Storyboard That

From Richard Bryne's Blog Free Technology for Teachers, Richard gives us a great tool for building stories with a "comic strip" appeal. I am always looking at new ways to help my non-writers develop and build on their stories. I know they have them stuck in their heads, they just have the ability to get them out on paper. This planning tool, Storyboard That, gives these students a little help with the convenience of visualizing their stories. Definitely a tool I will be looking more into.

Google Search Strategies

Richard Bryne's Blog Free Technology for Teachers: Combine These Strategies To Help Students Find Appropriate Reading Materials is another eye-opener of tools that we have always had but never knew about. This little strategy allows for students to search for sites that are their reading level. I found it very interesting and something that we need to practice with all our students. Last year when we were working on research projects it took many of my students and myself time to figure out what the articles said and if they related to the students' topics. This little searching strategy will help a lot.

"The Simple Power of a Screenshot"

Monica Burn's Blog from Edutopia made so much sense. I have just started to use screenshots to show colleagues images of how to use things on their computer, but to use it with my students and also have my students use it to show their understanding and accomplishments is a great idea. Last year my students had portfolios on our school network. It allowed them to keep their most important accomplishments safe from their desks and recycling bins. But taking screenshots of their time within our labs to show where they are in their progress it a great way to help me follow them.

DST Project

Well, I have learned a lesson. I have built a Digital Story before but I used my school laptop. Since it is summer and our laptops are getting makeovers I am having to use my husband's and let me tell you how much harder it is to do this with an older laptop and just doesn't like you. My audio had to be recorded through audacity and timed while I played my pictures...and adding music! Wow! Yes, husband you need a new computer! I know I got my idea across, but again not happy with the audio.