We just had an Hour of Code discussion on #gafechat (moderated by Jaime Chanter) There were some great ideas and resources shared by some amazing educators.
Hour of Code is more than just having students play with blocks. While I could go into all the benefits, I feel the picture that Sylvia Duckworth created from Brian Aspinall's list says it all.
While there were a lot of resources and ideas shared during the chat. Here are some of the main ones I want to highlight (you can view the full #gafechat Hour of Code discussion here).
Here are some takeaways from the April 21st #gafechat discussion on Using Google Tools to Produce Videos. There were so many amazing tweets and ideas being shared.
Benefit of Students Producing Videos
What to Consider When Producing Videos:
Examples of Videos Students Can Create & Possible Tools Needed
- Screen Capture for Tutorials/Demonstrate Understanding
- Stop Motion (example)
- Stop motion camera
- Google Slides and screen capture
- Argument Videos (thanks @MrSchoenbart for the example)
- Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
- Green screen app or green sheet
- Editing software/website
- Silent Films (thanks @Mizgibson for the examples)
- Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
- GIF creator (Snagit)
- Informational/Talk Show (thanks @Flems_English for the example)
- Camera (mobile device, webcam, video camera, etc.)
- Editing software/website
Stages of Video Production & Helpful Resources
Here are some of the stages that students will need to go through to produce a video. Depending on the type of video determines whether or not they need to complete each stage.
Brainstorming
The brainstorming part if crucial for students to be able to determine what type of film to produce. Tools students can use to brainstorm:
Scripting/Storyboarding
Students work on the writing process when creating a script. Pre-writing, drafts, revisions and collaboration are a huge portion of writing a script. Tools students can use to write a script:
Filming
Here is where students demonstrate their learning. You will be amazed at how engaged and focused a student can be when trying to capture the right shots. Tools students can use to film:
Editing
This requires students to think through a process from start to finish. Tools students can use to edit:
Sharing
Students need to know that their work matters. It is also a great way for the students to gain feedback and then reflect on how they can improve for the next video. Ways students can share their work:
- Social Network: Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube
- Use videos in place marks in maps (thanks @alicebarr)
- Create QR codes to place around the school
- Upload into Google Drive and share link with parents, teachers, students, etc.
Here are a couple additional resources teachers can use with students to help through the production process:
Last night #gafechat combined with #txlchat to discuss Digital Citizenship. It was co-moderated by Becky Calzada and myself. We were a bit worried that St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break would keep people from participating. Boy were we mistaken! Over 70 people came to share and learn about digital citizenship. It was an amazing conversation.
With that said, here are some great resources and ideas gathered from the discussion.
Overall
- Digital citizenship does not always need to be some formal lesson. It can be a brief discussion with students on what it means to be a good online citizen.
- Instead of using the term 'digital footprint' we should use 'digital tattoo' because it helps solidify permanency. Something you put online can be deleted, but will still leave a trace, just as removing a tattoo still leaves a trace.
Digital Citizenship Educator Resources
Digital Citizenship Activities/Ideas
- Have students search for 'deleted tweet/photo + their favorite celebrities name. Help them see that once online always online. (@msarlmiddle)
- Students should talk about what they are doing online and then reflect/write about it. (@alicebarr)
- Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown and Tease by Amanda Maciel - great books to read to/with students (@starrreadnrun)
- Have students use websites, such as easywhois.com or who.is to find the author of websites. Research the author to see if source is credible.
- Evaluate online information/websites using the:
- Create a customized Google search for students. Check out the blog written by @Hallsvilletech
- Have high school students create videos to educate the younger students. (@stony12270)
- Google Alerts - have students sign up to get alerts for anything about them on the web. (@nsattler)
- Have students use sweetsearch.com - search engine for students (@teameaglesread)
- WOT (Web of Trust) Chrome Extension - notifies you of website rating. Check out blog here.
I want to thank all who came and participated in the chat. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing PLN to learn from. Here is a link to the archived chat if you want to check out more of the conversation.
