Mind Mapping/Gliffy

Assignment: Mind Mapping/Gliffy

Uses in the Classroom:  There are infinite ways to use mind mapping software in the classroom.  As a teacher, mind mapping can be used to brainstorm unit ideas, organize group planning sessions, or create study guides for students.  Students can use mind mapping software to create webs that map out events of a story complete with character descriptions, setting descriptions, and overlapping plot lines.  They can also use mind mapping software to brainstorm ideas for future projects or organize lesson points for future study.

Issues:  Students can use mind mapping software in pairs or groups but it may be best to use on their own for individualized study purposes.  Therefore, each student would need his/her own computer.  A quick tutorial using Gliffy software would be necessary, but the program is pretty easy to navigate so they should get the hang of things quickly.

Copyright:
"Jackie Robinson biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813?page=1>.

Images via:
"Jackie Robinson photos." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/jackie-robinson-9460813/photos>.

"Cairo Georgia Publications." Newspaper Cairo GA Georgia + Local News, City Website, Local Blogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2013. <http://www.discoverourtown.com/GA/Cairo/Publications-1539.html>.



http://www.gliffy.com/go/publish/5161214

Image Editing

Assignment: Image Editing

Uses in the Classroom:  Teachers can use image editing to have students identify what doesn't/does belong in an environment.  For example, a teacher can find a copyright free picture of the ocean floor and add color/images to demonstrate what should be included in the ocean floor habitat.  The teacher may also put in some images that do not belong, thereby challenging students to figure out the proper depiction of the ocean floor.  The teacher can really customize a lesson to his/her classroom needs using image editing software.  Students can use image editing to create altered images that accompany a narrative or story that they wrote.

Issues:  Depending on the activity and the familiarity the teacher has with the Photoshop program, this may be a time consuming project.  Students will also need training in the basic tools of Photoshop before they can edit/alter images.

Copyright: The first image belongs to EarlRShumaker via Flickr.  The gif was created by the owner of this blog using Adobe Photoshop software.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64141731@N03/11054011125/sizes/c/in/photostream/

Infographic

Assignment: Infographic

Uses in the Classroom:  Teachers can supplement lessons with infographics, especially in Science and Social Studies where memorization of material is important.  Students can create infographics in cooperative learning settings to teach the rest of the class about a particular topic (i.e. like water in my example).

Issues:  Students will need access to computers and some tutoring on how to manipulate infographic sites.  It may be prudent to have students work in groups when making infographics.

Copyright:  All images were created by the author of this blog using piktochart.com.  All information provided in the infographic belongs to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

http://water.epa.gov/learn/kids/drinkingwater/water_trivia_facts.cfm

Instructional Video Assignment

Assignment: Instructional Video

Uses in the Classroom:  Teachers can demonstrate difficult tasks or problems for students and parents to view at home to help further understanding.  Students can create instructional videos as a group to foster collaborative learning.  For example, groups may create instructional videos about a different layer of the atmosphere and then share those videos with the rest of the class.

Issues:  Students will need access to computers and recording equipment.  Students may also need to know how to operate video editing software.

Copyright:  All images were created by the author of this blog using Microsoft Powerpoint.


Lattice Multiplication

Screencasting Assignment

Assignment: Screencast

Uses in the Classroom:  Students can create examples of propaganda used in war campaigns.  Students can create flyers to advertise for school elections or activities. (Powerpoint).  Students can create screencasting videos for back to school night showcases to highlight examples of what they do in the classroom for their parents.

Issues:  Students will need to be shown how to use screencasting software.

Copyright:  All images are owned and provided by Microsoft.

Powerpoint Screencast

Digital Storytelling

Assignment: Digital Storytelling

Uses in the classroom: Students can create a digital story to depict an event in history or in their own life.  Students could also use digital storytelling as an introduction to the class in the beginning of the school year.

Issues to consider: Students will need a lot of time to complete this assignment and may not be able to do so independently until later grades.  Younger students will need to be put in groups and offered extensive support.

Copyright:  All photographs were taken from freerangestock.com.  Raindrop clipart was created by the owner of this blog.  Music was created by the owner of this blog.


Raindrop Ronny

Fotobabble

Assignment: Fotobabble Introduction

Uses in the classroom: Students can create a fotobabble that describes an iconic picture from a particular time period (World War II, Civil Rights Movement, etc.).

Issues to consider: Students will need to create fotobabble accounts beforehand.  Also, the photographs will need to be approved by the teacher and credited to the original author.  Students will also need to research what they would like to say about the photograph with historical supporting evidence.

Copyright: This is an original photograph taken by the author of this blog.



Liz Archer Fotobabble