For this week’s post, I will be describing a lesson I plan on implementing in my classroom now that I have learned about the benefits of digital storytelling and technology integration.
The digital storytelling project I would like to have my third grade students complete is a digital storytelling project for Reading
Before my students can produce their digital storytelling presentations, they will need to utilize some web resources. On the first day of this lesson, I will have them visit and view the tutorial on Prezi about how to make a Prezi. Then we will make a short class Prezi so that students can practice using the features. Finally, I will show them an example of the “Plus One” trait, which is presentation, in the Prezi format. Since I will not be assigning the presentation trait to any pair, it will be good for them to see it for an example and to learn about it.
On the second day, I will have my students utilize other Web resources to research for their presentations. The first site that I will have all my students visit is the Online Writing Lab at http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/teacherlinks/sixtraits/sixtraits.html. Each of the six traits is explained in a manner that third graders can easily comprehend on this site. Each trait has an “Activity” that takes about 15 - 20 minutes to complete. I will have them complete the “Activity” for the trait that they were assigned. This will give them good understanding of their assigned trait.
On the third day, I will have my students search for books that are good examples of their particular trait. I will tell them that they can use the suggested books from the list on the OWL website or choose their own. They can search my classroom library or the media center for the books. Then they will choose one author of one of the books to research for their presentation. The next day they can research their author on the computer to find any additional information needed and any other books by their author that demonstrate the trait.
I do not think I will need to create any additional resources for the students, and I will have them create their Prezi for their trait on the sixth day. After they create their presentation, they will show it to the class and “teach” the other students about their trait using the author they chose for examples. The presentations will be a resource for the class to use in the future. They will be able to use the presentations as a reference for what each trait means, as well as use the author’s examples as a model for their own writing. This project will give the students experience in creating their own resources.
Basically, this project will provide students the opportunity to work with technology while learning about a trait of writing and researching an author who demonstrates that trait. In Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, the authors state that technology integration “is the combination of all technology parts, such as hardware and software, together with each subject-related area of curriculum to enhance learning.” (Gunter, Gunter, & Shelly, 2010, p. 327) I think that this digital story telling project will provide students with integration of reading, writing, and technology to enhance their learning.
Resources
Gunter, G. A., Gunter, R. E., & Shelly, G.B. (2010). Integrating technology and digital media in the classroom (6th ed.). United States
EDINA Public Schools. Online Writing Lab. http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/concord/teacherlinks/sixtraits/sixtraits.html.
I like that you want to implement Reading and Writing with your students. Too often there is only a focus on one or the other. Being a fourth grade teacher, I really like that you are interested in having your students write in the 3rd grade. Many of my students get to fourth grade and can barely write a complete sentence!
ReplyDeleteYour idea for your students digital storytelling presentation is very detailed. You already have your lesson plan for what is coming up in our class. Good thinking!
What a great idea...having your students use Prezi for their digital story. I used Prezi for the first time on our previous activity and wasn't very proficient at it. As a typical creature of habit, when I envisioned my own digital story activity, I had the students using PowerPoint! Thanks for the "creativity check"!
ReplyDeleteYour emphasis on reading and writing, and your choice of having them focus on the Writing Traits is a valuable skill activity that will very likely show benefit in their FCAT score!
By the way, you asked about how to embed Prezi into a blog. Simply include the embed code provided at Prezi into the blog post. Here's the link to that code:
http://prezi.com/learn/embedding/
Good luck. I'll be checking on your curriculum page to learn more. It sounds like an activity that I could use in my own classroom someday!