Tech Chance

I loved doing this assignment. I liked trying to find tools that was most suitable to the story I had to tell. I feel that the tool I eventually selected was not necessarily the most appropriate in terms of its suitability to pedagogical considerations. However, I know where to find the tools and with a more organized approach to the story, I will do just fine. My students will be at an advantage this semester as I will be making sure their presentations are at best exciting.

I liked photo-show because it is easy to use. I found it accessible in that I am able to add my pictures and I think my students would be able to use it with ease as some of my students are still new to this area. The features which allowed me to add animations, to engage the senses of my visual and auditory learners were also important to me. It is also accessible to my students and is made available to them as soon as I was finished creating the story. The feature which allowed me to playback, check, edit (over and over again) was also useful, especially for some who may be new to photo-stories.   I told the story based on the features of this tool. I would have told it in a different way if I were using different tools. I found the music useful  in creating a frame of mind and a way of getting to the affective domain. My intent for this story is not only to showcase the beauty of my homeland but to educate about endangered species of birds and trees.  This is an interesting way of getting students interested in even the most uninteresting of topics.   Ripping and remixing allows for productions that can be powerful and engaging. The veiwers are engaged as the mix of audio and video along with still images and possibly even one’s own voice produces dramatic and refreshing learning experiences.  I would use this tool to produce material for students that will generate discussions. I like the feature that allows for comments so r I could have focus questions that allows for the generation of ideas from the story/show. I could also use this tool to reinforce writing skills and generate self expression. Some students may have difficulty expressing themselves and so a channel such as this one will assist in their expression. It could build an appreciation  for the power of personal expression. It will also address different learning style.
Since some of the tools are free, students would be able to access them.   I beleive in the end, students’ writing skills will be reinforced and improved. Their own style of expression will be acknowledged. I was motivated as my ‘hardwork ‘ looked good after a few tries and I saw myself getting better and better at it. This type of feedback motivate students and invites them to stretch their own thinking and creative skills.

Here is the link to my story. Please feel free to leave your comments.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/jV3xf4zk

Michele