Using Digital Storytelling in the Classroom

In response to the article, 'The Power of Digital Storytelling to Support Teaching and Learning' by Bernard R. Robin; digital storytelling has recently become a great way for teachers to integrate the use of technology in a creative fashion. Digital storytelling can be used in different subject areas such as math, language arts, social studies, science, and many other subject areas. Before delving into how digital storytelling can support students' learning, we first need to describe what digital storytelling is. Digital storytelling combines the art of telling stories with the use of digital media, such as picture, music, video, recordings of audio narration - all while using computer software, apps, etc. Some tools for digital storytelling include: 'My Story' (an iPad app); iMovie; 'Speech Journal'. To elaborate further, the article does a great job of highlighting the different digital storytelling softwares that are suitable for both students and teachers. For example, the different softwares were divided into three different categories - softwares that can be installed on desktops or laptops; websites that support digital storytelling; and as well as apps that can be installed on phones and tablets.

According to the article, digital storytelling can be used with all students in all grades. The article does a great job with emphasizing how digital storytelling capitalizes on learning how to research information, while analyzing and synthesizing information and opinions. Moreover, the article places an emphasis on how digital storytelling can help students to enhance their communication skills by learning how to organize their thoughts and ideas, express their opinions and construct narratives. Additionally, digital storytelling can inspire younger students to be motivated by creating digital stories. Furthermore, digital storytelling can make learning more relevant for students. The article also does a great job on providing a step by step process to integrate digital storytelling in the classroom for teachers. For example, the article indicated that the first couple steps for teachers are to select a topic, conduct research on the chosen topic; and to write a first draft of the script.

Personally, I think digital storytelling should be encouraged in the classroom, because digital storytelling can be used to reinforce whatever the concept the teacher is currently teaching. Moreover, digital storytelling can also be used to present new information in creative and interesting ways. Reflecting back on when I was a student, I was never exposed to the use of digital storytelling and I don't recall any of my teachers in the past using digital storytelling, as a way to reinforce the concepts that were being taught.

After reading the article, it really opened my eyes to consider using digital storytelling in the classroom.

Courtesy of Catherine L (OTECC)@NU

NU - Music Ticket

No name on this one ... sorry

The Pandemic Makes Students Rethink Their Future

Student filmmaker Mariah Barrera and psychologist Dr. Justin Puder dive into the ways a year of global uncertainty made students assess what they really want for the future, and how to balance life when they get there.

Want to know more, click this link:  

Brought to you by: Pearson Canada

Fake Ticket Generator

Brought to you by: Michael C@NU(OTECA)

6 Alternatives To Bloom’s Taxonomy For Teachers - Part 5: Webb's Depth of Knowledge Framework

This is brought to you by TeachThought Staff

At the end of the day, teaching is about learning and learning is about understanding.

And as technology evolves to empower more diverse and flexible assessments forms, constantly improving our sense of what understanding looks like–during mobile learning, during project-based learning, and in a flipped classroom–can not only improve learning outcomes but just might be the secret to providing personalized learning for every learner.

This content begs the question: why does one need alternatives to the established and entrenched Bloom’s? Because Bloom’s isn’t meant to be the alpha and the omega of framing instruction, learning, and assessment. Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy does a brilliant job of offering ‘verbs’ in categories that impose a helpful cognitive framework for planning learning experiences, but it neglects important ideas, such as self-knowledge that UbD places at the pinnacle of understanding, or the idea of moving from incompetence to competence that the SOLO taxonomy offers.

So with apologies to Bloom (whose work we love), we have gathered six alternatives to his legendary, world-beating taxonomy, from the TeachThought Learning Taxonomy, to work from Marzano to Fink, to Understanding by Design. 

Webb’s Depth of Knowledge framework is designed to promote rigor, and organizes specific strategies and higher order thinking skills into four domains, moving from lower to higher complexity:

1. Recall
2. Skill/Concept
3. Strategic Thinking
4. Extended Thinking

Full article available at: 

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/alternatives-blooms/#learning

My Reflections on: Is Google Making Us Stupid?

The article Is Google Making Us Stupid by Nicholas Carr was fascinating! It was every bit intriguing, insightful, and eye-opening. Right from the start, I could relate to the author as I have also noticed the change in my mind from being able to focus for long periods of time to a more fidgety demeanor, especially when reading. Such a mundane task has become a challenge for us as it feels like it requires more effort to do. I think the simple act of reading is a luxury that is now taken for granted. It is as if the concept of delayed gratification no longer exists. It is more frequent that the mind wanders when focusing, making it harder to comprehend certain tasks. Not to mention, it feels as if we must relearn how to focus on one task at a time or even regain patience.

It is interesting to think about how technology is influencing our brains and altering our development. This idea that our brains are not as malleable as we once thought, but is rather more like plastic, is interesting as the human brain is not something that simply absorbs what it processes, but breaks and rebuilds new connections. To think that technology is adding to the workings of our intelligence and even changing or diminishing other skills we have acquired over the last few hundred years is beyond anything I could have imagined. Moreover, when Carr addressed the changes in nihilist Friedrich Nietzsche’s life, moving from traditional writing to the typewriter, and philosopher Socrates fearing Plato’s changes from the spoken to written word, I started to question how the advancements of technology in our era will alter the future and the skills humanity will gain – or lose – moving forward. Socrates worried that the wisdom and memory people had would be erased as people started to rely more on the written word; whereas, Nietzsche began relying on his typewriter instead of writing, similar to today’s dependence to computers.

He used this tool as a way to better his health physically (i.e., improve his vision) as he began to type with his eyes closed, stating that writing mechanisms play a role in forming our thoughts. Without either philosopher realizing it, these advancements were altering their way of thinking and life. It has also brought forth many blessings that transformed their worlds to the one we know today with one progression leading to the next.

I believe that as an educator, it is crucial that we follow the changes in technology, but understand its influence on us as well. It is necessary that we address this because we want to ensure that our students are not solely dependent on their gadgets, rather use it effectively and to their advantage. I believe this will help support their critical thinking skills without reducing their intellectual development. This is because I find that many people no longer investigate the things they encounter, and instead, take them for face value.

~ Emilia B (OTECC) @NU

Toy Theatre: Virtual Manipulatives for the Elementary Classroom

With Covid-19 forcing the education system to move to online learning, many students are struggling to learn virtually and understand the concepts being taught. Not only has this negatively impacted students’ academics and overall progress, but it has placed a strain on teachers, students, and families. With this in mind, I am happy to have been introduced to the Toy Theatre digital resource. 

It is an excellent tool for teachers and students to use to help them visualize a variety of topics through engaging manipulatives. Toy Theatre is a webpage is designed with a collection of FREE, fun, and interactive virtual games for elementary classrooms as they support students’ learning and allow them to practice various skills. Online, you can find an abundance of manipulatives for language and reading, math, music, and art. It also contains resources for students to practice with puzzles and games, and has a space for teacher resources and tools. 

As a tutor and future educator, this is definitely a site that I will be using to support my students and provide visual aids or manipulatives to help them understand different concepts, especially from afar as we move to incorporate more virtual learning in education. 

Check it out here by watching Matt tell you how Toy Theatre works using some games played right online.  Fun and easy-to-use.

Visit Toy Theatre here: https://toytheater.com/

 ~ Emilia B (OTECC) @NU

The New Role of Teachers in Technology Education

Technology brings the world to our fingertips. Internet access allows students to explore beyond the walls of their classroom. They can connect with and learn from people they would have never had the opportunity to meet had it just been a few years ago. With all of these wonderful components of technology, Lucie Renard brings up some excellent points in her article "Fact-checking and fake news lesson plans – The ultimate teacher guide" that teachers must be aware of.

She explains how things can be easily distorted and manipulated to convey fake messages and the impact they can have. Furthermore, she goes on to explain how to fact-check information and provides useful resources for educators to teach this essential skill. 

After reading this article, it made me realize the important role I play as an educator of this generation. I must understand the challenges that come along with the digital world and what we can do to help alleviate some of these concerns and issues. For example, several studies have pointed to social media as a factor in reducing self-esteem and well-being (Richards, Caldwell & Go, 2015). Teaching my students that things can be altered with filters and photoshop will allow them to realize that not everything they see is true and sets unattainable standards of beauty.

As a future teacher, I must teach my students to not mindlessly scroll and instead, actively question and critically examine what they see. I think our job as future teachers is going to shift from teaching children how to use technology to teaching them proper etiquette, fact-checking and critical thinking skills. 

Overall, even though technology brings so many wonderful experiences to the classroom, teachers must be proactive in teaching effective use skills early on. 

Emily S. (OTECA) @ NU

 

References

Renard, L. (2019). Fact checking and fake news lesson plans – the ultimate teacher guide. Book Widgets. https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2019/01/fact-checking-and-fake-news-lesson-plans-the-ultimate-teacher-guide

Richards, D., Caldwell, P. & Go, H. (2015). Impact of social media on the health of children and young people. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 51(12). https://doi-org.ezproxy.niagara.edu/10.1111/jpc.13023

Art for Kids Hub!

Kids love art! This family makes videos of art lessons, including how to draw for kids, as well as painting and origami for kids. The videos are available on YouTube, YouTube Kids, ArtForKidsHub.com, and ArtForKidsHub.tv (paid). Check them out… The lessons are fun, simple, and easy to follow. All you need is some paper, something to draw with and colouring supplies. 

It's fun to use these videos at home and at school. Whether it's part of an art lesson or just an activity for a supply teacher to use. Either way, the kids end up loving it and parents are impressed when their children bring home their artwork.

Art can be therapeutic, even if it's not free-form art. This can help with boosting self-esteem, and it's a way to relieve stress which can help with anxiety or depression. It relaxes your mind and body. Something we all need in our lives.

Here's the link to the main website: https://www.artforkidshub.com

And here is a sample video posted on YouTube - How To Draw A Treehouse:

https://youtu.be/5contYogZm4

Brought to you by: IvetP@NU (OTECA)

A Ticket to Enjoy School

Attached is my concert ticket >>>> Jenn W@NU-OTECA

6 Alternatives To Bloom’s Taxonomy For Teachers - Part 4: The Taxonomy of Significant Learning

This is brought to you by TeachThought Staff

At the end of the day, teaching is about learning and learning is about understanding.

And as technology evolves to empower more diverse and flexible assessments forms, constantly improving our sense of what understanding looks like–during mobile learning, during project-based learning, and in a flipped classroom–can not only improve learning outcomes but just might be the secret to providing personalized learning for every learner.

This content begs the question: why does one need alternatives to the established and entrenched Bloom’s? Because Bloom’s isn’t meant to be the alpha and the omega of framing instruction, learning, and assessment. Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy does a brilliant job of offering ‘verbs’ in categories that impose a helpful cognitive framework for planning learning experiences, but it neglects important ideas, such as self-knowledge that UbD places at the pinnacle of understanding, or the idea of moving from incompetence to competence that the SOLO taxonomy offers.

So with apologies to Bloom (whose work we love), we have gathered six alternatives to his legendary, world-beating taxonomy, from the TeachThought Learning Taxonomy, to work from Marzano to Fink, to Understanding by Design. 

Dr. Dee Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning describes attributes of ‘significant’ learning as opposed to ‘less significant’ learning (the former having greater endurance, resonance, and potential to improve student learning, and the latter being more classroom-centered and less relevant or applicable outside of the classroom). The center of the taxonomy is the ‘sweet spot’ of learning design.

Full article available at: 

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/alternatives-blooms/#learning

Luke Bryan & Old Dominion

 Courtesy of Rachel B @NU-OTECC

“Explore the World Without Leaving Your Classroom”

With the current Covid-19 pandemic going on, the world has flipped upside down.  What was once unimaginable, is now our reality.  School is constantly switching from in person learning to virtual learning, and most indoor spaces require visitors to be vaccinated.  With that being the case, field trips are no longer an option for most schools and students.  Students are no longer able to get that kinesthetic, hands-on learning outside of the classroom setting.  They are not able to see the world the same way we had the opportunity to growing up.  

VIrtual Field Trips give teachers from kindergarten through grade nine the opportunity to explore the world virtually.  Classes can "visit" a wide range of museums, cities, and so much more all around the globe!  The website also quizzes, worksheets, and online activities for students to complete to show their understanding of the virtual tour videos.  Without having to leave their house or the classroom, students have the opportunity to explore the world in a way never thought imaginable.  

https://virtualfieldtrips.org/ 

Hayley Z @NU (OTECA)

Fun Fake Ticket For School Air Guitar Show

​Fun Fake Ticket for School Air Guitar Show

• For this activity, I opted to create admission tickets for a grade 6-8 air guitar show at a fictional elementary school. This ticket would be pasted on the top-centre of a school newsletter and surrounded by cut-out lines. Families would cut-out the ticket and bring it with them to a small table outside the 'cafegymatorium' that is operated by two volunteer intermediate students, who would then take the ticket and stamp the back of family members hands.

Courtesy of Michael O.@NU-OTECA

Learn from Home!

Attention all teachers, students, parents, tutors, and more!  Do you need help teaching or understanding a concept that you can't seem to grasp?  If so, Khan Academy is the place to go!  

Khan academy has recorded lessons, practice questions, answers, and explanations for all school subjects, from kindergarten through university.  They have all school subjects from math, science, literacy, and more!  It is a non-profit website that allows everyone whether they are in school or not to be provided an education and learn at their own pace in a place they are comfortable in.  

They provide teachers and parents the support needed to assist their child throughout their learning journey.  

Join the millions of users on their journey of learning!  

https://www.khanacademy.org/ 

Hayley Z @NU (OTECA)

Fun Ticket - A Trip to the Zoo

Please see attached. 

Courtesy of Katharine J@NU (OTECC)

CP24 Announces End to COVID - Some Day, But Not Today

 

Wishing the best for everyone, Teresa GL@NU (OTECC)

Your Ticket to Ride Technology

 

By Fadia G@NU (OTECC)

Fake tickets- Halloween party

Marziyeh@NU

Virtual Field Trips for Students!

Virtual field trips allow us to take our students where the bus can't. Here are 25 field trips and 10 activities to do while you're on a virtual field trip!

Imagine your class traveling to see the Great Pyramid of Giza, touring the International Space Station, or having a face-to-face conversation with a beloved author. All of these experiences are possible through virtual field trips.

Virtual field trips allow us to take our students on adventures we never could before.

Virtual Field Trips (VFT) are fun, very engaging and best of all most virtual field trips are absolutely FREE! There are tons of exciting places to go and connections waiting for you and your classroom to make that are already available.

How to use Google Slides to create VFTs

Here are 25 virtual field trips plus 10 extension activity ideas for your class. 

https://ditchthattextbook.com/20-virtual-field-trip-ideas-and-activities-for-your-classroom/#t-1616514143458

Here are a couple of VFTs to a Dolphin Adventure and a Rainforest outing! Go on YouTube and type "Virtual Field Trips" in the Search box - you'll be amazed!

Take care and enjoy, Anisa@NU OECTA