Well the program of VoiceThread proved to be a little too challenging or advanced for some of my kids. While others tended to be successful and created some fun animations that I still don't know how to do.
We problem solved for those who were not able to handle the program. Some chose to use PowerPoint because they were comfortable and capable of using that program to create an automated digital story while some others asked to use PhotoStory.
Their favorite part was search and sorting the photos. I think that this was a successful process for them as they had to create the story line and how to organize the process. I originally looked to Digital Story Telling for me as a teacher to be able to assess what the student learned of the concept. However, now as I watched them use it I say that as students they found the creation project of the story to be very beneficial with the process of what they did to create the model as well as clarifying their understanding of the model.
I am excited tomorrow to see what they have created and their submissions. I can see later in the year, trying this again where they can be even more creative and make a more detailed science digital story. But for now, it was a good start. Practice makes perfect as they say.
Please try voicethreads with them again. Sometimes it takes another problem or approach for the students to grasp doing something differently. Although PowerPoints and PhotoStory may work, it is important to learn new processes and new technology. Get stubborn and don't let students stay in a rut by using something like PowerPoint for every project, just because they are comfortable with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback. I agree with you. I know that the 2nd time of anything new is always easier. I have a VoiceThread activity planned for next month with our Atomic Bonding unit. I think that will be even more successful. Especially as they learn and understand more about the atom, periodic table and atomic bonding.
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes not only a learning experience with the students, but for the teacher as well. As long as you are learning from what worked and what didn't. There is nothing wrong with stepping back and looking at the good and the bad. Maybe if you learn more and get more comfortable with Voice Thread, it will be easier to get the students using it better as well. Good luck if you deceide to give it another shot.
ReplyDeleteMike