For my screencast I used Educreations. I created a video on how to write a paragraph using the analogy of putting a hamburger together. This was my first attempt of using Educreations in this manner. Therefore it took me quite awhile to put the video together. However, once I got going and was able to get my first couple of pages put together it moved quicker.
When recording my voice on the video I couldn't figure out how to rerecord just one page. I made quite a few errors while recording and had to delete all previous pages just to edit one. I then had to put all the slides back to the video pages to create another draft. This was time consuming and frustrating when all I really needed to do was rerecord one page. I plan to use this video with two of my fourth grade students needing modifications in the area of writing.
I read the article on flipped classrooms and it had some interesting points. However, with the students that I work with I do not see how that would be possible. Some my not have access to technology at home and/or parents that can take the time to help their students access the information. Majority of these students would not be able to access this information independently either because of their age and/or disability. That is why I plan to use this video in the classroom first as an introduction to the lesson and then to refer back to the video when completing their paragraphs step by step.
After watching the video the students would then complete the graphic organizer before writing their paragraphs.
Below is the link to the video.
https://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/hamburger-paragraph/30235221/?s=GOn5Nr&ref=appemail
Graphic Organizer
After watching the video we would complete a graphic organizer together using the organizer that I created on Inspirations. From that organizer we would then write our paragraph referring back to the video sentence by sentence.
When making the organizer, I tried to make it look like the hamburger and toppings that was used in the video. The kids would give me the information for the organizer and I would type onto it. After a couple of guided practice opportunities the students would then attempt to fill in their own organizer and develop their paragraphs. Making this organizer on Inspirations was quite simple, but I am not sure if my two 4th grade students would be able to put it together without taking up too much of instructional time.
Therefore, I still have a couple of questions. I found a better picture of a hamburger and was able to upload it onto Inspirations, but the text boxes covered most of the hamburger and made it difficult to see. I wish there was some way to type in the text boxes and then delete just the boxes when done typing. Secondly, I am not sure if I can save this as a template, send it to my email, and save it on another I-Pad so that both students can be using it at the same time and I don't have to keep recreating when students are ready to start a new organizer. Even though I think it would have been just as easy to print off an organizer that would be useful, I think my kids would enjoy using the technology to create their organizers (depending on the amount of time) and be more engaged in the lesson.
With these same students I am interested in trying to have them create a digital paragraph. I would be like to see if there paragraphs improved if they first created them digitally and then had the paragraph played back to them so they could write their paragraph sentence by sentence. My students sometimes get so caught up in the spelling, spacing, legibility. etc...that they become so frustrated and produce minimal work and/or shut down. I would be curious to see if creating their paragraph digitally first would lessen their stress and produce a better product. This strategy is something I have not thought of before except with dragon dictation which often times does not translate well when students have speech/language needs.
Below is the organizer I created:
Paula, you are trying a variety of technologies and seeing connections to your class. Good for you! Your screencast nicely explained how to write a story. One suggestion is that you can also draw or highlight in real time as you speak. Educreations does make you rerecord all slides, try Puppet EDU for one that allows you to record each screen.
ReplyDeleteoh, my! the video is so fun! i would have never thought about it. Thanks for your sharing!
ReplyDeletePaula, I love Educreations and I tried it too for a Screencast. I was wondering what would happen after I started to record and if I made a mistake. I was very cautious of this. I think this would be a great thing to change, so this could be more flexible when creating a Screencast.
ReplyDeleteI feel your frustration about the recording of Educreations. If it makes you feel any better, I restarted mine about 5 times :) I'm sure your kiddos enjoyed the video and the hamburger analogy. Yum!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I tried SeeSaw because it allowed you to rerecord one student instead of starting over. It worked well for what I needed it for! I like your idea about having students write paragraphs electronically to eliminate stress and decrease frustrations.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I share your frustration with the time involved when we are initially figuring out apps and tailoring them to meet our needs. I have this goal of creating a mini-library of teacher created videos/apps that can be shared with students. Your video inspired me to keep with it and not give up - the results are worth it!
ReplyDeleteThat initial try is always a little frustrating because of the time factor. I'll bet the visual was helpful for the students!
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue when I recorded using Educreations! I wish there was an easy way to go back and re-record. I love how you created a flipped lesson and a graphic organizer to work hand in hand. I think it would also be great to have your students try completing their work digitally. My students have really enjoyed making publishing their writing digitally. They have been very motivated!
ReplyDelete