This Blog was copied from Chris CarboniBP4_2009112_Researching and Blogging About Web 2.0 Tools

Figure 1. Image created by Aaron Berchild. Source: Storybird website (2009)

BP4_2009112_Researching and Blogging About Web 2.0 Tools

The Web 2.0 tool I used is called Storybird. (Storybird, 2009) I was attracted to the site because of the storytelling element, which tied into my technology curriculum. We complete different digital storytelling project throughout the year and Storybird (2009) offers a creation element that students can use. They are provided with a group of pictures and they create a story using the photos in a unique way. I saw the photo of the killer whale and immediately thought of a student in my class named Alex. His dream job is to work at Seaworld and train the killer whales. He is obsessed with them, and I wanted to write a story about his love of sea creatures. The pictures were limiting, and my creativity was eventually stifled. Basically, the pictures dictated my story, not me.

As far as the educational benefits the tool provides, it is a way for students to have varying exposure to writing using graphics as the generator of the story. We could not use the tool during class, but I could offer it as an at home opportunity. We do not have access to this tool, as I tried it already and the site is unfortunately blocked. The graphics were very artistic and expressive. My students would have enjoyed looking at the pictures and trying to figure out a theme. It would have been a great project to select the photos or graphics and then ask them to create a story to tie them all in, like a story thread. We could pass the slides around and they could add their own pages to create a whole. Again, the photos were limiting and if you had a special need, I did not see a way to upload your own images to complete your unique story. Also, manipulation of the graphics and text is cumbersome and controlling.

I did get an idea to use this basic tool to teach students how to write their own children?s book digitally, whereby they would create their own graphics. Students have become very creative with tools like Paint and using their Microsoft Office graphics.

Storybird-Alex the Boy Who Loved All the Creatures of the Sea. (2009). Storybird. Retrieved November 2, 2009, from http://storybird.com/books/alex-the-boy-who-loved-all-the-creatures-of-the-se/
POSTED BY CHRISTINA CARBONI AT 11:13 PM
3 COMMENTS:

Pamela Rivers said...
I liked this idea. It is another to get students to write on their own. Students will be having a good time writing without knowing it is work. This is the kind of lesson that I am looking for to incorporate with the writing process. The idea of passing the slides and having the students add their own idea to enhance the story was and is a great idea. Thanks for the idea and I hope you don't mind me using it.

NOVEMBER 8, 2009 9:29 PM
Mr. HD said...
I really loved this tool. I thought that it was a great idea to have students create storyboards using high quality images. I teach third grade and I can really see how much my students would enjoy this web app. The pictures would help them to focus their ideas and keep them on topic as they write their story. This app seems as though it would be a great tool to use the help beginning writers learn how to put together a complete story.

NOVEMBER 14, 2009 1:29 AM
sj4987 said...
Chris I like your Web 2.0 tool. I selected TiKatok. This Web 2.0 tool will allow students to create book's and publish them. I'm very excited about the tool the only draw back is, it is not free.

NOVEMBER 15, 2009 12:25 AM
This post was copied from Clarasunday, november 8, 2009

BP7_2009112_Web 2.o tools post one

Kerpoof (http://www.kerpoof.com/) is a site for children created by Disney. This site has some good tools for children to use, which will work on: eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills, imagination, story telling abilities, and writing skills. It is a free site for everyone to use. However, if you want more there is a membership fee. For $4.95, one can create groups to chat with safely. And, a child can create doodles with another child at the same time. Also, children are able to create little movies, which are similar to using Xtranormal. These can be downloaded if one has a membership.

Children enter the site and choose to make a movie, a picture or a card, create a story, or simply doodle. Kerpoof also mentions how educators are welcome and encouraged to use the site in the classroom. As a pre-K teacher, I might bring up the site for my kids. But, I would be more apt to tell my parents about it for use at home.

It is a nice site and it would be beneficial for children to use it. The best thing about this site is making the movie. This is a great tool for older children, perhaps 2nd or 3rd grade and up.

Posted by claraleigh at 7:31 PM
1 comments:

sj4987 said...
Clara, I like Kerpoof. I enjoy making learning fun. I think all children will love this Wed 2.0 tool.
November 14, 2009 10:41 PM