New Media Tools for Teachers
Below, you will find brief explanations of some new media tools, along with links to great sites bursting with ideas for how to use these tools in the classroom.
 Animoto |
 Blogging |
 Gaming |
 Google Docs |
 Google Earth |
 Podcasting |
 Prezi |
 Social Networking |
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 Video Conferencing |
 Voice Thread |
 Wikis |
 Worldle |
Animoto |
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What is it?
Dubbed "the end of slideshows," Animoto is an application that creates videos out of text, images, and video clips. You can choose from Animoto's stock photos and music selections or upload your own. Images are synched to your music choice, so faster soundtracks flash through images more quickly than slower songs. Who needs tedious Powerpoint slides when you can have a flashy, engaging video in a matter of minutes?
Anyone can sign up for a free account, but videos are limited to 30 seconds in length. To create longer videos, you can pay $3 per video or upgrade your account to an "All-Access Pass" for $30/year, which allows you to create an unlimited number of full-length videos. Free 30-second videos can be accessed via your account or embedded on a blog or website. Full-length videos can be downloaded. DVD quality videos are available for an additional $5.
Classroom Applications
This is a teacher blog post about Animoto that provides ideas of how to use the program for various subjects such as English, math, history, and special education.
http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/hello-animoto
This is a technology blog that provides an explanation of what Animoto is and then includes examples of how to use Animoto in the classroom. Ideas include students making "About Me" videos at the beginning of the year and creating videos as lesson "teasers" to introduce concepts that your lesson will further explain.
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=515
This is the Animoto education site with video examples on the bottom of the page.
http://animoto.com/education
Blogging |
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What is it?
Short for web log, a blog is a web publishing tool that features "posts" that are similar to dated journal entries. These posts appear in reverse chronological order, and can feature text, images, or videos. Readers can comment on blog posts. Blogs allow for instant, easy communication and the ability for every student to be a published writer online.
Classroom Applications
This is a blog entry listing "33 ways to use blogs in your classroom." Some ideas include communicating with parents, posting lessons for sick students, recording hypotheses before conducting an experiment, and showcasing student work.
http://web20intheclassroom.blogspot.com/2008/10/ways-to-use-blogs-in-your-classroom-and.html
This is an article about blogs in the classroom that explains what they are, educational benefits of blogs, and tips. It also provides ideas of how to use blogs in the classroom, grouped into classroom management, collaboration, discussions, and student portfolios.
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/47
Gaming |
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What is it?
Gaming refers to video and computer games, as well as simulations and augmented reality. While games primarily serve a recreational purpose, their educational possibilities are increasingly being explored.
Classroom Applications
Games and simulations can provide teachers with new, engaging ways to teach students about concepts they would otherwise have to rely on textbooks for. With games and simulations, students can think through real-world situations and try out possible solutions to problems.
This is an impressive directory of educational online games for grades K-6. Games are divided by grade and then into two categories: math and language arts. Within those categories are more specific topics, such as fractions and percents for 5th grade and counting for kindergarten. There is also a "homework help" section for each grade that is designed to help teachers and parents explain specific topics to students.
http://www.gameclassroom.com/
Henry Jenkins is associated with this great website advocating the use of games in classrooms. It features educational games, studies about the impact of gaming on education, and a community forum of game-related postings.
http://www.educationarcade.org/
This is an Edutopia article about elementary teachers finding ways to make the Wii an educational experience by practicing data recording with game scores and asking reflective questions that require students to apply math skills.
http://www.edutopia.org/ikid-wii-gaming-technology-classroom
Here is a BBC video detailing how one school in the UK is using DS game consoles as teaching devices in school.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/school_report/7959722.stm
This is a brief article about how to use educational games in the classroom. It lists benefits of gaming and how to maximize the potential of games in the classroom.
http://www.smartschools.ph/tools/teacherresources/11-01-10/Online_Game_Activities_for_the_Classroom.aspx
Google |
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What is it?
Google Docs is a Web-based application that allows you to collaboratively edit and share documents, spreadsheets, tables, and files online. Multiple collaborators can view and edit a document at the same time, and in real time. Collaborators can add comments, highlight areas, or make text changes. All draft versions are saved in the revision history, so you can easily look back and see how changes have progressed from the original version.
Classroom Applications
With learning increasingly happening outside the classroom, Google Docs makes it possible for students to work together in real time even though they are miles apart. It's also a much neater, better-organized way to edit and revise students' writing projects.
Teacher Tom Barrett created a powerpoint presentation of 21 ways to use Google Docs in the classroom. Ideas range from buddy editing to sharing pulse rate data on a spreadsheet as a comparison tool for math or science classes or showing students how to insert footnotes to create proper citations and avoid plagiarism. He also created similar powerpoints for how to use Google Earth, Wordle, VoiceThread, and Twitter in the classroom (check out those tool pages for more info!).
http://clifmims.com/blog/archives/2613
This is a fantastic Profhacker article about Google Docs. It includes an explanation of the program, an introductory video explaining the purpose of Google Docs, descriptions of some of the features, and a "lessons learned" section of tips for teachers.
http://www.profhacker.com/2009/08/18/getting-started-with-google-docs-in-the-classroom/
Here is a teacher's Education Technology Blog about using Google Docs in the classroom.
http://educationtechnology-theoryandpractice.blogspot.com/2011/06/google-docs-for-teachers-and-classrooms.html
Google |
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What is it?
Google Earth is a virtual globe application that provides 3D maps and geographic information via satellite imagery and aerial photography. You can view close-up pictures of buildings on the opposite side of the world…or your own house! You can also explore outer space or travel underwater in the ocean. This program is a geography and science teacher's dream come true, offering visual imagery that bring lessons to life.
Classroom Applications
Teacher Tom Barrett created a powerpoint presentation showcasing multiple possibilities for implementing Google Earth in the classroom. Ideas range from measuring distances between locations to planning a virtual city or creating a geographical autobiography where students label significant places in their lives. Barrett also created powerpoints of classroom applications for Wordle, VoiceThread, Twitter, and Google Docs (check out those tool pages for more info!).
http://clifmims.com/blog/archives/2610
This is Google's own page about Google Earth for teachers. It provides ideas of how to use Google Earth for various subjects, including biology, ecology, environmental science, geology, history, literature, and math. http://www.google.com/educators/p_earth.html
Podcasting |
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What is it?
A podcast is an audio (or video) media file that is posted to the web. Podcasts normally have a theme or a consistent host, like a radio program, but are download from the Internet. You can create Podcasts in various audio and visual software programs like Garageband and submit in iTunes or other applications .
Classroom Applications
This video is from a technology evangelist who tells you all about podcasts, including what it is, how to create one, resource sites and classroom applications.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExkMeQfuLGc
This blog gives brief logistics about creating podcasts, resources and of examples of classroom uses.
http://edtechie.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/by-sandy-scragg/
Prezi |
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What is it?
Prezi is a nonlinear alternative to a slide show that allows you to zoom in and out of your canvas and follow the connections horizontally and vertically between concepts, words, images, etc.. It is free if you publish your presentations on their site or you can buy other options.
Classroom Applications
This site contains a presentation on the top ten interesting ways to use Prezi in a classroom setting. Some tips include using Prezi for Ven diagrams, embed videos within your lessons, and more!
http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/prezi.htm"
This is a Prezi presentation made by a teacher working on the science of the Renaissance with his students. Shows a simple circular way of using the Prezi tool.
http://prezi.com/voimy5yas1gz/science-of-the-renaissance/"
A post about why Prezi is needed in the classroom.
"http://learningblog.org/2010/05/04/the-power-and-point-of-using-prezi-in-the-classroom/"
Social |
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What is it?
Social networks are online sites whose goals are to connect others. Users create profiles about themselves and reconnect with real-life friends or meet others who share similar interests. Users join groups based on interests, participate in discussion boards, and post photos, videos and status updates. Facebook and MySpace are the most popular social networking sites. Social networks are valuable tools for keeping in touch and bringing people together who otherwise might never have a chance to meet.
Classroom Applications
Social networking sites are great places to continue discussions outside the classroom. Teachers can create a social network that is closed to everyone except the students in their class, and then facilitate online debates and discussions based on course curriculum. Students can practice researching and writing skills by creating fictional profiles for historical or literary characters they are learning about. They can buddy up and communicate with students who are geographically far away, allowing them to collaborate on a project or learn about another culture. They can draw attention to an issue of global or local concern by creating awareness and organizing action steps through groups on the site.
Here are 100 ways to use facebook in the classroom
http://edudemic.com/2012/09/100-ways-to-use-facebook-in-your-classroom/
Here is an Edutopia article explaining the role of social networking in classrooms. It addresses teacher concerns such as how to get started and how to keep students focused on the task at hand.
http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology
Here are some quick tips for using social networking in schools, such as involving parents and addressing privacy issues.
http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=2236
Here is an Edutopia article explaining the role of social networking in classrooms. It addresses teacher concerns such as how to get started and how to keep students focused on the task at hand.
http://www.edutopia.org/how-use-social-networking-technology
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What is it?
Twitter is a social networking tool that connects people by means of microblogs (very short blog posts) known as "tweets." In 140 characters or less, users "tweet" about what they are doing - sharing tips, news and insights along the way. An easy way to stay in touch with friends or make new connections in your field, Twitter has endless possibilities for teachers.
Classroom Applications
Twitter 101 for teachers - this should be your first stop if you are new to Twitter. From a video introducing the basics of Twitter and its purpose to websites offering tips for using Twitter in the classroom and linking to even more sites, this website is the starting point of a web of Twitter resources.
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/lesson-plans/technology/twitter-in-the-classroom.htm
Teacher Tom Barrett created this powerpoint listing 28 different ways to use Twitter in the classroom. Ideas range from creating Twitter accounts for historical figures and delving into their character to facilitating an online scavenger hunt via Twitter. Barrett also created powerpoints of classroom applications for Wordle, Google Earth, VoiceThread, and Google Docs (check out those tool pages for more info!).
http://clifmims.com/blog/archives/2624
Here is a very informative, detailed video explaining every aspect of Twitter you could dream of, from creating an account to learning how to "unfollow" users. This is a great resource to learn the basics of Twitter.
http://www.teachertrainingvideos.com/newTwitter/index.html
Video |
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What is it?
Skype is a broadband-based software program that enables users to video chat or video conference, make voice calls, send instant messages, and share files with other users over the Internet. Skype to Skype calls are free regardless of the distance; Skype calls to landlines or cell phones are inexpensive compared to other long-distance calling rates (a U.S. Skype call to Australia costs about 6 cents a minute).
Classroom Applications
In today's global classroom, any program that connects people around the world is a useful tool for teachers. Students can practice their foreign language skills with native speakers around the world. They can have a conversation with an expert who is not physically able to come speak to the class. Sick students can communicate with their classmates to catch up on what they missed.
This site lists ways to use Skype in the classroom, such as chatting with authors of books students have read in class or contacting tutors and teachers outside of class time for homework help. There are also links to various tutorials about Skype.
http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/
This article explains what video conferencing is and how it can be used in the classroom, as well as potential technical problems and what to do about them.
http://communication.howstuffworks.com/classroom-video-conferencing.htm
Voice |
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What is it?
VoiceThread is an interactive presentation tool that is social in nature. You can upload photos, videos, and documents and then "doodle" on them. Viewers can comment in five different ways: voice (via microphone or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via webcam). A new and improved type of slide presentation, VoiceThread facilitates collaboration, sharing and commenting. For teachers, the opportunities for VoiceThread are endless: storytelling, discussions, analyzing, peer reviewing, even interactive assessments.
Classroom Applications
Teacher Tom Barrett created an excellent powerpoint for teachers with all sorts of ideas for using VoiceThread in the classroom. Ideas range from using VoiceThread as a peer reviewing tool to analyzing historical sources or creating a digital "play" via VoiceThread dialogue. Barrett also created similar powerpoints for Wordle, Twitter, Google Earth, and Google Docs (check out those tool pages for more info!).
http://clifmims.com/blog/archives/2628
This is a detailed video explaining the ins and outs of VoiceThread, from loading pictures and sharing to adding comments.
http://www.teachertrainingvideos.com/voiceThread/index.html
Here is an Edutopia article about teachers using VoiceThread in the classroom, complete with success stories and tips.
http://www.edutopia.org/voicethread-interactive-multimedia-albums
This is a Wiki article about VoiceThread that includes an introduction to the program, classroom applications, notable examples, and tips.
http://cnx.org/content/m18419/latest/
Wikis |
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What is it?
Wikis are websites that can be edited or contributed to by a variety of different people. Users collaborate and add content as well as monitor content and remove or correct inaccurate information. Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia that can be edited or added to by anyone, is the best-known wiki.
Classroom Applications
Wikis thrive on collaboration, and therein lies their potential for teachers. From group projects to whole class assignments, wikis can be an invaluable tool in the classroom.
This site has a list of example classroom wikis.
http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/page/How+we+use+wikis+in+class?t=anon
Wordle |
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What is it?
Wordle is an application that generates "word clouds" from text you provide. Words that appear frequently in the source text will appear large and prominent in the word cloud; words that are used rarely will appear smaller. Once a word cloud is generated, you can customize it with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. Because Wordle emphasizes the most frequently repeated words in a given text, it essentially captures the main ideas in a visual form. Teachers can use Wordle as an editing tool for writing projects, to discuss character traits of literary characters or even to teach different parts of speech.
Classroom Applications
Teacher Tom Barrett created this powerpoint presentation about interesting ways to use Wordle in the classroom. Ideas include using Wordle to teach foreign language vocabulary, identify main ideas in essays, and compare or contrast literary themes. He also created powerpoint presentations for other new media in the classroom, such as Twitter, Google Earth, VoiceThread, and Google Docs (check out those tool pages for more info!).
http://clifmims.com/blog/archives/2626
Teacher Richard Byrne's blog features multiple posts and links to things you can in your classroom with Wordle, such as creating homemade gifts and creating posters of ways to say a common phrase in different languages.
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2009/07/more-wordle-in-classroom-ideas.html
Here you can find Wordle clouds of Obama, Bush, Clinton, Reagan, and Lincoln's inaugural addresses. This is a great resource for social studies teachers to facilitate a discussion about the historical events occurring during each presidency.
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/tag_clouds_of_obamas_inaugural_speech_compared_to_bushs.php
