Voicethread.com provides a service that could be helpful with digital storytelling or explaining videos, photographs, or documents. It allows you to upload photos or documents and then provide commentary for them in the form of audio and actually drawing on it as well. You have the option to comment by audio or webcam even. Voice threads can then be shared with other people, like students or teachers, would can also provide comments on it.
Many educators look for ways to bring the content in the classroom to life for the students, either through teacher-created or student-created means. One way to do this is through the use of digital storytelling.
Silvia Tolisano has written a How-to-Guide for educators on using digital storytelling in the classroom called “Digital Storytelling Tools for Educators“. It is currently available free as a pdf at Lulu.com, or a printed version can be purchased for under $10. It provides links to various resources for making digital stories and includes some suggestions on how to use these tools. It is definitely a resource you should consider before jumping headfirst into the world of digital storytelling.
Many students have a difficult time seeing the difference between various elements on the periodic table. In many high school chemistry classes, most of the elements get taught as a number and a description of the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons. This can be very boring and uninteresting for students.
At the end of January I wrote an article about the iPad and it’s potential impact in education. Since that time I have done more research and pondering on the topic. I have also convinced my wife to allow me to purchase one when it goes on sell. I can hardly wait!
