Where can we go?
This week I looked at LessonPaths (a curation tool previously called MentorMob). You can create a playlist of content in steps. It is similar to EdCanvas, one negative difference being you cannot search for content within the tool. The most important positive differences are students can view better on an ipad/iphone, and you can create challenge questions and quizzes for any step in the playlist. Unfortunately the ipad/iphone cannot access any challenge question/quizzes, but a way around this is to utilize another online tool to create the quiz (such as Google Forms) and insert a link to that in the playlist. Another feature of LessonPaths is a pop-up message to students when they leave the playlist that gives them a link directly back to the page. You can search any topic and view previously created playlists. I found this great one that some educators used to flip their classrooms:
This week I researched and tried out Screencast-O-matic. Pros: can easily record videos up to 15 minutes with sound and picture of narration. You can use any device with a camera or microphone. It is free and requires no software download (you do have to run Java). Jing has to download and install an exec.file which schools often forbid. The mouse arrow is highlighted in the recorded video making it easy for the viewer to follow. It is recommended for ages 9+, and there is a prompt at the end of the recording to save on Screen-O-matic website or upload straight to Youtube. Files are stored on Screencast-O-matic website and accessed by URL. Cons: You can't edit your video with the free version (pro version is only $12/year). To screencast math tutorials you really need a screenwriting device.
I think this is a great tool for creating student tutorials that walk them through a process step-by-step, it's easy to use, although probably worth the upgrade to utilize the editing function, You can see on my video that it took 20 seconds for me to figure out how to end the recording. Without editing capabilities, I can't fix it without re-recording the whole thing.
I think this is a great tool for creating student tutorials that walk them through a process step-by-step, it's easy to use, although probably worth the upgrade to utilize the editing function, You can see on my video that it took 20 seconds for me to figure out how to end the recording. Without editing capabilities, I can't fix it without re-recording the whole thing.
I set up a class in Kidblog. It has free teacher signup, and each student has an individual blog. They don't need emails. Teacher posts a topic and students can comment on it. Teacher has to approve all posts before they can be seen by the class members. Found not too user-friendly, couldn't figure out how to hyperlink a class lesson to discuss. Would be good to support lesson with questions for discussion, but can't share videos as far as I can tell. Plus: the blog creator can make it private and set up select members.
This week I made an ebook in Zooburst. Zooburst allows you to make a pop-up book with pictures from its database (not good) or any of your own pictures. It was easy and a fun way to introduce a topic. You could also use it to make a collection of class activities through the year for your students or parents.
Scratch is a free coding website where you can build a program using coding blocks. This is very limiting, but easy if you don't have much experience with coding. Here I've created an introduction to solving equations using the PEMDAS strategy.