video clip I made using Animoto. I snapped the pictures with my iPhone during my daily fitness walk this week. I used one of the templates provided by the site and simply uploaded my own pictures. Next, I added my own caption to each of the pictures. Unfortunately, I did not quite figure out how to adjust the font type and size for each of the captions. Therefore, they seem pretty puny in comparison to the pictures. Additionally, because I used the free version, the site watermark is inserted on each segment of the video covering most of the text.

This site is one that I will definitely continue to use for personal use as well as in the classroom. I am thinking that this would provide a wonderful opportunity for students to explore, record, analyze, and make conclusions for their scientific investigations throughout the year. The way the site segments out each of the pictures provides a natural transition for each stage of the scientific method. It would also be a great tool for retelling stories read in reading groups or creating their own photo type stories.



Powtoon Sample

Check out my first attempt at creating a video clip. I used Powtoon to create it. They have a quick how-to video at the start. It goes by really, really fast. So, for newbies like me, it was not quite enough. However, the site also includes so many templates that you can edit and save. I chose the back to school welcome template. The teacher doesn't really look like me. But, I did not know how to make any changes to the avatar. All I changed for this one was the information. If you upgrade from the free portion, you can change the music &/or add your own voice-over. However, since I am just experimenting with the different sites, I won't be upgrading anytime soon. Also, I had to save this one as a slideshow rather than a video clip. You will have to keep clicking through all seven slides in order to view the entire clip.

My Symbaloo

Here is my reading Symbaloo. I actually use this with my students during the school year. It is an awesome tool to use for independent stations and for students to use at home to practice own their own. It is simple to use and very intuitive. However, I will warn you that it is very time consuming during the initial setup. The process for creating your own Symbaloo is as follows:

1.     you will need to go to each website of your choosing,

2.     copy their url, paste it onto a tile,

3.     pick your tile color,

4.     decide what graphic to use to represent that tile.

Shelfari Widget

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

So here is my attempt on using Shelfari. It is actually really easy to set up your own bookshelf and it is easy to make any changes to the books you select. I think it is a great way to reach students in order to offer them choices of some excellent literature. I have also included the Shelfari widget onto my Weebly website. I simply used the exact same widget code that was provided to upload it here. The only drawback that I see in using this is that it is an Amazon product and the links take the reader directly to their site for purchasing the books you select. I do buy almost all of my books through Amazon. I just think that this is a bit self-serving on Amazon's part. Great marketing tool, though.

10 Things Every Teacher Should Try This Summer

10 Things Every Teacher Should Try This Summe

This is an excellent read. And, I actually did accomplish #5. Enjoy your time away from school.

School Library Websites

 My personal favorite site is Parkview and Fairview Libraries. This webpage is set up with a bright and colorful homepage that is loaded with tiles that lead the viewer to a variety of reading based information, activities, games, and more. One tile actually displays a world map that shows “Who in the World is Visiting the Library Today.” The viewer can see small red dots on the map indicating others who are viewing along with a blinking white target indicating the viewer’s location. As a school for global learning this is an excellent tool to show the student how far-reaching a website can be along with the knowledge that others around the world are right there with you.

The Grand View Elementary School Library, a Manhattan Beach school website is simply amazing. There is a wealth of information there. One could almost get lost in the vortex of all the links available. However, on the front welcome page the design is streamlined and includes pictures of the school library, links to include various monthly events, lost library book directions for parents, hours of operation, summer activities, and an Amazon link for purchasing books.

The Media Center Memo on wikispaces is another interesting site. This site has a very simple design on its homepage. What is unique about this site is that you begin with a simple motto statement and a greeting and welcome from a Voki avatar which provides an instant attention grabber for the viewer. The additional links provided are easy to use and lead the viewer to several more links to other websites, tools, and games. Many of these links are no longer functional, which emphasizes the need to constantly monitor your website to ensure that the information provided is current, relevant, and in working order.

I love the ideas that I have gathered during my research of websites. I chose Weebly to create my webpage. I have used Weebly before and am familiar with it. It is fairly intuitive and easy to create each page. I hope that one day my site will look something like the ones mentioned. However, I am clearly a complete novice and I know it will take many attempts and revisions to get my site to represent something that I am proud of. But, for those of you who are interested, please check out my first attempt at  http://threadingnook.http://threadingnook.weebly.com/weebly.com/