Three tools that I feel really make a difference and that I am excited to implement into my classroom are: Lino, Soundcloud, and iMovie: Trailer. First, Lino is a sticky note and photo sharing tool that is very similar to padlet.com. Students can add notes that contain text, photos, videos, or a combination to a website. Some useful features for educators is that teachers are able to set a due date and Lino can be accessed on any device with internet connection. Lino also has the capability of allowing users to sign-on with their Google accounts, decreasing the number of logins teachers have to remember. The uses of Lino are wide-ranging. Teachers can create the canvas and pose questions for students to post, encouraging participation by allowing students to read and be part of a larger group discussion. On the other hand, Solomon and Schrum suggest that students could create a Lino canvas (with their Google accounts) and share with the teacher or a small group of students to host a discussion (p. 275).
Second, Soundcloud is an audio and podcasting tool in which audio recordings can be made directly within the site in minutes. Solomon and Schrum suggest using Soundcloud as a podcasting tool in which students create or listen to podcasts (p. 309). However, in my own classroom, I envision using Soundcloud as more of a quick and easy way to make an audio recording that is easily shareable and saves to a cloud-based storage. I like the idea of using Soundcloud as a Choice Board option to show mastery of content. I like that students can login, and within a few clicks, have an audio recording they can share with me! This can support student preferences, as well as students with diverse learning needs. I can think of a couple of students in my classes now that could benefit from this. Several of my students with disabilities have trouble writing because of their motor skills that could get great use out of this tool. In addition, I have one gifted student who has broken his writing wrist. This can be a great tool to use until his wrist heals! Lastly, I have recently tried iMovie’s Trailer maker. I have used the movie maker in the past, but just discovered how easy the trailer maker is! I created a trailer on iMovie in less than ten minutes and it looked very professional. I can definitely see my students using this tool! Once the pictures and video clips are downloaded, it is just a matter of taste! iMovie puts everything together in a template that is customizable. Just like Soundcloud, I see this as a great tool to use as an option in a Choice Board to show mastery of content. This app is so easy to use, that the learning curve, even for my inexperienced students, would not be significant. A downside to this app is that it is designed for Apple products. Our school only provides Chromebooks to students, so this may have to be an “at-home” option. Below, I have added a Slides Presentation that contains more details with screen captures of the tools aforementioned. Use the arrows at the bottom to navigate through the presentation. Solomon, G. (2014). Web 2.0 How-To for Educators. (2nd ed.).
1 Comment
Ryan White
10/30/2016 03:23:00 pm
I’m glad you blogged on the iMovie Trailer Maker. It is really easier for students and teachers to use, and it creates a great product. In regard to Soundcloud, have you thought about using Garage Band for some of your higher level students? It allows for adding of customizable sounds and mixing. It sounds like your district uses iPads and is a Google district. Out of curiousity, does the district mandate certain tools for certain uses or allow teachers/principals to make that choice?
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