The digital writing project has gone well. Initially, I was running into issues with finding the right video editor. My original hopes to use Adobe Premiere were dashed since I have a machine running Windows 7 and my copy really only works on XP. I found a trial version of the updated Premiere, on to see a test production have "Adobe Premiere Trial" burned across a produced piece. Finally I came across Pinnacle Studio 14. Good stuff and it provided me with the bells and whistles I wanted.
Next was in finding the images I wanted. It took a lot longer than I expected, and when stitched together, it wasn't as long as I predicted. Also the timing of everything didn't seem to settle in until I recorded the narration and then played with outline of all the media. I also used Power Point as may main storyboard to plan the layout of everything. I would say the only thing I would add or change is live video to mix within the pictures to help keep things moving. It can a nice reflective piece to have a picture show for a little longer, but if too long it feel a little stale.
The most fun I had was with the avitar website and the interactive Youtube portion of the video. It was also great to incorporate a lot of things I've already done with my classroom. In a way, Camp Ranamok exists in room 31 at Highlands Elementary.
Overall, I like the flow of everything and it really captures how I feel about technology. What surprised me, was the amount of work for a little under 5 minutes of video.
Digital Writing Project
Collaborative Writing
There may be a lot of different uses for a wiki with writing, but I’m on the fence as to whether I would really dive into wikis. The only use I ever saw to fruition was in creating a classroom contract. Students would begin with a sentence already posted by the teacher and then add beliefs they thought were important. Think worked so well, we were able to have both fifth grade rooms get involved a help author a belief statement. To fully utilize a wiki, I would see it as a complete collection of thoughts and works, including a place to store files/student works. When we saw Elizabeth Boeser’s example wiki’s, I thought it was a wonderful way to study a book and a wonderful use of a wiki. I’m hesitant to think elementary students could take on the management and analysis/synthesis of such as project, but I have been surprised with what students are capable of.
Maybe my past experiences with wikis have tainted my view of their use, but collaborative writing can also take place via Google Documents. This summer I was part of a class where 10 of us worked on a word, and later a spreadsheet, simultaneously. It was great to see what people were coming up with as they typed it. One possible use is to have students work in groups on a jigsaw activity and then enter their information simultaneously on a Google Doc. Wiki’s are limited to one person at a time, and could lead to possible waste of time. For my “elementary” needs, I’m a Google Docs convert.
“Early bird special” The Eleventh Hour Blogger strikes before midnight.
What is digital story telling and literature? After seeing some examples, it seems to be a documentary of sorts encompassing many things. My favorite definition comes from the Center for Digital Storytelling and how they put it as “Every community has a memory of itself. Neither an archive nor an authoritative record ...but a living history, an awareness of a collective identity woven of a thousand stories.”
Digital story telling and literature is live poetry. It tells a story on so many different levels and stimulated senses. Catchy visual effect, auditory combinations of a man sharing a story with the sounds of ticking in the background are just some of the elements found. The ability to zoom into features, show the just right picture, transitions in to surprising pieces, and more are elements enticing and pulling the viewer in even more. I’m reminded of underground poetry joints, where people reflected and interacted with each other, but with a 21st century spin on it.
Digital storytelling and literature can be far removed from how a typical person may think of as storytelling. By now the Youtube image below got your attention. This digital storytelling video won first prize from the the Remix/Appropriation website given to us by our instructor. So, before you judge it based on the inital picture, just know that it blew my mind with how creative people can get. What seems like a typical MTVmusic video, X-Mas in NY City is really a collection of works already produced and creatively woven together.
Digital storytelling and literature is engagement. I related my earlier reflection to an underground poetry joint where people reflected and interacted. At first, I felt this was an interaction of sorts, but nothing compared to true connections with live people in front of you. I was then reminded of my brother-in-law who created one such group, MNKINO, http://mnkino.com/. This group explores digital storytelling, but with the goal to meet people, in person. Once again, there is harmony between the digital and real world.
What is digital storytelling and literature? A real/unreal life experience captured digitally and likely much much more.
Zax Outbax
“Digital is just another language like English, Spanish, or French. But remember, keep it real”
The Voicethread Process
The Eleventh Hour Blogger here. GOOD NEWS! You should now be able to post a comment on my blog. A couple of test runs later and I was able to post a test comment from my wife's computer.
Speaking of my wife, the Voicethread project was a great way to include her. As a new dad I love talking about our new little girl and how special my wife is. The Voicethread below includes some comments about two adventures we've gone on as a family.
I really liked using this kind of digital media and think it could be a great tool in the classroom. We saw an example in the digital media class of a second grader describing his drawing of a monster. Seeing and hearing what his thoughts were was amazing and captured way more than he could possibly in writing it out. I think some of my students who need encouragement to expand their thinking could really excel with this tool.
I did have a little frustration with being limited on time. Recording throught a computer microphone didn't really constrain me, but I tried the phone feature and was surprise how quickly the time was used us. If I would want my grandma to add some comments via phone, she would need to purchase some minutes. I need to look further into it, but I wonder if there is a way to have others use your account. At least this way I could purchase some credits my grandmother could use.
Mostly though, the use is very easy and straight forward. I have no doubts my 5th graders could do something like this. I also like how anything that could be photographed could be included and commented on. This would be great for reflective thinking about a project, presentation, or even sharing their thinking about steps to a math problem. The possibilities could be endless. I think I'll look at the next math unit to see what I could have some of my more advance student explain via Voicethread that other students could access anytime, even at home.
That's all for now, and remember, “Digital is just another language like English, Spanish, or French. But remember, keep it real”
Online Role Playing Reflection
Reflect on your experience participating in the ORP. What was one highlight and one lowlight of your experience?
Highlight was being able to really dive into the character and the fictional situations they may actually incur. Even though I couldn't take credit for some of the great things I blogged about, like the camp itself or geo caching, I felt like I was helping spread the awareness while looking like I could share the credit.
Low point was feeling the tension in some discussions. How could people really feel like that, but they are out there and I need to deal with it. It felt like they were looking to pick an argument and really did even read my entry.
Also, what new digital learning practices did you take up through your ORP experience? See list below to probe your thinking (From Jenkins page 4).
I would say that there didn't really seem to be any negotiation. It was almost like it was one side versus the other side. I did feel a little connection with someone who wanted to know more about what my camp did.
The play, performance, simulations, and appropriation was great. I thought it was masterful being able to use media out there already to back up beliefs stated. When I read another persons entry that wasn't backed up with something, I felt like it was just them on their soap box. All the links to studies complete, expert analysis, or some kind of news coverage made it feel like I wanted to learn more and not just tune out someone ranting.
As Zax Outback I learned that they are already people and organizations already out there. I never realized such things, but it was really great to feel more connected and aware of the world around me.
Role Playing and National Writing Day
I totally dove into my alter ego, Zax Outback. I was surprised by how much information was already out there about the topic of digital media. I also thought it was pretty impressive that the White House created an Information Literacy Month (That was real, right?). The various perspectives and postings people create were really impressive. Naturally Sophia Verite Johansen lead the way with her masterful media. (Naturally I have give props to someone who mentions me in a positive light in one of her media pieces). I also found myself frustrated with some of the other views, but there are people out there with those kinds of views. Overall I learned quite a lot through the research I did to support positions in my postings. In this kind of forum, it is really fun to play out what it would be like as someone else. Pretending I was a key players in getting Geo Caching, being a part of the Digital Academy camp programs, sending out brochures about my camp, and even incorporating my own classes camp experience etc. were some great memories and some great ways to dive into the role of Zax Outback.
National Writing Day
Yesterday our class looked closer at writing in a variety of ways. Since we've recently returned from a camp, students pick their favorite picture from a collection I put together on our class website, and students blogged about that experience. We also create a poster listing all the ways we could think of that we've ever used writing. Students also briefly described favorite personal experiences with writing. To drive home the digital writing piece, I had a student video tape each students response to the question, "Why is writing important to me?" and "What is one of my favorite experiences with writing." I'm hoping to show the class how to turn it into a video montage and how it's considered writing.
That's all for now.
The Eleventh Hour Blogger
Play, Simulation, and Performance
Play, simulation, and performance are all interelated, yet each focuses on its own way of learning. Which of these speaks most to you in terms of your own learning or the learning your observe in your classroom? Explain.
I like to play. Give me anything to sit alone with it, figure out, see what it can do, try to take it past its limits, and more. Looking at my personal life I've always played with technology, and reflecting on it I can see it was done with things I was heavely interested and on my own time. When I think about this in the classroom, I wonder if I've really ever given students this same chance. The underlined statement links back, I feel, to the core of learning.
Post #4 - Role Play
Here I am again, Thursday morning entering my post. Tuesday is agreed upon date, and I fully support and understand the reasoning for it. My life unfortunately does not reflect a person who can adhere to due dates and time tables. I'm always curious way I find myself here. I'll probably show up for my own funeral late, and my grave site with say "Better late than never." I know the importance of respecting people's time and not do things at the last minute, but yet here I am the "Eleventh Hour Blogger."
Okay, Lila is back in mama's arms. She woke up this morning with a horribly stuffed nose, and considering how much she relies on that nose when she's feeding it can be a tough go.
Back to the story at hand...
In what ways do you already use role-play and simulation in your classroom for purposes of learning? How might these activities be enhanced through online simulations?
In 5th grade social studies role play has really extended learning. We have a curriculum called Story Path. It is a wonderful interactive role play focusing on the Revolutionary War and causes that lead up to it. In the end you need to decide if you are a Loyalist or a Patriot. Students out themselves in the roles of colonist during that era. We even have had the media specialist dress up like Governor Hutchinson to conduct a town hall meeting with the students/colonist. It can be pretty impressive with what the students can come up with. Online simulations can even take a step further and help with perspective. The website Loyalty or Liberty lets the students take on the role of a slave during the times who gets the inside scoop from both English and American sides. In the students have to choose if this slave is going to give his information to the English or the Americans. Thinking about what we are doing through http://edinaroleplay.ning.com/ taking the roles from the Loyalty or Liberty website and having an online debate/discussion through a vehicle like Ning could really be fascinating.
Post#3 - Collecting Information
Describe the search methods and databases you employ to collect information for use in your work or writing.
Mostly I have used Google but have found some frustration with search results. With so much information out there, if it's not within the first 20 (and most times first 10) results I try another approach to phrases or keywords I use. The latest Bing (Microsoft's serach engine) commercials have touched on something many of us encounter, related information but not quite relevant. (#1 & #2 - the first one sums it up pretty well, the second one I've felt many a late night search)
Bing has resulted in some more useful results, but I couldn't really say it's any better than Google. Another contender with great possibilities is Kartoo.
Unfortunately, it's not as widely used as Google or Bing and therefore doesn't have the same reach. But, it has a wondeful format for displaying results. A map shows up with subtopics of things related to your search. If I move my mouse over a topic, it will highlight the pages shown that relate to it. It is also a great way to see how sights may have multiple topics.
How do you identify and test out relevant search categories or keywords?
Keywords are such a big thing when searching for that particular topic your trying to find. Quotes are definately a big help. You would be surprised the off-topic things you can get typing in Minnesota Twins versus "Minnesota Twins." A recent search about "wireless video" for a specific product yeild page after page of things I was not looking for. However adding things like projector and transmit lead me something closer to what I was looking for. Sometimes reading those pages not directly related to what I'm looking for will help me identify another term I can add to my search.Coded search terms are one of my favorite things to use when searching for are specific kinds of files. Each search engine has them, but I'm only familiar with Googles. When I'm looking for a lesson that has a power point on something like "Three Branches of Government", I can type that topic together with filetype:ppt. All the results will only be power points about the three branches of government. You can use these codes to search for specific terms within a certain website, types of website (.com, .org, .net, etc.), and more Check out this power point Google and Beyond for more info.
I have also gone straight to youtube hoping there is a video out there illustrating some of the thigns I am looking for. When there is, often people leave comments of link to the site which gets me to where I want to go.
How do you determine the validity and credibility of the information you acquire?
Unfortunately there is anything and everything on the web, just check out http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/. Namesake, reputation, type of site, etc. are just some of the things I look into. A website should also include: Author’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address, Author’s credentials, and Name of sponsoring organization. Even if a site has all these features, a site could still be bogus. Overall, you just have to make a judgement call.
In what ways might you use RSS feeds or bookmarking software to access online sources of info. (e.g. news, blogs, online magazines, podcasts, etc.) on your experience?
Wow, if you ever want to be innundated and overwhelmed with information sign up for all your favorite RSS feeds. I honestly think the only time I would go back to an RSS feed is if I was looking for specific updates about a specific newspiece. A class project following the developement of the health care debate could pull post from a news source. If I wanted compare a liberal news source to a more conservative news source maybe I could do two. However, that is still a lot of sifting.
The information age is a great age of opportunity, and even though I am a little more skilled in this area, I'm hesitant to fully dive in. I've seen great benefits, but I've also spent a great deal of time learning about all of it and being patient when it fails me. Time is the key, and now that I have a daughter, spending time with her and my wife is what I like to give most of my time to.
Post #2 - Experience in blogging
Wow, my first professional blog entry. I plan to use this blog to capture thoughts about Digital Writing and allow others to view my logs and comment if they wish. Many blog entries will originate from questions laid out by our course on Digital Writing, so you may see questions from the course set as headers.
First quesiton you probably have is, "Where's Post #1?" Well, I think we were suppose to setup a blog and already have an etry before the first class. However, I've always had a rule "Don't do anything before the first class." In fact I never really attended many first classes in collage, because I was registered for the class yet. I learned that there is always one student who drops the course after the first day, so I never rerally worried about getting into the classes I needed. Besides, most class just review the syllabus the first day. (Well that was before grad school that is) So onto the questions our course is curious about...
What experience do you have with blogging?
I have several blogs through Blogspot, but none of them have really materialized. I think part of it was that the audience wasn't really tech savy. Some were for grad school, others were for work (professional development). Unfortunately there were people in both situations that didn't know how to work it and so little response was seen. There's always hope that even after the course or proefessional development ended people would stay in touch, but they never did.
My most successful experience with blogging is from my wife's idea to capture our baby's journey on a blog. It has continued interest, updating, and meaningful engagement. I don't think we have had anybody really comment on anything, maybe my wife's cousin who loves baby pics, but nothing too deep really.
How do they enhance or hinder your communication with others?
I see blogging as something with great potential. I total dig the idea that people are interacting with each other and even supporting/extending ideas. To me the biggest enhancement is the continued practice of synthesizing what's being read and churning in your own thoughts. The tough part is in getting everyone there. Ability range, meaningful use/topics, access to technology, etc. are all things hindering some people taking it to the next level. What exactly is the next level? I think as a teacher there is a believe that a next level exists, but what exactly it is and looks like is clear as mud.
What potentials do you see it having in your classroom?
Things are a little more limited in the blogging world when it comes to intermediate elementary. There are some parents and teachers who want it to be a contained and controlled environment. To answer such concerns our district made ties with Think.com. Unfortunately it is very limiting. A user is stuck with the websites template and formate of blogging. Personalization is seen in some ways, but has a controlled feel to it. I think it is a great beginning to students to start in the blogging world, and hopefully when they get into middle school the reins will be let loose a little.
This year I plan on using Think.com to help students connect with books and other reading they will have throughout the year. Think of it like a reader's journal. My plan is to use composition books at first to get the idea of journaling out there, but gradually switch to a blogging format and discuss with students how it changed their journaling experience.