During my June 15, 2011 Field of Dreams workshop participants learned about digital multimedia tools that I have found to work well with students to engage them through project based learning. I am always in search of adding additional tools to provide students to learn effectively and communicate their ideas more dynamically. My 2011 workshop showcaseed a few new fantastic digital tools I’m really excited about.
Utilizing multimedia digital tools, such as the ones I am including below, can help students reach a higher level of learning. They can be used in the content areas such as science, social studies, math, business and computer science. The key to give students an authentic learning experience and to focus on higher order thinking skills (HOTS) is to provide them the opportunities to create, communicate and connect. For example, a student creation of a video or audio file to emphasize the learning of material you are teaching. Research shows the process of creating reaches a higher level of understanding and, as a result, helps students retain or learn difficult material better. As Edorigami states, "[It is] about [using] the tools or technologies... to facilitate learning." Over 2,000 years ago Sophocles said it best,"We learn by doing. That is the thing. For though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try."
I think Sophocles would enjoy the tools that are included in the 2011 Fantastic Digital Tool Kit Workshop Agenda.
1. Using Video to Teach In your Classrooms Requires Pre-Planning
- Storyboarding
- glogster.com
- Using Paper And Pencil To Storyboard
2. Downloading your videos from YouTube or anywhere on the web
- Keepvid.com
- Youtube Editor
- Realplayer
3. Picture Slideshow Creators
4. Audio Creators and Editors
5. Video Editors
6. Extra Cool Teacher tools
- Alefo
- Bag the Web
- Brain Flips
- Print What You Like
- Prezi
- Ahead
- slideshare.net
- Debate Online - video example how on how to use it in classroom
- Stickam.com - live broadcasting
