I went to a conference presentation on Web 2.0. It was a good refresher on some of the possible applications of Web 2.0 and why teachers should investigate the possible classroom applications of some of these resources. I thought that this presentation was just ok. I found it a little monotonous but that may have been because I already knew about what the presenter was talking about. Her main points were to preview the importance of using Web 2.0 in the classroom, some possible Web 2.0 applications for beginners, and tips on how to get started. I did learn about a new website called Museum Box that allows students to put in artifacts in a box and allows them to view other boxes as well.
I decided to choose another one that the presenter had done work with elementary students and specifically special education and ELL students. This was a very interesting presentation. He showed a new way to do storyboarding. His suggestion was not to give a storyboard with the boxes already in place. He wanted students to draw their own scenes and then put a box around the section of the scene they want to focus on. When doing this, students should write little notes about what is happening and what to focus on. Last, students/teacher should be flexible while actually shooting to include other scenes and information that comes up. He gave a resource of a book called Shot by Shot. I found this presentation very informative and it really made me want to incorporate this more in my classroom.
Overall I really do like the anytime access to these conference presentations. Teachers are always so busy that it’s almost impossible to have them be at a certain place at a certain time.
Amanda, Your overview of the second conference sounds really interesting. Which one was it? I work with students with special education and we focus on storyboard as well as modified social stories. I wonder if what you are referring to can also be applied to social stories- allowing students to choose one scene or skill to focus on. Professionally, this is considered meeting the student where he/she is, thus truly initiating change and reflection. I like the idea and look forward to hearing more about what conference you attended? Thanks.
You sound like a “real techie!” You explored some sites that I did not. I am now inspired to check a few more out!
Amanda, I totally agree with what you said about the ease with which we can just download a conference and watch it at our leisure. It is very convenient and I enjoyed learning in my PJs!
Although only somewhat related, as an ESL teacher you can be in multiple places at once using the technology we have used. It will take a lot of ground work, but I think it’s definitely possible!