GoAnimate

I was looking for a way for students to discuss classroom topics without being bored when I ran into GoAnimate. GoAnimate is a website that allows you to create cartoon characters that express what you want them to in print and in voice activation. It provides multiple ways to print information into the cartoons background. There are a variety of backgrounds to choose from. You can also choose and create a variety of characters. Students can also publish there works via the YouTube and if you have a YouTube video downloader the students can copy their films and put them in a PowerPoint or just save it on a memory stick. The good thing about it is that you can put students in teams of four and have them discuss the topic while they create their cartoon. Later they can present to the rest of the class their findings without anyone feeling the pressure of performing. I personally think it will motivate students to participate and learn from its usage. Check out my video at: http://goanimate.com/movie/0SeRaEAc-cGQ?utm_source=linkshare.

BP16_2009113_MediaAssettQuizletReview_Snead_James

BP15_2009113_WYPgame_Snead_James

After viewing this website whatsyourplace.de (WYP) I came to the conclusion that I could not find any use for this in the classroom. After viewing the Michael Wesch video I thought I would be getting something that would transform the classroom for the students but what I found was a game that would empty their pockets. The website was very easy to register for you just had to create a name for the game and develop a password. The really didn’t ask much information from you to join. Make sure that you pick the right country. I made that mistake but it was easily remedied by clicking on the little flag on the upper right hand corner of the page that stood for the United States. They then asked me to pay nine ninety-five in order to play the game. It also gave me the opportunity to play the game for free. Once I made my choice I ended up getting a Google map and directions that suggested I pick a parcel of land. I choose a parcel of land and the game sent me some options of what I was going to use this parcel of land for. My choices were city, industrial, or farmland use. Once I chose my options the game again tried to charge me nine ninety-five. This time I wasn’t able to go any further until I paid the money using a credit card. I really did know how the game was played other than the fact that it was supposed to allow me to get involved with real estate deals and work with others within a community setting. It would not be suggested for use in the school environment.

BP14_2009113_QuizletKathy_Snead_James

Hello Kathy, I really like the the Quizlet site because it allows the students to create flash cards to drill and practice answering questions. It also has various levels of quizzes that makes it possible to create flash cards on the students ability level. I also like the fact that it can be used during and after school. I was showing my students how to study using flash cards this week to prepare for a test. They seemed intrigued by the concept. I guess they just don't have the study skills they need and a program like this would help them.

Jim Snead

BP13_2009113_JamLegendXaivier_Snead_James

Nice game and can be beneficial to learning as Xavier stated. There are down beats that can teach the students rhythm. He also stated that it is a game but schools who do not allow games might consider this one because of the way it engages the student to work cooperatively with others. This appears to be a great way to drill and practice and at the same time increase motivation, build relationships, and meet the challenge of gamesmanship.

BP12_2009113_elearningforkidsclara_Snead_James

I went to this website and got introduced to one of the instructional games that was on this particular website. Clara identified that the site was very user friendly and that students can find interactive video clips that required the students response to move forward. There are lots of games a available in a variety of subject matters. I found the site to academic, fun, and entertaining.

BP11_2009113_JingSapp_Snead_James

Mr. Sapp reviewed an interesting product that is as he said virtually free of cost. It allows you to snag things off the internet. I downloaded it and tried it out for myself. Students can download it at home and make collages of information they glean off the internet. I think this is a great tool for students to make visual presentations of what they are studying. This week I am going into the cell and I will be taking pictures on the computer with my digital microscope. Jing will allow me to take some shots of what well be seen inside of the microscope. The students can then send the photos to Flickr for posting.

Jim Snead