EDUC 3239
Cacoo
Google Hangout
Media Smarts
Digital Citizen Lester B Pearson School Board
A collection of Web 2.0 tools found in digital learning course
Videos and the Classroom
Videos in the classroom are a great way to take a break from lectured lessons. You can create your own or find a good resourceful one on the internet for the intended lesson you have planned. Youtube is a good video resource as long as you keep it R.E.A.L. and assess the content and source properly. Vimeo is also a valuable video resource with lots of educational content.
Recently I have made an educational video for one of my undergraduate science courses. The purpose of the assignment was to conduct a science demonstration and then explain how to turn that demonstration into an experiment. I put my newly discover digital technology skills to the test and decided to make a video assignment. I used the iMovie application, which I have to say is a good tool but does take some time and practice to use. The video turned out great and keeping my fingers crossed that I get a good grade on it.
OSAPAC tool Inquiry
Pixie 3 Software is Ministry licensed resource avalable to Ontario certified teachers. The software is designed to promote creativity and self-expression for students grades K-5. It is user friendly and can be of value to promote self-expression and complement student cooperation skills throughout various aspects of the K-5 curriculum. In addition, Pixie software tool enables the student to write, paint pictures, create and narrate stories. It is an innovative resource for students and teachers to explore, engage and respond to a vast amount of topics at the primary elementary level. The software houses multiple templates within in to generate ideas for lessons and learning across the curriculum.
Tech 4 Learning Incorporated is the distributor and developer of Pixie software. It is affordable and information regarding purchasing and pricing can be viewed by accessing the tech 4 learning website link attached www.techforlearning.com
Once you access the tech 4 learning website there is an option for a 30 day free trial of the Pixie software. It is easily uploaded in Mac and Windows versions.
If you choose to upload the free trail version for personal use, you are prompted to agree to the terms of the Tech 4 Learning Incorporated license agreement. The agreement states copyright laws and outlines the users compliance to not illegally redistribute the software.
The ability to access the Pixie 3 software as a trial period for personal use outside of the classroom is an added bonus as the teacher can, from home trial and explore the software features prior to classroom usage. This is important, as it is the teacher’s responsibility to become familiar with a digital tool before introducing into the classroom. Prior knowledge and use of the software tools is key to engaging students effectively, and promotes positive learning outcomes. Aside from the personal software download approach, the OSAPAC website states that the Pixie 3 resource installation is unlimited in publicly funded educational institutions. Meaning teachers can readily access and use the software within the classroom in Ontario schools.
A repeated theme throughout the software description is that Pixie 3 provides and encourages the student to actively participate and engage in their own learning venture through the use of artwork, stories, diagrams, designs and more. The software developer’s websites offers teacher a guide to using the Pixie software within the core standards of the curriculum. Ontario teachers accessing and reviewing this document need to caution as the common core standards are American Standards. It is recommended that each Ontario teacher refer to Ontario specific curriculum document however, reviewing this common core standards guide can generate ideas for software usage within the classroom. Clicking the “download your guides” tab easily downloads the guide.
Pixie 3 and Student Learning
Advantages of Pixie 3 software in engaging student learning include the following:
-Fosters creativity.
-A variety of built in templates available to the user.
-Encourages collaboration and cooperative learning.
-Interactive and illustrative tool.
-Promotes and allows for self-expression.
- Allow students to add to their creative works and draw on their personal experiences.
- Broadens imagination.
- Ideal for all types of learners.
Possible Disadvantages of Pixie 3 Software for engaging student learning include the following:
-Since this tool allows for freedom of self-expression, boundaries need to be established between the teacher and student as to what is appropriate and not.
-Software must be purchased and upgraded thereafter to keep current and in adequate working order.
- Student privacy laws need consideration when uploading personal images into software for creative works.
- Copyright laws in general when uploading images from other sources into software for use in student’s creative works.
Interesting points about Pixie 3 software and engaging student learning include the following:
-Allows a student to explore and create. Thus promoting a keen sense self-awareness and self worth.
-Allows the student to create something independent or collaboratively.
-Pixie is a unique way for students to showcase their work and achievements.
-Pixie encourages imagination and creativity. Gives the student a broader sense of the world around them.
- Reduces redundancy of paper work. A creative outlet aside from pen to paper. A learning tool for the 21st century.
- Gives the student a sense of pride in their abilities as a digital citizen.
- Students can work in real time, collaboratively in groups to create a story. Each student can take on the different role of illustrator, writer, and recorder.
- Pixie software can be used for a variety of purposes across the K-5 curriculum.
Classroom Connection:
Pixie software is categorized as appropriate for elementary students from Kindergarten to grade 5. Since it is easy to navigate it is considered to be accessible for all students with different abilities and learning styles.
The software has the technology to allow the student to create various types of masterpieces independently, collaboratively with or without the use of a provided template; therefore, making the software very versatile throughout the curriculum.
The tech 4 learning website provides teachers with some resources and how to videos to promote the use of Pixie software in curriculum specific areas. The resources can be accessed by going to the tech 4 learning website and clicking the resource link as outlined in the image below.
By accessing the available resources the teacher can easily understand that the software has a wide range of activities to promote cross-curricular areas such as literacy, writing skills, math skills and more specifically social studies and various types of media exploration
The following video link found on the tech 4 learning You tube channel is an introduction to the software and clearly outlines the software’s vast cross curriculum usage.
Reflection
The Ministry licensed software Pixie 3 is a very useful, engaging tool that allows the student and teacher to be creative and explore cross-curricular activities in writing, science, math, social studies and media. It is a unique tool to engage the student in learning activities apart form the usual pen to paper tradition. Students can begin to create form a blank canvas or are able to use one of the many built in templates. Students and teacher are also able to collaborate in real time and share their work. The software is diverse and allows for students and teachers to personalize their creation by easily adding photos and audio features to their work. The software allows for self-expression and therefore enables the student to create work related to specific interests and learning needs.
The software is easy to navigate through and use however, a potential issue that may arise with student use, especially at the kindergarten level is that the student must have good hand eye co-ordination and dexterity to operate the computer mouse. Within the painting option use of the software the student must click, drag and hold the mouse to paint on the image canvas.
Another potential issue that may arise is that the student and teacher have the ability to take and add photos into software for use. Privacy acts must be taken into consideration when student’s photos and self-images are being used and shared.
The software does not have the ability to spell check or grammar check texts added to the canvas or templates, therefore, the student must have sound spelling and grammar abilities to effectively communicate ideas through the text feature. One way to solve this for students in the younger grades who are still evolving and developing spelling and grammar abilities is the use of the audio voice recording feature. Use of the voice-recording feature rather then the text feature can allow the younger student to effectively and proficiently communicate ideas into their creation.
The possibilities of using this software within the classroom are truly endless and a little overwhelming. It is engaging and brings new light to using digital technology in the classroom. The software can be incorporated into many aspects of teaching and lessons throughout the curriculum. The templates built into the software have a game like feel to them which helps to easily engage students in an activity. The feature for collaborative work allows for team building skill development within the class and opens the student’s eyes to the world around them via the use of technology. Teachers can use the software to create fascinating lessons and classroom learning tools. Students can use the software as a creative outlet for expression, generating positive favorable learning outcomes.
Leaning and navigating through the Pixie 3 software is definitely of benefit to any teacher or prospective teacher who is interested in engaging students and fostering creativity within them. It is time to put away the pen and paper, take a step into the 21st century age of technology and get digitally creative.
Reference Links
Web 2.0 Assignment
Introduction
Blabberize is a simple, easily accessible, software tool developed in 2010 by Mobouy Inc. The software enables the user to take an image and with a few simple clicks edit that image, add sound to that image, and create a talking animation. The software is a fun creative tool that is very easy to navigate and would be useful for a wide array of projects. Blabberize adds humor and a personalized touch to an image that can enlighten a subject that might otherwise be a bore to the viewer. The terms and conditions plus the features within the software help ensure an enjoyable experience for all ages.
AACRT Outline
Access:
Blabberize is readily accessible from any PC with an Internet connection. It is free to use by simply searching or typing the URL www.blabberize.com
Once you have accessed the site, the initial page within the software gives you the option to create an account. Creating an account is very simple, as it only requires a valid email address, username and password of your choice. Upon completion of entering this information the terms of service for the use of this software can be reviewed by clicking the highlighted “Terms of Service” area beneath the signup icon. When an account has been successfully created the images and edits used in creating a babbler will automatically be saved into that users account profile. The user is able to create a babbler without a profile however; the edited babbler image is only available for immediate viewing and is not saved for the user to access in the future.
Analyze:
The terms of service outlined for the software recommend the user be 13 years of age or older or have permission from a parent or guardian for its use. The terms also state that the intention of the software is to “keep it clean”. In other words, misconduct or use of inappropriate images and or language will result in termination of the user’s account. In addition to the terms and conditions, the software itself is equipped with a feature that gives the creator an option to mark or tag the created edited image as having mature content. This is a valuable feature as it warns the viewer of mature content and can reduce the risk of young viewers accessing inappropriate age related material within an image edit that has been created.
One concern I discovered when exploring the software was in regards to image uploading and copyright laws. Any image can be screen captured and then uploaded into the Blabberize software for editing. This is of concern as it leaves room for the user error in accessing and editing a copyrighted image. The terms and service agreement within the Blabberize site do state that user must adhere to copyright laws, however, there is no further prevention of this within the software itself.
In addition to the value that the Blabberize software may add throughout my university presentation ventures, it more importantly is of value as an aspiring primary / junior division teacher. This tool is a wonderful way to engage and enlighten children. For younger children, the scope of their involvement can be the voice recording option within the software. An image of even a drawing can be taken and made to virtually recite anything of the child’s choosing. The option chosen might be a joke, a storybook, a favorite poem, etc. The use of the voice recording is also a fun, intriguing way for the child to improve upon reading fluency skills. It may also help the child to gain confidence in they're reading ability. For the older child, their scope of involvement is likely to be more on the technical side. Positioning of the mouthpiece “dots” that enables an image to appear to be speaking will foster their use of fine motor skills and technicality use of the computer mouse pad. They too can be involved in the recording of a voice or perhaps a sound upload to be more technical, thus creating a personalized blabber image of their choosing.
Create:
To create a blabber it is very easy thus making it a wonderful software tool for all ages and abilities. The creation screen is very clear and has simple directions for prompting the user throughout the steps involved in editing the image in creating the babbler. The software gives ample opportunity for correction of the babbler before it is finalized and saved. Also, the voice recording can be re recorded if needed. There is a feature for a sound recording to take place with the use of a phone if the computer you are using is not equipped with a microphone.
When a blabber has been created you can title it and tag it before saving. Once it is saved you are given the option to “share it”. If you choose to share it clicking the “share it” icon gives you a URL or an embed code to then email or upload for others to view.
The prompts given thought the process are clear and since you are the creator you may edit or delete anything with you creation at any time.
Reflect:
Blabberize is a fun, inventive, limitless tool that can be used for a variety of projects. The software allows the user to be creative in many ways. The image chosen and the dialogue used with that image can be virtually anything imagined. A talking shoe, a talking book, a fruit, a self imposed drawing etc., the possibilities are endless. Since the image can be chosen freely it can be made to relate to the subject or topic being presented to students from grade school to high school and beyond. Adult learners would even find humor in the use of Blabberize. Blabberize is an interesting tool that can grab the viewer’s attention and break the listener from becoming bored with the content being presented. It is also an amusing and memorable way to give instructions to students throughout lesson plans. Students themselves can be given the opportunity to be creative with the software. It encourages collaboration by suggesting image ideas to one another. When presenting the software as a new task it can promote a lively love of learning and encourages students to explore within the software. It fosters the student’s computer skill abilities by engaging them in a creative task. It is a digital outlet for them to share their creative abilities.
Professionally I would use this tool regularly in the classroom and integrate it into my digital repertoire, as it is a fantastic, humorous, way to capture a viewer’s interest. It is memorable and engages the learner to take an interest in the ideas being presented. Using humor is a valuable approach as it not only captures the viewer but it encourages participation and a more passive learning environment. The use of a blabber can draw attention to particulars and help highlight important aspects within a lesson all the while making the lesson engaging and interactive. A fun idea for primary grades might be to create a blabber for each spelling word in the planned word work lesson of that week. The blabber could then be the one to give the spelling test. For example, this week one of the words might be turkey; you could then have a talking turkey ask the kids how to spell turkey. I am sure that would bring a few smiles about the room. From a digital aspect outside of the classroom, Blabberize can be used within a Teachers blog as a means of communicating with parents and students. Not all use of Blabberize has to be humorous. A blabber can be used to post a memorable event, introduce a concept or simply a means to make someone smile. The possibilities are endless.
Take Action:
I have already created an account for Blabberize and have been using it regularly with my kids age 7 and 9 years old. We love creating talking images and have explored the voice recording option over and over again. The best image to date is our puppy and the voice recording of her begging for treats. Another fun invention we created was a Happy Birthday email to Grandma in the form of a talking monkey. The ideas are endless for our next creative venture.
When I first began to explore the site I was amazed at how easy it was to navigate and use. My only concern was the downloading of images for use when creating a blabber. Adhering to copyright laws are an important aspect of begin a digital citizen, therefore it is necessary to mention that there are sites avalable to the user to freely download appropriate images for editing within the Blabberize site. Flickr is a good resource to access when searching for an image other than your own to edit. One must remember to always reference an image when using and give necessary tribute to the source.
Overall my experience and exploration of the Blabberize software has been positive. It is not evolutionary software but rather an outlet for the user to display their creative digital talents.
Reflection:
Blabberize software is an easily accessible, free, innovative web 2.0 tool for teachers of all ages. It engages a student and teacher in digital technology that encourages creativity. Decision-making skills and resources are required for the choosing of the image upload and the dialogue that that image will portray. Collaboration and communication between the student and teacher are essential in the student’s development of a blabber and the teachers intended use of the blabber within the classroom. The teacher’s role and responsibility to the student is to ensure the student understands and practices safe, legal upload of material used to create a blabber. Before introducing the software to students the teacher should demonstrate a sound understanding of the terms and conditions plus usage of the Blabberize software, thus ensuring a positive learning and teaching experience. When a positive approach is taken, it then facilitates and inspires students to engage in the task of creative learning. Demonstrating fluency in the use of the software also allows for effective transfer of knowledge from teacher to student. Teachers responsible for interacting and engaging students in digital learning must choose tools that effectively and productively allow for diversity of learners. Since Blabberize is a simple, easy to use tool it allows students to explore their digital abilities and become active participants in technology. Blabberize enlightens the task of digital learning as it is an interactive, fun and a creative way to customize a learning outcome. Students and teachers alike can share their blabber with peers or school community in variety of ways therefore, implementing this web 2.0 tool within the school environment can be a successful attempt to gain and exhibit digital professionalism and leadership.
Reference
“Terms of Service.” Blabberize. com website.” Mobouy Inc. 2010. Web October 8th, 2015.
URL: http://www.blabberize.com/make
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This is a Blabber that I have created for a project I am working on for my daughters grade 2 class. We are learning about collaboration and this blabber is an introduction to that after we have become elves for the day with our spiffy elf hats on.
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