A big part of the Common Core Standards is to get
students to participate in discussions and use technology in the classroom. Why
not incorporate both into one assignment? Using hyperstudio, a computer software
which is used to make visual presentations, would incorporate both standards. This software allows students to make
presentations and then use their voice, or a video of them talking to narrate
or to explain what they've created.
In
my class my students can use this resource for creating character analysis
presentations. For example, if they are reading a Shakespearean play, they can
do a visual presentation on each character. They can find pictures online, or
draw their own to create a visual image according to the details and
descriptions that the author provides in the play of the character. This way
the students can share their presentations and compare each other’s take on the
character analysis. Often students find it easier to relate to what their
classmates interpret rather than the teacher because their perceptions may be
similar.
If I
was teaching middle school, I can have them do their book reports on this
software. They would incorporate pictures or visuals of the following:
characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution, etc. Then they would narrate each
element on their video presentation. They could even include parts where they
read episodes from the book that they feel are important to their report. It
would be a fun assignment where they get to be creative as a way of introducing
to the class the book they read. They can even, if they choose to go outside of
the box, create an “advertisement” for that book. They could create a
presentation that will “sell” the book to their classmates and get them to read
it as well. Then instead of having students present the videos in class, I could
post them on the classroom website where each student has to comment on at
least three of their classmate’s reports. This is a fun way of getting
participation points and giving their classmates positive feedback on their
work.
Check out their website: http://www.mackiev.com/hyperstudio/index.html
I have never heard of this software, but it sounds like a great way to get students engaged in their assignments. With this software, students are able to take control of their learning and feel in charge of what they are creating. Not only can this software be used in an English classroom, but in all subject areas.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like how you mentioned several different assignments in which you and your students could benefit from this software. Also, this is a program that students can start their work at school, and then finish it at home from their home computers without complications. If they have a laptop, they have access to their assignment wherever they are.
There is only one question that I have. Is this software free of charge or do students and teachers have to pay for it? Since I was not familiar with the software, I clicked on the link that you provided. I was directed to the homepage where I saw a section that said "Free 30-day Trial." If students have to pay, how can you guarantee that all parents will want to pay? Or is this something that you would present to have paid by the school or district?
I too have never heard of this website, but I think students would have a lot of fun making it! Since they are able to record their voices on the presentation, it takes out the stress of public speaking that many students feel when they learn that they have to present. I love the idea of selling and advertising different books; it not only gets students to think outside the box, but it also simulates a real life situation!
ReplyDeleteI have heard of teachers using this before, but did not remember the name until reading this post. It is good that you discussed how this can benefit students in multiple age ranges, and the various ways it can aid them, whether it is via videos or reports. There are multiple things that can be done with this website, and it can be of great benefit to a classroom.
ReplyDeleteHyper studio is a great piece of technology and it is true it will really help get the students involved. Having students integrate what they have learned in class with technology can be a great deal of fun. For some students it may drive them crazy, unfortunately it is our future and we must learn how to work with the machines rather than against them. This looks like fun for the students and I hope to incorporate it in the future.
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