Teaching: EdTech Style
A new twist on old thoughts
Book Reports
Book reports are an old adage to classroom instruction. If facilitates students thoughts on knowledge level information and can engage students to analyze the content and issues of the story further. Interestingly, our digital natives (Presnky, 2001) may want to experience more engaging activities. The idea to report on the book and its events is the same but the delivery changes. I bet your students would be more inclined to compete their work if you try some of the activities below!
Let's mix up these outdated book reports with engaging technology integrated activities...
Refresh It!
Option 1: Book Trailers
Using technology to create book trailers much like a movie trailer can entice not only students who watch the end product but also engages the students who create it. A book trailer includes all the necessary components of a book but the manner in which students are compiling the information has changed; it is now including students to increase the complexity of their thinking.
You can also used these book trailers as part of your instruction as well!!
Samples of Book Trailers
Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman - Book Trailer
Apps to Create a Video
Windows Movie Maker
For student desktops
Pixntell
Create narrated photostories
Video Star
Create a video replicating a music video
There are many, many other video apps. If these don't satisfy your needs, let me know and I will direct you to other monetary free and login free apps!
Resources for Free Audio
Purple Planet Royalty Free Music
FreePlay Music
Vimeo Music Store
Miscellaneous Resources
Vimeo Videos CC
Creative Commons Media
Flickr Images CC
Option 2: Online Book Reviews
Book Reviews have now made their way into the digital social scene. Students are able to create their own opinions and reviews of the stories they are reading. They are not only owning their learning but they are increasing their drive to participate by gaining a wider audience. Remember, they now have greater purpose!
Let your students try one of the web 2.0 social sites to increase their understanding of the focus book or let them share their thoughts just for fun while still strengthening their ELA and Writing skills!
Dogo News Book Reviews by kids
Spaghetti Book Club
Scholastic Share Your Reading
Slime Kids
Biblionasium
Need to see it in Action?
Get in touch with me to schedule a modeling sessions with your class.
Cynthia L. Pina
District Technology Trainer/Specialist @ Laredo ISD
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Email: clpina@laredoisd.org
Website: https://smore.com/u/pinatechtrainer
Location: Laredo, TX, United States
Phone: 956.273.1341
Twitter: @pinatechtrainer