Animoto Test Run 2

So here's the animoto slideshow with background music, using the Picasa slideshow I just created:

In order to make the slideshow fit into the 30-second window (free account), I had to take out a few photos.  This probably works out better anyway.

So what can it be used for:

1. setting the scene

2. summarize

3. all about me

4. embed in blogs/facebook to make it more interesting

Embed Picasa Photo Slideshow

Since we just finished Lesson 15, seeing a doctor, I thought I would find a few pictures and make it into something the students can use as a speaking exercise (or quiz).

Can you tell a story by looking and describing these pictures?  I hope my students can.

Animoto Test Run

I tried using Animoto when I saw Kathleen's suggestion.  I am  having a little trouble thinking about how to use it for class instruction.  In any case, I did record a short narration to go with the photos I uploaded.  Apparently I have to be really exact with the length, or it gets cut off.

VoiceThread test run

I tried this with the students and some of them are really excited (especially when extra credit is offered).

Here's an example.  I posted two images and asked a student to say something about the image.

I also showed students one "Self-Introduction" that I found online.  I played it for them, and asked some of them to make comments on a specific slide:

I've asked that all students in level 3 and above to sign up with VoiceThread, so we'll see what we can create with it!

Google Presentation

By having all the students using Google Presentation, I found that it's got a few benefits:

1.  All the presentation is in one place.  No more downloading!

2.  None of the none-sense animation.  This probably (hopefully) shifts the student's focus on content.

3.  I can see if the students (for the most part) spent time and how much time editing the presentation.

Google Map

As a language teacher, I was having difficulties finding good uses for Google Map.  Here's what I have so far:

1.  Higher level students (4th year and AP):  having them do research about a Chinese city and crand create a traveling brochure or travel plan.  They can use Google Map to indicate the location and suggest modes of transportation after finding out the distance.

2.  For Chinese 2 and 3 students:  if and when we take a fieldtrip to Chinatown, it would be interesting to have them map out the different parts of Chinatown that they need to visit and plan their own route.

My thoughts on Google Tools

Google certainly has a lot of tools available.  It's my job now, after learning how to use some of  them, to figure out how to integrate them into the curriculum.

I have tried Google Document and  presentation as collaboration tools.  Having Google accounts also allows students to email/share their work with me.  Not only does it save the trees, it also prevents student emails from being dumped into the "Junk Mail" folder or bounced back by our firewall.

I will need to do more investigation and experiment with these tools to fit them into my curriculum.