Prezi

More Than Words on Prezi

Powerpoint is a fantastic way to deliver a multimedia presentation. If powerpoint is used effectively, it has the potential to help a diverse range of students understand and communicate through a variety of ways. Powerpoint can enhance learning and engage students . Powerpoint is not so effective if there is too much unnecessary information used, or when time is spent on the look rather than the focus.
Prezi is a presentation tool that is new to me and slightly difficult to understand at first, particularly because I am used to using Microsoft powerpoint. It took me a while to get over the fact that I was not making separate slides. Prezi has the user mapping out the information (video, text, images…) on the same page and then choosing the order in which it is delivered.
I can see Prezis’ educational potential straight away. I particularly like the way it seems to encourage getting straight to the point of what is needed to be communicated, rather than filling slides up with written information (Maybe it is just because I am not sure yet how to add lots of text, without filling up the whole ‘page’, or it could be because it seems to encourage more of a visual experience). Prezi looks great, and the way information can be zoomed in and out is effective in catching the attention and emphasizing particular information.
I also really like the way Prezi is similar to concept mapping or mind mapping, so is therefore helpful in getting the ideas flowing and across to the intended audience. I will need some practice, however, in showing only one idea at a time (through ‘hiding’ information I do not want to have shown yet and by working with a larger space ?), I also had a chosen ‘pathway’ for my Prezi, but it doesn’t seem to ‘work’ in my intended way, now that I have added it to my blog ?
References
http://prezi.com/hgjm18z36h75/why-should-you-move-beyond-slides/

Teachnology (2010) Powerpoint beyond the classroom what’s all the hype ?
http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/powerpoint/

Movie Maker (using Animoto Slideshow)

I have used both photostory and windows moviemaker for university assignments. I am also familiar with assisting students to use these video making tools for classroom tasks. I am currently addicted, however, to using Animoto to create videos.
Animoto is similar to movie maker and photostory, but easier to use. Animoto Slideshow.com, produces professional looking, rendered videos, using still and/or moving images. You can either use the images they provide or upload them from your computer. Text can also be added. Apparently Animoto analyzes the music chosen to produce unique videos. Animoto states that they use a patent pending, cinematic artificial intelligence, that thinks like an editor and director. See the video I have created with animoto,above, using my free Animoto educators account.
Downfalls of using Animoto:
-Only allows 30 seconds for free. Educators, however can apply for a free account for themselves and their classroom.
-Adding longer text at one time, also appears to be difficult, although I have heard people use powerpoint slides to do this, and then upload the slide.
-If wanting to add voice, then a program such as audacity would also need to be used.
-Mostly limited to an automatic look and finish.
- limited choice in the amount of time each image is shown.
-connected online (although user is password protected)
Opportunities:
-Animoto is quick, easy and fun for students to use.
-Students can use Animoto in lessons or units of work which include student presentations and video making.
-Animoto would also be a good way for teachers to showcase student work and share information with parents.
- A good way to visually impart information to students.
- Outcomes of Student generated digital video use- "include traditional and new literacies, autonomous behaviour, intrinsic motivation and metacoqnitive skills" (Schuck and Kearney 2004)

You Tube Video

The above music video can be found on you tube (a video sharing site). This video looks like a children's show because of the animal characters and animation, but may be inappropriate for a younger audience. The video contains a strong environmental message, refers to humans as being enemies and is opposed to eating meat. The video also has some moderately strong images of the way humans treat animals, and uses the term 'make love, not war'. The video also suggests that the animals might seek revenge!!
For older children, however, this video could be an engaging way to begin a SOSE unit that explores environmental themes, and the different perspectives and groups involved. The video could also provide a good writing stimulus, particularly if wanting students to write from different points of view (perhaps as one of the animals). The video could also be a good way to introduce different writing purposes and styles, such as persuasive writing.
What do you think, would you use this video, or is it too controversial ?

21st Century Frameworks

Big 6: Problem solving Approach to teaching information and technology skills. System process to find, use, apply and evaluate information for specific needs and tasks.

Engagement Theory: Engagement theory is intended to be a conceptual framework for technology-based learning and teaching. Technology is believed to facilitate engagement in ways which are difficult to achieve otherwise. Engagement is essential to learning. Active coqnitive processes and collaboration are employed in order to engage students. Aligned with constructivist approaches and self directed learning.

Although I appreciate the view that technology is a fantastic tool for engaging students, and I also like how engagement theory highlights the use of collaborative learning, I would use the Big 6 approach when helping students deal with today's information overload, and to develop critical literacy skills!
Another Big 6 benefit, is the easy, step by step system that can be expressed visually and other classroom resources are available. It can also be a useful strategy for dealing with information outside of the classroom. Any strategy that assists in the filtering of information is essential for living in the 21st century.
I recently watched an interesting and relevant interview on lateline (ABC Television), that discusses the changing face of journalism and expresses the need for us to 'have an information filter' when dealing with the news. It is suggested that we need to "improve the way we filter information so we know what to pay attention to....."
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2010/s2981595.htm

Applying new technologies:
Just out of interest, and I know a little off track, I have already found a use for the concept mapping tool. The above diagram is used to explain multi modal text ( for another course, but relevant to this one). Technology has helped to widen what it means to be literate in the 21st century and is a good example that text is more than the written word!!

According to the online learning style quiz (learning-styles-online.com), I am rated almost equally as a verbal, social and aural learner- with aural being the highest. My scores are much lower when it comes to being a visual, logical and physical learner! In contrast to being a social learner, I also have a medium score as a solitary learner!

Highest Score: Aural (Auditory musical)-I prefer using sound and music.
Lowest Score: Logical (mathematical)-Logic, reasoning and systems.

I think this online quiz would be useful in a classroom context. Even though it may not be 100% accurate, it is beneficial in expressing to teachers and students that there is not just one learning style and also encourages a wider view of what intelligence is.
Multiple learning style and Intellegence theory highlights the need to provide a variety of learning tasks and also the importance of differential instruction. Students, for example, can be provided with a choice of tasks to show learning. Rotations and or stations are an effective way to cater for a diverse classroom.
Using Multiple Intelligences theory in the classroom has many benefits:

• As a teacher and learner you realize that there are many ways to be "smart"
• All forms of intelligence are equally celebrated.
• By having students create work that is displayed to parents and other members of the community, your school could see more parent and community involvement.
• A sense of increased self-worth may be seen as students build on their strengths and work towards becoming an expert in certain areas
• Students may develop strong problem solving skills that they can use real life situations

Giles, E., Pitre, S., Womack, S. (2003). refer to Multiple Intelligences: Classroom Application (Table added by Brandy Bellamy and Camille Baker, 2005)

In order for multiple intelligence and learning style profiles to be beneficial, more than one test should be provided, the teacher and student should stay open to other possibilities in personal learning style and approaches, and learning style and multi intelligence should also be further explained to students.

When used appropriately, however, the ability for this theory to lift student confidence and sense of belonging is very appealing to me.

Mind Map

For the first time I attempted the two suggested online concept mapping tools, bubble.us-1 and Text2mindmap. I found both of these tools difficult to use, particularly when trying to write on the boxes. I was not even sure where to start with the Text2mind map option. I thought surely there is another option, and one that may be easier for children to use, so I searched for mindmaps in Education Queensland's curriculum exchange.
I came across a program called kidspiration, and joined the free 30 day trial. I used kidspiration to create the concept map above. This tool was simple to use and had the added benefit of being able to add pictures from a range of different categories.
This software would be useful for a diverse range of learners. The pictures would suit those who have difficulties with reading and those who respond well to visual learning. The program also has a listening option so you can hear the words, pictures, tools and options.
The time consuming aspect of creating an online concept map, hindered the easy flow of ideas. So if the purpose was to have children brainstorm ideas, the 'old fashioned paper' and pen method may work best. For student presentations and teacher explanation, however, these computer tools are visually effective. These tools are also suited to showing other connections in understanding . There are many other free graphic organisers that may be better suited to particular purposes. Read, write, think, for example, has a range of options to get the ideas flowing for literacy based activities.