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Episode 31
Here are the episode notes for Episode 31…it’s interesting with Anna’s kids in the background, but we had a lot of fun, and best of all, you get to enjoy the bloopers reel!
Resources
Google Presentations
http:docs.google.com (click on New and select Presentation)
New tool from Google. Simple interface, with limited features. No transitions or fancy stuff, but we think this allows for more focus on the content. Our favorite part is the collaboration–you can work on the same project, just like Docs and Spreadsheet. In addition, you can invite people to a live chat when you present your project.
Kidcast: Creative Podcasting Activities
http://www.ftcpublishing.com (under podcasting resources)
New book from KidCast podcaster Dan Schmit–if you know the basics of podcasting, you’re ready for the next level. This book comes with innovative ideas to integrate podcasting into your classroom.
HotChalk
http://hotchalk.com/
Web community for teachers. Create class web pages for assignments, post messages, manage grades, etc. Collaborate in the online teacher community. Supplement with lesson plans from their archive. Access resources which include multimedia from the NBC archives (free until Jan ‘08). Professional development also available (one course free with registration).
PaintBrush
http://paintbrush.sourceforge.net/
Mac OS X paint application. Can open and save to most major image formats, including BMP, PNG, JPEG, and GIF. Simple, easy to use, and FREE!
Animoto
http://animoto.com/
Web application that automatically generates professionally produced videos using high-end motion design. Uses your images and music to create a custom movie trailer style video, then email to share. Beta was designed by real TV and film producers, and no two videos are ever the same. 30 second videos are FREE! Very cool!
Insomnia
http://www.apple.com/education/insomnia/
24 hours to create a 3 minute masterpiece…who wouldn’t want in? Apple is back with its 2nd annual Insomnia film festival. Details will be released 9 AM EST Oct 13th…you (and every member of your team) could win a MacBook Pro, Final Cut Studio 2, Logic Studio, and Shake! 6 days, 18 hours, 40 minutes, 30 seconds and counting…
Screencast-o-Matic
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
Beta web app that is a free and easy way to create a video recording of your screen (aka screencast) and upload it for free hosting all from your browser with no install.
Autographs For Education National Signature contest
http://www.sanfordcorp.com/sanford/consumer/sharpie/afe/schoolsuppliesfrag.jhtml
Win $5,000 in school supplies by collecting signatures. You have until Dec 31, 2007. Sharpie also has some great lesson plans available so check it out!
“Google Book Search” Layer
http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2007/08/new_google_earth_boo.html
New “Featured Content” layer shows little book icon placemarks when you zoom into different places around the world. These placemarks are results from search of places found mentioned in books indexed by Google’s search engine. We think this is cool, but it would be even cooler if your class created their own layer with places from books they are reading.
Both Wikispaces and PBwiki have great educator resources such as protected/upgraded spaces, tutorials, examples, and more. Both also have new widgets (Wikispaces/PBWiki) that allow you to include calendars, videos, chat and more on your wikis.
Integration Ideas
- Talk
about the technologies of today compared to 25 years ago, then have students compare to what we have today and describe how it might be different in 25 years. - Listen as we discuss having a digital mindset–what does this really mean? Sound off on the forums.
- Great way to integrate digital storytelling in your content–rewrite fairy tales, embedding content, so that you learn while reading familiar stories.
- In the interest of cyber-safety have students “simpsonize” their photos to use as their avatar with their radio/stage name. It’s free and fun!
