Experience Using Comic Life

I can honestly say, I enjoyed learning to use the software Comic Life. It is a shame that my school does not have the program installed on our computers and all downloads are also blocked. Maybe one day, it will be a tool that will become available for me to use in my classroom with my students.



Throughout the completion of the assignment I learned a lot. I decided to personally take all the pictures for the comic strip (with an exception of 3). I quickly learned the importance of staying organized and planning ahead. I had to write out all the camera shots I wanted to get before taking pictures, and I have to write out the story before the creation the comic. I definitely think it helped in the final outcome of the project. When I implement this tool with my own students, I will make sure they write a story and gather all their pictures in a file before they begin to complete their comic strip.

This software has the potential to drive student enthusiasm and enhance their learning! I have showed the comics to my students the last couple of days and they get so excited just to read them! I can't imagine how they would react if they were creating them themselves!

Venting

I always get excited about all the new technology I am learning about and I can't wait to use it in my class. Unfortunately, due to so many "technology integration" expectations at my school it is impossible to do anything that I want to do with technology. My school considers technology integration to be Fastt Math (a math fact fluency software), Accelerated Reader (a comprehension and vocabulary assessment program), and study island (a standardized testing preparation program). Although I do believe some of these programs/software have their advantages, I do not really consider it technology integration!

So, you ask, "Why can't you do the required stuff, then do other stuff you choose?" Here is the problem:

20 kids, 3 computers, requirements:

Everyone must do Fastt Math every single day (takes 10-15 minutes a child)
*It usually takes about 1 1/2 hours to do Fastt Math.
Everyone must take an AR test once a week and before returning their library book. *1 hour a day
Everyone must do study island at least 3 times a week! ( about 2 hours a day)

As you can see, not only do I always have a student on a computer, I do not have enough computers or time to really use any of the new technology I am learning. I am trying to figure out a way to do both, but so far I haven't had any luck. Do you have any suggestions???

Comic Life

Comic Life Project

Comic Life is a tool that can be used by students to enhance their understanding of a topic and promote creativity. The above link includes a lesson plan (for 3rd grade but it could be adapted for 1st or 5th (aligned science standards)), an assessment tool, and an example of how to use a comic for student learning!

Please leave me comments about ways I can improve, things you like about it, or anything else that comes to mind as you look over it! Thanks!

Think Critically!

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PBL Reflection

Recently, I have learned a lot about problem based learning and the importance of creating student centered activities that make students think critically by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating.

Problem Based Learning is an important concept to consider when planning on integrating technology into your lesson plans. Using projects that require students to use higher-order thinking skills can enhance their learning across all content areas. According to Boss & Krauss (2007), “Projects are highly contextual. They are created through a series of decisions. Projects are designed for students by their teachers, the people who best understand their learning needs. Although the teacher edition textbooks that our county provides us with can sometimes be helpful, it is important to consider them only as a resource, and not as “the source”. There are countless web tools and software that can be used to support student learning and guide students to think critically.

How do you use problem based learning to plan activities that integrate technology?

Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2008). Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age. Washington D.C.: Intl Society For Technology In Education.

My Blogging Experience (thus far)

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I am truly enjoying creating posts and editing my blog, as well as viewing the thoughts and ideas of my peers revealed in their blogs. I feel like I have already learned a great deal about blogs, and I look forward to all the great ideas we will gain from our peers. Using Blogger to communicate will give us the opportunity to share our thoughts and experiences about integrating technology into instruction!

After reflecting on the quality of my blog, I realized communication was my weakest point. No one felt compelled to post on any of my comments (with the exception of Dr. B) and continue conversation! Isn't that what blogging is all about???

Please take a minute to respond with your thoughts by commenting on this post, or contribute your opinions to my new poll- "The best way to encourage communication through blogging" (on the right). Let me know your ideas for how you can effectively get your students to comment on their peer's blogs to keep discussion flowing! I'd love to hear from YOU!

If you are interested in learning new ways to encourage communication on your blog, check out these helpful links:
*Want More Comments on Your Blog?
*4 Ways to Encourage Comments on your Blog
*10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog