AR#4
What is digital media and why do we need it in our classrooms?
According to Shelly, Gunter and Gunter in Integrating Technology and Media in the Classroom, digital media is “technology that allows users to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in digital format.” I also took time to watch an on-line video about students being motivated by using Digital Stories. A digital story is a way students can research and present their information in a story format, while using a digital device. This is how I want my students to learn: they can leave my class with knowledge and excitement about learning. In contemplating all these things, I decided to challenge myself this week and create a Prezi (short for presentation, similar to power point) to encourage other teachers to see the benefits of using Digital Stories in their classrooms. I often use power points in my classroom and looked into creating a slideshare. However, I wanted to push the envelope and learn something totally new.
What a great way to keep students interested in what you are teaching about. I went around asking multiple people if they have ever heard of a Prezi. Not a single person that I surveyed said they had heard of this! I took time to educate everyone in my grade level about what an inventive way this is to teach students. This is important because our students are digital natives and want us to learn how to meet their needs and keep their attention.
I did experience some problems as I am still learning how to use this technology. I put in a light bulb, but I did the path and made it upside down. I also practiced on a few presentations to make sure the one I am posting would be worthy for your eyes to view.
When I taught 7th grade, I would assign a power point project about different countries. The students would get up and present their information on the countries to the class. The students at that time thought it was the greatest thing to do a presentation using the technology in class. I cannot wait to have my students attempt to create their own Prezi projects.
I also like the idea of these options (Prezi and slideshare) being on-line. In my classroom, I often print and hand the notes to students who were absent. With this, I can direct them to my website to obtain the same notes. Parents would also be able to help students study for the test as well since they access to the notes. By using technology and innovative teaching techniques you can capture the attention of your students. As your student’s interest in your class increases, you will see a corresponding rise in their grades.
*On a side note on Friday, I ran into a former student who could still tell me all about Jamestown, Digital Stories Work!
I truly enjoyed your presentation. They remember! How important is that as we try to teach so much in so little time. You create meaning when you have your students do projects such as this. And what about that former student remembering Jamestown...there is proof.
ReplyDeleteI bet your students would love using Prezi. After all, it's new and all students can be engaged.
I had not thought about what you mentioned about if a student is absent, they can go online and catch up on what they missed. Your message through and through is how you need to captivate your students, get their attention and they will learn. How right you are!
Well I have to say that I was quite impressed with your story. I have never heard about the software Prezi as well. I have always use power point when introducing a new skill or activity with my students. Every year I have taught my students how to create their own power point on any subject or project that we have created in the classroom. Along with you, I can’t wait to introduce my second graders to this new and exciting software. I also realized that when students create a movie or interactive show to tell their story, it becomes quite personal. Also with a digital storytelling, students can improve their writing, show creativity and have a voice. I also agree with you when you said that our students are digital natives and it’s our job as a teacher to keep up with today’s technology software.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about your idea to post the prezi's you create for your class online for students that are absent. I think that is an excellent idea. I have always used powerpoint presentations as well and I find that students are not impressed by them as they used to be. Recently our school got Promethean Boards. With these interactive whiteboards we go software that is called ActivInspire. This program is a lot like powerpoint where you create what they call "flipcharts." I find it overwhelming to have so many options of ways to present material to my students. I guess my solution would be to make sure that I understand the options that I have, and then choose the best one for the material that I am presenting for that day.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that I LOVE the Prezi you created. You did a fantastic job, and I commend you for “pushing the envelope.” I wanted to do that so badly myself, but I just couldn’t get it together like you did. I believe I gave in to my feelings as well that I wanted to post something that as you put it so well, “would be worthy for your eyes to view.” That is exactly how I felt, so I went with my old standby PowerPoint and ended up using SlideShare to embed it in my blog post. I can tell that you did practice and worked very hard because your Prezi is polished looking and you were able to effectively use repetition to help get your main points across.
When you start using presentations like this one with your students, there is no way they will think history is still “boring.” You mentioned how your students would create and present PowerPoint projects in class. I can understand how you can’t wait to start teaching them how to use Prezi for their presentations. Since this is such a “new” technology to many of us, I’m sure you will want to share your students’ presentations with your administrators and faculty once they do start producing them. You should also be able to document increased student achievement in your class once your students have some time to develop their skills with using Prezi. I’d be interested in seeing how this all plays out for you. I believe you were absolutely correct when you said, “As your students’ interests in your class increases, you will see a corresponding rise in their grades.”
You seemed to have picked up the ability to use Prezi pretty quickly. You said that you “took time to educate everyone in” your grade level about Prezi. I’d be curious to know if they picked up as quickly, or if you plan to give them additional training. I can’t wait to learn how to use Prezi myself, and I’d like to train others in how to use it too.
I really like your idea of posting your Prezi presentations on your website for your students to view if they are absent and miss class. You also made a good point that this would be a good way for parents to help their students prepare for upcoming tests in your classes if they utilized the presentations you created and posted with Prezi.
Much luck to you with using Prezi with your students and your colleagues. I really enjoyed the presentation you created, and you have inspired me to take another stab at using the program myself.
:-) Ruth
Boring? You have got to be kidding? Not in your class. Not from what I saw in your Prezi. I love history. But don't take it personally. Students fall asleep in my class all the time, and I try NOT to lecture too much. It doesn't even take five minutes of lecture and they are out. I would have been mortified to sleep in class.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how long ago you taught 7th grade, but someday I may get those students. I teach Speech at Valencia. One assignment, I told students they do not need visual aids. I was surprised when most students wanted to use power point. Yes, they are natives. I am the immigrant. I thought it would be easier for them. One student said he could not do a presentation without one. He actually uses the slides, the way I would use an outline.
I like what you said about sending notes home. I don't have to send notes home because I teach adults. But because they are adults, they can skip class. I have mixed emotions on providing too much information when students miss class. Currently, I use power point to document what we covered in class. But they really need to attend to get the full scope.