Another jam packed workshop. I have included some of the most useful and interesting websites below. Have a look and enjoy!!!
Zimmertwins invites children to create their own movies that they can then share with their class mates, friends and parents. The movie making tools are easy to use. Though limited in in some respects (e.g children choose from a limited number of pre-made scenes) I think Zimmertwins would be a great way to teach children about episodic writing.
Dvolver is another great movie making website, though probably not appropriate for primary school children due to some adult images (e.g. overly voluptuous female characters.). Apparently DFilm (the website managers) will be upgrading the site for Primary school children, so keep an eye out for changes to the site.
Xtranormal is another great animation website with some great graphics and lip syncing. The children choose their characters, scenes and dialogue. Xtranormal is not as simple to use as the other programs but allows kids to exercise greater creativity. Probably best suited to the older kids.
Xtranormal is another great animation website with some great graphics and lip syncing. The children choose their characters, scenes and dialogue. Xtranormal is not as simple to use as the other programs but allows kids to exercise greater creativity. Probably best suited to the older kids.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, on behalf of New York Zoos and Aquarium, devised Build Your Wild Self as a way to encourage children to explore wildlife. Children first design their own human self and the choose their favourite animal parts to add to themselves. Great fun way for children to explore animals and nature!
Sketch Swap is another interesting website, though probably more suited for secondary kids than primary school children. In Sketch Swap children draw something on screen, submit their work, and then receive a random drawing from someone else. Unfortunately the images that may come back to children have the potential (although the website notes that all images are quality checked) to be unsuitable for kids. Having said that Sketch Swap is a great way to encourage users to share their art work.
Sketch Swap is another interesting website, though probably more suited for secondary kids than primary school children. In Sketch Swap children draw something on screen, submit their work, and then receive a random drawing from someone else. Unfortunately the images that may come back to children have the potential (although the website notes that all images are quality checked) to be unsuitable for kids. Having said that Sketch Swap is a great way to encourage users to share their art work.
Story Games is an animated Fairy Tale website. The site is well animated with engaging and familiar characters which will hold the attention of most students. Greg took the time to show us a Rebus story (uses pictures or symbols to represent words or parts of words). Seems like a great way to improve children's reading and comprehension.
Reasonably Clever is another avatar making site which use Lego characters. The beauty of this site is that it has a "kid safe zone". Check out my creation below!! While fun for the students, you will need to make sure that its use has some educational value. For example, you could study other cultures and ask children how a viking would dress?
Catchment Detox is an online game that allows children to manage a river catchment and to try and create a sustainable and thriving economy. Children get to decide what activities to undertake - when to plant crops, log forests, build factories or set up national parks. The aim is to avoid environmental problems and provide food and wealth fo the population. This is a fantastic game for children to play. While it does take time to comprehend the "ins and outs" of the game, once children understand how to play you won't be able to get them off their computers. Best suited to Grades 5 and 6 when conducting a unit on the Environment. The real beauty of this game is that you could use it as an activity for months!!!
Myths and Legends is a storytelling and movie making website. The site contains numerous myths, folktales and legends from the British Isles. Students can either read the text on the screen or listen to the story being read to them. While not Australian content (would be great if it was) there is definite reading and comprehension value to be had from this site.
Myths and Legends is a storytelling and movie making website. The site contains numerous myths, folktales and legends from the British Isles. Students can either read the text on the screen or listen to the story being read to them. While not Australian content (would be great if it was) there is definite reading and comprehension value to be had from this site.
In doing a little research for this blog, I came across FluxTime animation. It seems pretty good and looks like fun. Just like the other animation websites, has great educational potential. Take the time and have a look.
I also found the Clay Animator website which Greg had listed on LMS. The website was created to provide students with information on the clay animation process. Clay animation is an exciting technology that captures the imagination of students of all ages. Story telling can literally be brought to life and students will have a new zest for creating inventive stories. I will definitely give clay animation a go when I have my own class.
When I first started this subject I thought it a bit of waste. After finishing the blog, I have found it quite useful and realise that I didn't know as much as I thought I did. In addition, having Greg provide us with the websites provide an excellent resource and saved me heaps of research time. Thanks Greg!!!!
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