Monday, February 25, 2013

Thing: 6 Curation Tools

Curation tools were the one tools I didn't know fell into the category of Curation.   During my graduate studies I used Diigo all the time.  (I remember hearing about Delicious and thinking what the heck is that?).  Diigo is still my go-to for organizing references and great websites.

Diigo is a great resource for students because they can bookmark their research sources and "carry" them from computer to computer.  (Great for kids who tend to forget their flash drives).

For thing 6 I got hooked on Flipboard.  I downloaded it on my iPhone and the iPad.  What a cool tool!  Love how you can customize your own personal magazine.  I've added so many topics and I'm enjoying all of the things you can do on it.  It is simple to use and can help students and professionals who are "new" to tech tools.  Try it you will love it.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Thing 5: Digital Storytelling & Presentation Tools

Wow!  I cannot believe it is almost the end of February.  The school year is just brezzing by.
For thing 5, I used StorybirdMy personal experience with digital storytelling and presentation tools goes back to a graduate education course I took on teaching technology to ESOL students.  Our class used VoiceThread as an online communications tool to "discuss" our topics.  I really enjoyed using it because it was like being in a classroom.  All of the students could "see" each other and leave video, audio or written comments for others to view, listen or read.    I am thinking of using VoiceThread for a small group that will be reading Flat Stanley.

Now back to Storybird.   I really enjoyed this digital storytelling tool.  And one of the best deals was that the story could be easily created on the iPad.  (Some of the other tools from thing 5 were not so great on the Apple device).  However, this tool could work great with students who love to use the iPad.   There is such a cozy feel to creating stories on Storybird, that I can easily see students sitting on a rug or pillow creating awesome stories.  I will definitely try this one with some of my techie second graders. 

Here is my digital story.  Enjoy!
Becky's Library Adventure

Look closely at Becky during her adventures.   The secret is the reason she giggles at the end of the story.  :)