Screencast and Instagram
Screencast:
I used Screencast-o-Matic to create an instructional video about how to create a Popplet. What I like about the Screencast-o-matic site is that it allows you to create videos for free with their basic plan. This basic plan includes all of the main features included with video creating capabilities like adding captions, publishing to YouTube, and sharing on social media sites. There are paid options as well that add the ability to record for longer than 15 minutes, to add music, and more advanced video editing tools. One feature that I really wish was included in the free plan is the draw while recording feature. Unfortunately, this is only on the paid plans starting at $1.50 a month. This would be a great program to use to teach students and parents how to use a web application, computer program, or even how to use the library catalog. I think it would be time-saving for both teachers and parents to record videos on how to complete assignments and then uploading to a classroom blog or website for students to view at home while working. As a homeschool parent, it would even be helpful to record how-to videos beforehand for children to refer to as they work independently.
For this assignment, I created a how-to video on how to create a Popplet. My sixth grade daughter is learning about cells right now and we worked together to create a Popplet about the parts of an animal cell:
Instagram:
I have had a private Instagram account for a few years now, but for this assignment I created a new account for processional and school use. I really like Instagram for networking with other book lovers, librarians, book bloggers, publishers, and authors. Just today after opening up my new account, I posted a picture and quote from a book I am currently reading, tagged the author, and was surprised to have the author already post a comment back to me!
I think this would be a fantastic way to have students connect with favorite authors. It is also a great way to get kids excited about books. There are some wonderful book reviewers and bloggers out there and many of them even host monthly challenges on Instagram in which anyone can participate. I have discovered so many new authors and books like this. One book blogger I follow (@topshelftext) inspired me to read a new author this month and posted about it here:
I have also used my own personal Instagram account to document my homeschool journey, some of our day-to-day lessons and activities, and some of our field trips and outdoor adventures as a family. For some of the more creative and artistic students, Instagram can be a great tool for them to create visually appealing book displays and posts about their current reads and to-be-read piles. I created these two posts about my October reads (one of which includes a picture from a recent author visit by Kate Morton!)
I would definitely choose Instagram as my favorite tool to use with students. I think there are just so many possibilities and the creative options are nearly endless. I had so much fun creating my Instagram story and think students would love this with all of the options to add filters, text, live video, music, and more. Hannah Hudson listed some great ideas for using Instagram in the classroom at We Are Teachers. She suggests using it display student work, feature a student of the week, document field trips, create an imaginary instagram page for a historical figure, record steps in a science experiment, find writing inspiration, and even document student progress. I would add that as a homeschool parent, I would use Instagram to allow my students to connect with other homeschool students, to document their own learning, to post book reviews, to showcase their art work and projects, and to record themselves working out math problems.
I learned something new today. I found out what a Popplet was and I found out how to create one. I loved it. Your instructions were clear and I was able to follow it to be able to create a popplet. This is something I will be using with my Senior students who will be excited to learn a new technique. I also enjoyed your instagram pictures and the information you posted about it. I have had instagram for years but just learned about the posting to your story. Once again great job and thank you for teaching me something new.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of screencasts for app how tos. If you made this available to the students on devices alongside the app I think it would be very helpful to them. I also love the way your blog is laid out! It is very easy to navigate.
ReplyDeleteMeredith,
ReplyDeletewwow I didn't know that Screencastomatic had a drawing feature. That would be a great tool to help explain various things. I also love your ideas for Instagram. I agree that it could be a great tool to share What they learn and be creative with it.