Tool # 5

Assignment:


I used Animoto and Big Huge Labs to create a couple of class activities and introductions for my World History class. These sites captured my students attention which is the goal of all lessons. I've also created a few Animoto videos to share of my swim team. My students have also used these sites to demonstrate their understand of different topics in class. I'll try to use more of them to get everyone involved.

Tool #4

I am fairly new to Google Docs, however, I have sent drafts of preliminary swim documents to my assistant coach over at SBMS.  I find it a convienient tool to use since we can see real time changes and suggestions that would normally take several emails or a phone call.  We don't have the same planning period, or are even on the same campus so getting a time to call is very frustrating.  Google docs have really cut processing time down.

I can envision using google docs to have students turn in projects.  I could give real time feedback without the hassle of multiple emails or only speaking to the students when they are on campus.

Tool # 3

A quick example of embedding video.  This is the 2009 state champion from my varsity swim team.  Embedding video allows you to share public domain and copyrighted video (with proper permission.) This kind of embedding can draw a student's attention with a preview picture before they even click. A regular hyperlink might not get their attention. I plan on using this not only as a World History tool, but a swim practice tool on a private blog so swimmers can analyze their strokes and technique.





This second you tube video is one I plan on showing in class this week. It is a good way to get my students to think about projects they might want to present and new ideas they haven't thought of. As a history teacher, my personal favorite sites for free domain videos are History.com and BrainPop.


Lastly, I use dropbox quite a bit already. I use it as a way for my swimming parents to place photos to be put in the swimming emails, yearbook photos, etc.