Nancy
Atterberry
Library Media Specialist
Using Thinglink
Using Animoto
Animoto is a free online video creator that is easy to use. It will allow studens to create short videos on topics they are stuyding. They will have the ability to import video, images, and to include text. Animoto is a good choice for students because of its easy interface. With any video project, I recommend you have a clear purpose and know your audience. Always storyboard the project on paper. Draw out the images and include the text. Create a space, a folder, and put all the content you will be using in the folder. Once your paper storyboard is complete, you can use your tool to begin building your video.
Thinglink is a free online tool that allows the user to embed resource links within images. Multimedia resources links are added to images to transform them into hubs of information. This is a fun way for students to research topics, share information, and consider the importance of giving credit to the authors and creators of online media.
Qwikslides is a tool for creating online presentations using text, images, and video Text font and color can be manipulated. It is a simple and easy way to get students thinking about media and visual literacy. What I like about this tool is that your students do not need to create accounts or have email accounts to use. Teachers of younger students will appreciate this. It is also very easy to use. On the downside you are limited to a few backgrounds images and colors.
Finding images online is very easy using Google images. Many of the images online are copyright protected. Teachers must remind students of respecting the work of others and obeying copyright law. This video shows students step by step how to find images using Google images that are free to use in their projects.
Using Qwikslides
Finding Free to Use Images
My Video Tutorials
Epals is a free online service that connects classrooms from around the world. Students are able to collaborate on projects and email each other using ePals safe and secure email system. I have used ePals and highly recommend it. My students have participated in an email exchange with students from France, Italy, and England. They loved the experience. It was also a pleasure for me as I have been able to collaborate with colleagues from other countries.
Using ePals for Global Collaboration
Using Follett's
Webpath Express
Destiny users have something to be happy about! Webpath Express is Follett Corporation's websearch service. It is embedded in their Destiny Online Catalog software. The webpages resulting from searches are verified for reliability, leveled for readability, and annotated. It takes the "searching" out of research.
Giving Credit
to the creators of
Digital Images
Respecting the work of others is an important concept students should learn. In this nursery rhymed themed video, students are reminded about giving credit to the authors and creators of online media they've used in projects. This practice is fundamental to becoming good digital citizens.